The House of Discernment in Santa Ana, a joint endeavor between the diocese and The Orange Catholic Foundation, will be a first for Orange County and one of few in the United States. Media are invited to a special blessing ceremony with Bishop Kevin Vann on Oct. 6.
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (September 24, 2026) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange and The Orange Catholic Foundation are pleased to announce that a former Santa Ana convent is being transformed into a special communal house for men considering the priesthood, a first of its kind in Orange County and one of few such houses in the United States.
The House of Discernment — part of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and School property near Santa Ana’s French Park — will have dormitory-style living conditions that give diocesan leaders a chance to get better acquainted with future priests and to gauge their maturity and readiness. Currently, the diocese chooses and sponsors men for a seminary after conducting interviews, background checks and hosting group events. With the House of Discernment, that process would be significantly enhanced by having them complete extended stays in an environment of brotherhood — where, through various meetings, prayer and daily obligations, they can demonstrate their commitment, responsibility and holiness before entering the seminary.
Media are invited to cover a special construction blessing ceremony presided by Bishop Kevin Vann for the future House of Discernment at 11 a.m. on October 6. Interviews with key stakeholders will be available on site.
“Well-formed priests are not an accident,” said Fr. Cheeyoon Chun, director of priestly vocations for the Diocese of Orange. “The House of Discernment will offer men the opportunity to live in fraternity with fellow discerners, receive spiritual direction and participate in intentional human, spiritual and pastoral formation. This early formation helps ensure those who continue to seminary are ready to embrace this lifelong vocation.”
The Orange Catholic Foundation has been tasked with raising $3.5 million to add furnishings and fully renovate the building, which is believed to date to 1921. Between 1932 and 1971, it was a convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange before being used by the adjacent St. Joseph school. However, the aging 5,800-square-foot structure has long needed a major renovation, and this began earlier this year.
When complete in fall 2027, the House of Discernment will have seven simple bedrooms for discerners (containing a bed, sink and desk) that use two large shared bathrooms. It will also have a dining room, living room, outdoor garden patio space and a chapel, as well as visiting priest’s suite and a bedroom for the on-site priest who manages the house.
The diocese wishes to preserve the original spiritual and architectural character of the property, including the refurbishment of the chapel’s stained-glass windows, while adapting the building into a specialized, 21st-century home for faith and discernment.
“The House of Discernment is more than a building restoration,” said Kathleen Hurtt, executive director of The Orange Catholic Foundation. “It is an investment in the men who may one day bless you with the sacraments, walk alongside your family or lead your parish in faith. We have a short timeline because we have so many men expressing interest in the priesthood.”
Men will live at the home for varied periods ranging from a few weeks to a year, allowing the diocese to journey with them from the very beginning of their call to priesthood through their ordination.
“Breathing new life into the historic convent will honor the Sisters of St. Joseph legacy while offering discerners the chance to remain in Orange County, rather than leaving the communities that shaped their faith,” added Fr. Cheeyoon. “They will determine if God truly is calling them to become a priest and make the eight-year commitment to the seminary.”
Sister Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ, who serves as general superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, noted how her order was missioned at St. Joseph’s in Santa Ana for decades.
“Here, we were educators and members of the parish community,” she said. “We shared life with the thousands that came through these doors and formed their faith here, united in the hopes and prayers for the local community and the world. It is part of our Sisters of St. Joseph tradition to support others to carry good works forward.
“We are grateful to Bishop Vann and the diocesan community that this residence where we daily experienced the Holy Spirit, will continue to influence those in discernment who seek to serve our beautiful, yet wounded world, sharing the Great Love of God with every person they encounter.”
The Orange Catholic Foundation is actively raising funds to support the project, including through a recent priest/sister talent show. Naming opportunities for key spaces will be available, such as for the chapel, prayer garden, formation library, dining room and kitchen.
For more information about the House of Discernment and to donate, visit OrangeCatholicFoundation.org/hod
*
CONSTRUCTION BLESSING DAY DETAILS
What: Construction blessing ceremony with Bishop Kevin Vann for the House of Discernment, a communal environment for future Diocese of Orange priests
When: 11 a.m., October 6, 2026
Where: Parking at 807 N. Lacy St., Santa Ana
On-site contacts and RSVP: Bradley Zint, [email protected], (714) 282-6052 and Lori Rosehart, [email protected], (714) 282-6041
Parking: Media are invited to park at 807 N. Lacy St., Santa Ana
Handout images: Please reach out to Bradley Zint or Lori Rosehart directly for images, including renderings and construction progress.
*
ABOUT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE
With 1.3 million Catholics, 58 parishes, six Catholic centers and 37 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Bishop of Orange, was dedicated in July 2019. Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at www.rcbo.org.
*
ABOUT THE ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION
The Orange Catholic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation that exists to serve the Catholic community of Orange County. As a foundation for Catholics, we assist families and individuals to leave a legacy uniquely aligned with their Catholic values and beliefs. The Foundation’s primary function is to raise funds to support parishes, Catholic schools and ministries throughout Orange County, as well as priest retirement and other special projects. In addition, the Foundation manages endowments and a variety of other funds. Learn more about The Orange Catholic Foundation at OrangeCatholicFoundation.org.