Mission Statement

To assist the Bishop and the greater Diocesan community on matters pertaining to ecumenism and inter-religious matters; working together with the many faith traditions in our community to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, friendship, and collaboration for the common good.

The Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion

The Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion serves as a resource to the Bishop, the offices of the Pastoral Center, and the parishes throughout the Diocese of Orange to promote Christian unity and understanding among faiths and to foster dialogue and friendship with members of Christian and non-Christian religions. Our work is guided by the teaching and directives of the Second Vatican Council, the Holy See, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Bishop of Orange. The Diocese hosts committees consisting of clergy, religious and laypersons to serve as forums for dialogue and to foster ecumenical and interreligious collaboration and cooperation on issues pertaining to the common good.

The Office Provides:

• Speakers for ecumenical and inter-religious subjects, issues and themes
• Guidance for parishes, ministries and individuals
• Diocesan events and services that include ecumenical and inter-religious leaders and their members

Office Contacts:

• Very Reverend Al Baca Episcopal Vicar, Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion – [email protected]
• Pamela Ocampo, Administrative Assistant – [email protected]

Commission for the Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion:

The Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion Commission advises and assists the Episcopal Vicar in carrying out the responsibilities and duties of the Office. Members of the Commission serve as Diocesan delegates, developing new ideas for ecumenical and interreligious outreach, as well as planning and hosting special events sponsored by the Diocese.

See member bios

Ongoing dialogue & monthly meetings on the diocesan level:

1. Ecumenical Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of each month.
2. Orthodox-Catholic priests gather for multiple events throughout the year.
3. Jewish-Catholic Dialogue meets on the third Wednesday of the month.
4. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints/Catholic dialogue meet on the first Wednesday of the month.
5. Orange County Sheriff’s Interfaith Advisory Council meets with Commission members multiple times each year.

 

Special Events

Christian Unity Month

Visit of the Relic of St. Jude to the Diocese of Orange – 2024

Part of preparing for the visit of the relic of St. Jude Thaddeus to the Diocese of Orange from April 27 – May 2, 2024, was this podcast with the Very Rev. Alfred S. Baca, Episcopal Vicar of the Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion, and Fr. John Monestero, a member of the diocesan Commission for Ecumenism. Special thanks to Rick Howick, who hosted the conversation, and as always, asked good and thought-provoking questions and to Jim Governale for contributing his production expertise to create this podcast.

OC Catholic Radio: A St. Jude Relic and the Official Opening of the Marian Gardens

The Very Rev. Alfred S. Baca, Episcopal Vicar of the Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion for the Diocese of Orange and organizer of the relic pilgrimage in Orange County, estimated 23,000 faithful venerated the relic at six churches (four Catholic and two Orthodox churches), reaching an additional 15.5 million through social media and livestreaming. Below is an article written by James Day of the National Catholic Register of the blessed visit of the St. Jude Relic under the guardianship of Fr. Carlos Martins.

Day’s National Catholic Register article and photos of the visit of the St. Jude relic at Christ Cathedral on April 30, 2024, can be viewed at: St. Jude Relic Tour The Apostle of the Impossible Touches Scores of Catholic Hearts in California

Fr. Carlos Martins has taken the St. Jude relic across the United States, beginning in Chicago in September 2023, and continues to bring him to parishes on the West Coast, including the Diocese of Orange, through August 2024. The current schedule to view the relic of St. Jude may be found at the Apostle of the Impossible website.

On-going Education, Ecumenical and Inter-religious Events:

Ecumenical Panel Discussion – The Holy Eucharist

Hosted by the Very Reverend Alfred S. Baca, Episcopal Vicor, Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion. Diocese of Orange

Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs Resources

• Vatican Resources
  • [for a complete listing, please visit and search the Vatican website: http://w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html]
• PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN UNITY
• PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
• COMMISSION OF THE HOLY SEE FOR RELIGIOUS RELATIONS WITH THE JEWS
• Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue
• “Ut Unum Sint: On Commitment to Ecumenism”
  • [ENCYCLICAL OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1995]
• “Dialogue and Proclamation”
  • [PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE , 1991]
• “Nostra Aetate: Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions.”
  • [PROCLAIMED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON OCTOBER 28, 1965]
• “Unitatis Redintegratio: Decree on Ecumenism”
  • [SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL, 1964]
• Jewish organization opens an office at the Vatican

USCCB Resources

• [for a complete listing, please visit and search the USCCB website: http://www.usccb.org/.]
• USCCB COMMITTEE ON ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
• CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION OF DIOCESAN ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS OFFICERS [CADEIO]
  • Nostra Aetate at 60 – The Legacy and Challenges for Reconciliation and Interreligious Understanding
• Documents Produced By The North American Orthodox – Catholic Theological Consultation
• 2014 Joint Statement of the Jewish-Catholic Dialogue sponsored by The National Council of Synagogues and The USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs
• Resources for Understanding Islam
• “How Mary Holds Christians and Muslims In Conversation” [Cardinal William Keeler]