News

First White Mass to Be Held Inside Christ Cathedral – a Service in Honor of Orange County’s Healthcare Professionals

October 14, 2021 at 10:30 am

    Garden Grove, Calif., (Oct. 14, 2021) – Vicar General of the Diocese of Orange Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk will preside over the first White Mass to be held inside Christ Cathedral on Monday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. This Mass is a unique celebration held in honor of the dedicated service of Orange County’s medical doctors and health professionals. This year, the White Mass is sponsored by Providence Health System.

    “I am blessed to call attention to the many selfless gifts medical profes-sionals give our community daily and especially over this extended period of COVID-19. The care of the infirmed and vulnerable is at its core an indispensable Catholic and human value, and work must continue to endeavor to provide proper care for indigent families. We must continue to work to provide care for indigent families who have been forgotten by an increasingly costly and complex healthcare system. Those who dedicate their personal and professional lives to caring for the sick are following in the footsteps of Christ, carrying on His healing mission,” said Monsignor Doktorczyk.

    The tradition of the White Mass in the United States finds its origins in the development of the national Catholic Medical Association in the early 1930s. From its inception, the medical profession has been understood as a healing profession, a way in which Christ’s work continues upon the earth. Moreover, since the apparitions at Lourdes in the late 19th century, the plight of the infirmed — and those who care for them — have taken on renewed appreciation in participating in the mysteries of Christ’s own life. The White Mass, so named by the color worn by those in the healing profession of medicine, gathers health care professionals under the patronage of St. Luke to ask God’s blessing upon the patient doctor, nurse, and caregiver alike.

    All medical and health professionals are invited to attend.

    About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

    With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, five Catholic Centers, and 36 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest, 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, and welcome all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Diocese, was dedicated in July 2019. Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at www.rcbo.org.

    ###

    Pastoral Center: Communications Department
    13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
    Office: 714-282-3075 Fax: 714-282-3029