Regional Church History Extends Far Beyond this Contemporary Milestone Anniversary
Event is Open to All People of Faith
Garden Grove, calif., (Aug. 31, 2016) – Tourists and locals heading south might overlook the Cristianitos road sign, but it was here that Spanish adventurers and their clerical associates welcomed indigenous peoples to a new faith over two-hundred years ago. It was here the first baptisms in the region took place. Over time, those early conversions led to the founding of Mission San Juan Capistrano, a comfortable day’s walk from the original Cristianitos baptismal site.
Forty years ago – in 1976 – the sprawling Archdiocese of Los Angeles was released from liturgical governance of the very area where the regional church began. By Vatican dictate, Orange County would be its own diocese and is today the nation’s 12th largest Catholic Community.
“As we enter the diocese’s fortieth anniversary year it is important for Catholics young and old – and all regional residents – to consider the two hundred year relationship our faith and Church has built with the geographic and cultural phenomenon now known around the world as Orange County. For illustration, Mission San Juan Capistrano was operational in 1776 – the year our nation was founded,” said the Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange.
The Diocesan Footprint Today
The history of involvement makes the 40th Anniversary a hallmark for the regional Church. The diocesan footprint now includes:
- 62 parishes and centers
- 41 schools
- 3 hospitals and care centers
- An assortment of Catholic service agencies. Over the last decade alone, Catholic Charities of Orange County served the needs of over 300,000 people.
Building for the Future
With growth came the need to build effective infrastructures. By the 1990s, the Diocese of Orange had already outgrown its administrative campus and its Cathedral.
“The ability to appreciate Church history… is less important than the need to consider the future. Credit goes to my predecessor Bishop Tod Brown and his administration for seeing the future and taking the many difficult steps that resulted in where we are today; notably the decision to seek to acquire the former Crystal Cathedral and its campus. That resolve may be the second-most important decision for the diocese; the first being the Vatican’s creation of the Diocese of Orange,” Bishop Vann continued.
40th Anniversary Celebration Program – September 18
Acknowledging both past and future, a day-long series of events is planned to celebrate the diocesan anniversary. The event is open to all.
- 7:30 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run
- 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. – 40th Anniversary Mass
- 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Family Fun Zone with Real Snow Sledding Area, games, rides, etc.
- 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – VR Cathedral Tour
- 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Food vendors and beer garden
- 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Live Music on the Plaza Stage & Speakers Series in the Freed Theater
- 3:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Music Festival (Doors open at 3 p.m., performances start at 4 p.m.) featuring Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Phil Wickham, Andy Mineo, and Jordan Feliz.
- All Day – Photo Exhibit in Cultural Center
“As the first missionaries met strangers along a trail that led to a village and today leads to Christ Cathedral… we are eager to meet every person of faith. All are welcome to join the celebration and to share in our optimism for California’s future – especially for our diocesan home, Orange County,” Bishop Vann concluded.
Pastoral Center: Communications Department
13280 Chapman Ave. Garden Grove, CA 92840
Office: 714-282-3075
Fax: 714-282-3029