ON A BEAUTIFUL Saturday afternoon in May, nearly 400 guests gathered in the St. Joseph Center Garden to support the ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, who have played an important role in the health and well-being of Orange County residents for more than 100 years.
DAVID AND ROXANNE O’BRIEN CHECK OUT SOME OF THE OFFERINGS AVAILABLE IN THE SILENT AUCTION DURING THE ART IN GARDEN EVENT AT THE ST. JOSEPH CENTER GARDEN ON MAY 16. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GOULDING/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Guests were celebrating the fifth annual “Art in the Garden” party and fundraiser, benefiting five key ministries of the Sisters.
Sr. Mary Anne Huepper, CSJ, cochaired the event with Sr. Sara Tarango, CSJ. This was Sr. Mary Anne’s third time chairing the gathering, whose planning began in November. This year’s celebration centered on the theme of Global Unity.
“The theme comes from the concept that the world seems to be held together these days with duct tape and shoestrings – we want to reflect global unity by showcasing different foods from around the world, music and cultural expressions that show generosity and connection,” said Sr. Mary Anne.
The cultures highlighted at the event reflect the many nationalities represented among the sisters.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN STOPS BY THE ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT HELD ON MAY 16. HE IS PICTURED WITH (LEFT) SR. KIT GRAY AND SR. MARY BETH INGHAM.
“These events showcase the worldwide nature and perspectives of the women who are part of our community of sisters,” added Sr. Mary Anne. “We have sisters from all over the world – Vietnam, Africa, Mexico and even one sister from China. Historically, our roots are French, but over time the Sisters have become very diverse.”
The event raised more than $350,000 from sponsors and benefactors, including the presenting sponsor, Providence St. Joseph Health. Other top sponsors included Beth McPherson of Valiant Women Legacy, Healthcare Design & Construction, LLC; Kathleen Korner; St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church; and Annette and Chuck Walker. The celebration was supported by an army of volunteers and artisans, most of them sisters, who displayed and sold their creations to support the cause. Guests enjoyed live music, raffles, a silent auction and the opportunity to mingle with others who, like them, treasure and support the sisters’ work.
The Sisters of St. Joseph are widely known throughout Orange County for their healthcare ministry and for founding several world-class hospitals, including CHOC Children’s Hospital. However, according to Sr. Mary Anne, “Healthcare is one very important ministry, but our charism is reconciliation and justice that ‘all may be one.’”
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SR. MONIQUE GAUTIER DANCES TO LIVE MUSIC WITH SR. HERLINDA RAMIREZ MACHADO AND SR. THERESA LAMETTEREY DURING THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH’S ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT HELD ON MAY 16.
The Sisters’ founder, Fr. Jean-Pierre Medaille, told the first sisters to serve the dear neighbor without distinction. That was radical in the class-divided France of 1650. When the Sisters of St. Joseph came to the U.S., they first responded to the enormous needs in education and healthcare, especially for immigrants and Catholics who weren’t welcome elsewhere. Today, the sisters are involved in immigration issues, social justice, care for the earth, eco-spirituality, teaching and healthcare.
With this vision, the Art in the Garden event aims to raise funds for the Sisters’ five nonprofit ministries: the Justice Center, Shelter for Refugees, Sisters of St. Joseph Education Network, St. Joseph the Worker and the Center for Spiritual Development.
Maria Elena Perales is the director of the St. Joseph Justice Center.
“Everything we do is a collaboration,” she shared. “For example, we host events to educate, advocate and inspire people to take action on issues such as human trafficking, homelessness, immigration and the environment.”
Sr. Sue Dunning and her team support refugee and asylum-seeking families in Southern California. The sisters operate a migrant family shelter program in collaboration with organizations such as Border Compassion. They provide safe transitional housing, advocacy and direct emergency assistance to individuals experiencing forced migration.
The Sisters of St. Joseph are also deeply involved in many local Catholic schools. Under the leadership of Michael Santa Maria, their education ministry works with school leadership and teachers, offering opportunities to grow in their knowledge of the Catholic faith, deepen their spiritual lives and learn how to promote and build Catholic identity within the classroom. Schools that partner with the CSJ Ministry for Education include St. Joseph’s, Rosary Academy, Holy Family, St. Joachim, St. Irenaeus, St. Anne and St. Juliana.
The St. Joseph Worker program is an innovative, 10-month, full-time volunteer program for women ages 21 to 35, led by Susan Kadota. Participants serve full-time (36 hours per week) in placements related to social services, education, health care, advocacy and systemic change. They also take part in weekly and monthly activities that build on the program’s four core values, including social justice events, prayer, reflection and sharing and retreats.
Sr. Jane Delisle heads the CSJ Center for Spiritual Development in Orange. The Center provides spiritual direction, companioning and educational programs—such as the Art of Spiritual Direction—for individuals of all faiths.
In the end, “Art in the Garden” did exactly what it set out to do: bring people together to support the Sisters of St. Joseph and their ministries. The funds raised will directly strengthen their work in education, healthcare, social justice and spiritual development, ensuring these services remain available to those who need them most.