THE HUM OF POWER tools and the joyful sounds of children learning, playing and praying.
These two soundtracks resonate deeply with the communities at five North Orange County Catholic elementary schools, as both are essential to preserving the legacy of Catholic education.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN CUTS A CEREMONIAL RIBBON AS FR. ANGELOS SEBASTAIN LOOKS ON TO CELEBRATE THE RECENT CAMPUS RENOVATIONS AT FIVE DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
And with a pair of gold scissors in hand, Bishop Kevin Vann cut the ribbon and gave a blessing for the five newly upgraded campuses, made possible by the generous support of Shea Family Charities.
During the Sept. 16 ceremony at St. Barbara Catholic School in Santa Ana, dozens of students showcased their diverse talents and heartfelt appreciation through music, dance and prayer.
“I don’t think you realize or understand the life-changing things you have brought to our schools. Our kids are safe because of you. You changed everything,” expressed Elva Pelayo, principal of St. Justin Martyr Catholic School.
STUDENTS FROM FIVE DIOCESAN SCHOOLS GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO BISHOP KEVIN VANN, SHEA FAMILY CHARITIES AND OTHER VISITORS FOR THE
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY HELD ON SEPT. 16.
From reassigning classrooms to relocating the administrative office and staff lounge, St. Barbara Catholic School underwent the largest transformation over the summer. The campus, which opened in 1963, now has a fresh, modern vibe and new outdoor learning space for the students. The remodel also included new lighting, roof repairs, improved bathrooms, paint, security cameras, an intercom system and new drinking fountains.
THE KINDERGARTEN CLASS FROM ST. BARBARA CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN SANTA ANA SANG “JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN” AS A HEARTFELT WAY TO EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE FOR THE SUPPORT THEY’VE RECEIVED.
Over in the city of Orange, La Purísima Catholic School was enhanced with new exterior windows, lighting and roof repairs. The students were also blessed with a resurfaced playground for recess and lunch and an improved pre-school restroom.
Children and staff at St. Justin Martyr Catholic School in Anaheim and St. Joseph Catholic School in Santa Ana can now enjoy the comfort of air conditioning in the parish hall, making it a welcome retreat on hot days. Roof repairs and the installation of new fencing at both schools, as well as at St. Anne Catholic School in Santa Ana, have strengthened the security of their perimeters. Lastly, St. Justin Martyr had security doors and an intercom system installed.
Fr. Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Orange said, “We want to provide the best opportunities for our children to excel and dream big. We want our children to grow in a Catholic environment, where they will become life-long disciples of our Lord, Jesus.”
According to Steve Cameron, executive director of The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF), it’s the dedication and support from others like Shea Family Charities that elevate these schools from having great potential to becoming truly outstanding: “We are in the process of making future saints. So, we need to grow these schools, and to do that, we need to continue to provide scholarships.”
If you feel called to make a difference and change a child’s life through Catholic education, let The Orange Catholic Foundation help you give more effectively. Whether it is a gift of stock, real estate, an IRA contribution or a gift through your estate, an OCF philanthropy officer would be happy to join your network of trusted advisors and show you how easy and impactful your next gift can be to the Catholic causes you care about most. To find out more information or to schedule a meeting, visit OrangeCatholicFoundation.org or call (714) 282-3021.