THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE wishes a fond farewell and our deep gratitude to God for the ministry of Sr. Brid O’Shea, R.S.C. and Sr. Johnellen Turner, O.P., as they move out of the Diocese.
SR. BRID O’SHEA , R.S.C. AND SR. JOHNELLEN TURNER, O.P. ARE PICTURED WITH BISHOP KEVIN VANN.
After 54 years devoted to Catholic education at schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of Orange, Sr. Johnellen, (until July 2024) president of St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim, is taking a new assignment in July for her community at the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose.
Sr. Johnellen served for 17 years at St. Catherine’s Academy. She will be greatly missed!
Sr. Kit Gray, C.S.J., offered this tribute to Sr. Johnellen:
Through her presence and ministry as principal and then president of St. Catherine’s Academy, Sister Johnellen embodied the mission of her Dominican Community: to live and proclaim Jesus Christ through evangelizing, preaching, educating, and promoting justice and peace. Through relationships that supported individuals and fostered communities, she strengthened St. Catherine’s service and outreach, and she supported the growth of the Church of Orange by sharing her experience and wisdom on a variety of diocesan committees. Thank you, Sister Johnellen, for being a gracious and compassionate presence among us. Blessings for all that the future holds for you
After 40 years of dedicated love and service to St. Columban Church and School in Garden Grove, Sr. Brid is retiring to London. Bishop Kevin Vann and Fr. Joseph Luan Nguyen, pastor at St. Columban recognized the gift of Sr. Brid’s presence and service during the Sunday liturgy on June 30. Other priests who worked with Sr. Brid throughout the years were also in attendance.
Fr. Joseph gave the first speech, thanking Sr. Brid for her years of service to the parish and the school, calling her a beacon of hope and inspiration to all at St. Columban. Bishop Kevin Vann followed, expressing his admiration and gratitude for Sr. Brid and her years of service as well.
Sr. Brid then spoke, expressing gratitude to everyone at St. Columban, stating that the parish community had become a family to her. She addressed the two most common questions she’d received as of late. The first being, “What do you plan to do upon retirement?” She answered that she would remain in contemplative prayer, keeping the entire St. Columban community in her heart. The second question was, “How do you remain so joyful in the midst of everything?” She answered, “The Eucharist.”
She stated that the Eucharist has been the source of sustenance and spiritual nourishment that she needed to carry on her mission. She implored everyone listening to spend time with Our Lord in the Eucharist.
The Mass was followed with a group photo of Sr. Brid, her sister, Bishop Kevin Vann and all the concelebrants. Sr. Brid then processed out of the parish building to the courtyard, where many gathered around her to say their goodbyes, give gifts and take photos with her. She was eventually led over to a table with a cake for the cake-cutting ceremony. The cake featured a farewell message in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, representing the three primary communities at St. Columban. Food and cake were then served to those present. Afterward, Sr. Brid was led to a photo booth, where many lined up for the opportunity for a one-on-one photo with her as well as the opportunity to give her a personal farewell.