The following is a September 19 OC Catholic article:
More than 4,500 Orange County Catholics descended on Christ Cathedral for Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. Mass. They celebrated Mass, presided over by Bishop Kevin W. Vann, and commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. The Mass was broadcast live worldwide on EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network.
The parking lot next to the Pastoral Center was transformed into an outdoor church with seating for 5,000. An enormous stage was erected and draped to accommodate the co-celebrants. Congregants wore hats and shaded themselves from the intense sun with event programs, but no one seemed to mind the heat as incense, carried by a light breeze, wafted from the altar all the way to the standing-room-only crowd in the back.
Christ Cathedral Music Director John Romeri, a team of musicians, and an inspiring choir elevated the Mass to “cathedral” status, a hint of what the Mass experience will be like when the renovation and transformation of Christ Cathedral is completed and Mass can be celebrated inside.
Prior to Mass, some 500 took part in the first Christ Cathedral 5k. Some were in it to win, while others walked and enjoyed the company of friends. Money raised from entry fees will be used to support Christ Cathedral outreach programs.
After Mass, a full range of activities drew even more to enjoy the day on the campus. A virtual reality experience within the still-under-renovation cathedral gave attendees a chance to don special goggles and view what the cathedral will look like when completed two years from now.
The Cultural Center lobby was the site of an art and photo exhibit, filled with spiritual images that had many stopping to contemplate what they represented. A pop-up bookstore offered books, CDs and gift items.
In the Freed Theater, attendees were able to hear from three keynote speakers including Dr. Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute, Pia De Solenni, S.TL., S.T.D, professor of moral theology and associate dean of the Augustine Institute, and Heather King, Angelus columnist and author. They spoke on how we are each called to “become like Jesus.” St. Joseph Health presented on “Mental Health in our Community.”
Outside, people enjoyed food trucks, music, activities for the kids and even real snow.
The festivities led up to the much-anticipated Journey Concert that began in the late afternoon and was streamed live on AOL to its global audience. It featured the most popular Christian Music performers today, including Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Phil Wickham, Andy Mineo, and Jordan Feliz. Several thousand returned to the outdoor stage and enjoyed the uplifting concert well into the evening hours.
More than 4,500 Orange County Catholics “descended” on Christ Cathedral for Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. Mass.
REVEALING word: “descended”. Define descended: To pass from a higher to a lower place. Move or go down. Fortieth anniversary and 1.2 million Catholics but only 4,500 came for Mass? Occupy Wall Street can also bus in “descending” occupants for free food, games and rewards. Look at the abysmal looking “progressive” art work. A definite “descending” of the exquisite works of the Masters. Where are the rest of the “growing closer” Catholics who the diocese claims to be “journeying together” in “vibrancy”?
continued…
Perhaps the numbers are not quite as large as being reported or the “vibrancy” is not quite as “vibrant” or flourishing as the “progressives” want you to believe.
ABOUT OUR DIOCESE
Our community is on a journey of faith together, growing closer to God and closer to one another as we explore, experience and share the mystery of Christ and the love of our Lord. With 1.2 million Catholics and 62 parishes and centers across Orange County, faith in the Diocese of Orange is vibrant and flourishing.
CATHERINE, sometimes you try too hard to be the perpetual baddy. The use of “descended” is a common expression when talking about a crowd of people. I don’t understand why everything is so bad in your eyes. Try this :”gee, isn’t wonderful that nearly 5,000 people attended a Mass to celebrate the anniversary and were willing to stand in the hot sun to be in the presence of the Risen Lord?” Or, “they did a really good job turning a parking lot into a place of worship, with a high altar, a beautiful modern painting of the crucified Christ.” How about if we give three cheers for those who did all the heavy lifting.
That so-called Crucifix in back of the altar is hideous.
How nice, “Christian music” fits right into the whole Protestant-catholic (small case intended) atmosphere. In fact, this brand of Catholicism is very much enhanced by the simply awful building that the Diocese purchased. Why, one could see old Dr. Schuller singing the praises of old Bishop Vann right now. Kneelers, Catholic Art, naw. . . give us “Amazing Grace” and that old feel good Revival Tent mojo.
Run, do not walk, away from this church (and diocese).
Oh my that “modern” crucifix is scary!!
So tired of that 1970’s look of “emaciated” depictions of Christ and the saints, just hideous, are there any artists out there with some talent?