SMCHS Brings Out the Eagle in Diocese's New Bishop

Article submitted by Sean Zeitler

The 12th day of February not only marked the first day of Lent with Santa Margarita Catholic High's Ash Wednesday Mass, it also served as an opportunity to welcome newly appointed Bishop Kevin W. Vann to preside over his first high school Mass within the Diocese of Orange.

Bishop Vann was joined by Father Craig Butters and Deacon Carl Swanson of San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in front of the entire SMCHS student body, faculty and staff, members of the media, and several guests as students began this 40-day liturgical period of prayer and fasting.

In addition to serving as the officiant, Bishop Vann toured the SMCHS campus with President Paul Carey and Principal Ray Dunne, where they visited the Sacred Heart Chapel, stopped in several science and religion classes, and met with the Counseling Office in the Academic Services Center.

Students were treated to the sounds of Bishop Vann on the piano when he stopped in a choir class, seniors received his Twitter Handle when Bishop Vann asked them to follow him on Twitter, and he was presented with a new ‘SM Eagles’ hat so he could show his Eagle Pride when he is off campus.

SMCHS was honored to have Bishop Kevin W. Vann not only serve as the officiant at our Ash Wednesday service, but also to be the first high school in the Diocese of Orange where he presided over mass.