Part of the community

Suzie Harrison

Among the sound of heavy machinery heard in the background, there

was still a peaceful essence inside St. Catherine of Siena Church

while talking with Father Eamon O’Gorman.

His voice is soft-spoken and thick with an Irish accent and his

words offered a soothing reprieve from the construction that was

being done to the church and grounds.

“We’re retro-fitting parts of the church. We’re re-doing the

Sanctuary. It’s an old church that was built in the early 1930s. It’s

gotten good use but there will be more offices and meeting spaces as

well,” O’Gorman said.

Assigned by the Bishop almost two years ago O’Gorman said he has

enjoyed the Laguna Beach community. He explained that most Catholic

priests are assigned usually for six years at a time but can be

extended for an additional six.

“I never thought I’d find myself in Laguna Beach,” O’Gorman said.

“I like the people here.”

One of the aspects of the community O’Gorman referred to was the

Blessing of the Artists, an annual event that takes place at the

church prior to the summer art season.

“The blessing of the artists -- the idea of bringing a group of

creative people together and blessing them -- I see that as having

enormous significance.”

O’Gorman said he appreciates how the community pulls together

during dire times such as those of floods and fire.

St. Catherine’s Church has about 1,000 parishioners. There are

three priests in residence at the church including Father Tom

MacIntyre and Father Rod Stephens.

Grades K-8 finished summer school last week, which draws a lot of

different communities to Laguna. The church also has women’s groups,

education groups and the Vincent DePaul Society that works with the

poor as well as an outreach program called Partners in care that

takes care of the sick and homebound.

“I find that things become more simple to me as time goes on. God

is everything and is in everything” O’Gorman said.

St. Catherine’s has a weekday Eucharist 8 a.m. Monday through

Saturday, a Saturday vigil at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday Eucharist at 7:30,

9 and 10:30 a.m. At 1:30 p.m. there is a Spanish Eucharist.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at 494-4321.