160 Catholic Professionals United in Fellowship
About 160 Catholic professionals seeking community and fellowship filled the Busch Firm Cellar and the Queen of Life Chapel in Irvine on October 9. The Catholic Professional Mixer, organized by The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) and the Charles Institute, started with a Mass that drew a standing room-only crowd. The night continued with enthusiastic handshakes and lively discussions among finance experts, attorneys, CPAs, real estate brokers and others, all energized by the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose of being the “Salt of the Earth.” (Matthew 5:13)
Robert Bridenbecker, former executive producer and vice president at Blizzard Entertainment, was the guest speaker, sharing his story of conversion to Catholicism in 2021. The parishioner from St. Thomas More Catholic Church said: “For 27 years, I had the ability to touch hundreds of billions of lives, and I didn’t do it. And some of that I can say because I wasn’t Catholic yet, but now I know. Don’t be afraid. Put it out there. You are the light. Show the world what it’s all about.”
One couple was thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with the Catholic community after recently moving back to the Orange County from Dallas. Another guest had been praying about ways to get more involved, noting how rare it is to find a professional gathering where faith takes center stage. Nico Pagone remarked, "This is the first time I have been to something like this. I have been looking for opportunities to get to know others. The Holy Spirit met me where I was and presented me with this invitation."
During the mixer, OCF’s Executive Director, Steve Cameron, recognized how God is not only moving people like Nico but also touching the hearts of parishioners across Orange County. Cameron encouraged attendees to plant the seed with their clients about the strategic gifts and investments they can make that not only offer potential tax savings but also create a lasting, transformational impact at our parishes and within other Catholic ministries.
OCF established the Catholic Professional Network in 2023 with the vision of providing a space where Catholic business leaders could intermingle with like-minded men and women who are looking to advance the work of the Catholic Church in Orange County.
If you are interested in joining The Orange Catholic Foundation’s Catholic Professional Network, the next event is on April 30, 2025. Until then, OCF’s philanthropy team is ready to walk alongside you, your family and the Church. To schedule a meeting, call (714) 282-3021 or fill out the form here and see how we can work together to make a difference. Click here to watch highlights from OCF’s Catholic Professional Network events.
Click here to view photo gallery from the October 9 Catholic Professional Mixer.