Christ Cathedral's Completion: Built on Generous Foundations

October 2024

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min read

On October 14, the Feast of St. Callistus, thousands of devoted benefactors and faithful believers, both in person and via livestream, joined Bishop Kevin Vann as he dedicated and blessed the new St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts at Christ Cathedral. The chapel’s dedication signifies the culmination of over a decade of transformation at Christ Cathedral’s campus, transitioning from a Protestant megachurch to a central hub of Catholic worship in Orange County. However, as many expressed, this is truly just the start of an exciting new chapter.

Bishop Kevin Vann, Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer and Auxiliary Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen during the dedication Mass of the St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts at Christ Cathedral. Photo Credit: Diocese of Orange

“When you think about people getting closer to God, they can do it a number of ways. Whether that’s in a chapel, walking around the campus, some of the sculptures or just the beauty of this place, it’s just another opportunity for people to find God,” said attendee Tony Jennison.

During the dedication Mass and the intimate reception that followed, Bishop Vann and Fr. Christopher Smith, rector emeritus of the Cathedral, recognized the generous donors whose dedication made the transformation of the 34-acre campus a reality, emphasizing their “commitment to the mission of the Diocese of Orange” and how it enables us to “proclaim the Gospel” to others.

Watch the video below to see how your generosity has already enriched the faith of hundreds of thousands since the 2019 dedication of Christ Cathedral.

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The St. Callistus Chapel, located in the cathedral's undercroft, is named after St. Callistus Catholic Church, a former parish in Garden Grove that closed in 2013 following the sale of the Crystal Cathedral. In addition to the stunning sanctuary, the space includes the final resting place for generations of Diocese of Orange bishops, as well as niches for all the faithful.

Devoted benefactors, parishioners from the original St. Callistus Catholic Church and many others attended the dedication Mass of the St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts on October 14. Photo Credit: Diocese of Orange

Susan Strader, Christ Cathedral Guild Member, filled with joy the night of the dedication, offered words of gratitude to Bishop Vann for his leadership. “Congratulations on bringing the campus to completion. It was a long road, but you were the guiding light for the Cathedral dedication and the now the St. Callistus Chapel dedication.”

“I am familiar with other cathedrals, but this is ours! It’s an amazing testimony to our faith,” said Anita DePauw, San Francisco Solano Catholic Church parishioner. “It was nice to see Robert Schuller come today because he realizes what his father started.” The legacy of Dr. Robert and Arvella Schuller, founders of the Crystal Cathedral, will forever be recognized in a painting inside the St. Callistus Chapel.

An intimate reception followed the dedication Mass, where attendees had a gorgeous view of the now completed Christ Cathedral Campus. Photo Credit: Diocese of Orange

The chapel is open to the public with Mass available daily at 6:30AM and 8:00AM. To watch the St. Callistus Chapel Solemn Mass of Dedication, click here.

With your partnership and support, we will continue to enhance the New Evangelization in the Diocese of Orange and in our country. Let The Orange Catholic Foundation become a part of your trusted advisors. Our philanthropy team will show you easy and impactful your next gift can be for the Catholic causes you care about most. They can also discuss with you several naming and memorial opportunities available on the Christ Cathedral campus. Schedule a meeting here or call 714.282.3021.