As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Catholics are encouraged to join the bishops in praying for the unity and healing of our country. One opportunity for parishes and individuals to participate is by contributing to a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. The seven Corporal Works of Mercy come to us directly from the Scriptures in the Gospel of Matthew. Rooted in our lives of faith, the actions that Jesus calls us to in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, and giving alms are central elements of our Catholic identity. Pope Leo XIV instructs in Dilexi te, "As we contemplate Christ's love, 'we too are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others, and confirmed in our efforts to share in his work of liberation as instruments for the spread of his love" (no. 2). How to Participate Individuals and groups can participate in 250 Works of Mercy by engaging in the existing activities and efforts of their parishes, getting involved in new ways, and by participating with local and national organizations on a weekly or monthly basis. Our works of mercy draw from the deep well of our faith and prayer, constantly reminding us that in tending to our brothers and sisters, we tend to Christ himself. These works of mercy could take a variety of shapes, such as: - Assisting women who face a crisis pregnancy - Donating to food pantries and clothing closets - Participating in a community beautification program - Raising money for an overseas development project - Sponsoring a refugee family - Tutoring children - Volunteering at homeless shelters Organizations to get involved with in your local community include: - Local Catholic Charities agencies - CRS chapters and clubs - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Find prayers to incorporate before or after the works of mercy at usccb.org/weholdthesetruths.

We have availability in Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grade 1. There is limited availability in a few other grades. St. Irenaeus Parish School has been a part of our community for over 60 years. With Christ at the center of all we do, we nurture in our students a sense of responsibility so that they become contributing members of school, parish, and society. For more information, call Mrs. Lily LoBasso, Registrar, at 714-826-0760 ext. 111.

Many awards are given out at the end of the school year for excellence in academics, sports, and service. One of the most prestigious awards is the St. Irenaeus Pride Award. This award is given to a student that exhibits outstanding leadership skills while focusing on pride in our school, commitment to school spirit, and recognition of the gifts of their classmates. This year's recipient is Noah T. Noah served as the Student Body President this past year. He also took part in our sports program, academic decathlon team and altar server ministry as well as assisted in the Youth Faith Formation program, just to name a few of his accomplishments. Noah will be attending Servite High School in the fall. We are proud of the Class of 2026 graduates and wish them much success in high school.

Classes available for TK (age 4) - 6th grade Sacramental preparation is a two year process and is available for first grade - High School Class schedule Sunday 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. The TK class, on Sunday only, is for children age 4 and 5 and potty trained. Tuesday 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Registration Procedure In person The Youth Faith Formation office is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. By mail Please download and print the registration form found at sticypress.org. Mail it to: St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, 5201 Evergeen Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630. After hours, please use the YFF door mailbox. To better serve our parishioners, we are only accepting registration from those families that are registered in the parish or live within the parish boundaries. REGISTER TODAY! More Information - 714-826-1140 - sticypress.org - gro.sserpycits@noitamrofhtuoy

Throughout the year, H.O.P.E. is fortunate to have the support of many dedicated student volunteers who assist with the twice monthly food distributions. During the summer months, however, many of these students are away on vacation, traveling with their families, or preparing for college, leaving us with fewer people available while the needs of the community remain the same. We are seeking individuals who would like to assist with our food distribution on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Responsibilities include setting up tables and supplies before the distribution begins, assisting with the distribution of food, and greeting those who come for assistance. Whether you can participate regularly or only occasionally, your time is greatly appreciated. No experience is necessary; we'll gladly show you what to do. Please arrive at 7 a.m. to assist with setup before the food distribution begins. Meet behind the Education Building and ask for Gary or Kevin upon arrival. We typically finish around 10 a.m., but you are welcome to stay as long as you are able. If you have been looking for a meaningful way to serve your community, we invite you to join us. Your generosity helps H.O.P.E. continue providing food and assistance to the many families who rely on this ministry.

For High School students grades 9 -12. Register in person at the Youth Faith Formation Office, Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or by mail. Registration forms and information are available at sticypress.org.

Monday - Friday and Sunday 5:10 a.m. - Liturgy of Hours with Divine Office, Morning Prayer, Angelus, Rosary, Litany of St. Joseph, Prayer of Chastity, Consecration to Mary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help added Wednesdays After 8:30 a.m. mass - Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy Monday 6:30 p.m. - Rosary in Spanish Wednesday 6:40 p.m. - Rosary 7:00 p.m. - Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Friday 9:00 a.m. - Exposition/Adoration of Blessed Sacrament 3:00 p.m. - Chaplet of Divine Mercy 6:00 p.m. - Benediction of Blessed Sacrament Saturday 7:10 a.m. - Liturgy of Hours with Divine Office, Morning Prayer, Angelus, Rosary, Litany of St. Joseph, Prayer of Chastity, Consecration to Mary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy First Saturday of the month After 8:30 a.m. Mass - Rosary for Life followed by refreshments on the patio 13th of the month After 8:30 a.m. mass - 24 hour Adoration with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament ending with Benediction before the 6:30 a.m. mass the following day (Please sign up for the early morning hours) use Ibreviary TS Plus app for Liturgy of Hours

My children attend Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for their faith formation. Because of its Montessori basis, CGS atriums, which are something like classrooms, contain lots of objects made from real materials — authentic glass, wood, and ceramic. This is a polite way of saying there are lots of breakable things in there. So when my four-year-old entered the atrium on her first day of CGS, my whole body tensed, wondering what she would shatter first. I had to restrain myself from crying out, "Don't touch anything!" She spotted the prayer table — the low, wooden stand which holds an open Bible, candles, a vase with flowers and a statue of the Good Shepherd. It's the centerpiece of every atrium. She knelt before the table. She made the sign of the cross. And she sat there, still and silent. I stopped dead in my tracks. How had she known to come here? And where did she learn to make the sign of the cross? (Obviously we've tried to teach her, but she does it wrong every time!) And why was she sitting there so quietly, so expectantly, in front of a book she can't read? A thought came to me so clearly: Well, Colleen, you can read that book. But can you understand it? It is so easy for us to forget that great faith does not require great intelligence. It does not require great knowledge of the world and its workings. Great faith does not require the believer to possess any answers. Great faith only requires the believer to know his own smallness. - Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman