San Juan Capistrano Chapter Charters

Ceremony marks Legatus’ third chapter in Orange County

The San Juan Capistrano Chapter held its chartering ceremony in grand style on Sept. 18 at the home of Legatus members Timand Steph Busch in Laguna Hills, Calif.

Bishop Tod Brown of the Diocese of Orange celebrated the Mass and gave the homily. The chapter’s chaplain Fr. Art Holquin, rector of theMission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, concelebrated the Mass in the Busch family’s private chapel.

San Juan Capistrano is the third Legatus chapter in Orange County and Legatus’ 62nd chartered chapter. Ten other chapters are in development. Chapter officers include Jeffrey Cadieux (president), Dave Ritchie (treasurer), Frank Kavanaugh (membership chair), Bill Pfost (program chair) and Pam Patterson (secretary).

San Juan Capistrano is probably best known for the annual migration of the Cliff Swallows, who reputedly migrate each year between Argentina and the Mission San Juan Capistrano. But it’s also home to a vibrant, tight-knit Catholic community, Ritchie said.

“We have a very young chapter,” he explained. “We’ve had some great speakers here — and we’ve had some joint events with the other two chapters in Orange County.”

After first meeting in early 2007, the chapter formed quickly because many of the members go to the same parishes and do business together, Ritchie said.

“Many of us are involved with a new Catholic high school in San Juan Capistrano that was started about six years ago. Some of us met each other through that, and our kids have gone to school together. So it’s kind of a fun family affair.”

Ritchie says Legatus has been a great blessing to him and his wife, Renee.

“It’s a great way to spend an evening with your spouse and have fellowship based on what you both believe in,” he explained. “Most of us get running pretty hard, but Legatus keeps us grounded. It’s nice to be with your spouse, see your friends and learn about your faith.”

Patrick Novecosky is the editor of Legatus Magazine.