The Power of Prayer

If you don't think prayers are powerful, John McKinney's story would definitely have you rethink that phrase. About 20 years ago, John prayed that Crystal Cathedral, which was built in 1980 and shepherded by Robert H. Schuller (a Protestant pastor) would become a Catholic Church. In 2011, the Roman Catholic Church bought the 34-acre land for the Diocese of Orange. Prayers are indeed powerful!

John McKinney has supported Christ Cathedral's renovations from the beginning. After his wife passed away in 2011, John remarried Lyn and the two become a power couple devoted to serving the Catholic community through their time, talent and treasure. Both are still active at their individual parishes, Holy Family Cathedral and St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church, but Christ Cathedral continues to hold a special place in their hearts. "I give to Christ Cathedral because I want it to become more and more beautiful. I also pray that everyone who visits this sacred place feels welcomed by the Catholic Church and encourages more people to become Christian," says John. "God has blessed me with a lot. It is through the monetary gifts, by God's grace, that has made it possible for me to give to the church. I'm just trying to return it to the proper place."

John and Lyn generously gave to support the renovation of Christ Cathedral and have commemorated various sacred art within the Cathedral. These art pieces include two of the Stations of the Cross and, more recently, the Fourth Manifestation of the Lord.

The Orange Catholic Foundation Board of Directors and staff are truly grateful for John and Lyn's continued prayers and support. Through the grace of God and generous supporters, like the McKinney's, Christ Cathedral has become a beacon of hope for our Catholic community and for all peoples throughout the world.

For commemorative opportunities, please contact Kathleen Hurtt at 714.282.3026 or [email protected].

(Photo caption: John McKinney, left, and Lyn McKinney, right, with Bishop Kevin W. Vann, center, after a private tour of Christ Cathedral.)