About MD
Mater Dei is a distinguished destination of excellence in academics and technology, the arts, faith and service, campus life, and athletics. We are proud to be Orange County’s oldest and largest Catholic high school.
Admissions
Your journey to becoming a Monarch starts here! Tour campus, schedule a shadow day, begin your application, and more. We are excited for you to join the MD family!
Programs
Built on Catholic fellowship and intellectual rigor, our programs in academics, technology, athletics, faith and service, and the arts provide unlimited opportunities for student success. Comprehensive counseling and wellness resources educate and bolster families throughout the high school journey.
Campus Life
Through avenues of leadership, faith, shared interests, and extracurricular activities and events, students can make Mater Dei their own. Get involved today!
Community
- Students
- Parents
- Faculty
- Alumni
- Grandparents
Tradition never graduates. Alumni, lifetime parents, grandparents, and friends are a vital and vibrant aspect of our community. Once a Monarch, always a Monarch.
Giving
Behind every achievement, success, and championship, stand the alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who fortify our future. We invite you to support MD in a variety of ways with a gift that is meaningful to you.

Biography

About
I worked in Mater Dei’s Campus Ministry as an Associate Director of Retreats from 2000-2009, as well as, teaching in the Religious Studies Department. Currently, I am teaching Religious Studies I to freshmen and Religious Studies III to juniors.

What I Love About MD
I love the community at Mater Dei and the legacy of family. For me, it started with my parents attending MD (my Dad's name is even on the sentinels of freedom) then my cousins and I also graduated, and now my nieces & nephews are current students.

Education: MA in Pastoral Ministry - Boston College & BA in Communications - Santa Clara University

At MD since: 2000

Teaching since: 2000

Name: Mrs. Maurissa Talarico '93
Position: Director of Christian Services and Outreach
Email: Send email