East Big Island Vicariate

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Papaikou

John “Buddy” Souza

Anyone who has ever had to plan an event can appreciate how difficult it is to find someone who is not only able to help, but willing. That is precisely what makes Buddy such a treasure and a true ambassador of good will. Buddy sits on the pastoral council, assists with fundraising, shows up faithfully to mop the church, and has resurrected Aloha Sundays. Buddy does things on his own initiative, encourages fellowship, and illustrates what it means to be a good neighbor. He is always there and always supportive! Buddy sees the need to serve others as well. He does most, if not all, of the cooking for our parish social ministry events, and he also lends his support to youth functions. He was extremely helpful with our American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life team and, without hesitation, he became the tin man for our Wizard of Oz theme. Eager to learn and experience God’s love in many ways, Buddy has shown tremendous personal growth and expansion of spirit, and his cup has overflowed to others. He has put a face to God’s love and has shown that this beloved tin man surely has a heart.

Malia Puka O Kalani Parish, Keaukaha

Bart and Samantha Naipo-Arsiga

Malia Puka O Kalani is excited to nominate Bart and Samantha Naipo-Arsiga. They are parents to three lovely children. They wear many hats but still take the time as a family to put church first. Bart is a sacristan every Sunday. Samantha is the coordinator for our youth servers at Mass, a catechist, a liturgist, and serves on our parish council, parish social ministry and other committees. Most importantly, they make sure their children are at Mass on time to honor us as servers. The family cleans our church once a month and provides flowers when there are special occasions. The most exciting event was their recent confirmation into faith as a couple this past year with their three children present. Their service in the community is always ongoing as a couple, as individuals, and most of all as a family. When it comes to work, this family shares their resources in full force. We are indeed privileged that whatever and whenever things need to be done they say, “Yes,” just as the song says “I Say Yes, O Lord.” It is indeed our honor to have Bart and Samantha Naipo-Arsiga to be our Island Treasures.

St. Joseph Parish, Hilo

Donna W. Saiki

Donna came from a big family of eight in Wisconsin. Now, she has an even bigger family of four stepchildren, 17 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. After her studies in 1960, she moved to Hawaii and devoted her professional life to teaching. Rising through the ranks, she became principal at various schools on the Big Island including Hilo High School where she retired in 1996. Donna has always been active in community endeavors. She is currently a member of Faith Against Drugs, the volunteer executive director of the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and vice president of the Leleiwi Community Association. Her civic outreach also includes United Way, Business Education Partnership, and County Committee on Women and Mental Health. Amidst her civic and community involvements, Donna spends much of her time and energy helping her faith community at St. Joseph Church. She has been a eucharistic minister for 20 years, is coordinator for East Hawaii Hospital eucharistic ministry, and is a member of parish choir. She is also a part of the Kalakaua group that negotiated the purchase of land for the church. Donna is a distinguished figure who loves God, her church, and her community to whom she offers her life and her services with joy and grace. And she continues to do so at the ripe golden age of 70. St. Joseph Church is happy and proud to count Donna as one of our precious treasures.

West Big Island Vicariate

Annunciation Parish, Waimea

Joseph and Mae Souza

It is a challenge to raise a family, run a lucrative business on two islands, and serve the faith community. Joseph and Mae Souza have managed to do just that. Despite a hectic schedule of family and work, Joe and Mae are dedicated and active members of Annunciation Parish. Along with their children, Ashley, 17, and Robert, 13, the Souzas has been a joyous and prayerful presence for many years. Joe and Mae have served in a wide variety of ministries including pastoral council, finance committee, religious education catechist, lector and eucharistic ministry. They were integral to the success of the two parish bazaars that helped pay for the new church. Their children are active choir members and altar servers. The entire family has shared their time, talent, and treasure for the Lord and for the parish. Joe and Mae Souza have been a real source of inspiration for the Waimea community. With joyful hearts and caring spirit, this loving family has truly made a difference. They continue to walk faithfully with the Lord. We are grateful for their ministry and friendship.

Immaculate Conception Mission, Holualoa

Karen Silva

Karen loves to share her faith. Starting over 20 years ago as a catechist, she eventually became the religious education coordinator for five years. Under her guidance, all teachers were encouraged to attend as many workshops as possible in order to become certified. Battling cancer has prevented Karen from committing her time as a catechist anymore, but she found a wonderful ministry in caring for our mission church in Holualoa where she serves as a lector and eucharistic minister. Karen arrives early every Sunday morning to make sure the church is set up for Sunday service and special celebrations. She volunteers her time to clean the church, a job she does with love, care, and a certain flair! Karen still finds ways to continue to teach children and adults about the Lord by handing out candy canes at Christmas and Easter eggs and jellybeans at Easter. She attaches a poem about the meaning of the holiday to the candy. For all these reasons, Karen Silva is our Island Treasure.

Sacred Heart Parish, Hawi

Victor Bautista

Victor Bautista has a humble and gentle spirit that the parish community of Scared Hearts, Hawi, has been truly blessed with. A faithful and dedicated Catholic, Victor is a man of prayer and has a passion for God’s Word. Victor attends Mass daily. He is usually the first to arrive and always returns mid-day to spend time in prayer. Victor has been involved with the homebound ministries and has served as eucharistic minister for many years. A big part of Victor’s dedication has been in the maintenance of our church. As a licensed general contractor, the parish has counted on Victor on many occasions to draw plans and assist in construction and maintenance of the church. He was a one of five male volunteers that the parish called the “fabulous five” for all the work they did as a group. Victor has been heavily involved in many projects including building restrooms and constructing bulletin boards for the exterior of the church and cemetery. When something needs to be fixed, we can always depend on Victor to get the job done. The parishioners of Sacred Hearts are pleased to honor Victor Bautista for his dedication in enhancing the life and spirit of our parish.

St. Benedict Parish, Honaunau

Dorothy Kelepolo

“I love what I do. My deeds do not need to be in the public eye,” said Dorothy Kelepolo, this year’s Island Treasure representing St. Benedict’s Church in Honaunau. Dorothy has been a pillar of stability and generosity throughout her 14 years of service to the parish. As a church greeter, she is a well-recognized kamaaina who extends her heart and hand to St. Benedict’s many visitors. Dorothy has been Carla Freitas’ right and left hand while helping maintain the parish’s food pantry, which served 10,000 individuals in 2006. Dorothy spearheaded last year’s Christmas concert, which benefited the food pantry. She has also helped with the religious education of our youth, working with keikis in grades 3-5 for eight years, showing them in her firm, yet loving, way that Christ is the center of their lives. Recently, Dorothy became a newly elected member of the pastoral council. Her perspective and forthright assessment of our parish’s evolvement over the years have lent the council purpose and direction. Our parish is truly blessed to have Dorothy represent us. In her words, “God give me the strength to continue what I’m doing.”

St. John the Baptist Mission, Kealakekua

Ted and Gwen Gomes

How does one shape a life of honesty, integrity, and service to God and to others? This year’s Island Treasures from St. John the Baptist Church in Kona, Ted and Gwen Gomes, would probably not step forward with an answer. Nor would they ever speak about their unique gifts and talents that they have bestowed upon the churches in our parish. Ted and his wife of 51 years, Gwen, are lifelong Catholics. Ted, a self-taught lumber mill owner, is hearing impaired. Together with Gwen, who has become “his ears,” Ted designed and donated koa altars, a lectern, and a koa cross to churches in Kona and on Maui. They purchased Bibles for the teen religious education program. They also generously donated toward recent renovation efforts for St. Peter Church in Milolii. The Gomes raised their four children to believe in Christ’s ever-welcoming embrace. They are a couple who remains focused on the grace of God and the resilience He bestows upon all of His faithful.

St. Michael Parish, Kailua-Kona

Irene “Grama” Lee

This feisty, almost 90-year old helps wherever she can. Preferring to be called Grama, this dynamite person still works at a family-owned fitness club and arranges free memberships for parish priests who want to stay fit. Grama has been a long-time lector, eucharistic minister, and hospital minister at St. Michael Church. Grama is the “ultimate mom,” having cared for 27 foster children over the years, many of whom still stay in touch with her. Her love for children moved her to teach religious education for five years. The last year, she helped prepare students for first Communion. Grama’s love for people pushed her to spearhead an annual rummage sale for the Alzheimer’s Association. She also organized, priced, cashiered, and ran a huge rummage sale at St. Michael Church about 10 years ago, which benefited the parish. She annually gathers packages and mails boxes of clothing and religious articles to an orphanage in Majuro in the South Pacific. Always in search of ways to help, Grama collects used paper to recycle as scratch paper. For all these reasons, Irene “Grama” Lee is our Island Treasure.

St. Paul Mission, Keauhou

Sam Haanio

At 87 years old, Sam is the essence of what it means to be a volunteer. Born and raised in Kona, Sam has been a member of our parish since birth, and his knowledge of parish history is extensive. The question, “Who can do this?” is usually answered with, “Call Sam.” He’s been the caretaker of our cemeteries for more than 50 years and quietly makes the outer boxes in which urns are placed. He can be counted on to do repair work at St. Paul’s or any of the other churches. His list of talents includes carpentry, plumbing, and rock wall building. The largest rock wall he built is on the grounds of St. Michael Church in Kailua. Sam also helped put little St. Peter’s Church back on its foundation when Hurricane Iniki knocked it off in 1992. In 1995, he coordinated a crew of volunteers to build a much-needed bathroom at Holy Rosary Church. Sam serves as a eucharistic minister and helps set up and serve coffee and doughnuts before and after Sunday morning Masses. His unending desire to help is why we chose him as our Island Treasure.

Maui Vicariate

Christ the King Parish, Kahului

Kathleen Sacapanio

Kathleen acknowledges that her active participation in parish social ministry is due to the example she received from her mother and grandmother for as long as she can remember! Today, Kathleen serves as the “almost full-time” volunteer commissioner of the social service commission at Christ the King Church, which is how the parish organizes its social ministry. Kathleen leads 11 members, and the group of volunteers is still growing. The social ministry group leads and guides other volunteers in ministries including bereavement, ministry to the elderly, food pantry, grief support, hospital and homebound visitors, Maui Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, prison ministry, and many other activities in the parish. The total number of volunteers in the parish social ministry is about 135 at present.

Holy Rosary Parish, Paia

Ernesto and Susanne (Midge) Ribucan

Susanne (Midge) and Ernesto Ribucan have been parishioners of Holy Rosary since 1973. Midge has served in several ministries such as religious education teacher for various grades at Holy Rosary and St. Rita Church in Haiku. She became the religious education coordinator while serving as music director and lector. Ernesto (Ernie) has served as a member of the parish council and the building committee, and as an usher and eucharistic minister. He is also an advocate for people with disabilities. Midge and Ernie have volunteered for and chaired various fundraising events for Holy Rosary. We are proud to honor Susanne (Midge) and Ernesto (Ernie) Ribucan as Holy Rosary’s 2007 Island Treasures of Hawaii!

Kula Catholic Community, Kula (Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Holy Ghost Mission, St. James the Less Mission)

Lawrence Shim

Lawrence Shim has been a parishioner of Kula Catholic Community for over 60 years. As a youngster, he was an altar server for 15 years at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Keokea. He continues to be an altar server at all three churches in our community. In addition, he is also a eucharistic minister, brings Holy Communion to the home bound, is active in the hospital ministry, and is the chairman of the building and maintenance committee. Lawrence is always on hand to help at the annual Holy Ghost Feast, which is an island tradition on Maui. His unselfish and humble deeds, many of which go unnoticed, are known to all in Kula. Always ready, willing, and able, Lawrence serves all areas in our parish. Lawrence Shim is truly Kula Catholic Community’s Island Treasure.

Maria Lanakila Parish, Lahaina

Claudia Gazmen

Claudia Gazmen became an active member of Maria Lanakila Parish in 1983. Six months ago, she moved to Haleiwa, Oahu, to live with her family. We honor her because of her constant and committed service to the Lord as a daily sacristan, eucharistic minister, lector, member of the Filipino Catholic Club, and member of the Ladies of the Sacred Hearts Society. We all miss her.

St. Ann Parish, Waihee

Sheldene Cockette

Nine years ago, Sheldene visited St. Ann Church. If it weren’t for her daughter, who at that time was seven years old, she’s not sure she would have visited. Her daughter used to attend church with her aunty and uncle who are also strong members. Sheldene always believed in God and tried to live a good and honest life, but church had not previously been a part of her life. As a single parent, she was always working and felt that she needed to relax on her only day off. Eventually, her daughter was very influential in inviting her to come to church. Even a child can be a role model for an adult. Once Sheldene started attending St. Ann’s, she became a lector and a catechism teacher. She truly enjoys being a teacher and working with the kids, especially during the holidays. Sheldene helps organize activities for Halloween, Easter, and Christmas. One year, she planned a parish picnic so everyone could get together. The kids had a lot of fun along with the adults. Sheldene really enjoys having people come together for fellowship, and she likes keeping the kids of our parish active. It’s important to be in fellowship with the kids, the people of our parish, with the community, and most of all, with Our Father.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Wailuku

Lori and Denis Cabacungan

Lori and Denis Cabacungan are very active members of our parish community. Both have been members of our 5 p.m. Sunday choir for many years. At one time, Lori was our youth minister and then became the parish secretary. Then, Lori became a mom to Darin and now volunteers her time with the youth group. Denis is co-facilitator with our JustFaith ministry. Both Lori and Denis are always available when help is needed in the parish, whether it’s cooking by Lori or music by Denis!

St. Rita Parish, Haiku

Alice Aricayos

Alice has been a member of St. Rita Parish for the past 30 years. She has been a hospital and homebound minister, eucharistic minister, and has helped with floral decorating. You name it; she has done it and continues to do whatever she can to help our church. Alice also makes leis for our visitors and special guests for special occasions. Alice is always ready to help in every way she can. You can always count on Alice. We are proud to honor Alice Aricayos as St. Rita’s 2007 Island Treasure of Hawaii!

St. Theresa Parish, Kihei

Sione Manupuna

Sione Manupuna is a representative of the active Tongan community of St. Theresa Church in Kihei. He is a loving, humble man of God. His whole life reflects service to God’s people and to the Catholic Tongan community. When he served the church in Tonga and Samoa, he worked with apostolic groups. After moving to Hawaii, he served at St. Augustine Church on Oahu. Sione moved to Maui in 1988 where he ministered to the Lahaina community. Always open to God’s call, Sione began working with the Kihei community at St. Theresa’s in 1992. Since then, he has been an elder to the Tongan community and a servant leader to the parish community as a eucharistic minister and choir member. Sione is a man of prayer, rising at 5 a.m. every Friday for a special time of prayer with God. He practices self-denial by fasting from food on Fridays as a sacrifice for his community. Very few people know of all that he does as a humble servant for God. His words reflect the Catholic Christian that he is, “I have learned to offer love, comfort, and food to the needy. All these years, I have become more faithful to my faithful God. I have tried to guide my people in the best way I can, trying to help them find the right path to leading a good life.” Both St. Theresa Parish and the Tongan community of Kihei believe Sione is truly an Island Treasure.

Molokai Catholic Community

Nona Fukuoka

Nona has helped build the body of Christ by sharing her talents and gifts with the Molokai Catholic Community in so many ways for many years. Nona only knows the word “yes.” “No” is not in her vocabulary. Her many ministries for the Molokai Catholic Community include religious education, funeral committee, liturgy, environment for special celebrations, social ministry, pastoral council, eucharistic minister, and lector. Nona has also been a member of the Franciscan Sisters Order for 10 years. For the Island of Molokai, she actively volunteers for the Friendly Isle United Way, Special Olympics, Kaunakakai Elementary School, and she is the master decorator/florist for almost every luau and community event. Nona is a treasure.

Sacred Hearts Parish, Lanai City

Fortunata Dasalla Mamaclay

Forunata Dasalla Mamaclay is 79 years old and was born on Oct. 10, 1927, in the Philippines. When she came to Hawaii in 1963, she continued her devotion to the Mass and her prayers. She started the Ilocano prayers for the dead. Families requested Fortunata to come to their homes and lead prayers. In 1968, she volunteered as a church cleaner and has since became a lector, sacristan, eucharistic minister, and prayer leader in all spiritual activities. She continues to work diligently and dedicates her time and gifts on a day-to-day basis. Forunata is caring, humble, reliable and prayerful. She is always friendly and generous in sharing food that she has cooked for special occasions such as potlucks. She is patient and giving. On most occasions, she walks to church even when it is raining. She is very grateful to her late grandmother who taught her how to pray when she was 12 years old. Fortunata Mamaclay is indeed a great treasure in the Catholic Church.

Kauai Vicariate

Holy Cross Parish, Kalaheo

Johnny and Helen Lorenzo

Johnny Lorenzo is a volunteer handyman at Holy Cross Church. When the Holy Cross Catholic School was built, Johnny was instrumental in installing the electrical wiring for the school. He is a licensed electrician and always volunteers to repair or replace any electrical outlets at the church, parish hall and rectory. He is instrumental in installing all of the outlets for the church Christmas decorations. Johnny is a member of the Holy Cross Filipino Catholic Club and volunteers to set up tables for Hospitality Sunday. Sometimes he is an usher during Mass. Whenever our priest goes on vacation, Johnny drives the visiting priest to church for Mass. Helen Lorenzo is also a volunteer. Whenever there is a visiting priest, Helen cooks her special dish and invites the priest to their home to have a meal. She even cooks meals for the priests and delivers them to the rectory. Helen is a lector for Holy Cross Church and cleans the church on a regular schedule. She is a member of the Filipino Catholic Club and always helps during Hospitality Sunday and Misa de Gallo. When preparing for Misa de Gallo, Helen and Johnny are right there with the rest of the volunteers to put up all the decorations and store them away at the end. Johnny and Helen are truly Island Treasures.

Immaculate Conception Parish, Lihue

Henry and Alice Arruda

Henry and Alice Arruda have given a lifetime of their labor and talent in support of our church. They and others of their generation who share their commitment have been the foundation on which our parish thrives. Alice was born and has always lived within the boundaries of the parish. She and Henry were married at Immaculate Conception Church over 60 years ago. Their three children attended the parish school. Alice spent hours at the school as a volunteer cook and working at the carnivals, where she prepared and sold her sweet bread. Henry did maintenance work at the school and ensured that the classrooms always had a fresh coat of paint. Henry was a member of the Holy Name Society while Alice worked with the Altar Society. Alice spent nearly 10 years as part of a group that was responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the church interior. For the last 30 years, Alice has been the main force behind our biannual malasadas fundraiser. Henry is especially proud of being one of the volunteers that built our grotto. Once a week for the last 25 years, since his retirement from Lihue Plantation, Henry has worked on the church’s grounds maintenance and landscaping. Henry and Alice have not just given their talents and labors to the parish, but they have shared a lifetime of friendship, kindness and love to all. We are deeply appreciative of their efforts and are honored to have them represent Immaculate Conception Church.

Sacred Heart Mission, Eleele

Peter Kruse

Peter Kruse has been a Catholic since birth. Sacred Heart Mission Church is blessed to have a parishioner like Peter. He attends Sunday Masses on a regular basis. He graduated from St. Theresa Catholic School. Peter can and does perform many different roles at the church. Peter is a lector, commentator, and is a member of the finance committee. Peter was one of the first to be elected as a member of the pastoral parish council. He was also the altar server coordinator for Sacred Heart Church for seven years. We can depend on Peter to serve in any role that is needed during Mass, and he often fills in for roles at the last minute. Last Christmas, when there was no Christmas Mass scheduled at Sacred Heart because the priest did not have a car, Peter volunteered to transport the priest so we could have a Christmas Mass at our church. Peter’s only daughter died in a car accident a month before she was to be confirmed. She was only 16 years old. He and his family donated the beautiful stain glass window that was installed at the entrance to Sacred Heart Church in his daughter’s memory.

St. Catherine Parish, Kapaa

Adrienne “Renee” Thronas

Adrienne “Renee” Thronas has been an exemplary member of St. Catherine Parish for many years. Her father Frank B. Fernandes was an organist for over 50 years at St. Catherine Church. Just like her father, Renee took over and served as organist and pianist for 50 years as well. Their combined service provided over a century of music. Renee is always available and eager to lend her time and talent in any possible way. From 1958 to 1962, she assisted with the parish youth choir and became its director. Renee was also nominated and served two consecutive three-year terms on the parish pastoral council when it was re-established in 1999. For the past seven years, Renee has volunteered every Tuesday in the church office assisting with census registration, recording of collections, and other clerical duties. She is also an active member of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. As choir director for the past 20 years for the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass, she has often been asked to play at weddings, funerals, special liturgies and parish gatherings. She is most proud of the choir whose members range from great-grandparents to her very own grandchildren. “Going to church has always been a family affair,” stated Renee. St. Catherine Parish considers themselves truly blessed to have her!

St. Raphael Parish, Koloa

Walter B. Souza

Walter is a lifelong member of St Raphael Parish as were his parents and grandparents before him. He served the Lord as an altar boy at age seven during Father Phillibert’s time. He still serves as an altar server for daily Mass. Over the years, he has been more than generous with his time by opening and closing the church and checking to ensure the buildings are secure. Walter spent countless hours during his early years beautifying the grounds. As an active church member, he inventories the candles including the delivery of candle shipments from the barge. Walter also serves as sacristan (including maintaining inventory of the bread), eucharistic minister and usher. He prepares ashes for Ash Wednesday and prepares materials for baptismal services. Last, but not least, Walter is always available whenever he is needed. His outstanding service throughout his life warrants our deepest gratitude and recognition as our 2007 Island Treasure.

St. Theresa Parish, Kekaha

Gerardo Mararagan

Gerardo Mararagan has been a member of St. Theresa Parish since 1971. Born and raised in Mendez, Cavite, Philippines, Gerardo joined the United States Navy and arrived in San Diego, California in 1958. He moved to Kauai in 1971 where he and his wife Perlita raised three sons and have six grandchildren. Gerardo has been a servant of God through his work in the parish. He served as parish council president from 2003 to 2006, chairman for the St. Theresa School carnival for two years, president of the Family Circle, president of the Filipino Catholic Club, advisor for the parish youth group, member of the choir, altar server, lecturer, commentator, eucharistic minister and church cleaner. He also helps with counting of the Sunday collections and does the deposits. He brings the Eucharist to those who are in care homes and those who are unable to come to Mass. Gerardo’s loyalty, trustworthiness, dedication, and devotion to the Catholic Church, family and friends truly make him an outstanding Island Treasure.

East Honolulu Vicariate

Holy Trinity Parish, Kuliouou

George and Doreen Uyeno

George and Doreen Uyeno have been faithful members of Holy Trinity Parish for over 25 years. They have been part of our baptism team for more than 15 years, quietly working with our parents as they prepare to have their children become members of the church family. George and Doreen were greatly influenced by another parish gem, the late Liz Kekoa. They became involved because of their respect and admiration for Liz. It is in Liz’s memory that George and Doreen continue to help bring out the littlest members into our parish community. We are truly blessed to have them as members of Holy Trinity Parish. Thank you, George and Doreen, for helping to continue the work that was so important to Liz. They are a good example of how one person’s devotion to God’s work influences others to become involved and be Island Treasures.

Newman Center/Holy Spirit Parish, Manoa

Vince Costello

Vince Costello is a generous, dedicated volunteer who works behind the scenes and touches the lives of so many people. After growing up in New Jersey, Vince joined the Peace Corps and served for two years. This was just the beginning of his life of service. A couple of years later, he joined the Britain Nepal Medical Trust and served for four years in Katmandu. Eventually, he made it to Hawaii to earn his master’s of arts in public health. Since 1993, Vince has called Hawaii home. He is married to Minako and has two sons, Nigel, age 16 and Kai, age 11. At Catholic Campus Ministry/Newman Center, Vince has assisted with our religious education program and helped Nigel develop into a fine lector. What Vince is most known for is chairing our annual Fun Run/Walk event. For nine years, he has lead the charge gathering 200 participants for a wonderful social, fitness, and community building event that seems to grow larger each year. Because of Vince, our ministry at Newman Center is made known to the larger public and new people are introduced to our ministry and to the church. We are proud of Vince and grateful for his nine years of leadership.

Sacred Heart Parish, Punahou

Sister Maria Rosario Daley, MM

Every day, for more years than parishioners can remember, Maryknoll Sister Maria Rosario Daley has opened the church for prayer and worship at Sacred Heart Parish, Punahou. She sets up for Mass and tends to the accompanying needs that include the technically sophisticated operations of light and sound. She is formally the Mass coordinator for the 6:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. Sister Rosario frequently serves as a special minister of the Eucharist at funeral and liturgical services. There is little around the altar or church that escapes Sister Rosario’s watchful eye and dedicated service. Fifteen years ago, she started the first Seder meal celebration at the parish that continues today. Sister Rosario is an inspirational presence at many parish functions. She is humble and unassuming, and one might not notice her if not for the identifying habit that she has worn as a Maryknoll Sister since she was professed in 1948. Sister Rosario is a world-class religious and an exceptionally deserving Island Treasure.

St. Pius X Parish, Manoa

Pamela and Joseph Minder

If you have ever been to a gathering at St. Pius X Parish, chances are you’ve been shot by Pam Minder. Pam is our parish photographer and makes beautiful albums of all of our church activities and shares copies of the photos with our parishioners. Pam sang in the youth and adult choirs for 30 years and received the St. Pius X medal for teaching religious education for 10 years. In 1970, Pam helped with activities from church bazaars, to Christmas decorations, to soliciting donations from local merchants. She also spent three years cooking for Bishop John J. Scanlan at the cathedral on weekends. Pam is also a volunteer in the office, a eucharistic minister at Mass and to the sick, and a counter of our weekly collections. Our church is neat and tidy thanks to Joe’s dedication. Joe joined St. Pius X in 1989 and has been active ever since. He is an altar server at Saturday evening Masses. Together, Joe and Pam straighten the pews and lock up the church after Mass. They are part of our religious education team, setting up the hall each week to accommodate classes. Pam and Joe visit the sick, hospitalized and elderly, a ministry close to their hearts for which they make time every week. They keep in touch with our retired pastors, inviting them out, running errands, and doing car maintenance. St. Pius X Parish is blessed and honored to have Pam and Joe Minder as our 2007 Island Treasures, serving God and our parish.

Star of the Sea Parish, Waialae-Kahala

Frances and Frank Doyle

Frances and Frank Doyle have been parishioners of Star of the Sea for more than 30 years. Frank had the privilege of working with Club 51, a group of men dedicated to working on parish grounds and building projects. As a member of the parish council, Frank supported the idea of Montessori early childhood education, and Star of the Sea Early Learning Center became a reality 27 years ago. In the past, Frank taught religious education for three years and served on the Star of the Sea Elementary School board, building and maintenance committee, and liturgy committee. He has worked on the carnivals up to and including the last one. Today, Frank is chairman of the East Honolulu Food Festival, now into its second year. Frances was secretary of the Early Learning Center for two-and-a-half years and now serves as secretary of the Early Learning Center school board. In the past, she helped with Liturgy of the Word for children. Currently, she is involved with religious education and serving as its coordinator for 15 years. In May 2004, Frances graduated from Chaminade University with a master’s in pastoral leadership. She continues to serve as a lector and eucharistic minister. The couple has been married for 43 years and have three children, John, Michael and Theresa. They look forward to many more years with their friends at Star of the Sea and encourage everyone to become more involved with parish activities.

West Honolulu Vicariate

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Pauoa

Anita DeMotta

Anita DeMotta has been a loyal supporter of Blessed Sacrament for 55 years. She gives of herself and her time. Her abilities include cooking, cleaning and assisting whenever needed. Anita was the last child of seven in her family and has two sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. One of her grandsons recently served two deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, and is currently stationed in Germany. Anita serves on the environmental committee at Blessed Sacrament, which includes helping with church activities and food preparation. She also washes the linens and the priests and deacons’ vestments. Anita also assists in decorating the church on special occasions and helps with whatever activities, such as funerals and weddings, as requested. Anita has been a volunteer driver, helping to transport people to and from the doctors or hospitals for their appointments. She has also been a Bible study student at Blessed Sacrament for the past five years. She is currently a director of the Punchbowl Holy Ghost. Anita is an asset to Blessed Sacrament Church.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Downtown

Loretta “Lory” Baliaris

Lori is a Kauai girl who comes by her love of beautiful Hawaiian flora naturally. Born in Honolulu, she moved to Kauai at the age of two. She married Cecilio Baliaris and the two resided in Honolulu where they raised five children. Lori is the master overseer when it comes to decorations for the great feasts of Easter and Christmas. For many weeks prior to these holy days, Lori is readying decorations, sewing, and buying things we need to decorate the cathedral. Each year, there is a new twist, an added color brought forth to enhance the overall ambiance and environment for the special day. Lori and her crew maintain the floral decorations during the 50 days of Easter and the shorter period of Christmas. Lori wears many hats. She is sacristan for the weekday noon Masses. She arrives early and works with volunteers to clean the church and prepare for adoration, funerals, Stations of the Cross, and weddings. On Sundays, she is a member of the 9 a.m. Mass hospitality team. At this Mass which more than 500 attend, Lori calmly secures seats or space for the 75 religious education children as well as other parishioners and visitors.

Co-Cathedral of St Theresa of the Child Jesus, Kalihi

Ann Machado

Ann is a person whose actions speak louder than words. She is one of St. Theresa’s many “silent” volunteers who are always there whenever we need them. She helps with our parish fundraisers, church maintenance and clean-up. Ann has served on various parish committees. She is responsible for fixing and repairing the church kneelers to keep them in good working condition and for helping with church maintenance projects, including the church restroom renovation. Her artistic handiwork can also be seen at many parish and diocesan functions with her beautiful flower arrangements, table decorations, and handmade koa wood tabernacle and suggestion box. Ann can also be seen in the kitchen cutting vegetables and cooking for residents at the Kakaako Next Step shelter during our monthly Meals for the Homeless program as well as any parish function. The co-cathedral parish appreciates Ann for sharing her many talents often without being asked.

Holy Family Parish, Airport Area

Michael Chase

Michael Chase moved to Hawaii in 1994 after caring for his parents for many years until they passed away. He joined St. Philomena Parish and after being there for a year, he became a eucharistic minister. For the past 14 years, he has managed several apartment buildings in Honolulu. He eventually joined Holy Family Parish. After St. Philomena and Holy Family Parishes were clustered in 2004, Mike began serving as a minister at the 9 a.m. and sometimes the 11 a.m. Masses at Holy Family. Whenever there is a need for flowers, help with the environment or assisting with a fundraiser, Mike is there. Mike is extremely dedicated. He is a very talented and meticulous church decorator, designer and flower arranger who takes pride in everything he does. He is always willing to help in any way he can. Mike has found joy and satisfaction in sharing and serving his parish. He said “yes,” in spite of his other ministry and job commitments, to serve on the parish’s new pastoral advisory committee. It is a pleasure to work with Mike and to experience his warm, thoughtful, and caring friendship. On May 1, Mike will be leaving beautiful Hawaii to move to North Carolina to be near his family and enjoy his retirement years. Mike says he will miss Holy Family’s ohana, and mahalo and God’s blessing to all.

Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Kalihi Valley

Lucille Mohika

Lucille Mohika has been a catechist and professional teacher for a long time. She first started teaching catechism here as a college student, living at Kalihi Valley Housing at the time. She gathered some of the children at the housing and walked to Our Lady of the Mount to teach them catechism. She did this for about two years. She again volunteered to substitute a few years later before becoming a catechist in the early 1990s. Lucille became more involved with the church in September 2000. She taught on Sundays, offered her fellow teachers workshops on “Classroom Management Approaches” because she knew how difficult teaching catechism could be without some practical skills. Lucille says that working with children has been personally rewarding and spiritually enriching. She finds herself learning and growing along with the children. Lucille also plans the games for our annual faculty and staff Christmas party, which supports and strengthens the unity of our catechists. She actively attends certification workshops. Lucille sometimes helps in the kitchen at church potluck functions. She was also asked to present the topic “Our Responsibilities in Supporting our Children’s Religious Educational Development” at our RENEW retreat. She is reliable, trustworthy, and faithful to her calling as a catechist. Praise God!

St. Anthony Parish, Kalihi-Kai

Leonard and Benjamina Fontanilla

Leonard and Benjie arrived in the U.S. in 1967. They have been married for 44 years and have two sons, two daughters and 13 grandchildren. They have been active parishioners for 39 years, serving both church and school with zeal and dedication. Leonard has been a member on the ad hoc committee, a Synod 2000 delegate, and the parish pastoral council planning committee, and Benjie has been involved with the RCIA core team. Both have served on the parish pastoral council and are active members of various organizations — Filipino Catholic Club, Twin Hearts of Jesus and Mary Apostolate, and the cooking ministry. Leonard has been vice president and president of FCC, and Benjie has been chairperson for FCC’s organization and membership committee. Leonard is the current treasurer of the Knights of Columbus, St. Anthony Council 14105. Both are eucharistic ministers, and core team members of the marriage convalidation program and the infant baptism preparation program. They also help the church and school in fundraising. Besides their parish involvement, they are also members of the United Bacarreneos of Hawaii, which supports the Adult Friends for Youth and the Institute for Human Services. The parish thanks Leonard and Benjie, asks God to bless them and their family for their devotion to God, church and community, and graciously honors them as “Island Treasures.”

St. John the Baptist Parish, Kalihi

Iosefo Tuiteleleapaga

Iosefo Tuiteleleapaga moved to Hawaii from American Samoa in 1979. He has always believed that “one can never do enough to try to give to God what He has given to us.” Since moving to Hawaii, Iosefo has been an active parishioner at St. John the Baptist Church, for more than 27 years. He has helped tremendously in building the faith community at St. John. He has actively given his time and talents as a eucharistic minister visiting the sick and homebound for over 20 years. He has also served with other ministries over the years including the pastoral council, altar cleaning team, liturgy committee and maintenance committee. Iosefo is very passionate about his faith and culture. He has been the president of the Samoan choir for the past 20 years, has been vice president for the Office of Samoan Ministry for over 12 years under Father Etuale Etuale and Father Sebastian Chacko. During the past two years, Iosefo started Samoan RCIA classes with Deacon Maugatega. This past Easter, 15 Samoan young adults received sacraments. Iosefo is a father who is loving, caring and compassionate to all and much grounded in his faith.

St. Philomena Parish, Salt Lake

Benjamin D. Acma

Benjamin (Ben) D. Acma has been a member of St. Philomena Parish since 1941 when the parish was first located at “Damon Tract.” Throughout the years, Ben has been a dedicated and faithful steward at St. Philomena Parish. He served in the early days as an altar boy and belonged to the Holy Name Society. Ben is a long time lector, confirmation instructor, and a team member of the ReFocus program for the re-validation of Catholic marriages. Ben is also a site survey team member for Facilities Accessibility, a program for persons with disabilities within the Office of Social Ministry. Ben is the overseer at St. Philomena. He ensures that the proper safety measures are in place for the church. Ben can be depended on whenever administration has safety questions or tasks.

St. Stephen Parish, Nuuanu

Wallace and Claire Chang

Wally and his wife Claire have been important and faithful members in our parish community since 1956. Wally, a retired U.S. Navy civilian worker who helped oversee the nuclear submarine fleet in the Pacific, was the first parish pastoral council chairman for St. Stephen Church in the 1960s with Father Joseph Turk. Under his leadership, the old wooden mission church was torn down to build the present church in Nuuanu Valley. Wally devoted long hours working with various committees to plan and build St. Stephen Church. As a dedicated leader and parishioner, he assisted in various fundraising projects to help pay for the new church. In recent years, Wally has been an active member of the parish Bible study group. His deep love for the Lord, especially his devotion to the Divine Mercy and the Blessed Mother, has been an inspiration to many of us. His wife Claire was with her husband at every step in the service of the church. Claire also helped as a church cleaner and with fundraising activities. They have one son, two daughters, and five grandchildren. Wally and Claire’s contribution and dedication warrants our deepest gratitude and recognition as our 2007 Island Treasures.

Leeward Oahu

Immaculate Conception Parish, Ewa