Sacred Heart Parish

On March 30 at 2:45 p.m. we held the devotional prayers in honor of the Divine Mercy. At 3 p.m., Rita Kauina led the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Parishioners brought pictures of the Divine Mercy in many different sizes and styles to have them blessed. Father Maurice, shown here raising the Holy Eucharist in the monstrance, Cardinal was available for confessions before and after the services. … Our Confirmation Mass was April 4. We welcome the confirmandees! Joshua Adams, Chris Antonio, Sean Brannigan, Royce Bumbard, Bryant Caravalho, Nathaniel Gomera, Catherine Hoy, Jeanine Hoy, Kelby Kaaekuahiwi, Georgette Kalua‘u, Joseph Kalua‘u, Kara Marquez and Zachary Valenzuela. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

PAHOA

Sacred Heart Parish

Our parish liturgy is the very heart of parish life. Everything we do as a parish leads to, and flows from, the liturgical celebrations. Therefore, much care and thought is put into the preparation of each Mass, primarily by the sacristans. The first responsibility of the sacristan is to see that all duties are preformed in accordance with the wishes of the pastor. We are fortunate to have two wonderful people who do this well — Leilani Pauline Kobayashi and Delbert Jackson. They are truly dedicated to their ministry. Leilani was born in Kapoho Village. She currently lives in Pahoa town and has been in our parish all her life. She is a retired Pahoa High School cafeteria cook and manager. Delbert is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. A former Marine, he moved to Oahu in 1956. He was in the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3, working as a tower crane operator until his retirement. In 1980, he relocated to the Lower Puna District of the Big Island. Both sacristans have the responsibility of opening and closing the church, preparing the sanctuary for Mass, and maintaining an organized sacristy. We are blessed to have these two dedicated people in our parish. (Reported by Steve Torres)

KEAUKAHA

Malia Puka O Kalani Parish

Father Thomas Purayidathil blesses Julia Koshko, one of the parish’s eucharistic ministers who bring Holy Communion to the homebound parishioners. (Reported by Karen Hotniansky)

HILO

St. Joseph Parish

A grateful Hilo Catholic Community congratulates Sister of St. Francis Stephen Marie Serrao who is celebrating 60 years as a religious. Sister Stephen Marie is a “Hilo girl” and proud of it. She tells stories about growing up in the household of Joseph and Gloria Serrao, fleeing up Waianuenue Avenue from the 1946 tsunami, attending St. Joseph School, and how she told her parents she was going into the convent. Marie Serrao joined the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, N.Y., on Sept. 8, 1947, to the surprise of many who knew her. She received the habit and her religious name, Sister Stephen Marie, at her investiture on March 2, 1948. She celebrates the diamond (60th) jubilee of that event this year with fellow Hiloan Sister Helen Agnes Ignacio. Over the past 61 years, Sister Stephen Marie taught, counseled and administered in schools in New York, Florida and Hawaii. She was also the founding director of volunteers in St. Francis Medical Center West on Oahu. She wins the hearts and trust of the people to whom she ministers, and continues to do so today at our parish elementary school and as spiritual advisor to the Secular Franciscans. She lives the spirit and charisma of St. Francis every day. Congratulations and many blessings, Sister Stephen Marie! Ad multos annos! (Reported by Sister Marion Kikukawa, OSF)

HONAUNAU

St. Benedict Parish

South Kona Catholic Community Confirmation ceremony was April 6 at St. John the Baptist in Kealakekua, a mission church of St. Benedict. Pictured in the front row, Kimberly Sabati, Austin Billaber, Bishop Larry Silva, Tanya Yinug, Frannie Baker and Edwina Fujimoto. In the back row, Joshua Kalili, Raydan Bala, Father Lovell Soller, Cameron Alcain, Jacob Baniaga and Erick Paul. (Reported by Edwina Fujimoto)

KAHULUI

Christ the King School

On March 15, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet renewed their vows at the 5 p.m. Mass and were treated to a dinner hosted by the PTG and school. Pictured here are teachers Mrs. Torres, Mrs. Ramos, Mrs. Donohue, Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Davis who presented a fashion show of the sisters’ attire — past, present and future. A “Name that Nun” game and musical chairs were also part of the celebration. Our Sisters rock!! (Reported by Melissa Ramos)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa Parish

Our parish celebrated First Holy Communion on April 6 with a special Mass at 10 a.m. in our church. Congratulations and God’s continued blessings on Thomas Apilado, Ariel Aquino-Lazaro, Leanne Castro, Waika Corr, Nai’a DeCosta-Jaramillo, Jacob Delos Reyes, Michael Emayo-Schmidt, Kalen Games, Christian Gaffner, Kalei’u’i Hosaka, Kaimi Lau-San Agustin, Ian Malabe, Iolani Malama, Jaime Mararagan, Tiffany Minia, Dennison Mopas, Daneica Muraoka, Jaelace Oyamot-Taniguchi, Dino Pabre, Jr., Hunter Ragasa, Lila Rudolfo, Haven Silva and Kisen Turalde-Oyamot. Special thanks to Sister Hannah Johnecheck for her teaching and spiritual guidance. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

On Holy Saturday morning, seven members of the Elizabethan Ministry followed their leader, head bunny Vangie Pangelinan, down the trail to Tripler Army Medical Center. They visited the neo-natal and pediatric wards to bring Easter cheer to approximately 20 children and their parents. As you can see, some are as newly born as the Risen Lord. This annual visit brings Easter cheer and the love of the Lord to children who probably would rather be hunting Easter eggs in their back yard than staying in a hospital. The Elizabethans also bring along Easter baskets and cuddly toys. Everyone should have some joy on Easter! (Reported by Linda Cacpal; photo courtesy of Vangie Pangelinan)

PAUOA VALLEY

Blessed Sacrament Parish

Students and catechists gathered together during Lent for a spiritual outing that gave students an opportunity to pray the Stations of the Cross in a deeper way in the beautiful outdoor valley of St. Anthony Retreat Center. Students and catechists lovingly took turns leading the meditations. The voices of the children resounded in the valley as they sang the hymn that so expressed the suffering of Jesus 2000 years ago. Stopping at each station to venerate the suffering Jesus made this event a memorable and indeed spiritual one. A profound moment came at the cross at the end of our journey walk. All knelt for a moment of prayer and silence. The experience yielded another untold mystery of our own inner journey that we can one day look back as a pilgrimage of our faith. (Reported by Leimomi Kondo)

KULIOUOU

 Holy Trinity Parish

Confirmation and youth ministry bid aloha and mahalo to religious ed coordinator MaryRose Timmins on March 30. Aloha MaryRose! Thank you for all you have done. You will be missed! (From the parish bulletin)

HONOLULU

Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

Our parish begins religious education classes on April 27 at 8:15 a.m. Our program and RCIA begin each year following the Easter liturgy and ends on Palm Sunday. This year we will use the new parish hall at 1159 Fort Street for classes. Children will attend the 9 a.m. liturgy following class. (Reported by Ann Hannan)

ALA MOANA

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Phase 1 of the mauka side of the roof began on March 30. Removal of existing roofing and applying the new roof and air conditioning units will require all kinds of equipment in the parking lot only affecting the 7 a.m. and noon daily Masses. It would be a good idea to avoid bringing your car to daily Mass. The weekend Masses should not be affected! (From the parish bulletin)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

There’s always room for more. Parishioners flock to the perpetual adoration chapel by the street side of the church. People stop to pray before going to work or going to school or after returning from a full day at work. Others find the afternoon hours or the wee hours of the morning the best time to be with the Lord. It serves as the host chapel for everyone, Catholics and non-Catholics. “It’s quiet and soothing,” said Julia from Mililani. “I can talk to the Lord and can listen to him.” France Morris has prepared beautiful prayer booklets for those who wish to use them and others donate cut flowers or floral arrangements. Pat Pait, Edie Cabico and their helpers keep the floors and furniture spotless. Prayer intentions are also accepted and fulfilled. “Come and taste the goodness of the Lord.” (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

KAILUA-KONA

 St. Michael Parish

We could use parishioners to visit the Crawford Retirement residence in Sunset Beach twice a month. Eucharistic and music ministers are needed. Training can be arranged. Please contact Father Bertram Lock at 637-4040, ext. 224, or leave a message with your telephone number at the rectory. (From the parish bulletin)

ENCHANTED LAKE

St. John Vianney Parish

Last Sunday’s blood drive was a great success. We exceeded all of our goals! Sixty-two people signed up and 37 pints were drawn. We had 11 first time donors and 15 deferrals. The bottom line: 111 patient lives were saved thanks to you! The next drive is June 29. Save the date; save a life! (From the parish bulletin)

HILO

St. Joseph Elementary School

At a Mass celebrating our patron St. Joseph, students read their winning essays on “Why St. Joseph School is Important to Me.” Pictured is first grader Nicklaus Watson showing his artist’s rendition of the school. Other winners were Cierra Muragin in the grades 3-4 division and Patricia Russo De Souza in the grades 5-6 division. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

WAILUKU

 St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School

E komo mai. Come enjoy ono food, good entertainment and meet new and old friends on June 28, 5:30-9:30 p.m., at the St. Anthony Hoolaulea. Entertainment includes Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Raiatea Helm and master ki hoalu artist George Kahumoku. Special honor will be given to members of the class of 1958 celebrating their 50th reunion. We will also give awards under the following categories: distinguished alumnus, community service, service to St. Anthony, outstanding athlete and guardian angel. Buy tickets by calling Kathy Alves at 244-4190 ext. 269 or Sheila Fujikawa at ext. 223. Advance tickets are $35 (12 and older) and $15 (11 and under) or $40 at the door. Come enjoy a wonderful evening under the stars! (Reported by Virginia Nary)

HONOLULU

Damien Memorial School

During spring break, 20 middle and five high school students, plus faculty and parent chaperones, traveled to the east coast for a week of adventure and discovery! The highlights were: Washington, D.C. — the White House, Capitol, illumination tour of monuments and memorials, and the Air and Space Museum; Philadelphia — Constitution Walking Tour, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Gettysburg, an Amish Community and Busch Gardens; New York City — joining the Good Morning America studio audience, Statue of Liberty, the financial district and ground zero. Middle school counselor Carlo Carrasco coordinated this awesome trip. (Reported by Didi Lota)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

The Academy won the Rookie All-Star Award in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) regional robotics competition in Milwaukee. Competing for the first time, and against 61 U.S. and international teams, we were the only team from Hawaii. The team’s coach was Carl Debo; its sponsors were Okada Trucking Company, Ltd., NASA, Stryker Consulting and the Trimble Foundation. In the earlier Hawaii Regional FIRST competition, the Academy took home the Rookie Spirit Award and a semi-finalist spot in a field of 40 schools. The team has gone on to the national competition, April 17-19, in Atlanta. The Academy team built and programmed their robot “Lance” (after Lancers, the school mascot) in six short weeks, putting him through extensive reconfigurations until he reached a competitive height of 7 feet. Invited to speak at a Wisconsin girls’ school, the team encouraged the young women there to participate in future competitions. Said coach Debo, “It is rewarding to see the girls develop skills that will last a lifetime — team work, problem solving and analytical thinking.” He thanked McKinley and Waialua High Schools, the Wisconsin teams, and local engineering professionals for their support, talent and guidance. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea Early Learning Center

The kindergartners have been busy learning about the rainforest as part of their South America unit. Pictured is Samantha Newman creating a leaf for a tree. The children’s classroom was then transformed into a beautiful rainforest when their completed work of art was displayed. (Reported by Leanna Brake)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll High School

Students here joined more than 150 others from six private and public schools on Oahu, Maui and Kauai for the 2008 Economics Challenge at the Japanese Cultural Center, April 3. in the event, which tests student knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics, the David Ricardo (non-Advanced Placement division) team of Janelle Ho, Janie Moon and Liam Mueller made the finals by scoring 101 out of a possible 135 points, despite being a player short. They earned state runner-up honors, almost winning against Iolani. Liam Mueller was Maryknoll’s high scorer. The Adam Smith (Advanced Placement division) team of Joshua Jou, Scott Kamimura, Daniel Kikawa and Kenji Thornton also earned a place in the finals to battle Iolani. They too landed runner-up honors after a hard-fought contest. Daniel Kikawa was Maryknoll’s high scorer in this division. Maryknoll wishes Iolani well at the April 29 regionals and congratulates its own students for an excellent showing at the state level. Pictured, from left, are AP division team members Scott Kamimura, Kenji Thornton, Daniel Kikawa and Joshua Jou; non-AP division team members Janelle Ho, Liam Mueller and Janie Moon; and faculty advisor Lance Suzuki. (Reported by Lance Suzuki)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll Grade School

Boy at War, a book of fiction by Harry Mazer, was voted the 2007 Nene Award winner by Hawaii’s elementary and middle school children. In a statewide Nene Award creative contest this year for students in grades 4 to 6, Maryknoll students won 10 of 21 first place and honorable mention prizes. In digital arts: Dylan Feeley, first place, fourth grade; Chassy Anne Inouye and Shay Chow, first place, fifth grade; Taylor Hayashi and Arianne Yago, honorable mention, fifth grade; Xavier Imperial, honorable mention, sixth grade. In the essay category: Nathaniel Kaneshige, first place, fifth grade. In performance: David Foy, Braeden Freitas and Ethan Moon, first place, fourth grade. In the poster category, Edric Verona, first place, fourth grade; Sarah Zhang, first place, sixth grade; Ryan Kaku, honorable mention, fourth grade; Hana Ito, honorable mention, fifth grade. The students will be recognized May 9 aboard the USS Missouri. Pictured in the first row, from left, are Dylan Feeley, Edric Verona, Ryan Kaku, Hana Ito, Arianne Yago, Ethan Moon, Xavier Imperial and Chassy Ann Inouye. Second row, from left, David Foy, Braeden Freitas, Taylor Hayashi, Nathaniel Kaneshige, Sarah Zhang and Shay Chow. (Reported by Camille Michel)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

During spring break, sixth grader Kevin Togami, pictured at center, traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Junior National Youth Leadership Conference, visiting historical sites in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. One day, for example, he went to Harpers Ferry, and enjoyed a simulation of John Brown’s famous raid enacted by park rangers. Kevin wore a Civil War era uniform, made fake bullets, learned dances from that time, and even practiced military drills. While there, he also was encouraged to reflect on the character and achievements of the leaders of that period. (Reported by Jill Sprott)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

Our students prepare for May Day performances they will present at the opening celebration of the parish annual feast, April 25, 26 and 27. The May Day Court will be represented by students from each grade as well as a conch shell blower, ladies in waiting and kahili bearers. Each class will perform a song or hula depicting one of the islands. Directing the program is kumu Cliff Pali Ahue and parishioner and parent Moani Wagner. We invite all to join in this Up-Country Maui tradition. (Reported by Helen Souza)

HONOLULU

St. Patrick School

On St. Patrick’s Day, little Hawaiian leprechauns brought a bit of charm, luck and sunshine to our kupunas. Our second graders ended their service learning project with a showcase of talent at the Manoa Senior Care Facility on 12th Avenue in Kaimuki. Pictured are the children taking a break from practice for the really big show! Under the direction of Mrs. Adrianne Hill and Mrs. Gwen Torres, students from 2A and 2B sang a song about the Hawaiian alphabet, recited whimsical poems, demonstrated martial arts katas and showed-off some fancy freestyle dancing. For a finale, the kupunas and the students exchanged gifts and animated conversation. (Reported by Adrianne Hill)

MANOA

St. Francis School

Samantha Lau celebrates with fellow classmates Tori Inouye, Harriette Gayle Acuna and Melissa Au at the news that she will be valedictorian of her 2008 graduating class. Also recognized for their outstanding academic achievements throughout their high school careers were Diane Bautista, Chelsea Dau, Emma Grochowsky, Anna Koethe, Nadia Lee (salutatorian), Ashley Oyakawa, Sun Young Park, Chastity Saldebar, Maxyne Salvador, Sheila Saromo, Rei Uesugi, Corrie Wong and Chasidy Wright. (Reported by Karen Curry)

HILO

St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

Students in Katie Virkus’ environment science class participated in a webcam teleconference recently with a ninth grade class from Bonny Eagle High School in Standish, Maine. The students in Maine are studying volcanoes and wanted to know what life is like living near an active one. Both classes exchanged questions about lifestyle, weather, and cultural differences as well. Shown above looking into the webcam are Chynna Loeffler, left, and Amber Masulit. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

Pictured are catechumens preparing for baptism attended a special morning Mass celebrated by Bishop Larry Silva on March 22. All of them were so tickled to take a picture with him. That evening, five students and one teacher were baptized at the parish Easter Vigil by Father Gary Secor. We congratulate our seventh grade teacher Mrs. Martin and students Kyra Mozo, Tiffany Nakama-Fukuhara, Lorrin Baptista, Destiny Taylor and Michael Zanderigo. (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU

St. Theresa School

Pictured, from left, are Desiree Batangan, Pamela Abella, Aliza Mari Ancheta, Alec Pang, Yaron Fernando and Tyler Castro. Participating in an on-line challenge, these students performed experiments in several interesting activities linked together via a story line that followed the underground university that physicist Marie Curie attended at a time when women were not allowed to study at her local university in Poland. As they performed these experiments, the students collected information to determine the secret location of her class. Submitting their answers online, the young physicists now anxiously await the end of the month when the answers will be revealed. (Reported by Sister Marian Therese Muehlbauer)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph School

Last month, the second grade classes studied about community helpers and ways to make money to provide for our needs and wants. This social studies project ended with a career day presentation. The students picked careers they were interested in, made displays and did presentations in front of the class. Represented were occupations such as doctors, nurses, and teachers. At the end of the day, student families and the rest of the school were invited to see the projects and ask the students questions. The children had fun and the parents enjoyed looking at the different projects. Pictured is Ms. Alcain’s 2B class. (Reported by Keala Kia)

HONOLULU

Chaminade University

Ninety students experienced the April 4-6 Awakening Retreat at St. Stephen Diocesan Center. This retreat was planned and implemented for students and by students. The university’s four campus ministers only served as advisors. Besides receiving many spiritual blessings, many participants said they gained friendships and feeling of belonging to a true ohana. (Reported by Kay Stone)

WAIALUA

St. Michael School

On April 7, the students, faculty and staff honored the top readers in our “Reader Up” program. In the program, which ran Nov. 7-April 4, students from preschool through second grade read 15 books per station, and students in grades 3-8 read 300 pages per station. This year we added a new twist to encourage class participation. We set up “innings” and tracked classes instead of students. Every 447 books gained an inning for preschool through grade two, and 3,000 pages gained an inning for other grades. The eighth grade reached the “9th inning” with a total of 69,086 pages read in their class. First, fifth and seventh grades were the only classes to gain 100 percent participation. Congratulations to all the top readers in each class as well as the overall top readers. A very special thank you goes out to Mrs. Lile for tabulating and tracking grades 3-8. The program was a success! The program tells students that reading is fun and good for you. If one child picked up a book to read for fun then the whole program was worth it. Pictured: Cheyenne Daves, Kanisa Kaysonphet, Olivia Whitehurst, Adrienne Eckstein, Isaiah Hewitt and Shyanna Lowers placed top overall in their age divisions. (Reported by Jennifer Holmberg)

 SALT LAKE

St. Philomena Early Learning Center

On April 4 our school concluded its Reynolds Cash for Cans Challenge. Throughout the month, parents and parishioners donated and bagged enough HI-5 cans and plastic bottles to fill the Reynolds truck. Let’s hope we hit our goal of 500 lbs. A big mahalo goes out to all who donated their cans and bottles! (Reported by Joyce Acma)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel School

The students were active in sacrifice, almsgiving and prayer this past Lent. The Jump Rope for Heart Day on Feb. 13 raised $5, 331.05 for heart and stroke research and educational programs. The students also donated $1,960.85 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients Program. … Through Capuchin Franciscan Father Paulo Kosaka’s efforts, we are recycling bottles and cans again, this time to buy food for the parish food pantry. Our March 13 food drive was also for the pantry. A big mahalo to the students, parents and teachers who made these events successful. … We increased our prayer time as well during Lent, adding eucharistic adoration and the Stations of the Cross to our weekly school Mass and monthly Rosary. Before the school-wide Adoration, our fifth grade presented teachings from the Bible, Pope John Paul II, Fatima and Divine Mercy. Our fourth grade led the traditional Stations while the seventh grade acted out the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden and the 14 Stations. … Finally a belated congratulations to our girls volleyball team for winning the division I consolation championship tournament game in December. A big thank you to coaches Mr. Ragsac and Ms. Daligcon and the parents for their support. (Reported by Dominic Olaso)