PAHOA
Sacred Heart Parish
Our pastor blesses our future! Geothermal energy is a top source of renewable energy, better than solar or wind. When the sun doesn’t shine and there is no wind, the heat from our volcano produces a steady flow of power. Geothermal power is extracted from heat stored in the earth. The flashing of the first geothermal well in the Puna area took place on July 2, 1976. This past Jan. 26, our pastor, Father Carlito “Joey” Ranjo Jr. and Kahu Minnie Kaawaloa blessed the grounds in Puna of the 10th geothermal well and the crews of two mainland power companies. They will be drilling approximately 6,500 feet for the new well. The contract between HELCO and Puna Geothermal will provide 30 megawatts of energy. Completion of the well is expected to be around April 30. This would be a very interesting topic for our youth to do research on. (Reported by Steve Torres)
HAWI
Sacred Heart Parish
Congratulations to Kohala High School homecoming king Brandon Bautista and queen Cherry Campollo. Both are active in our parish. They belong to YMAC (Youth after confirmation ministry). Brandon is an altar server and Cherry is a lector. Brandon is on the Kohala High varsity basketball and volleyball teams. He volunteers with KCAA Biddy Basketball as a coach and official in the seven and eight-year-old age group. He also helps as an official with the DARE 3 on 3 basketball games. He is a member of the Leo Club, which does community service. Cherry is very active in the Kohala High student council. (Reported by Lee Rivera)
WAILUKU
St. Anthony of Padua Parish
The parish has re-instated the ringing of church bells at 3 p.m. daily as a reminder in this Marianist community of the hour of salvation when Christ died on the Cross and when Mary was given to us as our Mother. In Marianist tradition, a prayer is recited at this time. Copies of the prayer are available at the parish office and the church center. … The parish Boy Scouts celebrated the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Scouts with Mass and a brunch at Marian Hall. Visiting dignitaries, Father Andre Fetes and Brother Jose Marie Alvira, from the general administration for the Society of Mary in Rome were in attendance. The visitors were also honored at a potluck with the lay Marianists of the parish on Feb. 6. (Reported by Miriam Kahalekai)
HONOKAA
Our Lady of Lourdes
On Jan. 24, Bishop Larry Silva installed Father Raymund Ellorin as the new pastor of our parish as a packed church eagerly welcomed him as the shepherd of our fold. Bishop Larry’s inspirational homily added the perfect touch. After Mass, everyone celebrated with an ono luncheon and wonderful entertainment in our parish hall. We look forward to many years of sharing our faith life with Father Raymund, pictured here with a special banner from his parish. (Reported by Cindy Juan)
PAPAIKOU
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
On Feb. 7, our Youth Ministry set up their pots after the weekend Masses and collected money for the Souper Bowl of Caring. They netted $382.79 which will be divided between the Catholic Relief Services (for the Haitian Disaster Fund) and our parish food pantry. Congratulations! Job well done! Pictured, kneeling from left, Kayla Abalos and Maryann Ancheta. In back, from left, Calle Villanueva, Sharryley Fernandez, Kesha Kubo, James Pratt Jr. and Reynard Galdones. (Reported by Pat Phillips)
KIHEI
St. Theresa Parish
The 11th annual fundraiser for Hale Kau Kau, the parish program that feeds the hungry every day of the year, is Saturday, March 6, in the Aulani Ballroom of the Wailea Beach Marriot Hotel. In operation for 19 years, the program feeds about 120 people on site daily and delivers about 60 meals to the homebound. The many volunteers who cook, setup, cleanup and deliver make this a successful endeavor. The March 6 event is its main yearly fundraiser. Other support comes from grants and donations. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. Live and silent auctions will offer many valuable items from generous individuals and businesses, including gift certificates for meals, activities, spa treatments, hotel stays and more. There will also be jewelry, artwork and many handcrafted items. A buffet meal includes a bountiful salad bar, side dishes and entrees to suite everyone’s taste plus a wide selection of desserts. This year, we are especially excited to have Uncle Willie K, pictured here, as the main entertainment. This popular local musician fills his shows with songs, stories and comedy. Uncle Willie is donating his evening. Also entertaining will be Na Mele O Paina and Joe Cano and Tom Conway. As always, the night promises to be a lot of fun. Tickets are $75 and available before and after weekend Masses. For more information, call Hale Kau Kau at 875-8754 or e-mail hkkmaui@yahoo.com (Reported by Anita Carrington)
KULIOUOU
Holy Trinity Parish
The Youth Basic Christian Community, or Youth BCC, is a fellowship that says the rosary, eats, shares close moments with God, studies the Bible and prays on Thursday nights, 7-9 p.m. in the parish office meeting room. YBCC counts as service hours for Confirmation. For details, call Mike Stock at 396-0551, ext. 236, and leave a message. (From the parish bulletin)
WAIKIKI
Sts. Peter and Paul
The cost of “seven-day” votive candles, beside the statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, has gone up to $4 to cover the wholesale cost which has gone up. However, they are still “a deal” compared to other Honolulu churches. The candles may be purchased from the sacristan or altar server. Thank you for your consideration. (From the parish bulletin)
PEARL CITY
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish
On Feb. 2, Father Paul Li had the honor and pleasure of officiating at the renewal of wedding vows for Domingo “Espi” and Mary Jane Espinueva. They were married 58 years ago at St. Theresa Church in Palama. Espi was employed at Hawaiian Electric Co. and Mary Jane at the State Department of Labor. They had four children and soon had six grandchildren and much later seven great-grandchildren. The entire clan lives in Hawaii, except for the eldest son and family who reside in Florida. This gives Espi and Mary Jane an excuse to travel. Otherwise, the rest of the family enjoys deep sea fishing and time on the baseball field, cheering for their grandchildren. Is there a day for family gatherings? No, the clan drops in whenever and for whatever. Espi is a eucharistic minister and both are in the Sunday morning rosary group. They look forward to many more years of happiness and service to the church. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)
EWA BEACH
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
Our annual Ministry Appreciation event, Jan. 8 at the church, was a time to say “Thank You” to the many men and women who give generously of their time and talent serving in various ministries. More than 200 came to enjoy the food, games, line dancing, fellowship and a slide show of the ministries in action. Shown here losing his spot in the “Musical Baby Food” is Justin Sniffen with eyes wide open after eating a spoonful of baby food. … In another development, the parish website — olphewabeach.org — is back up again. Thanks to our Communications Ministry, especially Leo Gil Jr., who redesigned and maintains our website. (Reported by Julia Torres)
WAIPIO GENTRY
Resurrection of the Lord Parish
On Jan. 2, something special happened at the Next Step Shelter in Kakaako, charging up the normally quiet weekend. There was an aroma of good food, sounds of laughter, music, and people having great fellowship as more than 200 shelter residents enjoyed a hearty luncheon lovingly prepared by 38 Confirmation I and II candidates and their parents and sponsors. Each Confirmation candidate sat down individually with the residents to talk about life experiences before this special event unfolded. Everyone enjoyed a ham lunch, live entertainment, bingo, prizes, and children’s games and crafts. The residents received gift certificates and goodie-bags of personal items like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body lotion, T-shirts, among many other specially boxed gifts. In one memorable moment, every resident was presented a brand new fluffy pillow with a pillowcase that the Confirmation candidates personally decorated. Our parishioners graciously donated all 225 pillows and pillowcases. We also presented the shelter a check for $2,200. All of this was made possible because everyone who participated in the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord worked hard to make it happen, beginning with our Advent “Stuff” and “Food and Baked Goods” sales in December that raised $3,800. The experience was truly rewarding for all who participated. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi; photo by Bobby Balais)
MILILANI
St. John Apostle and Evangelist
Seventy parishioners caught a chartered bus to the state capital for the Jan. 22 March for Life. The parish Respect Life Ministry coordinated the bus sign-up and group’s participation in this very important event. “Choose to Cherish Life” T-shirts, banners and signs were made for the occasion. Our Respect Life Ministry volunteers continue to educate, promote and pray for a respect for all human life from conception until natural death. (Reported by Melissa Crisostomo)
EWA
Immaculate Conception
Our CFC (Couples for Christ) Youth Ministry exists not only in parishes but at colleges as well. The Leeward Community College Catholic Club CFC Youth Campus Base holds meetings 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays in room LA 229. Through the stress of exams and papers, students can take time off their hectic schedules and join fellow classmates in worship, fellowship and teachings of our Catholic faith. The picture shows one of their first meetings of the semester — movie night featuring the film “Joshua.” The advisor is Deacon Ernie Libarios of Resurrection Parish in Waipio. We invite any college student from any campus or parish to join. For more information, contact Couple Coordinators Ed and Malia Crisostomo at (808) 216-2928. (Reported by Maricel Daquioag)
AIEA
St. Elizabeth Parish
The Lenten season is springtime for the soul and a discipline for the stomach. As is traditional, our parish will have Friday Mass and Stations of the Cross, followed this year with the sharing a sacrificial meal of soup and bread. Everyone will be asked to donate the value of the meal they would have eaten. The donations will support Our Lady of Good Counsel Church’s food pantry. The soup and bread nights will be coordinated by the Knights of Columbus Council 6906 shown here getting ready for the first meal … The Knights will prepare the soup (with help from Lela Thelen — lentil soup — on March 12 and 19). They already have smiles on their faces. Now all we need is the soup! (Reported by Linda Cacpal; photo by Kin Borja)
WAIALUA
St. Michael Parish
The parish Adult Faith Formation Team hosted a Mardi Gras celebration, on Saturday, Feb. 13. It was a night of fun, food, games, dancing and contests in the hall. (From the parish bulletin)
KANEOHE
St. Ann Parish
Our fifth annual scholarship dinner and dance, An Affair of the Heart, Feb. 6, at Koolau Golf Club’s Grand Ballroom was truly a wonderful gathering in support of our schools. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and wonderful entertainment by Mailani Makainai and Touch of Gold. A silent auction offered a St. Kamiano print by our art teacher Louise Barr and picnic tables from the children of our Early Learning Center. Hearts opened with generous gifts and donations which enable us to reach out to families in financial need. Last year we awarded 31 scholarships totaling $51,000. Pictured are Kirk and Malu Kamanu, Hawaii Catholic Schools superintendent Carmen Himenes and Mary Wuscher greeting each other at the event. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
SALT LAKE
St. Philomena Parish
On Feb. 5, Jean Ganiko, head of our outreach ministry, led 17 parishioners on a mission to distribute food packages to the homeless at Keehi Lagoon Park. This would be the first of a monthly effort to bring food to homeless on public land in our extended neighborhood. At 2 p.m., Lita Acierto, Loretta Baurile, Faye Briones, Gladys Chun, Harold Chun, Jean Ganiko, Magdalena Gungab, Jimmy Infiesto, Jean Leong, Filomena Mina, Rose Nip, Jackie Oribio, Lolita Quiocho, Violet Sadural, Sally Valenzuela, Taos Wright and Marge Young gathered to package sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, toiletries and other items. At 3 p.m. they carpooled to the park and found an unexpectedly large contingent of paddlers out there practicing. They did meet a handful of the homeless who told them that many other groups bring food to the park and that many of the homeless have returned to living under the freeway near Ahua Street. So the intrepid group made their way to Mapunapuna, encountering first more than 20 domesticated-looking cats and then a few people. Slowly, more people emerged as word spread and all 40 prepared sacks were distributed. We will give more thought to this experience and decide how it will affect what we do for our next distribution date, March 5. Our food pantry also distributes food to the needy in the Salt Lake area on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. We appreciate all the help we receive from all our parishioners and supporters. But we do need your continued kokua. Call Jean Ganiko, 839-1876, if you have suggestions or can help in any way. (Reported by Michael Ho)
HONOLULU
Maryknoll Grade School
Staffers, from left, Allyson Agcaolii, Jennifer Severson, Elianna Goldstein, Heidi McGivern, Kris Kern and Shawn Williamson get down and dirty at the Ka Papa Lo’i o Kanewai in Punaluu. It was part of the faculty and staff retreat day in January. Organizers planned activities based on Mary and Martha from the Gospel of Luke. Both women were devoted to Christ, but expressed it in different ways. Martha showed her devotion through service in action. Mary encountered Christ through dialogue and reflection. So some of us pulled weeds and planted taro, while others participated in prayer and discussion with visiting Jesuit Father Chris Devron at Koolau Ballroom. Whichever activity we chose, we all enjoyed a day of inspiration and refilling for our community. (Reported by Stephen Florino; photo by Larry Kekaulike)
HONOLULU
Sacred Hearts Academy
We celebrated the Domestic Violence Action Center’s 20th anniversary with a service project focused on healthy dating. Students created 1,000 peace bracelets on Jan. 28 and 29 to educate teens on the warning signs of dating abuse. Bracelets will be sold for $5; the money will further the Center’s educational programs. The Domestic Violence Action Center has helped hundreds of students understand the tenets of safe dating. The peace bracelet program offers tips on how to assess whether one’s partner is abusive. According to Nanci Kreidman, the center’s chief executive officer, “Abuse doesn’t always mean black eyes or broken bones. Some early signs to watch for in teen dating include: extreme jealousy and controlling behavior; explosive anger; isolating the partner from family and friends; tendency to blame others; and becoming verbally or mentally abusive.” The bracelets will also be sold at a gala celebration honoring the center on March 11 at the Sheraton Waikiki. For tickets, call 534-0040. Pictured are members of the student council, Lancer Robotics and Key Club, from left, Chris Ohh, Karen Atis, Danielle Aio, Eujil Peralta and Pilar Mendez. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)
HONOLULU
Maryknoll High School
Senior Jacob Mayer goes up for the basket between two Damien defenders at our Feb. 4 homecoming game, our first, true homecoming game in our new home, the Maryknoll Community Center. In front of a capacity crowd, the Spartans beat the Monarchs, 57-55, in overtime. The Spartans were down two with 15 seconds left when Keikia’i Cashman-Fernandez hit two free throws to tie. Isaiah Dowdell hit the game-winner as time expired. Dowdell tied the game high with 15 points. Mayer had 12. (Reported by Stephen Florino; photo by Chad Asato, Maryknoll Photography Club)
EWA BEACH
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
While most teenagers enjoy their weekends at the beach or movies, eighth grade honor student Melissa Andres is busy making appearances at various social events around the island. Last November, Melissa earned the title as Miss Hawaii Junior Teen America. She was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship and three trophies for congeniality, physical fitness and evening gown. She credits the school choir for providing her with many opportunities to develop her talent in singing. We wish her the best as she competes for the national title in October. Congratulations, Melissa! We are so proud of you. (Reported by Karen Caliedo; photo by Mark Andres)
KANEOHE
St. Ann’s Early Learning Center
For Author’s Day on Feb. 4, teachers switched rooms and visited classes other than their own to present a literary lesson to a new group of learners. The children were treated to a story followed by a fun-filled activity, like making stick and finger puppets, collages and edible lady bugs. It was a wonderful way for the children to get excited about reading. Pictured is the three-year-olds teacher, Michelle Yamada, reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to the four-year-old class. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
KANEOHE
St. Ann’s Model School
On Feb. 3, the students celebrated Mass for Catholic Schools Week with special guests Hawaii Catholic Schools superintendent Carmen Himenes and Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona. After Mass, Lt. Gov. Aiona spoke to the children about the importance of Catholic Schools and how his foundation in education came from attending a Catholic grade school just like them. Catholic Schools not only teach academics, he said, but build character, develop moral values and enhance leadership skills. He said that integrity comes from putting service over power and principle over convenience. He especially wanted our junior high students to recognize their roles as leaders of our younger students. Mr. Aiona was most gracious to our St. Ann’s ohana and spent time meeting faculty, students and parents. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
ENCHANTED LAKE
St. John Vianney Parish
The St. John Vianney Hula Halau will perform at Disneyland on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 (during spring break). This will be the first time the halau will be performing off-island! To raise funds: a rummage sale on President’s Day, Feb. 15, at the parish hall and a pizza dinner on Feb. 15. (From the parish bulletin)
WAILUKU
St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School
Senior Ryan MacLeod was the chair, along with co-chair Maui High sophomore Michele Balala, for the Maui Youth Relay for Life. This year’s event had record numbers with 1,016 youth and more than 100 adult volunteers. The event raised over $37,000 for the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life is a nation-wide event. Other private schools there were Kamehameha-Maui, Seabury Hall and Maui Preparatory. DOE schools participating included Lahainaluna, Baldwin High School, Maui High School and King Kekaulike. Our National Honor Society co-chaired the Survivors Dinner and Dessert, honoring those fighting cancer, those who have beaten cancer, and their caregivers. Pictured making the “First Lap by Survivors and Caregivers,” are from right, vice principal Patricia Rickard (survivor); her granddaughter Kira Gomez; Michael Pullman (in treatment), father of student Hallee Pullman; former athletic director Don Snyder (survivor); former principal Edwina Wilson-Snyder. The others are not identified. (Reported by Janice Pruett)
HILO
St. Joseph Elementary School
Second graders in Mrs. Rebecca See’s class made Valentines Day Cards for children living at the Office for Social Ministry homeless shelters. Emergency shelter director Ms. Kate gave an informative presentation answering great questions from students. They learned about a typical day at the shelters and how all shelter residents are taught life skills. They also brought in miscellaneous toiletry donations for the shelter children. (Reported by Rowena Austria)
SALT LAKE
St. Philomena Early Learning Center
On Feb. 3, during Catholic Schools Week, Vivian Aiona, wife of Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona, visited the children. Aunty Vivian, as she wanted us to call her, went to each class and read her favorite stories, “Love You Forever,” by Robert Munsch, and “Don’t Touch My Hat” by local writer James Rumford. The children enjoyed spending time with her, especially listening to her many stories of her own children. (Reported by LaiYin Ng)
HILO
St. Joseph High School
Our senior basketball team and cheerleaders were recognized during “senior nite” after the last home game. Shown, from left, are Derek Kravitsky, Alaina Fuata, Steven Hsu, senior Cruz Martinez, Jacob Andrade, Devyn Monberg, Jenna Lee Rapoza, Keyin Crudele, Whitney Cardoza and Hunter Lee. This was also the homecoming game where the Cardinals scored a victory over Pahoa High School. Great job team! (Reported by Rowena Austria)
HILO
St. Joseph Preschool
In a lesson about liquids turning into solids, temperatures and melting, pre-school teacher Nani Early created an “Ice-Man” sculpture by freezing water in bowls and creating the snowman look-alike. The children really got involved in the lesson and donned their cold weather gear! (Reported by Rowena Austria)
WAIPAHU
St. Joseph School
From Feb. 1 to 4, we celebrated Catholic Schools Week. The theme this year was “Dividends for Life.” On Monday, we had a blast watching the St. Francis Band and getting pumped up with our pep rally. On Tuesday, unfortunately, events were cancelled because of rain. The talent show was rescheduled for Feb. 12 and the volleyball game ended early with the teachers winning! On Wednesday, the weather cleared and we went to church for a liturgy sponsored by the fourth grade class celebrating our principal Beverly Sandobal’s 30th anniversary in Hawaii Catholic Schools. She was surprised when the classes presented her with leis and cards and some eighth graders sang her a song. After lunch, we experienced our first teachers’ swap. Our grade, 6B, got Ms. Dana Fujinaga, the kindergarten A teacher. She gave us three experiments — we made a paper clip float, mixed food coloring with milk using soap and created lava lamps. We had a super time! Thursday was Excursion Day! Our grade went with the seventh grade to see The Blind Side. On Friday, to complete the week, we had no school while the teachers attended a meeting. It was a fun week. We learned a lot and I can’t wait until next year! Pictured are fourth graders Evanna Mirzai and Alyssa Mercado performing to “Cry of My Heart” during the liturgical celebration. (Reported by Madison Garcia, grade 6)
MAKAWAO
St. Joseph School
In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, students put on a play reenacting the life of St. Damien of Molokai. Under the direction of Dominican Sister Estelita Jamelo and Chris Kent, the fourth and fifth grade class gave a meaningful and reflective sharing to all present. Other events that week were the participation in the island-wide spelling bee, community service day, school science fair and food drive. We thank our St. Joseph Ohana for their commitment to the education of their children in a Catholic-based school. (Reported by Helen Souza)
HONOLULU
Chaminade University
The campus ministry assists in St. Andrew Cathedral’s Feed the Hungry Sunday Lunch Program twice each month. Pictured are members of Chaminade’s Manianas Club who prepared and served lunch for the many homeless in attendance. (Reported by Kay Stone)