PAHOA
Sacred Heart Parish
We have now begun the 40-day season of Lent which reminds us of the pain and suffering of Christ. On the walls of most churches, “Stations of the Cross” commemorate the Passion and Death of Christ. Our parish is blessed to have enough property to permit a virtual Way of the Cross which we call our “Meditation Path.” It is a way for people to connect to God who understands the pain of each of us. Each station along the pathway is assigned to a sponsor who upkeeps the landscaping throughout the year. It is not an easy task. On the east side of the Big Island, you need to realize that if you don’t maintain your property, nature will overpower you. By this, I mean grass and weeds. Throughout the year, three parishioners, baptized and raised in our parish, keep this wonderful pathway clean with the help of their families. They are George and Lillian Salazar with Leilani Kobayashi. Others also help to maintain this area and the parish grounds, but our parish would like to take the time now to personally thank these three for their sincere dedication. Because of their efforts, anyone who wishes may walk the path in quiet meditation and prayer and ask our Lord for whatever needs they may have in their life. “Appreciation is for now, gratitude is forever” (author unknown). (Reported by Steve Torres)
KEAUKAHA
Malia Puka O Kalani Parish
Father Joe Hennen blesses the throats of those who came forward at Mass on the feast of Saint Blaise. Our parish’s Lenten resolve is: “We will speak only kindly of the members of our household and parish ohana. We give each other permission to say, ‘Come on, it’s Lent.’” (Reported by Karen Hotniansky)
LIHUE
Immaculate Conception Parish
Mr. Gerry Pellegrini, a parishioner, will present a series of lectures on the Old Testament at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays during Lent. Topics are: 1. What is the Bible and how to read it. 2. Genesis: Adam and Eve, the Great Flood. 3. The Patriarchs. The Saga of Abraham and Jacob. 4. Joseph and his brothers. 5. Moses and the Exodus. 6. Joshua and the Promised Land. The birth and Fall of the Empire. (Reported by Sister Florence Remata, OSF)
KAHULUI
Christ the King Parish
About 300 gathered on Feb. 14 in the Elleair Room of the Maui Beach Hotel for a parish Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. The mistress of ceremony was Connie Aruda, Father Adondee Arellano said the invocation and blessing of couples, and Father Efren Tomas gave the welcoming address. The Youth Ministry and the Marian Choir Club provided the entertainment and Irene Cambra led everyone in singing “Song of Thanks.” Certificates of appreciation were given to ministry leaders who handed them out to the volunteers in their ministries. Everyone had a great time. Thank you to all who volunteer their time with the different ministries. … Father Tomas was the celebrant at Maui’s Rite of Election at 3 p.m. on Feb. 21 a St. Anthony Parish in Wailuku. Stanley Rodrigues (godparent-Julie Fontanilla) and Janice Sol (godparent-Eleanor Aquinde) were there from Christ the King to write their names in the Book of Elect. Also there with their sponsors were the candidates who seek to complete their Christian initiation. Pictured are Father Efren, Father Adondee, Sister Angie Laurenzo, the Elect, the Candidates, and the godparents/sponsors. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)
LAHAINA
Maria Lanakila Parish
Two catechumens from our parish received the Rite of Election and the Enrollment of Names on the First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 21. The rite was celebrated by Maui vicar Father Efren Tomas at St. Anthony Church, Wailuku. Pictured, from left, are Maria Lanakila RCIA coordinators Margy and Jim O’Brien, the newly elect RJ Salmasan and Shannon Furtado, and our pastor Father Gary Colton. (Reported by Jim and Margy O’Brien)
HILO
St. Joseph Parish
Mahalo to the youth and young adult groups at our parish for creating the Lenten banners for the church. (Reported by Karen Hotniansky)
AIEA
St. Elizabeth Parish
On Dec.4 and 5 at Camp Kokokahi, 30 students in the Phase I Confirmation class gathered to share, pray and make a commitment to follow Jesus Christ each day of their lives. Looking to Jesus’ leadership over them through prayer, they shared experiences and listened to the testimonies of seven others who made the commitment through the anointing in Confirmation last Easter. A diverse retreat team of four college students and seven adults did an excellent job of preparing the overnight experience. Taking Jesus as the model, they focused on living his unconditional love daily; being people of prayer to resist the temptations of life; and encouraging others to allow Jesus to take the lead role in their lives. Future generations of young people need the experience of journeying with Jesus as a friend and mentor. Let’s hope that their energy and desire for a life worth living keeps the church alive and courageous. (Reported by Linda Cacpal and Rose de Vera-Javier; photo by Rose de Vera-Javier)
PAPAIKOU
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
On Feb. 7, Webelos Scouts Cody Pinzon (Pack 71) and Joey Smith (Pack 78) received their Parvuli Dei emblems at the 10 a.m. Mass. The objectives of this program for Catholic Cub Scouts are to help the scout develop an awareness of God’s love for each of his special, uniquely created beings, to help the scout become aware and understand his identity as an important member of his family, his community and as a member in the family of God, and to aid the scout in his awareness of the responsibilities that grow out of God’s love for us. Congratulations Cody and Joey! Pictured, from left, are Cody, unit commissioner Mark Johnson and Joey. (Reported by Pat Phillips)
EWA
Immaculate Conception Parish
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, but for the parishioners in our parish, Lent started on Shrove Tuesday. Every year, the parishioners are asked to bring their old palms from the Palm Sunday the year before to be burned during a ceremony to make ashes for Ash Wednesday. Pictured are Father Mike Dalton, assisted by Maricel Daquioag, leading the prayers. After the palms were burned and the ashes gathered, everyone was invited for dinner in the parish hall for a last meal together before the season of fasting and abstinence. It was a night full of fun, laughter and fellowship. Thank you to all who participated! (Reported by Alison Harney)
KANEOHE
St. Ann Parish
On Feb. 20, 47 parish youths received their First Reconciliation. The morning began with an opening prayer service followed with the children/teens celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation. On hand to celebrate the sacrament were provincial of the Sacred Hearts Father Chris Keahi, pastor Father Herman Gomes, associate pastor Father Benny Kosasih, Father Pat McCormick and Father Marvin Bearis. The youth will continue their sacramental preparation for First Eucharist in May. Pictured, Aubree Davis reflects and prays after receiving her First Reconciliation. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
MILILANI
St. John Apostle and Evangelist
On Feb. 13, the Hawaii Marriage Encounter community presented the enrichment, “Married and Loving It, Most of the Time,” which 30 couples from parishes throughout the diocese attended. The enrichment provided married couples with communication tools to support their sacrament of marriage. The day concluded with the celebration of Mass where pastor Father Manuel Hewe led the couples in a renewal of their marriage vows. The event was co-sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter and our parish’s Respect Life Ministry. Pictured are Brian and Claudine Perry, Marriage Encounter Area Leaders for Hawaii. (Reported by Melissa Crisostomo)
WAIPAHU
St. Joseph Parish
Parishioners celebrated our pastor Father Gregorio Honorio Jr.’s 15th anniversary of his ordination with a potluck dinner Feb 12 in the parish hall. He is a Missionary Priest of the Congregation of Our Lady of La Salette and the son of Lolita Honorio of Ramon, Isabela, Philippines, and the late Gregorio Honorio Sr. After graduating from high school, Father Greg entered the seminary at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. He obtained degrees in philosophy and theology from Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City, and was ordained on Feb. 10, 1995, in Santiago City, Isabela. Before arriving at St. Joseph Parish in 2008, he served in parishes in the Philippines, Australia and California. In Hawaii he is also a member of the diocesan presbyteral council. Through his dynamic leadership, our parish raised over $2.2 million in pledges for the diocese’s capital campaign. The in-pew collections also set record numbers. We are blessed to have Father Greg guiding the parish community with his vibrant and innovative manner. He faces situations with a positive attitude, and motivates accordingly. His deep spirituality and love for Jesus inspires our parish to grow in compassion and fellowship. God bless you, Father Greg, as you continue in your spiritual journey with our Lord, Jesus Christ. (Reported by Irene Sandry)
KULIOUOU
Holy Trinity Parish
The Parish Youth Ministry offers opportunities for young people to fulfill service hours, including altar serving the 7 a.m. Sunday Mass, gardening at the Makai House, and serving breakfast to the homeless in Waikiki on Saturday mornings. The homeless project is a joint one with other east Honolulu parishes and high schools. (From the parish bulletin)
WAIKIKI
Sts. Peter and Paul
Parish secretary Pat Cabrinha wrote this note in the Feb. 21 parish bulletin: “A fond aloha to Thelma Lee who has been a receptionist in the office every Thursday for almost 15 years! Thelma is the last of the original receptionists who started nearly 16 years ago. It has been my pleasure as the parish secretary to work with Thelma. As we chatted and cried together, I will miss Thelma and her happy, smiling face and professionalism with answering the telephone and office entrance. She will definitely be missed … everyone who stops by on Thursdays has enjoyed chatting with her. We wish Thelma and her family much happiness and get well soon … Thelma will be welcomed back with open arms when she’s able and willing. A fond aloha.” (From the parish bulletin)
SALT LAKE
St. Philomena Parish
Following de-clustering with Holy Family Parish in July 2009, our newly invigorated Parish Planning and Building Committee has made several significant upgrades to the parish grounds and facilities. The worship space has been reconfigured, the interior repainted, the church lighting upgraded, the sprinkler system repaired and upgraded, and the landscaping improved. Most dramatic have been the termite and dry rot repairs, the washing and painting of the roof, and the painting of the church exterior — all accomplished through the dedication of Dino and Michele Ancheta (pictured) who organized, coordinated and managed the three-prong effort. Dino did much of the carpentry, painting and cleanup on his own time and at his own expense. He also got help from family, friends and other parishioners. Michele helped manage the effort, ordering all materials and equipment, including pick-up and delivery to the job site. The Anchetas also made out-of-pocket donations of some of the materials and supplies. In all, Dino and Michele saved the parish well over 80 percent of the estimated cost. But they were not alone in their generosity. Other members of the planning and building committee have quietly donated time, materials and expertise on repair and maintenance projects. (Reported by Michael Ho)
WAIALUA
St. Michael Parish
Young parishioners organized several projects last month to raise money to travel to World Youth Day in Spain with the pope next year. They included aluminum can and plastic bottle recycling, a pizza night on Feb. 24 and sale of a $5 hamburger steak bento and $3 fruit salad bowl on Feb. 28. (From the parish bulletin)
ENCHANTED LAKE
St. John Vianney Parish
The parish Seniors Program presented a present seminar on a simple and effective self-defense method called “Stand Tall” on Feb. 26 in the parish center lounge. Guest instructor Janice Aquino taught personal safety and self protection skills. “You don’t have to live in fear and feel helpless and vulnerable!” (From the parish bulletin)
HILO
St. Joseph Preschool
Our pre-school recently hosted a mom’s night, giving students the opportunity to show their mothers what they are currently learning in school. It was a very fun and successful evening! Mahalo to our teachers, parents, and students for coming together for this special night! (Reported by Rowena Austria)
HILO
St. Joseph Elementary School
Our fifth graders were treated to a special visit by second year students from UH Hilo’s College of Pharmacy. The college students taught them how to make their own body lotion, from mixing ingredients and choosing a scent to labeling their containers. Much mahalo to the College of Pharmacy students and to teacher Mrs. Kathy Borris for a great science lesson! (Reported by Rowena Austria)
HILO
St. Joseph High School
Congratulations to our Mock Trial ‘B’ Team for winning the one and only spot to represent the Big Island in the state competition! A and B team members are pictured, from left, front row: Hunter Lee, Savannah Brinkman, Kapua Jacunski, Kanani Jacunski, Haley Perreira, Katherine Kluzak and Joshua Teuber. In the second row: coach and teacher Dr. Nathan Yocum, Christopher Wyrick, Robert D’Anna, Cruz Martinez, William Livingston and Matthieu Ostrander. In the third row: Elyssa Correira, Ku’ulei Lord and Sydney Wilcox. (Reported by Rowena Austria)
WAILUKU
St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School
Senior Michela Moe was named Miss Maui 2010. Her platform was “Lend a Hand.” Michela is vice president of MDSCO (Maui District Student Council Organization) and an active member in student government, the Key Club, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Major League Baseball Action Team, varsity paddling and advanced placement classes. She is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the United States Achievement Academy. Off-campus, Michela dances for Halau Ke’alaokamaile, takes Hawaiian language classes, is a member of the Kihei Canoe Club, and an attendee at Lead America’s Leadership University. After high school she aspires to earn a PhD in education administration. (Reported by Janice Pruett)
HONOLULU
Holy Trinity School
As we prepared to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, our eighth graders, under the direction of our art instructor Mr. A., created a life-size replica of this year’s theme, incorporating our 50th anniversary and the love for Catholic schools. Here we have faculty and staff members Sister Sarah Bernard Talite, CSJ, and Colleen Nakama wearing their Catholic Schools Week theme shirts, proud to be a part of the Catholic School system. (Reported by Colleen Nakama)
MAKAWAO
St. Joseph School
Our school staff gathered for a group photo as they attended the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the closing event celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The group of current teachers, former teacher and administration, admire the new statue of St. Damien at Maria Lanakila Church in Lahaina where the Eucharistic celebration and keynote speaker session were held on Feb. 5. It was a day of fellowship, learning and sharing with fellow teachers the blessing and call to teach our faith formation to the youth of Hawaii. (Reported by Helen Souza)
HONOLULU
Cathedral Catholic Academy
Eighth grade historians put on their thinking caps as they participated in a brain compatible classroom activity called structural indexing. Students wrote on index cards the top nine terms for their chapter on “colonial crisis.” Working in pairs, they shuffled the cards and placed them in three rows of three. Students were then challenged to write sentences using each term in the row. This activity allowed students to demonstrate their creative use of language and knowledge of history. Bravo! (Reported by Michael Paekukui)
EWA BEACH
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
On Jan. 23, the Hawaii Army National Guard recognized approximately 1,000 soldiers and their families at the Freedom Salute Ceremony held in the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center. In August 2008, the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was deployed to the Middle East in Operation Iraqi Freedom VIII. Our school’s service project, “God’s Pencils,” provided encouragement and support throughout the year-long deployment with letters and prayers by the students for the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 487 Field Artillery, Alpha Battery unit led by Captain Timothy Spencer. In appreciation for the school’s support, the principal Franciscan Sister Davilyn Ah Chick was awarded the Brigade’s Center of Influence Award which is given to an individual or organization chosen by the unit itself for assisting the soldiers during mobilization. Our first grade teacher Tracy Spencer was also awarded the Brigade’s Center of Influence for her leadership of the unit’s Family Readiness Group. The award is an 18-inch-tall bronze statue of a Minuteman, the traditional symbol of the citizen-soldiers who serve in the National Guard. Pictured, from left, are Colonel Robert Lesher, Carol Yamauchi, Tracy Spencer, Rafaela Lewis, Charmaine Lesher, Sister Davilyn, Carrie Kato and Command Sgt. Major Leonard Ventura. (Reported by Tracy Spencer; photo by Holly Mata)
HONOLULU
Sacred Hearts Academy Lower School
Our first graders discovered the world of plants and the beauty of Waimea Valley on a field trip to the North Shore. Students learned an oli chant before entering the sacred Waimea Valley which recognized the special history of the place. The girls engaged their senses by smelling, touching and watering plants in the Children’s Garden. They learned how to make a non-chemical pesticide, a mixture of lemongrass leaves and water, brushing it on the plants to keep them bug free. Our first graders also learned how to compost, digging in the compost for worms and bugs, and creating rich soil perfect for growing plants. They returned to school with respect for the plant life that surrounds us. Pictured is Ashlee Fong examining the leaves of a ginger plant. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)
HONOLULU
Sacred Hearts Academy
Our school took second place in the Governor’s Cup Real World Design Challenge (RWDC). Our team had to design a business jet tail for a specified cruise condition. To craft their jet tail, the students got advice from scientists and engineers in the aviation industry, professional engineering design software and collaborative, web-based tools. With mentor Brad Quintal, the team members Caitlin Mori, Chriss Ohh and Eujil Peralta, tackled fuel efficiency in aviation. Of the challenge, Caitlin said, “The premise of the challenge was deceptively simple, but in reality, it required many days of research and brainstorming and a lot of patience and skill to use the software.” Pictured are team members Chris Ohh, Cailtin Mori and Eujil Peralta with mentor Brad Quintal. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)
KANEOHE
St. Ann’ Early Learning Center
The kindergarteners had an exhilarating field trip to the deep blue sea. Forty-eight children went on a Navatek Whale Watch cruise on Feb. 11. Excitement filled the air as teachers Ms. Tim and Ms. Dalire reviewed humpback behaviors they might see. The children were not disappointed. As the Navatek set sail toward Diamond Head, a pod of humpback whales were sighted near the buoy. Soon after, a large humpback whale jumped out of the water and breeched in front of the boat. It was a thrilling experience for everyone to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Pictured is the class aboard the Navatek. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
KANEOHE
St. Ann’s Model School
The first graders visited Waimea Valley on Jan. 29 to participate in the program “E Malama I Ka ‘Aina” or “Cherish the Land.” Upon their arrival to the valley, the students chanted an oli to the docents announcing their arrival and their intent for their visit. In one activity, they learned that plants have many different useful parts that provide food and shelter. In another activity, they investigated a compost pile and what goes into it and what critters live in it. They planted seeds and provided the necessary things that plants need to grow. They also concocted from natural ingredients a plant potion that helps to deter insects. They applied the potion to the leaves of plants with a paintbrush to protect them. It was an amazing experience. The children not only learned about plants and our interaction with them, but they learned that we must all work together to cherish, respect and malama the land. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
AIEA
St. Elizabeth School
During Catholic Schools Week, the student body enjoyed many activities. For the second graders, the most exciting was the Penny Carnival. Besides different games, there was a “Penny War” where each grade collected pennies. The trick to win was putting silver coins and bills into the containers of other grades because this amount was deducted from the total pennies collected. The second graders were very generous in bringing all their saved pennies at home and brought more silver coins to put into the different grade containers. The money collected was donated to the victims of the Haiti disaster. Shown here are the second graders who won the Penny War. (Reported by Sister Emilie Basitas and Mrs. Angle)
WAIPAHU
St. Joseph School
We are celebrating Lent with many spiritual activities and events. Starting off with Ash Wednesday, the school and the community celebrated a Mass sponsored by the third grade class. On every Friday in Lent, we gather in church for a prayer service sponsored by the Senior Ohana Council. Each week, as a whole school community, we will focus on the practices of prayer, penance and good works. Last week, each class was asked to pick a prayer or create a prayer for the students of that class to pray each day. These prayers were posted on a bulletin board for the whole school and parish community to view. The school is also participating in Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl. In addition, each class learns about the season of Lent in their own religion classes. Pictured are second grade students from Ms. Andam’s 2A class carrying their own crosses. (Reported by Keala Kia)
KAILUA
St. John Vianney School
Our school had a wonderful Catholic School Week! We had Crazy Hats and Socks Day, Spirit Day, Make a Sundae and Share a Snack Day. We paid a dollar to wear free dress and that money and toiletries we collected were donated to the Institute for Human Services. All the students contributed to a huge prayer chain, which now hangs in our school office. At the end of the week, at the Annual Conference for Catholic Educators, two of our much-loved teachers were honored for their service to Hawaii Catholic Schools. Mrs. Karla Jeremiah, our librarian and music teacher has been with us for 20 years, and Mrs. Florence Luke, our reading lab teacher, has been with us for 30! We’re so proud of them, and so very grateful for all they have given to us over the years. Thank you for making SJV the exceptional school it is! (Reported by Annie Chee)
HONOLULU
St. Louis Middle School
Our seventh and eighth graders participated in the annual school science fair through the motivation of science teacher, Ms. Baron, proudly exhibiting 100 research and display projects in Newell Hall, the Science building, for about five days. Ms. Baron structured the project as an extension of the classroom by allowing students the creativity to build, explore, and imagine their true aptitude. Seventeen projects were selected to advance to the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) District Fair. Two projects will move on to the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair in April. At the state competition, these young men will have to demonstrate their knowledge and passion for their projects to a panel of judges. Congratulations and best wishes to two seventh graders, Travis Tanaka for his project “How Craters Form?” and Matthew Ornellas for his project about insulating juice drinks to stay the coldest the longest. Congratulations to all those who participated. Thank you to Ms. Baron for sharing her dedication to the field of science. Pictured from are Matthew Ornellas, left, and Travis Tanaka. (Reported by Jodi-Anne Yoshida)
HONOLULU
St. Louis High School
Our math team took first place at the Oahu Math League Competition at Hanalani School on Feb. 6. The key to a successful math team is collaboration, encouragement, and staying cool under pressure. The young men on our team practice for hours in Mr. Sea’s classroom to refine their skills leading to the competition. On the day of competition, they arrived in their club shirt “Cambodian Magic” — a tribute to their dedicated advisor. They gathered around the cafeteria table to discuss strategies to ensure the win. Mr. Sea and Ms. Carrasquillo provide the coaching. Once competition begins, the intensity and focus on achieving the perfect score is all they concentrate on. Over the past three years, Mr. Sea had committed himself instilling in the team pride, passion and a commitment to excellence. Last year, they improved to second place over all and the most improved team in the league. On that February afternoon, the team achieved success by placing first. Congratulations to them, Mr. Sea, and the school’s math department. We are proud of what each of you have done to enhance the academic journey on the slopes of Kalaepohaku. (Reported by Jodi-Anne Yoshida)
HONOLULU
Star of the Sea School
Paul Gorham, whose dad John is in the U.S. Navy, had the honor of introducing USN Capt. Lawrence Scruggs, executive officer, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, as a guest reader at Proud of Our Veterans Literacy Day at our school, where Paul is a student, and his mother, Stephanie is a teacher. Other guest readers during Catholic Schools Week at the school were Rear Admiral Dixon Smith, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. (Reported and photo by Keith Haugen)
HONOLULU
Chaminade University
Student Angel Yandall enjoys malassadas and an ice cream sundae at the Mardi Gras celebration held on “Fat Tuesday” on campus. Students were treated with food, jazz, mask making and a chance at winning prizes in a random drawing. Over 125 students joined Campus Ministry and rector Brother Jerry Bommer in enjoying this prelude to the Lenten season. (Reported by Kay Stone)