KEAUKAHA

Malia Puka O Kalani Parish

We are over 50 percent toward our goal of $12,000 to put a new roof on our church. This, in two weeks! It is remarkable and a credit to the deep faith and generosity of our parishioners. (Reported by Father Joe Hennen)

HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

Attending the Earth, Wind, Fire and Water 2010 Confirmation Retreat at Malia Puka o Kalani Parish on Feb. 15 were confirmation students Daryl Diaz, Casey Utemei, Calsie Carvalho, Cassie Furukado and Devereaux Aiona and (missing from photo) Tiana Valenzuela. … Our parish will be very busy the week before Holy Week. We are having the Chrism Mass on a Tuesday and Big Island Youth Day the same week on Friday and Saturday. Friday evening will feature a Grateful Hearts Choir concert. We expect about 150 students plus advisors at this two-day event. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

HILO

St. Joseph Parish

Mahalo to everyone who participated in our parish’s 91st anniversary celebration! It was an enjoyable event thanks to your contributions and attendance. May God’s blessings be on all of us as we continue on our journey of faith and love. Pictured are Danny and Jeanette Santos dancing at the anniversary celebration. (Reported by Father Samuel Loterte, SSS)

KALAPANA

Star of the Sea Church

The photo shows the interior of the Star of the Sea Church of Kalapana. It was built in 1927-28 under the direction of Father Evarist Gielen who also painted part of the upper section of the interior. George Heidler of Athens, Georgia, painted the lower sections. Because of the beautiful scenes painted inside, it is also called the “Painted Church.” It is said that these paintings tell the story of St. Damien who arrived in the Puna area in 1864, shortly after his ordination. In 1990, the church was moved out of the path of flowing lava to a spot alongside the highway, where it stayed on blocks for six years. In 1996 it was moved again to its present location where it now shines with elegant beauty. Recently, Bishop Larry Silva approved Mass to be celebrated in the church. On every First Friday of each month, Father Carlito “Joey” Ranjo Jr. of Sacred Heart Parish in Pahoa celebrates Mass at 4 p.m. It is truly wonderful to see parishioners in the pews. It is Father Joey’s wish to see the pews completely filled. History just flourishes in this beautiful structure. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places (#97000407). I believe if you want to know the history of the “Painted Church,” Mrs. Mabel Wilson of Sacred Heart Parish is the one to talk to. (Reported by Steve Torres)

PAPAIKOU

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

Mrs. Joyce Yafuso’s third and fourth grade religious education classes recently wrote a letter to Pope Benedict XVI as an activity in their class book “Christ Our Life” for the lesson on church leaders. The children thanked him for being our leader and told him how much they liked his hat “the big one with the point.” They were overjoyed when they received a reply from the Vatican with a picture of the pope. Congratulations to Mrs. Yafuso and her classes on their special project. Well done! Pictured from left are Mrs. Yafuso, Nyah Lacro, Isaiah Galdones, Bailie Mahuna and Jazzie Pahio. (Reported by Pat Phillips)

PAHOA

Sacred Heart Parish

In this difficult economy, you may find it harder to cope with everyday challenges. While some stress is a normal part of our life, many of us are facing excessive stress. Staying healthy is one way to handle the issues of today. Thankfully, a recent addition to our parish family will help us focus on health issues! She is Maralyn Renken. She and her husband David arrived from the mainland last September and made Pahoa their permanent residence. Maralyn, pictured with our pastor, was recently appointed parish nurse. She is an APRN with a master’s degree from Emory University in Atlanta. She has spent her nursing career in various positions including rural health and correctional health for the California counties of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. As the new parish nurse, her first service is free blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring twice a month after all Sunday Masses. The supplies are being donated by The Pahoa Pharmacy and Bay Clinic. Maralyn is also involved in our music ministry, and may I say, she has a voice like an angel. “We thank the Lord for your time and talent, and your willingness to share.” (Reported by Steve Torres)

LANAI CITY

Sacred Hearts Parish

Catching up in what’s been happening at our parish: The Feast of Santo Nino was celebrated Jan. 31 with a special Mass followed by the Sinulog procession and dance. This celebration was spearheaded by Neda Bolo and members of the Visayan Catholic Community. On Feb. 6; coming all the way from Stockton, Calif., was Brother Bob Canton, coordinator of the Alliance of Filipino Catholic Charismatic Prayer Community. He conducted workshops and a healing service. … The parish is now in the process of preparing for Easter with Stations of the Cross and Mass every Friday … Our new functional kitchen is now complete. A later write-up will be submitted. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

On March 7, at the 10 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Adondee, the First Scrutiny was held for the catechumens. Father Adondee and the community blessed catechumen Janice Sol before excusing her before the breaking of the bread. Pictured are Father Adondee, Janice and RCIA teacher Carol Ursua. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

The parish welcomes another Marianist, Brother Fred Silbereis, from Dayton, Ohio, as a librarian at the high school. Prior to his stay in Dayton, Brother Fred spent many years ministering in Africa. … The Thrift Shop moved on March 6 to its new quarters adjacent to its former location. Father Jerry Pleva blessed it and refreshments were served. Its new manager is Patricia Vergel de Dios. Shop days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. (Reported by Miriam Kahalekai)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph Parish

Our parish hosted the Maui Vicariate Chrism Mass this year on March 16. Bishop Larry Silva came to bless the Chrism Oil, the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens for all vicariate parishes. … Everyone is invited to join the parish Easter Egg Hunt at St. Joseph School Ball Field, Sunday, March 28, at 8:30 a.m. (Reported by: Donna Pico)

KIHEI

St. Theresa Parish

Bishop Larry Silva installed Msgr. Terrence Watanabe as pastor at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Feb. 28. The bishop was assisted by Deacon Stan Franco. Concelebrating were Father Jim Orsini, also of St Theresa’s, and Father Elias Esconilla, pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Paia. “Father Terry,” pictured here with the bishop, is a native of Maui. His father Alan still lives in Wailuku where Father Terry grew up. At age 13, he left Maui for St. Stephen’s Seminary on Oahu. He later attended St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif., where Bishop Silva was two years ahead of him. A priest for 32 years, Father Terry has been our pastor for 14 months. The installation was on hold while he did some reorganizing. He has brought many new and useful ideas to enhance the parish, which was in need of a permanent pastor. After Mass, at the luncheon afterward in Stawasz Hall, parishioners congratulated Father Terry and thanked the bishop. Father Terry is at home now on Maui and intends to stay through retirement. (Reported by Anita Carrington; photo by Leroy Carrington)

KULIOUOU

Holy Trinity Parish

Learn the ancient art of Ukrainian Easter Egg or “Pysanka” making. Join us at a workshop on March 21 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the living room of the Makai House. Please contact Marika Hura at 732-0764 to sign up. There is a $12 fee which includes all materials. (From the parish bulletin)

HONOLULU

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Are you interested in assisting your parish by being a receptionist once a week? Duties include answering the phone, answering the office entrance doorway and other duties assigned by the parish secretary; such as stapling and stamping. A receptionist will be needed for Thursdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m., beginning in May. Thelma Lee, the former Thursday morning receptionist, has retired. Currently, Joan Charzynski, a “snowbird,” is the Thursday receptionist but she leaves in May. Interested? Call Pat at 941-0675. (From the parish bulletin)

EWA

Immaculate Conception Parish

Twenty-four CFC Youth Hawaii Leaders participated in a life- and heart-changing weekend retreat, Feb. 19-21, at the Benedictine Monastery and Camp Mokuleia. The weekend, deemed “Mission and Leaders Retreat” was not only fun, but allowed the leaders to be spiritually nourished. It opened their eyes and touched their hearts, helping them realize what a true leader is and the responsibilities of being a leader. Tears where shed, eyes opened (and closed), minds were cleared, faith was revived, and unbreakable bonds were made. They built a foundation for leadership and are building CFC Youth to be a greater community in God’s kingdom. Through that one weekend, we learned how to evangelize and live eternally — with God and with the souls we bring. For more information on Couples for Christ Youth Ministry, visit www.cfcyouthhawaii.com. (Reported by Alison Harley)

 AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

Almost There! St. Elizabeth’s elect, sponsors, catechists and associate pastor, Father Jon Cabico smiles for the camera at the Feb. 21 Rite of Election at St. Theresa Co-Cathedral. The four adults and four older children have been faithfully gathering to pray and learn about the Catholic faith and are eager for the sacred bath, the fire of anointing and the holy bread and wine of the Easter Vigil on April 3. After our Lenten retreat on March 6, time flies swiftly but a lifetime of Christian discipleship waits. (Reported by Linda Cacpal; photo by Shellie Piianaia, Michelle Baron)

 NUUANU

St. Stephen Parish

Before the Lenten fast, the parish held a fellowship dinner “Taste of China II” on Feb 13, to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, and a new beginning. As the fireworks and drums began, the lions danced to chase the evil spirits away. After dinner, Shirley Wong’s children and grandchildren, Lee Ann Choy and daughter Nicole, Sue Ann Yasuoka and daughter Jadelyn, and Sherman Wong shared their experiences growing up in a Catholic family and learning about their Chinese culture. Father Khanh Pham-Nguyen gave each one “lisee” for good luck. Lent is the primary penitential season in the church year. During the Lenten fast we prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter. As we fast, we make room for God to deepen our relationship with Christ. Pictured is Father Thomas Acklin, the evening’s emcee, offering lisee to the lions to thank them for their blessing. Mahalo to Sui Kozuma and her crew for dinner, David Tom and Joe Salas for the slide show, Shirley Wong’s family for the lion dance, all who helped and those who attended. (Reported by Ginny Jordan)

WAIALUA

St. Michael Parish

The homebound are our parishioners who are at home, ill or elderly, and not able to attend Sunday Mass. To be a homebound minister, one must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, be married by a Catholic priest, and attend Sunday Mass and receive Holy Communion. If you have a pleasant smile and willingness to visit our ill or elderly, please, come be a homebound eucharistic minister. (From the parish bulletin)

 KANEOHE

St. Ann Parish

Religious education’s fourth, fifth and sixth graders, along with the students from the RCIC class, went on a Lenten retreat on March 7 at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Kalihi. The retreat focused on Lent and began with participants creating a crown of thorns out of clay. Each participant inserted a “thorn” into it as a visual reminder of an unloving choice. The boys and girls also constructed Lenten prayer windows and discussed the importance of “put-ups” rather than “put-downs” since all people are created in God’s holy image. The retreat closed with the Stations of the Cross. Kyra Yamauchi, Macy McCutchsen and Alyssa Dominquez pose with their Lenten prayer windows. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

 MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

The sixth grade is rapping to their reading. Under the direction of instructor Mr. Chris Kent, the students have taken their literacy and reading novels and put them to raps, music and skits making learning interactive, relevant and exciting. Dressed as mice in leather jackets, the children do a take on the best selling novel, “Mouse and the Motorcycle,” by Beverly Cleary. Shown in the photo from top row Joshua Cambra, Hailey Hampton, Lianda Lonergan, Bottom row: Mary Stenger, Brianna Thompson and Victoria Kinores-Decoite. The students collaborated on every aspect of the activity from prop making, costumes to choreography. Way to go sixth graders. (Reported by Helen Souza)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School

Seventh grader Jonathan Ibanez won second place in his grade’s division in the 5th Annual Eddie Aikau Essay Contest. He was Maui’s only winner. Jonathan and his parents, Joey and Elimar Ibanez of Kahului, attended the awards ceremony luncheon at the Elks Club in Waikiki on March 13. The contest had an English division and a Hawaiian division. Prizes in both divisions were: first place $500, second place $350, third place $250, and $100 each for two honorable mention winners. The essay question was, “How were the Hawaiian values of MALAMA (to protect and care for; to serve and to honor) and PONO (rightness, balance, integrity) reflected in Eddie Aikau’s actions?” Ibanez’s essay, “The Audacity of Eddie,” opened this way: “In the world, hundreds of people can say that they are phenomenal surfers. Even fewer can say that they are surfing legends, but only one can say that while under his supervision as the first lifeguard in Waimea Bay no lives were lost. Just one man can say that when the Hokulea capsized in a storm he volunteered to look for help that seemed in reach but was actually miles away. Only one can say that he could ride waves with faces of forty feet with a smile that outshined the sun. Eddie Aikau was that one man …” The Eddie Aikau Foundation is a charitable organization created to share Eddie Aikau’s life and accomplishments while promoting education and the advancement of Hawaiian culture. (Reported by Janice Pruett)

ENCHANTED LAKE

 St. John Vianney Parish

Father William Graham, a professor of historical theology at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., will give a parish Lenten mission, March 15-17, under the title “The Word at Work: Christ Shapes and Calls His Church.” Father Graham will preach at all the weekend Masses March 13 and 14. His presentations on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be at 9 a.m., after the 8 a.m. Mass, and repeated at 7 p.m. All sessions will be in the church. Father Graham, a priest of the Duluth Diocese, has been a visitor to St. John Vianney in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2009. (From the parish bulletin)

HILO

St. Joseph Preschool

Our pre-schoolers enjoyed “Crazy Hat Day” recently, sporting hats of all kinds from homemade to extravagant. It was a “no holds barred” kind of day. Our adventurous teachers also jumped in to celebrate! Great job students! (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph Elementary School

Our students were treated to a Dr. Seuss story read to them by high school students on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Shown is senior Joshua Teuber reading to Ms. Roxanne Hoshide’s first grade class as senior Robert D’Anna (far left) waits his turn. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph High School

A wedding was performed in Mrs. Beth Andrade’s senior theology class recently — a mock wedding that is! Students partnered on a marriage project that took them from the proposal to planning all the aspects of a wedding, including costs, ending with the ceremony. Pictured, from left, are “bride” Savanica Nachor, “pastor” Jacob Andrade, and “groom” Sydney Wilcox. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa School

We’re so proud of our students! At the district spelling bee at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Lihue on Jan. 28, sixth grader Athena Abadilla took first place after going a marathon 37 rounds with formidable opponent, seventh grader Harmony Graziano of Kapaa Middle School. Both girls went to Oahu on March 14 to participate in the state spelling bee at Windward Community College’s Paliku Theater. Doing an outstanding job coaching Athena after school was Sister Hannah Johnecheck! We are also very proud of student Marcus Pereira our other representative at the district level. As of this writing, we don’t know who is the state champion, but we’re praying for Athena and know she will do her best. If she did win, she will move on to the national competition in Washington, D.C. in May. Pictured, from left, are Sister Hannah Johnecheck, Marcus Pereira, Miss Tiffani Tumbaga and Athena Abadilla at the Kauai District Spelling Bee on January 28. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

HONOLULU

Cathedral Catholic Academy

The fifth grade was recognized at their DARE Graduation on Feb. 26 which marked the completion of their 11 weeks of DARE classes with Officer Hytry of the Honolulu Police Department. Each fifth grader was presented with their certificate of completion and the class recited its pledge to be drug and alcohol free. Pictured are Officer Hytry and fifth graders. (Reported by Joseph Henderson)

HONOLULU

Holy Family School

Our annual fun-filled Jump Rope for Heart event was a memorable event in more ways than one. The event this year was also an opportunity to celebrate Father Sebastian Chacko’s Feb. 13 birthday with our Advanced Band playing a happy birthday tribute and the Wildcats Cheerleading Squad performing a special cheer in his honor. Students from every grade level made leis and birthday cards. Father Sebastian was clearly overwhelmed by the student efforts to honor him. He spoke to all with most grateful words. It touched us that he enjoyed our celebration for him so much. (Reported by Jocelyn Burch)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph School

Eight grader Patrick Pascual, son of Lucy and Dino Pascual, is one of the semifinalists in the 2010 Hawaii Geographic Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. Schools throughout the state held bees with fourth through eighth grade students to determine each school’s winner. School winners then took a qualifying test and submitted it to the National Geographic Society which invited the top 100 scorers in each state to compete at the state level. The state bee will be in the Hawaii Convention Center on April 9. The state winner will receive $100, a world Atlas, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Hawaii in the national finals, May 25-26. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the Society. The national winner will also travel with one parent or guardian, all expenses paid, to the Galapagos Islands. (Reported by Keala Kia)

 HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

On March 10, our students, staff, faculty and community were on hand to witness a heartfelt ceremony: 13 Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet renewed their vows. Out of the 13, three are celebrating jubilees — Sister Tomasa Marcos, 60 years; Sister Carmen Paas, 60 years; Sister Alice Roberta Benzing, 70 years. This was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see these wonderful sisters renew their vows of selflessness, charity, giving and love. (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll High School

Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona, his wife Vivian and daughter Kaimi celebrate at Maryknoll School’s 100 Days Dinner in February. The event is for seniors marking their last 100 days before graduation, allowing them to reflect on their time at Maryknoll and look to the future. Aiona spoke at the event, telling students he chose to send his daughter to Maryknoll because of the morals and values taught here, and that he is confident she will make good decisions in her life. Aiona urged the students to make the most of their final days at Maryknoll. (Reported by Stephen Florino; photo by maryknollphotography.com)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll Grade School

Father Marc Alexander led the blessing of Sister Dolores Rosso (center) during the school’s Founders Day Mass on Feb. 10. The school honored Sister Dolores for her decades of work for Maryknoll School. She heads to Maryknoll, N.Y., in April. Founders Day is a time for the school to remember and celebrate the feast day of our founders and to re-commit to their values. Father Marc also shared the importance of service and legacy. A highlight of the Mass was a video of the many service projects students and faculty have shared in past years. This year’s Mass was also special because it was the first one in the new Maryknoll Community Center. (Reported by Stephen Florino; photo by maryknollphotography.com)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Our school’s Grand Giveaway and Family Fun Fair 2010, March 6 on the school’s grounds, was a huge success through the effort of our principal, Sister Davilyn Ah Chick, OSF, who worked hand-in-hand with the core team, different committees and volunteers. One week before the event, faculty, staff and students prayed for good weather, support with donation tickets, generous donations, and most especially to thank and praise God and to ask for God’s blessings for this day. School students, the drama fine arts class, Heiwa-Do Karate demonstration and the JCHS Color Guard Dance Squad provided entertainment. We also had food booths, a country store, Items of Gold, Filipino bento, lechon pork, malassadas, massages, games prizes and rides. Most exciting was the drawing of prizes, especially the $3,000 grand prize. Pictured are the Parent-Teacher-Student-Association president Jodie deGuzman and vice-president Fred Ponce drawing for the grand prize winner. (Reported Erlinda Ceria and Dulce Nichols)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

The Lancer Robotics team earned 12th out of 49 teams on March 6 at the 2010 San Diego Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Robotics) Competition. Our team will participate in the third annual Hawaii regional FIRST robotics competition, March 25-27, when 24 Hawaii teams and four teams from Alaska, Louisiana and New Jersey will compete in the UH Stan Sheriff Center. The event is free and open to the public. Robotics requires outstanding knowledge and application of science, technology, engineering and math skills, plus critical thinking and team work. Our team worked with teachers, community leaders and industry mentors since January to build robots using a common kit of motors, batteries, a control system, a PC and a mix of automation components. The challenge: there are no instructions. Pictured are Lindsay Sanborn, Keri Wakumoto, Helena Medeiros-Cansana, Richel Cole and Adria Fung. Back three are Han Tran, Caitlin Mori and Connie Wu. The girls were accompanied on the trip to San Diego by adult sponsors Nathan and Brad Quintal, Karen Miller, Brian Chock, Patrick Mori and Kim Noguchi. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

KANEOHE

St. Ann School

Eighteen students in grades four and five submitted artwork to the Hawaii Convention Center Student Art Exhibition 2010. They were asked to illustrate their vision of “Celebrating Hawaii with My Family and Friends.” Public and private schools could submit up to 20 works of art to be judged by a panel of professionals who selected 96 pieces for the yearlong exhibition. Under art teacher Louise Barr’s guidance, our students worked hard after school for a month on their illustrations. They painted bright pieces of paper, tore them into tiny pieces and created mosaics on the theme. Parents were supportive and rearranged schedules to accommodate their children. We are so pleased and so proud that all 18 entries were selected. The students will be honored at a reception at the Hawaii Convention Center on May 2 when their artwork will be unveiled. The art will be displayed at the Pa Kamali’i courtyard on the third floor of the center. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

 KAILUA

St. Anthony School

Who needs Bob the Builder when you have Bob the Boat Engine Repairman come to visit you class for career presentation hour? Bob Hoevel, father of Sydney Hoevel, visited Mrs Hultgren’s first grade class for a career presentation on March 8. Students were given a brief job description, held tools and even got a tour of a fishing boat. (Reported by Tracy Hoevel)

 MANOA

St. Francis School

Faculty, staff and students donned their finest kimono to celebrate Girl’s Day. Students enjoyed learning about the history and culture of Japan as well as tasting some treats and playing traditional games. Pictured in the first row: Tokuda Sensei, Audrey Shoji, Rachel Ornellas, Teresa Marie Jodar, Allurie Eliazar, Mrs. Cleo Eubanks. Second row: Michelle Conley-Harada, Stephanie Chang, Rey Allen Hidalgo, Melissa Obando, Kanani Batoon, Kelsea Gines, Reilly Sawa. Third row: Mr. Sean Connors and Mr. Rebus Bonning. (Reported by Karen Curry)

HONOLULU

St. Louis School

On March 5, our school awarded its first ever “Valor Award” — a certificate and a medal — to three young men who were at the scene of a school bus accident on Feb. 20. Dee Soliman (12), Eric Agluba (10) and Michael Fanning (9) were on the chartered bus that morning when it hit a 65-year-old woman around 6:30 a.m. Forty-two private school students were on that bus. After calling 911, the three Saint Louis School students took action. Soliman told Michael to stay on the bus and tell the students to stay calm and in their seats. They focused on the youngest student, a third grader on the bus, who was with her sister. They kept the students calm and told them not to look out the window to avoid the gruesome scene. Before paramedics arrived, Soliman and Agluba stepped off the bus to offer first aid but unfortunately there was nothing they could do. The students said that their Junior ROTC training helped them stay calm and make the right decisions. The events of that particular morning changed their lives and the lives of those they helped on the bus. We are proud of them for making a difference that morning with their actions, compassion and leadership. Pictured from left: Michael Fanning, Eric Agluba, Dee Soliman. (Reported by Jodi-Anne Yoshida)