WAIMEA

Annunciation Parish

Our parish was so very happy to have Father Tom Donnelly back again to help the new pastor Father Bob Schwarzhaupt during the Christmas season. Father Tom, a retired Maryknoll priest, was associated with our parish for more than five years assisting former pastor, Maryknoll Father Bob Wynne. Father Tom retired last summer to Maryknoll in California. (Reported by Mary Erickson)

HONAUNAU

St. Benedict Parish

Pictured are Eagle Scouts of the South Kona Catholic Churches Troop 51. Top row, from left, are Ryan Daugherty, Josh Yong, Conrad Iranon. Michael Ide, Jacob Baniaga, Hiro, Daron Sugiyama, Aki and Kala Keawe. Bottom row, from left, are Ronnie Sugiyama, Sharon Yong, Ronald Baniaga and Dennis Ide. They helped Jacob complete his Eagle Scout project at St. John the Baptist Church, restoring a rock wall and adding cement steps to the meditation garden. Mahalo to the other parishioners and family members who also gave time, labor, and financial support: Angela Baniaga, James Ng, Bob Yong, Ted and Gwen Gomes, Michael and Susan Crisafi, Georgia Goeas, Richard and Cheryl Ono, Raymond and Ramona Ciriaco, Tee and Kathy Jimenez, Patsy Sabarre, Jane Cabilin, Alvin and Lisa Iranon, Davis Nakashima, Cynthia Nakamoto-Tomono, Jen and Jon Tomono. Jacob is preparing for his final board interview this summer and our parish community wishes him the best. … The religious education students and their families celebrated Jesus’ birthday on Dec. 17 with a potluck and a video on the birth of Jesus. Mahalo to Cheryl and Sara Ono who helped with the goodie bags, and Ramona Ciriaco for coordinating the lucky number prizes. … Families and students participated in a Christmas ornament contest. The winners were recognized at St. Benedict’s Midnight Mass. Congratulations to Edwina Fujimoto’s Confirmation class for making the most ornaments (100), Cheryl Ono’s class for making ornaments from recycled Christmas cards, Kayla Jose for creating an ornament with a recycled Christmas bulb, and Steven Texeria who turned in five creative handmade ornaments. … Mahalo to Shannon Jose who delivered Christmas Baskets with her children Ryan and Kayla to the elderly and disabled residents at Hale Anuhea Housing in Captain Cook. (Reported by Angie Baniaga)

HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

La Salette Father Maurice Cardinal and Deacon Tom Adams are shown here with the cast of “The Nativity Story.” The narrators were Sarah Bumbard and Tristan Francisco, the shepherds Pomai Carvalho, Matthew Ellazar, Kealen Figueroa and Chase Kalua’u. Noenoe Aiona was Mary. Justin Meikle played Joseph. The Three Kings were Gary Balgas, Kevin Cedillos and Jayden Lewis. The angels were Caylah Carvalho, Marvelanne Clark, Jaycie Lewis, Alexis Malasig, Courtney Maria and Gabrielle Tomas. Our religious education department worked diligently preparing costumes, rehearsing and setting up and decorating Father Damien Hall. This play is done annually with a different cast of religious ed children and presented just before the Christmas Eve Children’s Mass. … Condolences to the family of the late William Sumic. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

In honor of our Lady of Guadalupe, the Spanish community held a Mass on Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. celebrated by Father Tom Heinzel of St. Ann Church, Waihee. The Montgomery High School Mariachi Band played music during the Mass. A fellowship followed in the church hall with the band continuing to play music for everyone to enjoy. Pictured is Father Tom and the Mariachi Band in front of an Lady of Guadalupe floral display. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa Parish

Our parish celebrated the wonderful Advent and Christmas seasons in many ways. The Filipino Catholic Club sponsored the Misa de Gallo novena with daily Mass at 5 a.m., bringing back memories for those of Filipino descent and creating wonderful new memories for first-time participants! … The students of St. Theresa School presented “What in the World is Christmas?” on Dec. 20 to family and friends, followed by the annual eighth grade spaghetti dinner and Sees Candies sale. But with all the celebrations, presents under the tree, visits with family and friends, and vacation from school, the main focus of the season were the many Masses celebrating Jesus’ birth 2006 years ago. What a beautiful gift of love from our heavenly Father and what a wonderful way to start the New Year! From St. Theresa Parish on Kauai, we wish everyone a very blessed New Year! Pictured is The Nativity — a work of art by Jose San Agustin with the help of Father Fred Iminga. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

LIHUE

Immaculate Conception Parish

Our eighth grade religious education students had a farewell party for their teacher Anthony Rapozo on Dec. 17, his last class with them. He will attend St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif., the school of theology for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Many seminarians from various western dioceses study there. Our bishop and several priests in our diocese are graduates of this very old and respected seminary. The pastor Father Bill Shannon will be at St. Patrick the first week in February to attend the second week of training in the priest mentoring program, and therefore will be Anthony’s first visitor. He knows Anthony’s family, friends and students will all miss him but he will be in their thoughts and prayers. (Reported by Father Bill Shannon)

KALAHEO

Holy Cross Parish

Statues of the Virgin Mary, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Joseph, and Jesus kneeling in prayer were restored and placed on the church grounds. The statues were among the few that survived Hurricane Iniki in 1993. During a general cleaning, they were discovered in one of the Holy Cross School closets. Tino Caoagas, parishioner of St. Raphael, built pedestals for three of the statues. Holy Cross parishioners Steven Tavares and Leonard Medeiros cleaned the four statues and painting them their original colors. The statues were unveiled and blessed after the Dec. 1 morning Mass. Father Napoleon Andres presided as a dozen parishioners sang songs to honor Immaculate Mary and Joseph. These statues are now permanent fixtures of our parish garden and a favorite subject of photographers. Pictured are Tavares, Father Andres and Medeiros. … Congratulations to the Kauai Vicariate Youth Ministry who were representatives to the diocesan Youth and Young Adult Board Talent Show, Fusion. These talented youths — the super-fantabulous Seanne Andrade, Kristen Garma, Jolene Mariano-Hardy, Chris Salvador and Averie Soto — placed third of eight vicariate presentations! (Reported by Judy Cabanting)

HONOLULU

Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

A draft of the cathedral’s Welcoming Parish 2007 document has been submitted by the parish council. The final copy will be submitted to Bishop Larry Silva and the Office of Welcoming Parish by midJanuary. The document contains two action plans: 1) Development of a hospitality ministry of at least 48 persons each Sunday. 2) Restoration and enhancement of the cathedral. Parishioners will discuss the document with the bishop March 3 and 4. … On Sunday afternoon, 40 acolytes and some parents cleaned, removed gum from under the pews and made our church sparkle. Pizza and juice were served on the mall following a delightful afternoon of hard work. The following day a team of decorators arrived armed with florist wire, hammers and scissors to begin to transform the worship space for the great feast of Christmas. A big mahalo to our many volunteers who helped! (Reported by Ann Hannan and Jason Nunez)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

The outreach ministry, under the direction of Mary Ishihara, set up a “Giving Tree” in church. Qualifying children, ages 1-12, sent in gift wishes, which were placed on cards and hung on the tree. Parishioners selected the cards, purchased the gifts, and brought them to the parish center for pick-up. One hundred and ten happy children had their Christmas wishes come true — a fishing rod and reel, a bicycle, skateboards, a volley ball, Game Boy, warm clothing, to name a few. The miracle of Christmas happened in many ways at our parish. Pictured are outreach helpers Lisa and Dayne Saito, Karyn Daguio and Edi Cabico. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

One special feature of our parish’s Young Christian Life (YCL) youth ministry is its determination to encourage new “lifers” to engage in leadership roles. Over the years, through 31 weekend retreats, youth have been invited to take part in staffing roles on retreats to give them a taste of responsibility and an awareness of their own giftedness. Pictured, from left, are Bernadette Ildefonso, Carolyn Savea and her sister, Cheri Fonoti. Bernadette is a founding member of YCL, some 15 years ago, Weekend 1. Carolyn is one third of the Youth Ministry Team, overseeing the youth program and activities. Both Bernadette and Carolyn serve on the CORE Team of YCL. One comment from Bernadette, in reflecting on her years of participation in YCL was that the youth were “eager for the responsibility” of leadership. YCL is a vibrant part of parish life here at St. Elizabeth’s and we thank God for such dedication and energy in passing on the faith and the desire to serve the Lord in self-giving and dedication. The human person — the heart of peace! (Reported by Linda Cacpal)

WAHIAWA

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

Our pastor Father Larry Fisher offered the invocation for the Velvet Apple Tree Planting Celebration on Dec. 11, at the Wahiawa Botanical Garden commemorating the Filipino centennial. Representatives from the Army, Navy, city and county and state legislature were on hand to plant the velvet apple or velvet persimmon, an evergreen tree native to the Philippines. (Reported by Jack Kampfer)

WAIPIO GENTRY

Resurrection of the Lord Parish

This was the Youth Choir’s first Christmas Eve Family Mass performance that included Aunty Carol and Aunty Rowena’s religious ed third graders. In the Nativity scene, Jolana Gollero as Mary holds Baby Jesus while Justin Failma as Joseph accompanied the music with sign language as the singers and musicians played “Here with Us.” The choir’s first performance was July 29. This new ministry provides youths with opportunities to apply their talents to create a worshipful environment that includes contemporary music. Director Wesley Taira hopes to provide music that appeals to all audiences with special interest to our youth. The parish has been very supportive and encouraging, he said. The choir practices Wednesday nights. All ages are welcome. Wesley says their motto is a quote from Father Richard Rohr, OFM, “When you know Jesus, you’re always young and ‘in love.’” (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

WAIANAE

Sacred Heart

Pictured are the Dominican Sisters wishing Father Sebastian a happy 30th anniversary of ordination in song. The sisters also sang Christmas carols to our parishioners after the morning Mass on Dec. 19. (Reported by Linda Jose)

MILILANI

St. John Apostle and Evangelist

To celebrate the Feast of Epiphany or “Three Kings,” more than 50 parishioners sang Christmas carols by candle light at the Mililani Shopping Center to witness to Christ, “the Light of the World” and concluded the event with fellowship and refreshments at the church. (Reported by Melissa Crisostomo)

KAILUA

St. Anthony Parish

The generosity of our parish and school family provided 96 adults and 53 children with gifts of food, toys, and clothing through Outreach food distribution and Keiki Tree. We also gave gifts to Weinberg Village in Waimanalo and the Women’s Abuse Shelter. Many thanks to all who brought in food and gifts, set up and cleaned, distributed food, wrapped gifts, and did so much more! Pictured are the Keiki Tree volunteers wrapping gifts. (Reported by Lisa Gomes)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

During Advent, students, faculty and staff prepared care baskets for children whose mothers are incarcerated at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua, and of mothers in the transitional shelter T.J. Mahoney House, AKA Reawakening for Women. This Operation, Love, Peace and Hope Project was spearheaded by the student council officers and advisers. Christmas wishes and messages of love were attached to the gifts. Paulette Gomes and David Moniz of the Office of Diocesan Services are pictured with student council officers Jerrica Maghamil and Kristie Thornburg and students Paul Galang and Ashley Cobile. (Reported by Sister Davilyn Ah Chick, OSF, photo by Thalia Woodward)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll High School

The College Board announced that 16 from the Class of 2006 earned the designation “AP Scholar” for their scores on the Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Brian Kunimoto, pictured, earned an AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Anthony Lo, Stephanie Vo and Aaron Yee qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Twelve students qualified for the AP Scholar Award — Christopher Beuret, Yashina Burns, Matthew Chee, Kristen Ho, Matthew Luc, Christina O’Connor, Jackie Okimoto, Andrew Pang, Aulii Tenn, Kit-U Wong, Wendy Wong and Naomi Yamaguchi. The Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses while in high school, and receive college credit, advanced placement, or both. (Reported by Camille Domaloan Michel)

HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

Our kindergarten class created this gingerbread house with the help of chef Daniel Lagarde. The students had a great time decorating the house which was then donated to Kaiser’s Pediatric Ward where it was greeted with smiling faces. Thank you chef Lagarde for creating this masterpiece with our keiki! (Reported by Colleen Nakama and Heather Ellis)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll Grade School

Every year, the fifth graders hold a bake sale for Sister Marion Hughes’ Maryknoll mission in Tanzania where she ministers to children, many of whom are AIDS orphans. This year’s sale was Dec. 7. The students, teachers LeeMarie Armstrong-Gomes, Jim Fallon and Christine Hangai, friends and family, raised a record-breaking $2,006. The money will pay for medical bills, emergency expenses, food and clothing. In thanking the fifth graders, Sister Marion Hughes wrote of a fifth grader born with a deformed knee. “I am in the process of making arrangements for her to see an orthopedic specialist in hopes that he will be able to help her.” Pictured are HIV positive children at the Tanzania mission. (Reported by Camille Domaloan Michel)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

Grab your passports and join the Academy ohana for Superfair 2007, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Feb. 16-17. The theme this year is “It’s a Small World.” Academy students selected exotic destinations like the Australian Outback, Eiffel Tower, Great Wall of China and a Russian space center when designing and constructing activities and food booths. Golf with the Loch Ness monster, grab sushi in the Japan marketplace, eat nachos in Mexico, belly dance the night away! The fair grounds will feature games of chance, and Xtreme-Fun rides. And expect a few magical surprises. So no one leaves empty handed, the Superfair will again sell wonderful baked goods, handicrafts, fresh produce and plants, and the always-popular white elephant items. Remember, it all goes to a great cause. Caption: Conquering the rock wall at the Superfair last year was no small feat for Laura Abellanida, pictured, who reached the top in record time. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

WAIALUA

St. Michael School

Our students thanks all who generously donated pennies and helped in previous car washes. We were able to purchase T/X Palms with Inspiration software for use in the computer lab, giving students exposure to handheld technology. Purchased also was a software that listens to students as they read and helps them in fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The software came with award-winning books to motivate our students to become confident, expressive and fluent readers. The students will surely benefit from these new tools both in school and at home. Pictured, eighth grader Matthew Abad helps third grader Keenan Cubi and fourth grader Matthew Holmberg maneuver their way with the Palm T/X under the watchful eye of computer teacher Anita Lendio-Erice. (Reported by Jennifer Holmberg)

HILO

St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

Thirteen elementary and junior high students participated in the 19th annual National Geographic Bee preliminary rounds on Dec. 13 in the school library. This competition, sponsored by the National Geographic Society for 4th-8th graders, is held in thousands of schools across the United States. Students prepare by studying questions from the National Geographic Bee website, among other places. Five St. Joseph students advanced to the Jan. 10 school level final round — fifth graders Jayla Nakayama, Sara Tollestrup, Acacia Zodrow and sixth graders Jade Gusman and Tessa Sarr. The winner will advance to the next level, a written examination to determine state competitors. The state bee is in March, followed by the national competition in May in Washington, D.C. Pictured are competitors, front row, from left, Nohealani Martins, Jade Gusman, Nathan Ducasse and Tessa Sarr. Middle row, Tessa Domzalski, Kennan Morimoto, Dante Fernandes and Acacia Zodrow. Back row, Kyle Carrothers, Kasey Carrothers, Jayla Nakayama and Sara Tollestrup. Not pictured is Angelica Shumov. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth School

To spread the Christmas spirit, the school’s Praise Choir, under the direction of Peter Uiagalelei, kicked off its annual Christmas performances at the Ala Moana Centerstage on Dec. 6. In spite of the heat from the noon sun, the children kept their smiles and never missed a beat. Well done Praise Choir. (Reported by Sister Delfa Guillen)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

At the Dec. 18 school Christmas program, pre-K through 6th graders, under the direction of Daniel Timbermans, performed Christmas pieces on musical instruments and class choir sections. Students in the performing arts program under the guidance of Teri Robinson treated the packed auditorium with poem renditions, drama pantomimes and a play entitled “The First Leon.” This evening wrapped up the Christmas festivities as the year came to a close on Dec. 20. Students resumed classes on Jan. 9 to begin the New Year 2007. Happy New Year to all! (Reported by Helen Souza)

HONOLULU

St. Theresa School

Patricia Ann Repko, pictured with grade 5-B, helped the students in several seasonal art projects. The smiles on their faces show the pleasure and fun they had in assembling the turkeys. The hardest part was not to eat the tempting raisins and marshmallows. How proud they were to take the turkeys home for their Thanksgiving table. During Advent, she also helped the students with a special stained glass project. Patricia is a Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa parishioner and does much volunteer work. We are grateful for the example she is to all of us and welcome others to volunteer and share their talents. (Reported by Sister Marian Muehlbauer)

KANEOHE

St. Ann School

On Dec.19, our Model Schools held its annual Christmas program in the church entitled “Code Red: An ER Christmas.” Students from 3-year-olds through grade eight performed by class. The grand finale featured all 426 students. Casts of characters, including a portrayal of the nativity were also featured. Audience members were moved and touched. The Christmas spirit truly radiated at St. Ann’s that evening. Pictured is the finale number with Nicholas Miller as Joseph, Tanielle Lau as Mary and Maia Chun and Jordan Baker as angels. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)