TOPSIDE | Molokai Catholic Community

Molokai celebrated the ordination of its first permanent deacon, Michael Shizuma, on Jan 27 at the New Hope Oceanside Retreat Center (old Pau Hana Inn) with many guests from near and far. The many committee members began planning for this history-making event about a year ago and, as it turned out, did a wonderful job. The celebration opened with a chant by parishioner and sister-in-law of Mike, Lori Higa, followed by ministers from other denominations, deacons, priests, and finally Bishop Larry Silva. Other Shizuma family members were part of the ceremony. His granddaughter Brittany Nerveza was an altar server. Daughters Akemi Shizuma and Michelle Naeole were wine bearers. Mike’s wife Leoda performed a special hula. Leoda was honored for her participation in the four-year long journey to permanent diaconate. Father Jose Macoy was recognized for his support and Father Jim Orsini was recognized for encouraging Mike to take the journey. The celebration ended with photo opportunities, lunch and entertainment. (Reported by Jersula L. Manaba)

KAHULUI | Christ the King Parish

Kenneth L. Bissen Jr. was ordained a deacon here by Bishop Larry Silva on Jan. 20. Deacon Ken is married to Charmaine Bissen. They have a son Lokahi, 14, and a daughter Julia, 10. Inspired several years ago by his son Lokahi to become a deacon, it was only the beginning of his walk with Jesus. With the encouragement of his family and support of his friends he has successfully accomplished his calling with the Lord. Through his knowledge and experience he will be able to reach out and help others. Those who were there to witness and also participate in the ceremony were overwhelmed with awe. As Bishop Larry Silva laid his hands over Deacon Ken, a luminous ray of bright sunlight covered both of them. It was as if the perpetual light from heaven sent by God was shining on them. During this spectacular moment, Deacon Ken experienced a sense of warmth and calmness throughout his entire body. “It made my hair stand up on my arms,” he said. “At that moment I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit transferred to me by the bishop.” Let the spirit enlighten you, guide you, rest in Christ our Lord, our Savior and Redeemer. Those that believe in him will experience eternal love. Congratulations Deacon Kenneth Bissen Jr. Your journey to serve the Lord has just begun. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

MAKAWAO | St. Joseph School

Catholic Schools Week began with a Mass on Sunday, Jan. 28, after which students gave parishioners bookmarks in appreciation for all their support. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, the students joined with the other Maui Catholic schools for a walk-a-thon called “Walking on Sacred Ground” which promoted solidarity and fellowship. Also that week, the school participated in, and won, the Catholic School Week Spelling Bee on Jan. 31. Sixth grader Grant Zaitchick, pictured here with his mother Jill, was the finalist out of 13 students from participating Catholic grade schools. Wonderful job to you, Grant! The week ended with a student Mass on Friday morning with student honors, recognition and thanksgiving for the blessing of the education in Christ. (Reported by Helen Souza)

WAIPIO GENTRY | Resurrection of the Lord Parish

Long lines of anxious and salivating parishioners are testimony of how popular our lumpia sale is every time we have it. Our first sale of the year was Jan. 14. On the day before, the volunteers kept streaming into the church’s conference room, a makeshift kitchen, to prepare the delicious Filipino treats. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon cooking together while enjoying each others fellowship! The youngest helper was a 6-year-old boy. I’m not surprised if some parishioners’ minds drifted off to the irresistible aroma of lumpia being fried outside the church during Mass. (Sorry, Father!) The profit is used to fund our building debt. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

PEARL CITY | Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Eucharistic ministry coordinator Gladys Bautista called a meeting of the members to welcome the New Year around a potluck table. After a prayer and feasting, ministry guidelines and qualities of a eucharistic minister were reviewed in the form of icebreakers and games. Pictured are the attendees who enjoyed the evening and left saying: “Now I know who he/she is; I didn’t know that about him/her; it was a good review for me; I had lots of fun.” Needless to say, all left with a eucharistic, thankful, feeling. Another plus were the party favors of goodies and kitchen scrubbers created by Mike and Doris Lee. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

AIEA | St. Elizabeth Parish

The parish St. Vincent de Paul Society has been toiling away these many years, a small community making a big difference in the lives of our needy brothers and sisters. Only St. Paul on his missionary journeys, I think, covered more ground. These folks have been known to take buses to make home call assessments on the Waianae Coast! Due to a shortage of membership they have been forced to cut back a bit, but they continue to meet every Monday night to reorganize, assess those requests in the local area that come to them and to reflect on their ministry and call to care for the needy as Jesus did, in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. They are a vital sector of our church. Let’s not forget the sheep and the goats in St. Matthew’s Gospel — who was it that the Shepherd welcomed into the Kingdom? (Reported by Linda Cacpal)

KANEOHE | St. Ann Parish

Here is a photo of our Christmas Choir, which sang at the 9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, Midnight Mass, 11:30 a.m. and Christmas morning. Noel Jaderstrom is head of the music ministry and Jim Hoban is choir director. (Reported by Joan Ross)

PAUOA VALLEY | Blessed Sacrament Parish

Visiting the manger scene for the last time on Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 7, the students from pre-kindergarten through grade five behaved with respect and devotion. Some of them prayed and gave thanks to Jesus for being our Savior. Others remained and recited the rosary. Kudos to environment committee coordinator Madeline Costa and her family Anita DeMotta, Paulette Hepa, Abbiejean, Gilbert and Jean Muragin, Mr. Batad and Wally Zoller for arranging the manger scene which was enhanced by a backdrop of Bethlehem created by Shirley Higa. Much appreciation to Hana Thompson for planning the church decor selecting yellow poinsettias, yellow lit trees and a wreath allowing the true meaning of Christmas to be on the Christ-child. … Continuing on with Ordinary Time, the religious education team continues to remind students that Jesus is in the tabernacle. Coordinating that ministry is Shirley Labisores with teachers Fe Cardenas, Liz Lum, Dee Kuapahi, Mary Lee Young, Brenda and Michael Bonsato. … Guiding the youths of our parish and St. Stephen Parish are Gary Boisclair, Heather Eggrs, Bubba Flores and Michelle Potner. Cory Mason and Rose Pearson do their Bible classes. Adult education (RCIA) instructors are Marty McNamara and Jack Tui. Erla Pauole and Adrienne Winchester teach infant baptism classes. Mahalo to all parishioners who have contributed and done much to be “Church.” Thanks be to God for Father Khanh Pham Nguyen and Deacon Ronald Choo. May the Holy Spirit guide us in 2007 as we seek the salvation of Jesus Christ! (Reported by Elizabeth Lum)

WAIALUA | St. Michael Parish

Here is the new look for Sts. Peter and Paul Mission at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s north shore. The name sign includes the logo of the Congregation of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Inside, the church has new carpet and flooring. (Reported by the parish)

HILO | St. Joseph Elementary School

Fourth graders, from left, Asinate Vakauta, Alison Fuata, and Al-eisha Santarone-Santos inspect wildlife animal artifacts from various extinct and endangered species. Their teacher Theresa Burian recently invited the Assistance League of Hawaii to do the presentation. It is all-volunteer, philanthropic organization that travels throughout Hawaii to enhance children’s awareness of animals and the potential for extinctions. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO | St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

The annual career day recently brought together alumni and other speakers from the community. Above, senior Jake Lee gets a hand scrub sample from alumna Pomaikai (Longakit) Williams as classmates Nathan Lee and Daniel Valentini observe. The guest speakers were ear, nose, throat specialist Dr. Lovina Sabnani; Arbonne skin care representative Rochelle Hudson; St. Joseph teacher and Franciscan Sister Charlene Epil; entertainer and Arbonne vice president Pomaikai Williams; registered nurse Christie (Luiz) Faletoi; veterinarian and UH professor Dr. Julie Luiz; principal Sister Marion Kikukawa; Joint Astronomy Centre outreach specialist Inga Heyer; Pacific Radio Group DJ Josh Pacheco; entertainer and KWXX DJ Keala Kawaauhau; firefighter/EMT/hazmat specialist Arnold Ferreira; firefighter/EMT Joseph Farias; Bank of Hawaii business banking officer and motivational speaker Cheryl Octavio; Navy Petty Officer Mark Chochol; and Air National Guard Sgt. Rita Miller. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HONOLULU | Cathedral School

The school began Catholic Schools Week with the kindergarteners doing their kick off statement, “Kindergarteners enjoy singing, dancing and learning to love Jesus” during the Monday morning assembly. (Reported by Lei Kondo)

HONOLULU | St. Patrick School

On Jan. 30, faculty, staff and students proudly recognized Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Sarah Talite’s 30 years of hard work and dedication to Catholic Schools in Hawaii. Our Catholic Schools’ Week Mass was dedicated to Sister Sarah who was presented with an abundance of leis and cards made by the students. Sister Sarah was also recognized at the Annual Conference for Catholic Educators on Feb. 2 at the Neal Blaisdell Arena. Congratulations, Sister Sarah, and thank you for your loyalty to Catholic Education. Pictured are Sacred Hearts Sister Anne Clare DeCosta, the Parish Director of Education, Aiden Tse of grade 1B with a card, kindergartener Mark Zukeran presenting a lei Sister Sarah. (Reported by the school)

HONOLULU | Star of the Sea School

Wednesday of Catholic Schools Week was designated “Service Day.” Students collected canned goods for the St. Patrick Food Pantry, made Valentines for the Veterans at Tripler Hospital, and “star cards” filled with coins they earned through service and chores for Catholic Charities in service of the needy. Nick Pfeiffer, Andy Bae and Katie Ching show off their coin-filled cards. (Reported by Cheri Rauckhorst)

HONOLULU | Holy Family Catholic Academy

The school recognize students as Ambassadors of Solidarity at a ceremony on Jan. 29. A boy and a girl from each class, kindergarten through eight, were chosen for this award for modeling the Christian spirit and touching the hearts of others by their inspiration. They are students of exemplary character who lead by example, show care and concern for others, never give up, challenge others to do the right thing, and fulfill their obligations at home, school and in the community. The students were very proud to receive such recognition and joyfully displayed their certificates and medals to the happy audience of teachers, students and families who joined to celebrate the new HFCA Ambassadors of Solidarity. (Reported by Luciana Bishay)

KEKAHA | St. Theresa School

This has been a very special Catholic Schools Week. Sunday after Mass, which was led by the students, all were invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast. Monday was devoted to our nation with prayers for the soldiers and a collection of items to be sent as care packages to them. Personnel from the Navy base down the road spoke to the students. Tuesday featured a sport competition between students and faculty. Community day on Wednesday had the students making cards for Meals on Wheels Program and the fifth grade visiting the Kauai Care Center. After school, teachers and staff were pampered with a free massage, manicure and pedicure in the school library. How thoughtful of the planners of the week to arrange this. We loved it! Thursday was devoted to vocations in life with talks given by a priest, sisters and married couple. The students responded well. After the Friday school Mass, the school volunteers were treated to refreshments in the cafeteria. Each volunteer received a lei as she or he entered church. This has been a most uplifting week. (Reported by Sister Marie Bernadette)

HONOLULU | Sacred Hearts Academy

Wang Ling, vice president of Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College in China, visited the Academy on Feb. 1. She was in the islands as a special guest of Sen. Gordon and Sonia Trimble whose family has a long history with the college. Trimble’s great-aunt Lydia Trimble was one of the college’s founders, and both the Senator and his wife have taught there. Academy students were appreciative of Ling’s willingness to share her views on education for women in China. She visited several classes, including video production, where she was interviewed and videotaped by journalism students and videographers. Pictured, from left, are social studies chair Lurline Choy, Wang Ling, Sonia Trimble, principal Betty White and director of development Celeste O’Brien. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

HONOLULU | Chaminade University

We celebrated Founders Week, Jan. 22-26, in honor of the founders of the Marianist priests, brothers, sisters and lay associates. On Monday, six teams gathered to play Marianist Lingo-Bingo at noon. The Jeopardy-style game pitted teams of faculty, staff, students and at least one Marianist in heated competition with Marianist Trivia questions. The Residence Life Team was the proud winner of dinner for six at the Hau Tree Lanai and the Religious Studies Team won gift certificates to the Chaminade University Bookstore. It is rumored the other teams are already studying up for next year! The week also had a Founders Day Mass and luncheon for the entire campus, a movie night and campus ministry’s ice cream social. (Reported by Kay Stone)

MANOA | St. Francis School

Bishop Larry Silva presided over a prayer service on Jan. 22 celebrating the birthday of Blessed Marianne Cope in our Almeida Student Center on campus. (Reported by Aileen Shin)

EWA BEACH | Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Our students were very “bee-z” studying for the school’s annual school-wide spelling bee on Jan. 18. Eighth Grade teacher Laverne Suster coordinated this event. The judges were Jill Sprott and Thalia Woodward. Prior to the school-wide event, spelling bees were held in grades K-8 to select first, second and third place representatives for the main competition. First place winners from grades six, seven and eight competed in an additional bee to determine the school’s representative to the Hawaii State Leeward District Spelling Bee in February. The winners of that event were Natasha Manuel and Lawrence Castillo. (Reported by Shirley Castro, photo by Thalia Woodward)

WAIALUA | St. Michael School

The students celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a variety of exciting activities. On Jan. 31, “Career Day,” students dressed up for a career they wanted to have when they grew up. Students came as teachers, veterinarians, and military personnel. One preschool student who wanted to be a teacher dressed up as Franciscan Sister Grace Michael Souza. To top off the day, the Waialua Fire Department crew visited the school to present fire safety guidelines and demonstrations. Each class took a picture with the firefighters and the fire truck. Despite the blustery conditions, the students were in awe and had a lot of fun with the firefighters. Pictured, Dante Lile, dressed up as an Army soldier, was adamant about trying to pick up a quarter using the firefighter’s gloves. It’s not as easy as you may think! (Reported by Jennifer Holmberg)