Big Island
WAIMEA | Annunciation Parish
The hard working and dedicated parish youth group deserve kudos for their latest accomplishment. Led by 16-year-old University of Hawaii at Hilo student Joseph O’Connell, these fine young men and women organized their annual “Souper Bowl” fundraiser on Super Bowl Sunday. Standing at the doors of the Waimea and Puako Masses, the group collected $1,350.27. That evening at religious education classes, they enjoyed refreshments while counting the money, a very satisfying end to their efforts. The youth group will donate 100 percent of their collection toward fighting hunger in our parish. We are all very proud of our youth group! (Reported by Libby Kaopuiki)
PAHOA | Sacred Heart Parish
The February and March schedule for religious education classes was published in Sunday bulletin. … Parishioners are being asked to bring their “old” telephone books to church to donate to St. Joseph Schools. … A meeting will be held on March 3, 9-10 a.m., for all those involved in the Easter Triduum. A pastoral council meeting will follow at 10a.m. … This year’s Rice Bowls will be distributed to parishioners at the Ash Wednesday Masses held at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Reported by Richard J. Robbins)
Maui
WAIHEE | St. Ann Parish
On Feb. 10, 20-30 people participated in the RCIA/parish retreat under the theme “Called to be Holy — Called to Be Mary.” We are called by God to live lives of holiness and to be examples and role models to one another as Mary was. We are called to be Mary, called by name to give birth to Christ in others. The retreat explored this way of life through Scripture, faith sharing, music, prayer, traditions and symbols. Thank you to the many hands that made this retreat possible, especially the facilitators, and the generosity of our parishioners. Our parish is truly blessed. (Reported by Frances Asuncion)
WAILUKU | St. Anthony of Padua Parish
The director of youth ministry Chiree Souza reports a high number of participants this year. The junior high division has 35 students. The first year confirmation class under the direction of Serina Souza has 47 students, and the second year class under Lori Cagacungan has 41. … On Feb. 18, 10 peer ministers from the second year class planned a project called Food Fast where the participants did not eat from 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., watched videos from the Catholic Relief Services, and learned how their worldwide counterparts handle poverty on a daily basis. The goal of the project was to work on ways to raise money for the poor. (Reported by Miriam Kahalekai)
MAKAWAO | St. Joseph Parish
Father Mark Alexander will be the presider at the Lenten parish mission on March 13 at 7 p.m. The theme is “Love and Forgiveness.” … The parish Lenten penance service is March 14 at 7 p.m. … A diocesan planning meeting with Father Alexander and Thomas Papandrew is scheduled for March 26 at 7 p.m. in the gym for all committee members of St. Joseph Church and the Kula Catholic Community. Everyone in any committee or ministry must attend. Mahalo for your cooperation. (Reported by Donna Pico)
West Honolulu
HONOLULU | Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
Our parish held its second annual volunteer appreciation dinner at the Hale Koa Hotel on Feb. 6. Two hundred volunteers enjoyed great food, music and entertainment by Frank DeLima. Daughter of St. Paul Sister Margaret Timothy Sato, chairwoman of the parish council, presented the cathedral’s Welcoming Parish 2007 document to the attendees. … The parish youth collected $1123.67 for Safe Haven in the Souper Bowl collection on Super Bowl Sunday. Our children did a superb job standing by exit doors and on Fort Street Mall. (Reported by Ann Hannan)
PAUOA VALLEY | St. Stephen Parish
Thank you to liturgical ministry guest speaker Mitsu Papayaonou who shared her expertise at two informative and reflective sessions, Feb. 3 and 17, for the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors and Ushers (Hospitality). The sessions, open to all parishioners, offered an opportunity to sign up for a ministry. Mitsu gave a brief history of the Catholic Church and explained the need for awareness and meaningful participation in the liturgy. We are of many parts with different God-given gifts, yet one body of Christ, she said. Worshippers should leave each Mass with “work and action to do … to be that living Jesus to others.” The sessions were a preparation for commissioning and an instruction in spiritual growth, sanctity and service. Thanks be to God and to Father Khanh Pham Nguyen for this reflective enrichment opportunity. Mahalo to Henriette Tam and Adrienne Winchester and many others for the refreshments and set up! (Reported by Elizabeth Lum)
NUUANU | St. Stephen Parish
Christmas is over its spirit continues. On Feb. 3, youth from around the island filled the pews, praying and singing praises to the Lord. On Fire is a prayer and worship event, sponsored by InHim Ministry, held here on the first Saturday of each month. The meeting continues in the hall with fellowship and refreshments. … Birthdays are little reminders from God that life is to be celebrated. On Feb. 4, parishioners of this parish and sister parish Blessed Sacrament celebrated Father Khanh Pham Nguyen’s birthday with brunch, enjoying fellowship and festivities. Mahalo to the kitchen crew. … The altar servers’ appreciation breakfast on Feb. 11 brought together altar servers and parents from both parishes in the hall for an enjoyable meal prepared by our kitchen team headed by Sui Kozuma. Deacon Ronald Choo announced that the old and new altar servers will be trained by Joseph Salas of St. Stephen and Fe Cardenas of Blessed Sacrament. A big mahalo to our servers for their loyal service and ministry. … Our Shrove Tuesday celebration was shared with Blessed Sacrament Church on Feb. 20. A potluck dinner was followed by a movie about Mother Teresa, the burning of palms and the sharing of malasadas. Thank you Blessed Sacrament for hosting. (Reported by Ginny Jordan)
East Honolulu
NUUANU | Holy Trinity Parish
Calling parish engineers and architects. Please tell Father Hal Weidner you are interested in a little project. We need to build an art classroom for the next school year. Since it is not a normal looking building, what about trying something ecological, creative and cheap? If you have ideas, especially one you never could find a client for, try us out just for the fun of it. It would be a joy to have something so interesting that people stopped off to see it. (From the parish bulletin)
ALA MOANA | Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
The youth ministry day of recollection, Feb. 24, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., will be a day introducing the youth of the East Honolulu Vicariate to our parish youth ministry. The day will include youth from all over the state discussing the summit of our faith — the Eucharist. There will be various activities, talks, lunch and the introduction of the youth liturgy (5 p.m. Mass). Youth drives at every 11 a.m. Mass will sign up anyone who wants to participate in youth ministry. (From the parish bulletin)
Leeward Oahu
WAIALUA | St. Michael Parish
April 1 is Palm Sunday. If you still have last year’s or previous year’s Palm Sunday leaf branches, may we request that you bring it to church with you and leave it in the box provided at the back of the church. We plan to burn these for ashes for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21. Mahalo for your cooperation! (From the parish bulletin)
Windward Oahu
ENCHANTED LAKE | St. John Vianney Parish
Our Boy Scout Crew 311 will be collecting items for a garage sale. The youth want to demonstrate responsibility by paying their own way for high adventure activities, some off-island. Drop off items on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. at the Circle of Peace starting Feb. 21 to March 21. You can also call crew president Leslie Osborn at 230-2328 anytime to arrange a pick-up. Date of garage sale TBA! (From the parish bulletin)