Hawi | Sacred Heart Parish

The community workshop “Grandparents raising grandchildren” was held to support and distribute resources to help grandparents raise their grandchildren. Prizes, lunch and games were provided throughout the day. Grandparents raising children is nothing new, but the numbers today are significant. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, over 6 million children in the United States who are living in grandfamilies. 2.4 million of these children are being raised solely by their grandparents. Grandparents are keeping families together and serving as a safety net to keep children out of the formal foster care system. Many grandparents caring for children face obstacles not encountered by biological parents, like the inability to place the children on their health insurance policies, to obtain affordable housing in which they can live with the children, and to enroll the children in school. The obstacles can be even greater if the relative caregiver is “informal,” meaning he or she lacks a legal relationship, such as legal custody or guardianship, with the child. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

HONOLULU | Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

On Feb. 25, seven catechumens went to the Rite of Election at the Co-Cathedral for St Theresa celebrated by Bishop Larry Silva. … The bishop received the cathedral’s 2007 Welcoming Parish Report from Daughter of St. Paul Sister Margaret Sato, the parish council chairwoman, during his pastoral visit. The bishop presided at all the liturgies and hosted a talk session after the 10:30 a.m. liturgy. (Reported by Jason Nunez)

PEARL CITY | Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Let’s hear a drum roll for, pictured from left, Tiare Tsutsui, James Malabanan, Kealii Garcia, Justin Malabanan and Alexis Tsutsui! Inspired by the musical talent of drummer Randy Nunes they begged him for instructions. His weekly sessions are held in the parish Meeting Room #2 and always begin with prayer and Scripture readings. Parents Jing Malabanan and Moana Garcia remain with the class “because we want to learn more about our faith with our children.” Then the fundamentals of drum playing, note reading and skill building are taught. Different grooves, which apply to the music, as well as visual aids, videos and practice pads and sticks give clarity and rhythm to the lessons. Some of the students play with Mr. Randy at the Sunday Youth Mass. Their ambition is to join the parish music ministry and a middle school band. And, yes, the instructor tests them to note their progress. Not pictured are Joey Iida and the youngest member of the class, seven-year-old Andrew Ancheta. Mr. Randy generously shares his talents because the “Lord said to plant seeds for future harvest and to develop the gifts he gave us for His glory.” The motto of the drum class is “In the Glorious Name of Jesus.” Amen. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

HONAUNAU | St. Benedict Parish

Nestled in the small ancient Hawaiian fishing village of Milolii located in South Kona is part of our growing parish community — St. Peter’s Church. Father Anastacio Postrano, center, is responsible for the membership growth and for guiding the physical restoration of this church. Along with Father Postrano are the St. Peter’s parishioners who volunteer their labor to renovate the church and to motivate parish membership. Mass is celebrated here at noon on the fourth Sunday of every month. (Reported by Angie Baniaga)

TOPSIDE | Molokai Catholic Community

The annual parish fundraising event on Feb. 17 on the grounds of St. Sophia Church in the heart of Kaunakakai featured a Filipino plate lunch sale, a surprise box silent auction, carnival games by the youth ministry, entertainment by parishioners and Father Jose Macoy, and a “make a Mardi Gras mask” contest. Proceeds will benefit the church and proceeds from the carnival games will benefit youth ministry’s travel to World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, in 2008. The highlight of the event was watching church leaders kiss O.B. the Duck for a buck (or two). Many thanks to all who purchased lucky number tickets and congratulations to the following winners: $50—Jodie Kaeha; $100—Father Marc Alexander; $200—Erin Kaai; $500—Sam Bongolan; and $1000—Florentino Villa. A big mahalo to Joyce Mondoy and Maria Watanabe for answering the call to chair and co-chair the annual event, to Father Alexander for his donation and to our community for their support in making this event a success. Pictured are O.B. the Duck with Ayla Bicoy. (Reported by Jersula L. Manaba)

LAHAINA | Maria Lanakila Parish

The pastor Father Gary Colton joined the RCIA candidates at their Feb. 17 mini-retreat as they prepared to receive the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion, during the 10 a.m. Mass on the First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 25. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Everett Balmores, Evelyn Suzuki, Melvyn Sumer and Tikiri Rickard. In the back row are Father Colton, Sosefo Rosenthal and Zachary Horiuchi. (Reported by Margy and Jim O’Brien)

MAKAWAO | St. Joseph Parish

Mahalo to the Souza Ohana, the Sweetbread/Malasada Crew, Christ the King Church, Holy Ghost Church/Our Lady Queen of Angels, Arthur DePonte, Gaspro and all of you who so graciously came out to help us raise $7,035 for our Multi Purpose Center Building Fund. God bless all of you and may he pour out his many blessings upon you and your families. … The parish’s Lenten Mission is March 13 at 7 p.m. Father Mark Alexander will preside. The theme is “love and forgiveness.” … The Lenten Penance Service is set for March 14 at 7 p.m. (Reported by Donna Pico, photo by Helen Souza)

KAHULUI | Christ the King Parish

On Feb. 17, after the 5 p.m. Mass, parishioners celebrated Father Ron’s birthday with a variety of good food and entertainment. Irene Cambra composed a special birthday song for him that was sung by her choir. A life size birthday card created by the parish school students and covered with their hand-written wishes and handprints was presented to Father Ron by the principal Bernadette San Nicolas. … On Feb. 23, director of diocesan planning Thomas Papandrew led a strategic planning workshop in the school cafeteria assisted by vicar general Father Marc Alexander. Many concerns for the parish and diocese were discussed. The workshop was of great success. Pictured are Deacon Ken Bissen, Father Alexander, Father Ron and the pastor Father Efren Tomas at the workshop. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

AIEA | St. Elizabeth Parish

Ordained on Friday, Feb. 9, preaching on Sunday! The parish is so proud of our two new slaves for Christ — Fred Carahasen, left, and Kin Borja. They were busy at a servant’s work right after ordination, preaching at Masses, being scheduled for Holy Week services, being recruited to teach (along with wives Lina Carahasen and Alicia Borja who are now certified catechists). Besides the joy of ordination, the parish extended its aloha to them at the February Aloha Sunday fellowships. They were already toiling away at their work of charity teaching infant baptism classes and prison ministry. At St. Elizabeth’s there no such thing as an un-busy deacon.  May the good Lord keep them in the protection of his heart and keep their hands in his all the days of their life. (Reported by Linda Cacpal, photo by Ed Taguba)

WAIALAE-KAHALA | Star of the Sea Parish

Our parish celebrated Chinese New Year with a Mass on Feb. 18 and a community cultural celebration afterward in the cafeteria. Pictured, we see many of our sisters, priests and parishioners watching fifth grader Daniel Kee feed the hungry lion. (Reported by Cheri Rauckhorst)

WAIPIO GENTRY | Resurrection of the Lord Parish

Do you ever wonder how the church stays sparkling clean every time you attend Mass? The bathroom smells fresh like spring breeze. The windows are always spotless. The floors are swept from corner to corner. The lanai areas where you socialize with your friends are also swept and void of unsightly rubbish. The trashcans are emptied out promptly to make space for the things you need to leave behind. We sure don’t have professional cleaners that come every week. Even better than professional cleaners, we have dedicated volunteers who willingly come forward quietly to do just that for you. On Feb. 24, an early Saturday morning, Confirmation I and II youths, their parents and sponsors were spotted working hard doing the job that many others would rather not do. Mahalo from the bottom of our hearts! Pictured are Ian Seki, Sherilyn Palafox and Nicholas and Toni Erolin. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi, photo by Keoki Dumlao)

SALT LAKE | St. Philomena Early Learning Center

The students from Miss Lai Yin’s classroom sang for guests at the Holy Family-St. Philomena Valentine Luncheon. More than 130 parishioners attended the fifth annual event sponsored by the early learning center on Feb. 14. At the celebration, seniors 55 and older who generously devote their time and effort in many ministries were recognized. The festivities began with a para-liturgy in the church during which students presented each senior with a paper heart. More than 130 seniors were then treated to a delicious luncheon in the parish hall prepared by the in-house chef and entertained by the children. Sister Jeanne of St. Francis Healthcare System gave an inspirational talk entitled “Life is Fragile Handle with Prayer.” A New York Life Insurance consultant spoke about taking care-of-life affairs, and the barbershop quartet from the “Sons of Aloha” Chorale serenaded them. Each senior was given a bag of goodies and many left with door prizes donated by local merchants. (Reported by Harold Chun)

KANEOHE | St. Ann Parish

The parish choir sang at the recent presentation in church by Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculee Ilibagiza. Picture with the choir members are choir director Jim Hoban, Ilibagiza, the pastor Sacred Hearts Father Herman Gomes and Sacred Hearts Father Johnathan Hurrell. (Reported by Beth Hoban)

MAKAWAO | St. Joseph School

Heads up for our basketball team. This year proved to be a great year for the Knights as the students gear up for their season. Basketball coach Ken Doyle has put together a great team consisting of 12 students in the third-fifth grade bracket. Although our season has just begun, the team is having a lot of fun. As principal Jody Lazo said, “They put their heart and soul into it.” To the coaching staff and the team, we wish you the best this season. God bless you! (Reported by Helen Souza)

HONOLULU | Holy Family Catholic Academy

During January, the fifth grade students collected donations for their furry friends at the Humane Society. The society gave students, families, faculty and staff a list of pet products it needed. The response was so generous that the project was carried out through the entire month. As the donations came in, the students sorted and packed the items in boxes. A total of 18 large boxes, full of such items as toys, food and towels, were collected. The student council joined in the project with a generous monetary donation on behalf of the entire school. On March 2, a representative from the Humane Society visited the school to receive the donations. Once again our students show their support for the community and their commitment to following in the footsteps of Christ. (Reported by Luciana Bishay)

HONOLULU | Holy Trinity School

Ms. Docken’s fourth and fifth graders have been sending care packages and banners to Mr. Hopley’s troop stationed in Iraq. Pictured is the troop displaying one of the banners. We are hoping to celebrate their homecoming soon. (Reported by Lizzy Docken and Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU | Maryknoll High School

The school celebrated Founders Day on Feb. 14, with a Mass at St. Ann Church in Kaneohe for grades 8 through 12. Bishop Larry Silva presided. Concelebrating were pastor Father Gordian Carvalho, associate pastor Father Jason Souza, Maryknoll alumnus Father Gary Secor, and Maryknoll Fathers Bob Donnelly and John Soltis. Special guests were Oahu Maryknoll Sisters. The school celebrates Founders Week each year to commemorate the Feb. 14, 1920, date when Mary Joseph “Mollie” Rogers and the Teresians received canonical recognition as The Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic, later changed to the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic. Pictured celebrating Mass are, from left, Father Souza, Father Soltis, Bishop Silva, Father Donnelly, Father Carvalho and Father Secor. (Reported by Camille Domaloan Michel)

WAILUKU | St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School

As a Marianist (Society of Mary)-sponsored school, we have developed an award acknowledging one employee and a male and female student of the month. The award, called “Spirit of Aloha,” is based on concern, acceptance, responsibility, integrity, nurturing and giving — all qualities exhibited by our Mother Mary. The recipients are acknowledged before the student body and in the school monthly newsletter, receive a certificate and are awarded a free lunch. February recipients are athletic trainer Erin Harkleroad, senior Kristin Kirschbraun and junior Joshua Fukagawa. Pictured is Kristin receiving her award from the principal Edwina Wilson-Snyder with academic dean Patricia Rickard in the background. (Reported by Janice Pruett)

HONOLULU | Sacred Hearts Academy

Eight talented young singers proudly represented the school in the All-State Honors Choir. Hundreds of high school students auditioned for the highly competitive and prestigious honor but only 173 were selected. The choir spent a weekend in Laie at Brigham Young University-Hawaii rehearsing under the leadership of world-renowned and locally beloved choral clinician Dr. Karen Kennedy. The culminating concert at Honolulu’s distinguished Kawaiahao Church was flawless thanks to months of preparation and a grueling weekend of rehearsals. Pictured, in front, are Helen Choe, Kayla Kim, Kimberly Lynch and Olivia Borges. In back are Makena Hamilton, Karring Yee, Maxinne Ramos and Karen Herndon. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

KANEOHE | St. Ann School

Model Schools seventh grader Andrew Dau captured the Windward District Spelling Bee title on Feb. 21. Andrew won by spelling the word “sitzmark” correctly in the seventh round. Andrew was able to spell the word correctly by asking for its origin. He and his English teacher Kimberly Keith have been practicing for the spelling bee after school and at recess since December. Andrew and Mrs. Keith were recognized at the school’s morning assembly the next day. Andrew has won his class spelling bee four times out of the last six years. He is currently preparing for the state’s March 11 spelling bee. Congratulations to our top-notched speller! (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

EWA BEACH | Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Concerned that their fellow students would have difficulty finding affordable and easily accessible gifts for Valentine’s Day, members of the school’s Student Leadership Council coordinated a balloon sale. For a little over a dollar, students could purchase a balloon and have it delivered to their classrooms. At no extra charge, students could — and many did — select a “secret admirer” option, and have the balloons delivered on campus to the object(s) of their affection. The council initially projected a sale of 200 balloons. However, following the presale on Feb. 8 and 9, it had sold more than 600 balloons. On the eve of Valentine’s Day, the council’s officers, assisted by several helpful volunteers (see photo), diligently filled balloons with helium and prepared them for distribution. On Feb.14, Valentine’s Day, as the Student Leadership Council distributed hundreds of floating heart-shaped balloons across the campus, it became clear that the council’s endeavors had been a success: love was literally in the air. (Reported by Jill Sprott)

HONOLULU | Maryknoll Grade School

The students welcomed the new pastor of the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community, Father Gordian “Gordy” Carvalho, and new associate pastor, Father Jason Souza, during morning flag-raising. The priests were presented with lei, flowers, banners, cards, and even a Chinese lion dance headband. The student council hosted a reception for Father Gordy and Father Jason afterward. (Reported by Shana Tong)

AIEA | St. Elizabeth School

The fifth and sixth graders collaborated on a 30-second video public service announcement promoting an anti-tobacco lifestyle. The sixth grade was responsible for writing, directing and editing the commercial. The PSA will be entered in the 4th Annual Video Competition sponsored by Olelo Youth Xhange Network. The project took two weeks to complete. Pictured at top, from left, are Nicole Corpuz, Jayce Ikehara, DJ Lorenzo, Kurtis Davidson, Chantelle Arce, Taylor Garcia-Perreira, Roina Maafala and Jessica Pak. On the bottom, from left, are Gabsy Anderson, Micah Ladera, Jodi Shibata, Kylie Tokunaga, Josh Smith, Traci Sahagun and Hayley Dixon. (Reported by Steve McLellan)

HONOLULU | Star of the Sea School

To begin our Lenten journey, the first through third grades presented the Stations of the Cross to the student body and staff. Each Tuesday during Lent, the school will have a prayer service and Stations. The intermediate students and middle school students will be presenting in the future weeks. From left, are third graders Kris Lee, Christine Mau, Hunter Yee, Shannon-Bay Gregory and Alyssa Kuwamoto. (Reported by Cheri Rauckhorst)

HONOLULU | Saint Louis School

The Saint Louis Players invite you to be their guests at the enchanting Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast. Belle, Beast, Gaston and the rest of the cast of the world-famed Disney production came to life in the Dr. Richard T. Mamiya theatre on campus on March 2. Performances will run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. through March 18. Audiences will be charmed and delighted with all the romance, action, music and magic of Beauty and Beast. The cast and crew are Saint Louis gentlemen (many are football players) and female performers from Punahou, Sacred Hearts Academy, Kamehameha Schools, St. Andrew’s Priory, Kaimuki and Kaiser High School. (Reported by Darcie Yukimura)

HONOLULU | Chaminade University

Marianist Brother Jerry Bommer, along with Campus Ministry, sponsored a Mardi Gras party. Eighty-five students gathered to enjoy root beer floats and malasadas and win prizes. Marianist Father Ken Templin is pictured giving away one of the many prizes, which included a $100 gift card to Best Buy. Now that we are in the season of Lent, Taize Prayer will be held every Wednesday in the Mystical Rose Oratory at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. (Reported by Kay Stone)

MANOA | St. Francis School

Sister Jeanne Karp, vocation minister for the Sisters of Saint Francis in New York, spoke to students Feb. 26-March 2 about “Encountering God” and caring for the earth. Her talks ranged from one-on-one discussions on prayer to lessons on ecological teachings for the entire school body. Sister Jeanne promotes vocations to a religious life through retreats, talks and counseling to more than 5,000 students nationwide every year, from New York to Hawaii. Pictured is Sister Jeanne leading the seventh graders in the “Canticle of the Sun.” (Reported by the school)