PAHALA
Holy Rosary Parish
A big mahalo to Father Joe Carroll and Father James Arnakatt who filled in during Msgr. Ted Mercado’s vacation in the Philippines. Father Joe shared his wisdom and spiritual leadership and praised the “little menehunes” of our laity. Father James shared his charismatic renewal training and conducted a workshop “How to Lead a Happy Life” for this parish and Sacred Heart Church in Naalehu, followed by food and fellowship. The visiting priests were welcomed with a potluck dinner at Holy Rosary and a brunch at Sacred Heart. (Reported by Jeanette Castillo)
PAPAIKOU
Immaculate Heart of Mary
The parish Relay for Life Team, under the leadership of Donna Johnson-Elayyan and Victor Justo Jr. and with the help of parishioners, again achieved Gold Status with a donation of $6,884.23 for the American Cancer Society. Congratulations! ... The high school youth are busy with projects to fund upcoming trips. They go to Oahu in November for the State Youth Rally at Leeward Community College. This project is under the direction of Inez Johnson. Then they are off to Australia in July 2008 for World Youth Day under the leadership of Victor Justo Jr. The youth have been busy with car washes, candy sales, donut sales, t-shirt sales and much more. Through hard work and determination they will definitely reach their goal. (Reported by Pat Phillips)
HILO
St. Joseph Parish
Parishioners bade farewell and aloha to Father Edgar Brillantes, who continues his ministry at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Wahiawa. Father Brillantes, a stalwart supporter of his fellow Ilocanos and Filipinos, started many outreach activities encouraging remarkable participation from the Filipino community which has long desired Masses to be celebrated in Ilocano. Father Brillantes celebrated Filipino liturgies in Papaikou, Laupahoehoe, and St. Joseph. He also led the novena, the rosary, Flores de Mayo, and Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi celebrations. He was also the spiritual director of the Hawaii Council of Filipino Catholic Clubs. (Reported by Grace Sadumiano)
KAILUA-KONA
St. Michael Parish
Parishioners bid farewell and mahalo to Father Jerry Avisa who became parish administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Honokaa. In his short 11-month stay at St Michael, Father Jerry had become a dearly beloved member of the parish team. He, too, is a strong supporter of his fellow Ilocanos and Filipinos and has accomplished much for the Filipino community of West Hawaii. Attendance at Filipino Masses rose considerably because he personally would call churchgoers and remind them to come. During each Mass, he involved those celebrating birthdays and wedding anniversaries and families commemorating the anniversary of the death of their loved ones. The Masses were followed by fellowship filled with fun. Father Jerry is also the spiritual director of the Filipino Catholic Club at St. Michael. Aloha and mahalo to Father Edgar and Father Jerry and Godspeed! (Reported by Grace Sadumiano)
MOUNTAIN VIEW
St. Theresa Parish
Parishioners bade Father Manuel Hewe farewell on Father’s Day, June 17, in the parish hall. “Father Manny,” as he likes to be called, left June 25 to be the administrator at St. John Apostle and Evangelist in Mililani on Oahu. Father Manny has served the Catholic community of Upper Puna for three years and has been extremely popular here. The farewell was an opportunity for the parish to express its appreciation for his gifts of spiritual guidance, patience, good humor, and the joy of singing and music he shared. The large turnout and many testimonials and gifts showed how much he will be missed. The parishioners wish Father Manny well in his new position and welcome his replacement, Father Salvador Bringas. (Reported by the parish)
KIHEI
St. Theresa Parish
Sister Pat Oliver celebrated 50 years as a Sister of Mercy on May 20 at our parish with a special Mass and luncheon. Mass began at 11:30 a.m. with the blowing of the conch shells by three members of the Tongan community and a traditional Hawaiian chant done by Kalae Martin. A special group made up of members of the adult choir, the Life Teen choir and the Tongan choir led the worshipers in singing. Evelyn Ibonia and Oli Faiva did the first and second readings. Deacon Stan Franco proclaimed the Gospel. All the Scriptures were the readings of the day, the Ascension of the Lord. At this point in the Mass, Father Peter Dumag introduced Sister Pat and invited her to come forward and give her reflection of the past 50 years. (Reported by Anita Carrington, photo be Leroy Carrington)
KAHULUI
Christ the King Parish
On July 31, the vicariate parish strategic committee held the follow up session at our parish hall. Father Marc Alexander, assisted by Tom Papandrew and Sharon Chiarucci, headed the meeting. Members from Maria Lanakila, Lahaina, Holy Ghost, Kula, St. Theresa, Kihei, St. Joseph, Makawao and St. Ann, Waihee, attended. Groups prioritized concerns from the previous meeting. The top priorities were youth, leadership and repairs with maintenance and budgeting. The committee will present the issues and concerns to Bishop Larry Silva for review. Pictured are parishioners discussing at the meeting. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)
EWA BEACH
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
For four Saturdays, June 30, July 7, 14 and 21, an average of 30 parishioners gathered at the breezeway at 6 a.m. to “take the parish on the road.” Four or five drivers took four or five walkers each to an assigned neighborhood to cover from 6:30 a.m. to around 9 a.m. In the afternoon, five more would come for the 4:30-7 p.m. slot. The walkers’ mission was to leave flyers on the door or gate of the homeowners. Those who responded to the challenge to walk were Karla Achiu, Gayle Acuna, Shirley Aganad, Florence Akasaki, Donna Alvaro, Sharlene Bada, Sheryl Bada, Berry Baldouf, Nina Barbasa, Frankie Barnes, Anthony Barredo, Fred Barredo, Allyn Bautista, Cookie Beltrano, Oding Bermudez, Remi Cabrera, Adrian Cabuhat, Martha Camacho, Ray Campana, Wilma Campana, Mila Caparas, Mary Ann Castillo, Shaina Coloma, Juanita Colon, Gliceria Cosejo, Precy Cuizon, Gretchen Dayanan, John Dietz, Maile Duffy, Makena Duffy, Susan Duffy, Dora Duhaylonsod, Danielle Eleccion, Rosemary Fujimoto, Derek Fukuda, Lydia Gerakas, Mike Gerakas, Tessie Gonzales, Clarence Gouveia, Barbara Guervil, Benie Guzman, Mona Hicks, Sandi Javar, Maile Jones, Bernie Kanalulu, Lily Lambinicio, Jim Lawson, Melissa Lawson, Johanna Lechergui, Cathy Leggett, Gina Maki, Marikit Malinis, Mason Matsuda, Tiana Matsuda, Timari Matsuda, Arsy Mauricio, Priscila Molina, Rosaliza Panag, AJ Perez, Toni Perreira, Kymberly Pine, Eleanor Regojo, Esper Resayo, Tina Teyes, Tina Robinson, Victoria Roy, Reuben Rubina, Kathleen Santos, Leonila Santos, Sonny Santos, Brandon Serrano, Alex Song, Querida Song, Agripina Tabutol, Adele Tangjian, Tess Texeira, Flor Torres, Barbara Travis, Terry Travis, David Tupper and Lourdes Tupper. (Reported by Julia Torres)
LANAI CITY
Sacred Hearts Parish
A special “aloha” Mass was celebrated in June to bid Father Raymund Ellorin farewell and to welcome to our parish our new administrator Father Ferdinand Ragasa. Father Raymund, now assigned to St. Theresa in Kihei, Maui, turned over the reins to Father Ferdinand who hails from Subec Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and came to Hawaii in 2006. Before being assigned as our permanent administrator he was associate pastor at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa on Oahu. We offer a warm aloha and welcome to our new administrator and hope he will feel at home here at our small but close parish community. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)
LIHUE
Immaculate Conception Parish
Our Filipino Catholic Club and the Sisters of St. Francis celebrated the golden jubilee of Sister Florence Remata on May 19. Sister Florence is the parish director of catechetical ministry and also serves as the Kauai vicariate liaison for the diocesan Office of Religious Education. Father Bill Shannon presided at the jubilee liturgy and the homily was given by Sulpician Father John Bitterman. The reception followed at the Lihue Neighborhood Center. Sister Florence is a native of Kauai who has returned to her home island to do her ministry. Her mother, who turns 99 on Sept. 11, was at the liturgy and reception. The Remata family and relatives, St. Theresa School, Kekaha, Class of 1952 (the first graduation class and Sister Florence’s class), St. Theresa parishioners, the Kauai Franciscan Associates and friends will have a reunion in the parish hall in Kekaha on Aug. 11. (Submitted by E.J. Resinto)
KEKAHA
St. Theresa Parish
Under the spiritual guidance of the pastor Wilfredo ‘Father Fred’ Iminga, the parish council worked hard over the first six months of this year to secure lay volunteers for many of its leadership positions. We welcome parish council president Mary Manuel, vice-president Glenn Montemayor and secretary Joveen Acoba. Our Temporalities Commission welcomes Annette Perreira, finance committee coordinator, and Lew Young, buildings and grounds coordinator. Mary Tumbaga heads our worship commission with Randi Dela Cruz preparing the Sunday Bulletin. We thank everyone who has worked in these ministries over the years and ask God to bless those who have stepped up to serve at this time. We also thank for their outstanding work those who continue to serve in other commissions! We especially welcome Paul and Anita Applegate as our youth commission coordinators. This newly formed ministry has chosen “The Young and the Faithful of St. Theresa Parish” as their name. Their mission statement: “Youth together in Christ building a strong church, family and community.” God has indeed blessed our parish. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)
MAKAWAO
St. Joseph Parish
An era in the life of our church ended when former church secretary Virginia Moskow passed away on July 4. Until taking ill, Virginia had dedicated her time to the church as a money counter for the weekly collections and at parish and school fundraisers. Her funeral was July 12. In the words of the Apostle Paul, Virginia abounded in the work of the Lord; she knew that, in the Lord, her labor was not in vain. Therefore, we remember her with deep thanksgiving before God “who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58). Our deepest sympathy to Virginia’s family. May she rest in peace. … Religious education classes for the 2007-08 school year begin Aug. 12. Registration forms are available on the tables at the entrance of church. Here is the Sunday schedule: 7:50-8:50 a.m., preschool-8th grade and RCIC; 10-11 a.m., Confirmation I and II, RCIA and Junior Youth Group; 11 a.m.-noon, Senior Youth Group. For more information call our religious education coordinator Alicia Kapua at 283-9758. (Reported by Donna Pico)
KULA
Kula Catholic Community
Our parish celebrated the Feast of St. James at St. James Mission in Ulupalakua on July 21 with a special dedication to St. James celebrated by Father Eric Castro. Larry Shim presented a beautiful double carnation lei and lei haku made by Mary Jane Mau. The combined choirs of Our Lady Queen of Angels Choir, St. Joseph’s Choir and the Perry’s Choir brought wonderful glory and praise to the liturgy. With over 100 people crowded in the modest church, the celebration continued with an abundance of ono food, joy and laughter. Mahalo to all those who helped to sponsor this special event! (Reported by Marie Biga)
MILILANI
St. John Apostle and Evangelist
It is with great joy and celebration that the sacrament of Confirmation was conferred at our parish on May 20. Pictured in the photo are the 54 confirmandi and their catechist team. Vicar general Father Marc Alexander presided at the Mass and confirmed the students. Father Salvatore Bringas concelebrated. (Reported by the parish)
HONOLULU
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
The historic structure survey and assessment report was presented to the Cathedral Restoration Committee and Bishop Larry Silva’s representatives on June 8. The report noted one area that warranted further immediate investigation and such evaluation was made during the month of July. Wiss Janney Elstner Associates, structural engineers, to evaluate the ability of the floor system to support the air conditioning units, conducted the investigation. A proposal to safely support the levels above the sacristy will be generated in the next weeks. (Reported by Ann Hannon)
PAUOA VALLEY
Blessed Sacrament Parish
Summertime is break time for religious education students and catechists. However, our young children are blessed with mini-catechesis from Father Khanh Pham Nguyen, who continues his special time with them before the final blessing at the Sunday 7 a.m. Mass. The young Catholics sit with Father Khanh to listen and to respond to the Gospel’s message shared at their level. The children find it rewarding because of Father Khanh’s heart-warming attention and love for them. More times than not, the children receive incentives varying from snacks, treats, surprises, or religious items donated by parishioners. Listening in, the rest of the assembly absorbs the simplified Gospel message. One Sunday, 5-year-old Maya Piper volunteered to lead the children in the Lord’s Prayer. (Reported by Elizabeth Lum)
KALIHI VALLEY
Our Lady of the Mount
Bishop Larry Silva presided at the 6 p.m. Mass on July 28 installing Father Adrian R. Gervacio as pastor. About 200 parishioners were there. Afterward, Father Gervacio, pastoral council chairperson Paul Roberts, and members of the pastoral council took the bishop out to dinner. The official reception celebrating the installation of our pastor will be Aug. 19, as part of our feast day celebration. (Reported by Lucy Poueu)
KANEOHE
St. Ann Parish
The parish celebrated the feast of our patron St. Ann, Mother of Mary and Grandmother of Jesus on July 27. Sacred Hearts Father Herman Gomes opened the evening with the prayer to St. Ann on the holy cards distributed to those who came. The Adult Faith Formation team hosted a tasty spaghetti dinner for approximately 300 parishioners. Later, Father Herman gave a brief explanation of the steps involved in being declared a saint in the church. Special guest Frank DeLima made it a festive celebration with his quick wit and Catholic humor. Pictured are Adult Faith Formation team members Alika Sheldon and Jesse Masagatani preparing the wonderful spaghetti. (Reported by Patricia Pimental, photo by Kuulei Halemano)
NUUANU
St. Stephen Parish
Fellowship and fundraising activities have kept parishioners busy. The first event, the Aloha Fest, took place April 29. July 29 was the Hukilau Fest. There was a lot of good food, the famous milk bread, homemade laulau, pickled mango, mango chutney, jug with salt eggs, pork and beans, baked goods, fruits and plants. Thanks to everyone who shared time and talent. Big mahalo to Mary Kano and her committee, Ben and Miriam Ladrillono, Sui Kozuma, Al Ibarra and all who assisted in the preparation. They were busy for many weeks. Everyone had fun and enjoyed the fellowship. The next event, the Mahalo Fest, will be Sept. 23 after the 9 a.m. Mass. (Reported by Ginny Jordan)
KULIOUOU
Holy Trinity Parish
Join our Sunday evening Bible study group. It meets in the parish meeting room at 6 p.m. Watch the bulletin for when our Tuesday morning women’s Bible study group resumes in the fall. (From the parish bulletin)
ALA MOANA
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
Come to the annual Parish Picnic, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park! Sign-up sheets (we need a head count for the food) are at the back of the church. Please join us for food, fun and surprises! If you have questions or would like to help, please call Traci at 218-0632. (From the parish bulletin)
WAIMANALO
St. George Parish
Our parish hall, now called “The Gathering Place,” will be rededicated and renamed “The Father Bill Gathering Place” in honor and appreciation of Msgr. William F. Mattimore (Father Bill). The rededication will take place at 11 a.m. on Aug. 26. A parish barbeque and picnic will follow. (Reported by the parish)
NUUANU
Cathedral Catholic Academy
School recently began. Students celebrated the first school Mass with Father John Berger on Aug. 3. Pictured with Father Berger, from left, are Justin Lim, Rachel Heafner, Alexander Nomura, Lilan Sekigawa, Julie Nguyen and Samara Hoe. (Reported by Lei Kondo)
HONOLULU
Sacred Hearts Academy
Four students were selected as finalists in the HMSA Teen Video Awards, a video competition for students to create a public service announcement in one of four categories: anti-drug, anti-underage drinking, anti-smoking and fitness/nutrition. The students and their teacher Randall Fong attended the May 17 awards ceremony at Consolidated Ward Theatre. Jonelle Macapinlac was awarded first place in the anti-drug category. The Academy received $1,000 for the winning videos. The students and their productions were Jonelle Macapinlac — “Spelling Bee,” Sheena Lam — “Ice-It Will Hurt You,” Heidi Tay, — “Think Twice,” and Amy Ngo — “Beautiful High.” (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)
HONOLULU
Maryknoll High School
Our school honored three outstanding service leaders at its 8th Annual Alumni Week July 21 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel — the late Dr. Reynold Shirai (’47), Paul Chinen (’57), and Haunani Apoliona (’67). All received the 2007 Alumni Achievement Award. For the last 25 years until his death in 2005, Dr. Shirai served as Maryknoll’s school physician and medical consultant. He was a founding member of the Maryknoll Boosters Club. Before opening his private practice of pediatrics in 1960, Dr. Shirai was stationed in Korea for two years with the U.S. Army and was a pediatric resident in hospitals in Louisiana and Honolulu. Chinen is vice-president of the Pacific Region Office of Earth Tech, Inc., after 31 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His dedication to the armed forces began as a member of Maryknoll’s ROTC and rifle team. His military career includes two years in Vietnam; a position at the Pentagon; and command of the North Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A recipient of the Army Engineer Association’s Silver de Fleury Medal, he retired in 1994 as a brigadier general, the first general of Okinawan ancestry in the U.S. Army. For more than 25 years, Apoliona has dedicated herself to the Native Hawaiian community at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Alu Like, various civic activities and her music. A year after earning her master’s degree in social work from the University of Hawaii in 1976, she joined Alu Like as an employment and training counselor, eventually becoming its president and CEO. In 1996, she was elected to OHA and today serves as chair of the board of trustees. Her community work has been recognized with awards from the Asian and Pacific American Women’s Leadership Institute, Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Alumni of the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaiian Civic Club. Pictured, from left, are incoming alumni association president Darryll Wong, Haunani Apoliona, Paul Chinen, Edna Shirai (widow of Dr. Shirai) and school president Michael Baker. (Reported by Jocelyn Collado)
KEKAHA
St. Theresa School
Nestled in the old plantation town of Kekaha, our school enters its 61st year providing a Catholic education to students preschool through 8th grade. Gone are the sounds and scents of sugar, but the descendents and newcomers to the parish hold dearly the memories and acquaintances of those who came before. Our parish is blessed to have had and still have many who worked so hard to establish a school that provides a good, quality, faith-filled education to the children of this parish and community. As the new school year began Aug. 8, our parish welcomed new to Hawaii Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Hannah Johnecheck, who will be teaching second grade; Archie Achuara, first grade; Nacia Blom, third grade; and Jacqueline Gaffner, fourth grade. We welcome back all the teachers, students and staff for a wonderful new year! (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)
KAHULUI
Christ the King School
Our school opened its classroom doors for the new school year on July 26. The kindergarten class pictured here enjoyed the day getting to know each other and working together in center time activities. (Reported by Melissa Ramos)
MAKAWAO
St. Joseph School
On Aug. 2, our parish and school enjoyed a “meet and greet" with new school principal Mrs. Beth Wills, pictured here with Father Santiago Ner. Mrs. Wills has energized the staff and administration by her motivation and faith. Earlier last month, she addressed the parish at all the weekend Masses, saying that, with community and parish help, they can move the school forward, boost enrollment, and get the word out that St. Joseph is the best choice for education. The school began its 62nd year on Aug. 6. In addition to a new principal, the school welcomed new preschool teacher Ronnie Vierra, kindergarten teacher Diane Mattson, secondgrade teacher Dominican Sister Remy Gajete, physical education instructor Kelly Duell, creative art teacher Nicole Ribucan and librarian Teri Takamura. The school also welcomed back our first grade returning staff Katie Fitzgerald from Minnesota. To all students, administration, staff and families, may God bless your work, learning and growth this 2007-08 year. (Reported by Helen Souza)
WAIPAHU
St. Joseph School
The students gather each morning for daily prayer and flag raising since the start of school on July 24. Our student body has been practicing their student learning expectations by showing their Christian spirit through prayer and actions. Pictured, from left, are Angelina Caballero, Andrew Eliaza and Jassirae Ordonez. (Reported by Keala Kia)
HONOLULU
Star of the Sea School
The first day of school jitters and nervousness were soon replaced by smiles as the students and parents were greeted by their new teachers, principal, interesting classrooms, their own chair and desk, supplies and lots of smiles. First graders Samir A-Rahim and Leeana Vo are giving back smiles as they get their supplies in order to begin their learning adventures. (Reported by Cheri Rauckhorst)
HONOLULU
Chaminade University Campus Ministry
On May 15-29, students from Chaminade and Dayton University in Ohio joined with program coordinator Makana Paris to spend two weeks on the Big Island providing service to the homeless and spiritual ministries of “Hale Lokahi.” Participants also learned about what God had done and is doing among the host culture, people and land. (Reported by Kay Stone)