PAPAIKOU

 Immaculate Heart of Mary

Our Aug. 5 “Back to School Bash” was steered by the activities committee : Cecelia Luiz, Janet Araujo, Evelyn Alleman, El and Amy Baruel, Roseanna Gomes-Figueira, Pat Phillips, Kathy Lui and Leonard Luiz with Debra Luiz at the helm. The children, as well as the adults, enjoyed the huge water slide, the bouncing castle, bingo with great prizes and a fishing booth. It was a wonderful day of fun, good food and fellowship. (Reported by Pat Phillips)

HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

Congratulations to our five newly elected parish council members — Claude Pasalo (inset picture), Sally Castillo, Dulce Francisco, Alma Dela Santos and Amber Armstrong with pastor La Salette Father Maurice Cardinal. They join the 10 current members who are elected every five years. The newly elected officers are moderator Claude Pasalo and alternate Joe Maria; and recorder Tom Stuart and alternate Liz Bautista. They begin a new year busy with the present members preparing Welcoming Parish reports for Bishop Larry Silva’s visit in September. … Liz Bautista started two new programs, “Let’s Get Together” and “Walk It Out,” which meet every Thursday and the first three Sundays at 6:30 p.m. If you need exercise, come out and join the fun. … Scrapbooking will begin on the last Sunday of every month at 6:30 p.m. For supplies needed, call Liz at 889-5804. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa Parish

We’d like to spotlight our parish homebound ministry coordinated by Gerry Mararagan. Gerry and his wife Perlita, along with Sophie Castro, visit homebound parishioners every Sunday after Mass. During the week, Franciscan Sister Marie Bernadette, Josephine Alvarez, Marcy Parinas and Beverly Johnston carry out this ministry. In Waimea, Lucille Arruda, Juanita Chandler and Genie Texeira visit the homebound. Visits include a time to talk story and socialize as well as a time for prayer and Holy Communion. Our homebound parishioners look forward to these weekly visits with many friendships developing over the years. This ministry, very much appreciated by all, is a great way to live out the message of Christ. Anyone interested in joining these dedicated men and women should contact Gerry Mararagan at 337-9588. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

KAPAA

St. Catherine Parish

Registration for religious education, including Confirmation, is still being accepted. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their child(ren)’s baptismal certificate when registering. Pope Benedict XVI and Australia are on the minds of a group of our parishioners. Eleven members of “World Youth Day Australia 2008, Aloha Hawaii” are holding car washes, bread sales, and other functions to help defray their costs. Parishioners are being asked to drop off redeemable bottles and aluminum cans at the church as another means to support them in joining people from all over the world. (Reported by Carmen Nakasone)

WAIHEE

St. Ann Parish

“Here I am, Lord” was our theme for the celebration of First Holy Communion on May 12. The following received their First Eucharist that day: Chelsea Agcolicol, Sheila Altura, Ralph Bilang, Corrie Colagross, Eric Dela Cruz, Janina Guerrero, Dillon Uwekoolani, Brandi Vierra and Ikaika Vierra. May the Lord shine his light especially through them along with this faith community in all that we say and do. (Reported by the parish)

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

On Aug. 5 at the 10 a.m. Mass, five adults were commissioned as lectors by Father Efren Tomas assisted by deacon Ken Bissen. Pictured are Baby Andaya, Mary Jane Asayo-Paet, Dr. Charmaine Bissen, Lori Chai Fernandez, Shanda Owan, Father Efren and deacon Ken. … On Aug. 7, a farewell celebration was held in our parish hall for Sister Roselani Enomoto. Family and friends came from near and far to give her their warm wishes. Everyone had a wonderful time reminiscing all the fond moments they had with her. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

HILO

St. Joseph Parish

A “breakfast of champions” was served on Aug. 11 to our volunteers in the “ministry of cleaning.” About 70 volunteers, organized in 10 groups, happily go about their unique service in keeping the church clean every week. But they seldom meet as a total ministry and celebrate. All enjoyed the special fellowship. The meal was simple yet elegant in a freshly painted parish meeting room. Father Thomas Purayidathil and I lost our jobs as cooks as soon as we entered the parish kitchen. Rose Callo, Avelina Espina and Rosaline Sylvester, pictured here, and Cecil Farin, just took over. Jerry Nunogawa, Don Coloma and crew handled the coffee and the serving. Many others helped and they all deserve accolades and mahalos. Rose and Rosaline have each served in the cleaning ministry for more than 40 years. (Reported by Mike Tulang)

HONOLULU

Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

We celebrated our 164th anniversary and the installation of Father John Berger as rector on Aug. 12. The celebration continued with a luncheon, games, prizes, entertainment and music on the Fort Street Mall. Five hundred parishioners and friends enjoyed the afternoon. (Reported by Ann Hannan)

ALA MOANA

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Our parish annual picnic was held at the McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park, on Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (From the parish bulletin)

KALIHI VALLEY

Our Lady of the Mount

We celebrated our parish feast day on Aug. 18 and 19, beginning with the 6 p.m. Mass on Aug. 18, immediately followed by a candlelight procession to the grotto of Our Lady of the Mount on the hill at the end of Monte Street. At the grotto we sang Marian songs and recited the rosary. The celebration continued on Sunday with a potluck picnic 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Kakaako Park. (Reported by Lucy Poueu)

KULIOUOU

Holy Trinity Parish

The parish hosted a Youth and Teen Gathering to pray for peace on the evening of Aug. 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother, in the Oratory living room and chapel. Participants were asked to bring a rosary, an open heart and pupus to share. (From the parish bulletin)

KAILUA

St. John Vianney Parish

Returning Home! We will once again offer a six-week series entitled “Catholics Returning Home” beginning on Sept. 18 and continuing on Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23. These sessions are for non-practicing Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to the church. If you know someone who is not practicing his or her faith or who has left the church, please invite him or her to join us. There is no obligation to return to the church — it is an opportunity to explore the option. Call 262-8317 to register or for more information. (From the parish bulletin)

KIHEI

St. Theresa Parish

Father Peter Dumag left our parish on July 1 to become the director of vocations of the Diocese of Honolulu on Oahu. Father Peter, 42, was the parish administrator here, and before that at St. Ann in Waihee. A native of the Philippines, he worked as a priest in Nueva Segovia for nine years before coming to Maui, where he had lived six years. He joined the Diocese of Honolulu last July. While here on Maui, Father Peter began snorkeling and eventually became a certified scuba diver. Father Peter called Maui the best place to be, but aid all good things must come to an end. He said that sacrifice is at the core of the priesthood and that is what encouraged him to accept Bishop Larry Silva’s invitation to take his new position. His replacement is his classmate Father Raymond Ellorin who had been serving on Lanai. The parish bid farewell to Father Peter with an international potluck buffet celebration on June 24, complete with ethnic entertainment. (Reported by Anita Carrington)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Education never ends! Adults, some retired, others with flexible work schedules, hungered for more instruction on the Word of God. Flo Andrade, pictured in the front row, third from left, saw the need in the Welcoming Parish self-study questionnaire. She offered her time and talent and is now the welcomed instructor of our Adult Bible Study Class. The sessions are 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month in the parish center. Topics covered are “God the Father’s Love” and “Knowing Jesus.” Other upcoming topics are the “Holy Spirit” and the “Parables.” The classes are open to all, in and around the parish. When Flo is called for other duties, deacon Efrain Andrews volunteers to lead the group. He offers added insights on the weekend’s readings. Aren’t we fortunate! (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

LANAI CITY

Sacred Hearts Parish

Lanai High School graduate Donovan Duke Ozoa is a recipient of a $4,500 scholarship from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Donovan graduated in June and will be attending Chaminade this fall. In his senior year at Lanai High he was student body president, the yearbook editor and a member of other student organizations. He is an active parishioner, singing and playing music in the choir, teaching religious education, and serving as a youth ministry leader attending many conventions on Maui and Oahu. For the past few years he worked alongside Lanai leaders sponsoring the Cancer Walk for Life and the annual Pineapple Festival. In addition to the Chaminade award, he received scholarships from the Mike and Kathy Carrol Scholarship Fund, the Lanai Filipino Community Association, the Lanai Alumni Community Association, the Lanai University Extension Club and the Herb and Ollie Brook Foundation. Donovan is the son of Adrienne Ozoa and grandson of Vincent and Eleanor Ozoa. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

Julia Chun and Harry Ah Loy, pictured with pastor Father Scott Bush, received Parish Treasure Awards during the July 1 parish feast day celebration in recognition of their continued and selfless service. Julia has served the parish for 32 years as extraordinary eucharistic minister, sacristan, ministry to the homebound coordinator, bereavement minister, church environment and volunteer office worker. Harry is an usher and hospitality minister, extraordinary eucharistic minister, maintenance person both for parish and school, and oversees the setup and breakdown of tents at all parish and school gatherings. … The parish also recognized those who have served the parish continuously for the last 20 years. Three names were added to last year’s list: Hamilton Castro, Iluminada Fortuno and Lilia Lambinicio. Individual awards were also given to those who showed outstanding service in their ministries. The awardees were: Derek Salis for lector, Carlo Barbasa for altar server, Shanita Akana for music, Hamilton Castro for environment, Flor Torres for linen, Shane Saronitman for children’s Liturgy of the Word, Ben Bearis for church cleaning, Mel Amion for repair and maintenance, Tess Texeira for social outreach ministry, Tans Gionson for bereavement ministry, Lily Lambinicio for elementary religious education, June Melendez for confirmation, Alex Song for Life Teen, Marites Barangan for young adults, Darryl Saronitman for RCIA, Sandy Thomas for Catholics Returning Home, and David Tupper for infant baptism. … Extraordinary eucharistic ministry awardees were chosen for each weekend Mass. They were Elisa and Domingo Bautista for Saturday evening, Thelma Parish for 7 a.m., Harry Ah Loy for 9 a.m., Pete Cueva for 11 a.m. and Patty Borje for Sunday evening. The awards for usher/hospitality were also given by Mass: Fred Freitas for Saturday evening, Larry Alcosiba for 7 a.m., Sal Maza for 9 a.m., Bert Nabalatan for 11 a.m., and AJ Perez for Sunday evening. The feast day celebration included an 8 a.m. Mass at the school followed by a continental breakfast, games and activities for all ages, and a free bento lunch. (Reported by Julia Torres)

PAUOA VALLEY

Blessed Sacrament Parish

The pastor Father Khanh Pham Nguyen presents Cub Scout Noah Piper with the “Light of Christ” religious emblem award at the 7 a.m. Mass on July 8. Pictured, from left, are Noah’s parents Robert and Alika Piper, his sister Maya, altar server David Young and Father Khanh. After interviewing Noah for the award, the pastor recommended him to the diocesan scouting coordinator. Bishop Larry Silva approved the award. The Catholic Church gives the “Light of Christ” award to Cub Scouts in recognition for their advancement in spiritual growth and religious knowledge. It helps young Catholic scouts come to see Jesus as a real person and friend, and better understand and appreciate Christ’s love and concern for them. Congratulations, Noah! (Reported by Elizabeth Lum)

WAIANAE

Sacred Heart Parish

Pastor Father Sebastian Chacko calms seminarian Jon Cabico as he gets emotional saying the blessings for his farewell breakfast that parishioners put together on July 30. Jon did his summer training at our parish, and it was a blessing for us. (Reported by Linda Jose)

WAIALUA

St. Michael Parish

We welcomed Father Peter Dumag, the director of vocations in the Diocese of Honolulu, who celebrated the liturgy here Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11 and 12. (From the parish bulletin)

KALIHI

St. John the Baptist Parish

The installation celebration of Father Jack Ryan as our pastor started with a beautiful Mass at 10 a.m. on Aug. 5. After that, Bishop Larry Silva blessed our newly renovated church and hall where we gathered to celebrate this special day. We then enjoyed a delicious lunch and were entertained by ethnic groups performing traditional dances. Pictured is Ocean Pula, dressed as a Taupou dancer, with Bishop Silva and Father Ryan. Welcome Reverend Jack Ryan! (Reported by Bertha Guerrero)

KEKAHA

 St. Theresa School

School is in full swing with students hitting the books and studying hard. As with all private schools, fundraising is an ongoing project, with much planning and hard work — but always with rewarding results! Our school will be holding a Kachi Kachi Dance on Aug. 25, 6-11 p.m., at the school hall to benefit the school. If the last Kachi Kachi dance held just before Lent is any indication, there should be a good crowd at this one. So, people of Kauai, come on out to the westside for an evening of good fun and great music! Kachi, Kachi Music Kekaha! (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

Our school is off to a great start with its well attended and informative parent night and class orientation on Aug. 16. Parents and guardians were introduced to staff by principal Beth Wills in the gymnasium as shown in the photo. Mrs. Wills then gave parents an overview of the school year, after which the assembly was welcomed into the classrooms for a teacher briefing and student displays showcasing the children’s progress in their second week of school. The night was well received and a wonderful culmination of bridging and communication between school and home. Thank you to all who attended and shared in the supportive nurturing of the “seed” of education. Have a blessed school year. (Reported by Helen Souza)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Faculty and staff began an exciting new school year with a two-day retreat, meetings and getting re-certified in CPR. American Red Cross instructors Jeff Maltzman and Alota Ofaglilo coached them in using the new procedures and techniques in case of any emergency, and especially in discerning the differences between adult and child CPR. Our school continues to provide the best care and safety for its students, families and visitors. Pictured are Richard Hernandez coming to the aid of the principal, Franciscan Sister Davilyn Ah Chick with instructor Alota Ofaglilo overseeing his adult CPR procedures. (Reported by Sister M. Davilyn Ah Chick and Thalia Woodward)

 HONOLULU

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Learning continued during the summer break as 82 students participated in our summer reading program. Students were required to read a designated number of books and turn in a report/project for each book. The students were thrilled to receive recognition from their peers and prizes from local businesses. Thanks to Ruby Tuesday, McDonalds, Dave’s Ice Cream, Dave and Busters and Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park for their generous donations. And congratulations to our hard-working students! (Reported by Luciana Bishay)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea School

At Friday’s school Mass on Aug. 10, the students and staff acknowledged the Blessed Sacrament Fathers’ Golden Jubilee Foundation Anniversary of the Philippine Provinces. Pictured are Kalen Halversen and Richard Tramontano presenting leis to Blessed Sacrament Father Mark U. del Rosario in honor of the occasion. (Reported by Cheri Rauckhorst)

MANOA

St. Francis School

Kristen Enomoto, Melody Baldonado, Brook Williams, Sage Quiamno, Jadie Karratti-Abordo, Olivia Anderson and Whitney Ramsey joined technology education teacher Sean Connors at the 5th Annual Hana’uhane Interschool Retreat. They learned about responsibility, teamwork and making a positive change in the community. Hosted by the Luke Center for Public Service at Punahou, the retreat was held at Puu Kahea Retreat Center in Waianae, from Aug. 10 to 12. (Reported by Karen Curry)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

Academy Students Make Music at National Historic Event Aug. 16. Students, pictured from left, Pilar Mendez, Ka’iulani Bowers and Makena Hamilton traveled to Virginia as members of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus (HYOC) to participate in the 1,607-voice choir and 400-piece orchestra commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first English settlement in Jamestown. President George and Laura Bush, and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor were among many notable figures there. “Seeing President Bush was so cool! He was given the baton to strike up the band,” said Bowers. The HYOC tour singers also traveled to Washington, D.C., to perform at the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Naval Memorial and the Capitol’s Statuary Hall. The group also did an exchange concert with the Children’s Chorus of Washington. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

HONOLULU

St. Patrick School

On Aug. 14, students from kindergarten through the grade 8 assembled in church for the opening of a new school year Mass. Sacred Hearts Father Thomas Choo celebrated the liturgy while seventh graders, Ashley Mun and Emily Ko, led the student body in joyful song and prayer. This year’s theme, Learning for All, challenges students and teachers to effectively bring about change through creative learning environments. (Reported by Lynn Murao)

WAIALUA

St. Michael School

The students, faculty and staff started the first day of school on Aug. 15 with a buzz of excitement and anticipation. Students, both new and old, were gleefully talking with one another and going over what happened during the summer. The previous night, Aug. 14, parents, students and the public were welcomed to a school open house where families could visit the classrooms and meet the teachers, and our new principal Pamela Dickerson. To all who attended (facing wildfires and hurricane watches) we hope it was as positive an experience as it was for us. And although they have been here since March, Sacred Hearts Fathers Bertram Lock and Johnathan Hurrell are also new to the first day of a new year. Father Bertram presided at our first school Mass on this day as our teachers led the readings and songs. What examples they are to the students they teach! We are looking forward to a wonderful and exhilarating 2007-2008 year as we move forward as a parish and school community! Pictured is fifth grade teacher Gail Lorenzo reading to the congregation as Father Bertram looks on. (Reported by Jennifer Holmberg)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph School

Kindergarteners Austin Vila, Rock Justice Yamashiro and Makayla Rogers-Tivao are playing with the Tinker Toys during after school care. They are pretending to be fishing. (Reported by Keala Kia)