St. Joseph Parish

On his most recent visit to the Big Island, Bishop Larry Silva blessed the parish apartments now providing transitional housing for seven families with children in our Hilo community. (Reported by Mike Tulang)

HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

We welcomed Bishop Larry Silva on his first official parish visit, Sept. 8-9. We also welcomed Sharon Chiarucci, the director of the diocesan Welcoming Parish Office, and thank her for helping plan this visit. The bishop presided at our weekend Masses assisted by La Salette Father Maurice Cardinal and Deacon Tom Adams. Altar servers were Ethan Miekel, Tristan Francisco and Joshua Adams. Lectors were Tom Stuart and Rita Maria. Religious education started with the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and two of our children present were Chase Kalua’u and Angel Ramos. Not pictured are eucharistic ministers Ellen Caitano and Miriam Reyes and ushers Jerry Tagaca, Kathy Ogasawara, Elizabeth Kagimoto and Jacob Zane. The Sunday choirs led by Mingo and Cynthia Amar, Joey Gomera and Francis Wilson did a wonderful combination of music. The bishop enjoyed dinner with parish council members on Saturday night and after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, joined us in a town hall meeting where we could ask him questions. Mahalo, Bishop Larry Silva for your blessings and presence. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

PAPAIKOU

Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Big Island Youth Day was held here on May 12. Pictured are youths from parishes throughout the island — Immaculate Heart of Mary; St. Joseph Parish and School, Hilo; Sacred Heart, Pahoa; St. Theresa, Mt. View; Holy Rosary, Pahala; Sacred Heart, Naalehu; St. Benedict, Captain Cook; St. Michael, Kona; Annunciation, Waimea; and Our Lady of Lourdes, Honokaa. (Reported by Jayson and Victor Justo)

KIHEI

St. Theresa Parish

On Aug. 1, Daughter of St. Paul Sister Candelaria Angela Pinaula became the new pastoral associate and director of religious education at our parish. “Sister Candie,” 46, replaced Sister Pat Oliver who left on Aug. 28 after serving here for seven years. Originally from Darrigada, Guam, Sister Candie is one of eight brothers and sisters. She has family in Idaho and California as well. Her father is retired from the Air Force, which took them to many places growing up. Sister comes to us most recently from Idaho. She attended the Sister Schools of Notre Dame in Guam for both grade school and high school and then the University of Guam. She also studied with the Daughters of St. Paul in Rome. Her order has its U.S. motherhouse in Massachusetts and a convent on Bishop Street in Honolulu, the location of the Pauline Book and Media Center. Sister’s native tongue is Chamorro, as spoken in Guam. She is fluent in English and speaks Italian and some Filipino which she acquired while ministering in the Philippines. Her immediate goals include getting to know the parish children and families and making Jesus known through media communications, her order’s goal. As she serves the people of St. Theresa and Maui, she said she will continue to discover how God wants her use her gifts and discern his will for her. (Reported by Anita Carrington, photo by Leroy Carrington)

LIHUE

Immaculate Conception Parish

On Sept 16, our parish joined others throughout the diocese in celebrating Catechetical Sunday following the theme, “Catechesis: Encountering the Living Christ.” At the 9:30 a.m. liturgy the parish recognized those who hand the faith on to our parish children, youth and adults and commissioned catechists for their ministry. Our parish thanks the following parishioners for responding to the call to “teach as Jesus did”: Jewell and Lionel Asai, April Taguiam, Lorna Probasco, Bev’al Tani, Marie Manguchei, Mary-Ana Manguchei, Mary Lardizabal, Sharon Silva, Chryle Cabus, Marlene Leary, E.J. Resinto, Fred Styer, Maria Hernandez, Ginny Rapozo, Stephanie Rapozo, Deacon Bill and Aileen Farias, Priscilla Costa and Sister Florence Remata, director of catechetical ministry. (Reported by Sister Florence Remata, OSF) … Our parish picnic was held at Lydgate Park on Sept. 2. Pictured, from left, are altar servers Juliet Tangatailoa, Lauren Manibog and Maricar Bersamira. Mass was celebrated in the large pavilion right next to the ocean. (Reported by Father Bill Shannon).

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

The orientation program Catholics Returning Home was held Sept. 7-8 at the Holy Ghost Church in Kula, presented by three experienced facilitators from Oahu. Parishioners from various churches on Maui attended including six from our parish with La Salette Father Ronaldo Guzman. Future meeting dates will be determined later. … On Sept. 8, at the 5 p.m. Mass honoring the Blessed Mother, parishioners brought flowers and joined in the offertory procession, placing the flowers in vases around the Blessed Mother. In honor of Our Lady of La Salette, pictures and flags representing 27 countries were displayed in the church Sept. 10-19. A Mass was held on Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Pictured are a rainbow and dove with the La Salette statue and the 27 flags around a globe. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

LANAI CITY

Sacred Hearts Parish

A parishioner greets Archbishop Ernesto Salgado of Nueva Segovia, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The archbishop was on Lanai on Sept. 3 and honored us as the main celebrant at a special Mass. He was in Hawaii to “touch base” with priests from his archdiocese serving in a number of parishes in Hawaii. Assisting him at Mass was former pastor Father Raymund Ellorin, now the pastor at St. Theresa in Kihei, and our own administrator Father Ferdinand Ragasa. Both Father Raymund and Father Ferdinand are from Nueva Segovia. Archbishop Salgado said in his homily that all parishioners should get involved in church activities and that active members make an active church. When he looks around and listens to things being said he can see that Lanai’s Sacred Hearts is an active parish. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)

PAUOA VALLEY

Blessed Sacrament Parish

Here is a picture of the report here in the last issue of the Legion of Mary’s Our Lady of Grace praesidium of St. Stephen and Blessed Sacrament Churches gathering on Aug. 15 at the Our Lady of the Valley outdoor shrine at Blessed Sacrament to recite the rosary and pray the litany. (Reported by Elizabeth Lum)

HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

Each year, our buddy system is a huge success! It pairs up the younger grades with the older grades. Here we have Ms. Julian’s 1st graders with their 5th grade buddies at their ice cream social. Whoever said school isn’t fun didn’t go to Holy Trinity!!! (Reported by Colleen Fukuhara)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

The alarm clock rings at 4 a.m. at the Maiava home and at 5:30 a.m. at the Manzano’s. It’s time for the youngsters to rise, complete household chores, feed the pet dogs, and get dressed for church. This is the morning routine for Zephaniah and Ave Maiava and for Kainoa Manzano. Their grandparent and parent drive them to the church to serve at the 6:30 Mass. The 50-plus Mass-goers are pleased to see the energetic servers. They don their albs, prepare the lavabo, bring in the incense when needed, light the candles and process in with Capuchin Franciscan Father Jack Niland or Capuchin Franciscan Father Paulo Kosaka, pictured. The early hour does not intimidate them. They are fine examples of Servants of the Lord. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

Gene Corpuz presented “Keep Going,” a hands-on exercise workshop to parish seniors on Sept. 13. Corpuz, a HMSA health educator, offered the simple message— get up, get out, get active. He outlined the benefits: a healthy weight, improved muscular strength and joint flexibility, a decreased risk for falls, a better immune system, better sleep, more energy and a decreased risk for cardiovascular diseases and bone mass loss. He demonstrated three kinds of activities — brisk walking for aerobics, elastic bands for strength, neck and calf stretches for flexibility. He challenged the 32 participants to try at least 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week. Each participant received a log sheet to turn in by Oct. 3 for a surprise gift from HMSA. Everyone received an elastic band and a pen. For more than a year, some seniors have come every Thursday morning for chair exercises, line dancing, and slower ballroom dancing such as waltz and cha cha. The morning ends with fellowship over fruits, coffee and other refreshments. This program is part of the parish’s social ministry to those 50 and older. (Reported by Julia Torres)

WAIANAE

Sacred Heart Parish

Twenty-two Samoan community children received their First Holy Communion on Sept. 9 with the pastor Father Sebastian Chacko. (Reported by Linda Jose)

SOUTH KONA

St. Benedict Parish, St. John and St. Peter Missions

Religious education started Sept. 16 at St. John’s Hall. Classes (pre-kindergarten to high school) are held on the first and second Sunday every month after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Fifteen enthusiastic catechists were commission by Father Anastacio Postrano — Cheryl Ono (coordinator), Heather Ogata (children liturgy), Angie Tabieros (Pre K, K, 1st grade), Marites Bravo-Bala (2nd grade and 1st Communion), Joey DeloSantos (3rd grade), Shannon Garan (4th grade), Bridgette Billaber (4th grade), Damon Ogata (5th and 6th grade), Gwen De Guair (7th and 8th grade), Edwina Fujimoto (2nd year Confirmation, youth/young adult), Margie Fujimoto (1st year Confirmation and Big Isle religious ed liaison), Angie Baniaga (sub), RubyAnn Kahoonei (sub) and Dorothy Kelepolo (sub). … Every first Sunday a bilingual Mass is celebrated at St. John’s with our Pohnpei and Chuk Island parishioners from Micronesia. They bless our assembly with their awesome angelic voices and participate in the readings. … September is census month for our parish. Parishioners who have not completed the census form are asked to contact the office at 328-2227. (Reported by Angie Baniaga)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa Parish

Our pastor Father Fred Iminga recently appointed parishioner Lew Young as coordinator of our new building and grounds maintenance committee, and boy, have our volunteers come through! Recently, Larry Manuel, Gerry Mararagan, Richard Santiago and Harold Ruiz did a “home makeover” on the convent lawn. The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity gladly took down two loads of wash they had just hung, with one more waiting in the wings! What a transformation!!! They are now the envy of the neighborhood! … Along with these gentlemen, our other parish volunteers — Henry Acosta, Anthony Chandler, Paul and Myra Deyden, Robert and Patricia Dray, Danny Fernandez and Jose San Agustin — have all been working very hard providing “curb appeal” and working on other projects within the parish. … If anyone is interested in joining this group of energetic people or volunteering for other parish ministries, please call the parish office at 337-1548. Mahalo and God bless to all of our parish volunteers! (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

The Holy Spirit was truly at work at Camp Maluhia over the weekend of Aug. 24, where 45 Confirmation candidates spent the time building their relationship with God. Special thanks to the peer ministers who ensured the success of the retreat — Dana Cadiz, Lornalyn Castillo, Rocel Gomez, Kanani Koanui, Briani Komoda, Marissa Mizuno, Travis Motooka, Arielle Obrero, Jodiesy Oliveros, Kepano Panela, Madison Patao, Patrick Savella and Samantha Stone. Also recognized for support and guidance were volunteers and parents Matt and Lerlin Alexander, Denis and Lori Cabacungan, Yvonne Gaspar, John and Susan Kaupalolo, Aaron Ollero, Daniel and Maria Ornellas, Penny Pacubas, Agnes Panela, Serina Souza, Paige Viela and Norman Visitacion. Reflect, Regroup and Renew was a truly awesome retreat carried out in the Marianist tradition. Our pastor Marianist Father Roland Bunda and Marianist Father Gerald Pleva presided at Mass and reconciliation. Brother Jim Vorndran also participated. (Reported by Miriam Kahalekai)

HONOLULU

Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

Our parish welcomed seven more people into the catechumenate on Sept. 9. … On Sept. 9, children, families and teachers from Cathedral Catholic Academy sold “Kids Rule” products to parishioners to raise funds for playground equipment. On Sept. 13, parish council, staff and finance council attended a presentation by Catholic Charities and walked through property which the parish hopes to buy to increase our options for classrooms and hospitality etc. All parish and school catechists assembled on Sept. 16 at the 9 a.m. Mass to celebrate Catechetical Sunday. … Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist attended informational sessions prior to their commissioning on Sept. 30. (Reported by Ann Hannan)

WAIALUA

St. Michael Parish

Know of someone who can play piano? Our choir is in need of a pianist to assist Liz Izon during Saturday and Sunday Masses. Contact Remy Erroc or Father Bert at 637-4040. (From the parish bulletin)

KULIOUOU

Holy Trinity Parish

The Annual Thrift Shoppe Sale was held Sept. 15-16 in the gym after all the Masses. There were many new items to choose from — clothes, toys, books, sport items, household items. The shop is also open to donations. All proceeds benefit Holy Trinity School. (From the parish bulletin)

ALA MOANA

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Do you have a child or an adult in your family who has a learning disability? Have they received their First Communion, or have they been confirmed? We offer classes for these very special people in your lives. If you are interested, please call the church at 941-0675. Leave your name and number, and director of religious education Bernadette A. Harrison will call you back. These classes will be offered on Sunday starting at 2:30 p.m. (From the parish bulletin)

KANEOHE

St. Ann Parish

Our religious education and youth ministry classes began on Aug. 26 with an opening assembly in church. Our parish director of education Daphne Kauhane gave parents, students and catechists a warm welcome and words of encouragement in nurturing our Catholic faith. Our catechists, aides and youth leaders were introduced and their students followed them out of the church to their respective classrooms. It was heart-warming to see our students and families back again. We wish all a spirit-filled and Christ-centered year! Pictured are 2nd grade students getting a helpful hand from classroom aide Sandra Nakasone as teacher Anne Marie Blecha lovingly looks on. The students were making prayer crosses out of foam art. (Reported by Malu Kamanu)

WAIMANALO

St. George Parish

Lady of Sorrows in Habarana, Sri Lanka, our sister parish since 1999, has made some renovations to their little church. Every year since 1999, we have held fundraisers and a special yearly collection to raise money to help sustain this small, poor, rural parish in Sri Lanka’s north central province. The parish’s members number about 220 (55 families). (Reported by the parish)

HILO

St. Joseph Pre-School

Students pose with their first homework assignment (background bulletin board) — learning the alphabet. They were given the letter A to color, then cut and paste pictures of things beginning with the letter A. Preschool director Marie Roberts will make a booklet for each student to take home at the end of the school year when they complete the entire alphabet. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

Sept. 16 was both Catechetical Sunday and the date of the School Ohana Picnic. The 9 a.m. Mass was ministered by both the catechism students and grade school students. The children joined in thanking the parish, instructors and God for the gift of their faith. After Mass, everyone joined the fun at the school’s open house and ohana picnic. Families made favorite dishes to share. The children and children-at-heart enjoyed the waterslide and bouncer. There was also a book fair. This event — a yearly highlight for students and families, as well as the parish — would not have been possible without the help of many hands. A special mahalo to the unanimous donor of the bouncer and slide, as the photo shows were well enjoyed. God bless all the catechists, school staff and administration that share their gifts in nurturing and instructing our parish youth. We say “thank you” to all the volunteers who made the day a joyous event. (Reported by Helen Souza)

KAILUA

St. John Vianney Parish

Parishioners, be part of our new parish picture directory! Our directory will not be complete without you! Sign up for your photo session after Mass or call the parish office to make your appointment. Family portrait packages, Christmas photo cards and the parish directory are available for purchase through Lifetouch. Orders will be taken at the photo session. Photography sessions are Sept. 29, Sept. 30 and Oct. 6. (From the parish bulletin)

HILO

St. Joseph Grade School

Second grader Kaile Holzman receives communion from Deacon LeRoy Andrews at the school Mass of the Holy Spirit held at the school gymnasium on Aug. 31. Father Thomas Purayidathil was the celebrant at the school-wide Mass attended by approximately 350 students, faculty and staff. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

NUUANU

Cathedral Catholic Academy

Father Pascua Abaya celebrated a special Mass on Sept. 7 to honor our grandparents. The students presented their grandparents with a lei of aloha and lots of hugs. Father Pascua reminded the grandparents and children to appreciate what they have and to always be patient with one another no matter what happens. The key is to always keep going and to do your best. (Reported by Lei Kondo)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony School

Seniors Joshua Fukagawa, who has attended St. Anthony since pre-school, and Andrew Wong, who has been here since kindergarten, have received Eagle Scout Awards. Both gentlemen have been involved in Boy Scouts since the1st grade, rising from the rank of Tiger to the ultimate goal of Eagle. To earn this distinction, each scout was required to do a community service project from planning, to soliciting donations, to overseeing the workmanship and completing the task. Fukagawa built a retaining wall on the high school campus. Wong built a sidewalk behind Maryknoll Hall and added a special touch by beatifying the area. Both projects took two full days of dedicated work to complete but they were well worth the effort. Both gentlemen said their contribution to their school community gave them a sense of accomplishment and pride. They offer many thanks to those who helped, especially their families, troop members, advisors and contributors. (Reported by Gin Nary)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa School

What a deal! At our special Grandparents’ Day Luncheon, Friday, Sept. 14, grandparents, students, parents and guardians enjoyed a traditional school lunch at just $3 to celebrate. Wow! Where can you get a great lunch for that price? Families enjoyed tossed salad, spaghetti with corn bread, orange wedges and milk. Good golly … hearkens back to our good ‘ole days! … The school also had a parent meeting and open house on Sept. 12, where families got to meet and learn more about the 2007-2008 fund/fun-raisers. Principal Mary Jean Buza-Sims spells it “fun-raisers” since so much fun is involved in the many projects! … We’re also happy to report that our school has an increase of 30 new students this year! Whoo hoo! The open house gave families the opportunity to meet teachers and visit classrooms. Talk about déj vu! Sitting in class sure brought back memories! The Parent Association provided delicious refreshments on the school lanai where families could sign up for committees and projects. Anyone unable to attend this function may contact the school office at 337-1351 about the many opportunities to fulfill required service hours. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

HONOLULU

Damien Memorial High School

Sacred Hearts Father Lane Akiona, pastor at St. Augustine Church in Waikiki, presided over our Mass of the Holy Spirit in early September. Seniors Christian Vasconcellos, left, and Haku Correa assisted as altar servers. Pictured in the background is our 30-member student choir, including faculty members Natalie Jenks, Dexter Asuncion, ’00, and Walter Chang ’71. Campus minister Brent Limos ’94 coordinates our monthly liturgies and prayer services. (Reported by Didi Lota)

HONOLULU

Holy Family Catholic Academy

The students, faculty and staff joined a remembrance Freedom Walk on Sept. 11 to reflect on the lives lost on that day in 2001 and to express our gratitude to all who help us live free in the USA. The walk marked the sixth anniversary of the tragic events at the Pentagon, the Twin Towers in New York City and Shanksville, Pa. The school community, including the Early Learning Center, gathered with our neighboring schools for a color guard presentation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a block-long parade led by Holy Family’s band and marching hula dancers. Live media coverage was provided by Rick Hamada, an HFCA parent and KHVH 830 radio talk show host. The event, sponsored by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, was organized by Vickie Cariello of Operation Homefront who coordinated the morning’s activities with the U.S. Navy, the Red Cross and the Military Police. The gathering provided an opportunity for everyone to renew their commitment to freedom and the values of our great country. (Reported by Jocelyn Fernandes)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll High School

The Class of 2011 held its freshman retreat — “We Are Building a Community with Christ” — Sept. 5, at the tranquil St. Anthony Retreat Center in the heart of Kalihi Valley. Under the direction of campus minister Rona Augustine-Chun and the student ministry retreat team, Marcos Brackins and the In Him Ministries team, the class and their advisors spent the day reflecting, praying and bonding. “I liked the ‘God’s Love Torn Hearts’ because it was really touching and meaningful,” said one freshman. Another said, “What I liked the most was how the prayer groups were able to show teaching in a way that we could understand.” Pictured are members of In Him Ministries being introduced to the freshmen class. (Reported by Camille Domaloan Michel)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea Early Learning Center

Teachers from Odawara College in Japan visited the school and spent time getting to know the children, observing classroom environments, and sharing cultural music and activities. Pictured with them, from left, are Dylan Becker, Samson O’Donnell, Luli Rhine and Malie Kozlowski. The Odawara teachers visit every year. (Reported by Leanna Brake)

HILO

St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

Intramural mock trial competition got an early start with eight teams engaging in four trials through September as part of the grueling elimination process to form St. Joseph’s varsity and junior varsity teams. Students will participate in intramural trials until mid-January when they compete against other Big Island schools in regional competition. “We have an excellent group of students this year, both rookies and veterans,” said coach Nathan Yocum. Pictured is prosecuting team member Elyssa Correia at the podium questioning a witness. Defense team member Jaidree Braddix stands to object while fellow teammate Nicole Calvino observes. Last year, the school’s first ever mock trial team came in second, losing to top spot to the more experienced Hilo High team by just one point. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

WAIALUA

St. Michael School

Students, faculty and staff celebrated Mass on Sept. 12 with an uncle of one of our families, Father Edward Przyzgocki M.S.A. of Connecticut. He has been vacationing with his nephews who attend St. Michael and graciously offered to preside at one of our school liturgies. He connected with students, faculty and staff during his homily as he talked about the Beatitudes. We were also treated to have Sister Celeste Cabral from the Benedictine Monastery join us as a eucharistic minister. The students sang out loud as Father Ed sang along. Our school would like to thank Father Ed and Sister Celeste, shown pictured here, for joining us. (Reported by Jennifer Holmberg)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll Grade School

Second graders celebrated Grandparents Day by inviting their grandparents or special family members to their classrooms on Sept. 7. The guests received a special blessing, then helped their grandchildren create placemats for Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Afterward, everyone enjoyed refreshments provided by the parents. Grandparents Day, a second grade tradition here, honors grandparents, gives them an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and shows children the knowledge and guidance older people can offer. Coordinating the event were second grade teachers Carole Goldstein, Paulette Laanui and Charlene Lum, and classroom parents. In the photo, second grader Taylor Grupen, center, shares some childhood memories of her grandmother Sylvia Enos, a Maryknoll alum like Taylor’s mom. Classmate Sani Adams looks on. Among the memories Taylor shared about her grandma, who grew up in Kahaluu: “She had to go to the grocery store to pick up her mail. … She didn’t have cell phones; she just had a telephone that was used by all the people that lived in her valley. She needed to listen to the number of rings to know when a call was for her family. She lived in a Quonset hut and she took her showers in a separate building outside. She drank water that came from a waterfall. She played outside all day. No video games!” (Reported by Camille Domaloan Michel)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea School

Every year in early September, our school is visited by some very famous people. If you thought you saw Albert Einstein, Zachary Taylor, or even Elvis, it wasn’t your imagination. It was just the fifth grade enjoying their annual Biography Day. The students read about a famous person and then became that person for a day. Their reading teacher, Mrs. Zbin, who came as Betsy Ross, says it is a great way to make learning fun! Pictured are Logan Nishimura as Sitting Bull, Kukii Falahee-Walker as Eleanor Roosevelt, and Eun-Jae Kim as Amelia Earhart. (Reported by Cheri Rauckhorst)

KAIMUKI

St. Patrick School

Midway through the first quarter of the new academic year, the parish director of education, Sacred Hearts Sister Anne Clare DeCosta, welcomed a standing-room-only crowd of parents to the annual PTA/open house on Sept. 23. At the general PTA meeting, Sister Anne Clare gave the annual state of the school report which included an explanation of budget expenditures, the IBTS test scores, and major goals and objectives for the 2007-2008 school year. Afterward, parents visited their children’s classrooms and met the teachers. Each teacher explained class expectations, rules and schedules. Examples of each child’s work in writing, art, math, etc., were displayed on bulletin boards and in portfolios on their desks or tables. It was an evening where everyone demonstrated their support and enthusiasm of this year’s theme, “Learning for All.” (Submitted by Lynn Murao)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

On Sept. 5, our school revealed the results of its 2007-2008 Student Leadership Council elections. This year, pictured from left, president Jonathan Nguyen, vice-president Caitlin Colipano, treasurer Adrian Lactaoen and secretary Remjhel Raymundo will organize projects that serve the community and boost student morale. On Sept. 21, the officers will speak at the 40th anniversary celebration of our school, which opened its doors in 1967. The event will begin with a 5:30 p.m. Mass, followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. “Forty years is a long time,” says Nguyen, “and it is something to celebrate. We need to remember all those who brought us to this point, and we should also take the time to think about what we will do in the future.” Nguyen and his fellow officers hope to play a role in leading the school toward that future, into the next 40 years. (Reported by Jill Sprott)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph School

Our school is blessed to have the Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King this school year. Sister Adele and Sister Jerome teach religion and music and serve as a valuable resource to our staff. Pictured with them here are 4th graders Dana Fuerte and Benigno Ballesteros. (Reported by Keala Kia)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

Our second grade teacher Michelle Tuzon was selected to attend educational workshops sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Joining 50 educators from around the country, she worked alongside distinguished archaeologists, historians and other scholars during a week-long workshop at Florida’s Flagler College studying the oldest permanent European settlement in the country — St. Augustine. Tuzon then went to Yale University to study the colonial era, focusing on the English colonists. This workshop showed how pre-1740 Native American, European, and Black cultures impacted the creation of the United States. The experience featured field trips to Deerfield, Mass., New London, Conn., and other historic sites. Pictured is Tuzon and a colleague at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortification in the nation. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

KAILUA

St. John Vianney School

Our first grade homeroom teachers, Ms. Schmid and Ms. Griffith, arranged for a visit from the Honolulu Fire Department. Grades K-4 were enthralled by all of their equipment and even got to hold the water hose while it was on! Captain Eric Capllonch brought over two fire engines from the Kailua Fire Station. … We will have our first Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo night on Sept. 21. … Our fall fundraiser begins on Sept. 27 when we sell Big Island Candy Bars with the profits used to purchase items on teachers’ classroom “Wish Lists.” … Our first quarter ends on Sept. 28, and we return for our second quarter after fall intersession on Oct. 15. Time’s flying here at SJV! (Reported by Annie Chee)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth School

Our first graders are studying the weather for their science class. What better way to study it than having class outdoors! (Reported by M. Ramos-Cho)

HONOLULU

Saint Louis School

Sam Kong Kee, ’88, has returned from San Francisco where he was co-founder, partner and principal of Golden Gate Financial Group, LLC to be the new director of admissions. He also holds the 2002-2005 title for Best Poke in the Sam Choy and Aloha Shoyu Poke Contest. … Sacred Hearts Father Paul C.J. Zaccone, associate pastor of St. Augustine Church in Waikiki, joins the school as chaplain, campus minister and teacher. (Reported by Darcie Yukimura)

HONOLULU

Chaminade University Campus Ministry

On Aug. 31 at the Mystical Rose Oratory, we began the school year with the celebration of the Fall Spiritual Convocation. During this prayerful service, members of the Campus Ministry Team reflected on how our university prepares students for “Life, Service and Career.” Recently deceased member of the board of regents, Paul Loo, was also remembered for his many contributions to Chaminade. Pictured is Jeannie Pinpin, student support services coordinator, bearing the incense used in the service. (Reported by Kay Stone)