HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

We welcome into our parish newly baptized Liana Pine Ramos and Harley Irene Coit. They received the sacrament of Baptism last weekend. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

The theme of our annual Marian Festival, Oct. 19-21 in the parish hall, was “Mary Blessed Mother — Through the Eyes of a Child.” On display were many beautiful statues of Mary. The parish school children made their own statues of Mary. The students participated in a contest to portray how the Blessed Mother appears to them – “through the eyes of the children.” Some made drawings and others wrote short essays. The category I first place winner was Denise Torres; second place was Eleana Rivera. Denise wrote that Mary is loving to all, especially to children. The category II first place winner was Kaha‘i‘olelo Morales and second place was Jade Salazar. Kaha‘i‘olelo wrote that Mary is a role model because she is Love, Peace, Hope, Caring and gives us Faith. Pictured is one of the Marian Festival displays. In the background is the display of the pictures and the essays that the children made for the contest. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

PALAMA

Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa

The co-cathedral’s Social Ministry Team, made up of 30 volunteers, served approximately 300 homeless people at the Kakaako Shelter on Oct. 18. It was the first time they wore the beautiful new social ministry polo shirts with the St. Theresa emblem on it. According to Henry Pang, the menu consisted of shoyu ginger chicken with anise seed as the main dish, rice, corn, bread, peaches and a variety of desserts — donated pastries and cookies. The volunteers cooked for about three hours in the afternoon, using 156 pounds of chicken. They got to the shelter by 5:30 p.m. to set up and be ready to serve at 6:30. Our parish started this program in March of last year and has been faithful in serving food at the Kakaako Shelter every third Thursday of the month. (Reported by Venny Villapando)

KALIHI

St. John the Baptist Parish

Our parishioners gathered at the pavilion of Fern Park on Middle Street in Kalihi to publicly pray the rosary on Oct. 13 in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. They meditated on all 20 decades reflecting on the life of Jesus and Mary and the fruits of each mystery. Our multi-cultural parish said the rosary in English, sang Salve Regina in Latin and petitions were heartily said in Samoan, Chuukese, Micronesian and Ilocano. The love of God was truly experienced on this beautiful breezy sunny afternoon. (Reported by Velma Agustin)

HILO

St. Joseph Parish

Future paniolo Mitchell Conrado Tulang took his first ride on a horse at the St. Joseph School Country Fair on Oct. 13. Horse rides were only some of the many fun activities enjoyed at the fair. This awesome fundraising event is held annually for our Big Island’s only Catholic School. (Reported by Karen Hotniansky, photo by Mike Tulang)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony Parish

Blessings and aloha from Maui. Here is a picture of our parish staff. (Reported by Father Roland Bunda, SM)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa Parish

If you like great music, we invite you to join us at the 6 p.m. Mass. Our evening musicians sound like a chorus of angels! On guitar and vocals is Jerry Santesteban, Bill Dick is on violin (pinch hitting on guitar and vocals when needed), Divina Rich on flute, Dave Rich on percussion and vocals, and Michelle Dick on vocals, with back up from Sophie Castro and Lola. This dedicated group has come rain or shine to enhance our evening liturgy for the past several years. Spotlighting their gift from God, our evening music ministry joined our morning choir, under the direction of Dr. Dennis Haack, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo on Oct. 25 for the annual Festival of Choirs! La Salette Father Wilfredo ‘Father Fred’ Iminga and other parishioners were very proud of our parish representation at this event! Churches from around Kauai participated in this ecumenical celebration of music and the feeling of Jesus’ presence abounded! The parish extends its heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all of our music ministry participants. New voices and musicians are always welcome to join either our morning or evening choirs. Pictured, from left, Sophie Castro, Michelle Dick, Jerry Santesteban, Dave Rich, Divina Rich and Bill Dick. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

MILILANI

St. John Apostle and Evangelist Parish

In celebration of the month of the Most Holy Rosary, the religious education class fifth graders learned about honoring our Blessed Mother through this special prayer. Here they are proudly holding up their own handmade colorful rosaries. To the children’s delight, Deacon Wally Mitsui blessed each one with a healthy dose of holy water. (Reported by Bernardine B. Yamamoto)

TOPSIDE

Molokai Catholic Community

Once again the month of the rosary, October, was joyfully celebrated by a group of devout parishioners. First organized in 1995 by Father Jim Orsini, they include Ida Reyes, Lynn Dudoit, Laura Kealaiki and Greta Martinez. … In June of 1996, making a pilgrimage to Medjugorje were Ida Reyes, Leoda Shizuma, Kanani Negrillo, Nee Friel, Pat Tancayo, Bob Kral, Alvin and Angie Naehu and Elsa Oviedo. When they returned to Molokai, they joined the weekly rosary group and started the monthly rosary novena. … In October 1996, they attended a Marian Conference in Irvine, Calif. Joining them were Leoda’s husband Michael, who took the place of someone detained by family illness, Eva Peelua and Lorraine Higa, Leoda’s grandmother and mother. Singled out as special participants, the Molokai group was permitted to witness the apparition of Mary and Ivan, one of the Medjugorje visionaries. None of them could see the apparition or hear Ivan talking but they all felt Mary’s holy presence. It was then that the crucifix on Leoda’s rosary purchased in Medjugorje turned to gold. They were inspired to promulgate Mary’s message — pray, pray, pray for peace in our world. … On their return to Molokai they continued their rosary crusade. Mike entered the diocesan deaconate program and was ordained this past January. … In its 10 years, the rosary devotion is vibrantly alive. It includes Friday prayers started as a Lenten devotion; a monthly rosary novena; and a daily devotion through October. Surely, Mary, our Blessed Mother smiles on her sons and daughters at St. Sophia! (Reported by Jersula Manaba)

KAPAA

 St. Catherine Parish

In celebration of All Souls Day, the parish is again placing a Book of Remembrance on the altar for the entire month of November. Parishioners and visitors are invited to submit names of deceased loved ones to the church office. … The parish is also collecting non-perishable foods for Thanksgiving distribution to the homeless. Your donations may be dropped off at St. William, Hanalei, St. Sylvester, Kilauea and St. Catherine, Kapaa. (Reported by Carmen Nakasone)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Equipped with their best cameras, families and ministry groups lined up for memorable photos with Bishop Larry Silva during the Welcoming Parish Episcopal Visit Weekend, Oct. 13-14. The bishop preached at all the weekend Masses on the beautiful message of the Eucharist. He emphasized the main reason for our coming to Mass, to worship together and to give thanks to God. Franciscan Capuchin Fathers Jack Niland and Paulo Kosaka, Deacon Thomas Miyashiro and Efrain Andrews and their spouses, and the committee members represented the parish at a dinner meeting. Then the bishop and diocesan director of Welcoming Parish Sharon Chiarucci met the people at a sumptuous breakfast, prepared by the Fellowship Committee, after all the morning Masses. The youth ministries hosted them at a Sunday evening barbeque. The parish thanks the bishop for his generosity in a quality time spent in sharing, listening, just saying “hello” or posing for a photo. One of the lucky groups is pictured here: front row, France Morris and Elaine Yamashita; back row, Bill Carreira, Alex Morris and Winnie and Richard Lee. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

WAIANAE

Sacred Heart Parish

Boy Scouts Troop 21 camped out on Sacred Heart Church grounds during school break, Oct. 3-6. The boys camped out, played some games, earned merit badges, went swimming at Waianae Rest Camp and enjoyed their campout. Pictured are Christopher Ganaban, Christopher Mette, Chaz Dorwelo, Louis Vailopa, Dakota Meleisea, Christian Dorwelo and Scout Master Gilbert Jose. (Reported by Gilbert Jose)

HONOLULU

 Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

Our parish hosted the Hawaii Pacific University choir under the direction of Susan Duprey on Nov. 2. The choir performed in the cathedral and was part of the First Night Gallery Walk festivities. This month the Cathedral Gallery enjoys a return of artist Kathy Yokouchi’s works to be displayed throughout November. (Reported by Ann Hannan)

HONOLULU

 Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Last weekend we celebrated a Mass for the troops listed in our collage and for our adopted squad. We ask God to bless and keep them safe and we pray for their safe return home. (From the parish bulletin)

NUUANU

St. Stephen Parish

Congratulations and mahalo to our faith formation catechists and staff! Commissioned on Oct. 14 were Velma Guieb-Mamuad (coordinator), Jon Baron, Cathy Devaney, Marcy Heafner, Chester Hughes, Matthew Lee, Vicki Lee, Christy Nakano, Sweetie Pacarro, Joe Salas, Patti Salas, Carlos Taitano, Christina Villalobos and Joyce Villalobos, Also Nellani Tabada and Mike Ralston who are with the youth program and Jack Wong and Debbie Fujiyama with RCIA. Religious education classes began on Oct. 14. … The parish will celebrate a Mass of Remembrance on Nov. 2, the Feast of All Souls at 7 p.m. (Reported by Ginny Jordan)

KULIOUOU

 Holy Trinity Parish

The religious education coordinator Mary Rose Timmons will be going on a pilgrimage of charity to an orphanage in Mexico for the Thanksgiving holiday. If you are interested you can donate an unwrapped toy for a child. Please bring it to any of the Sunday classes. Mahalo! (From the parish bulletin)

KAILUA

St. John Vianney Parish

You have probably noticed that the concrete St. John Vianney School sign near the road has been reinforced and repainted. It looks so much nicer. Some new plants will be added around it to improve the appearance also. Thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Evan Creer for planning and carrying out this project as his Eagle Scout project. Thanks to those who helped him and to the Scout leaders for their guidance and support. (From the parish bulletin)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

In conjunction with its stewardship drive, the parish had a Ministry Expo on Oct. 20 and 21 at all Masses. Twenty-nine ministries, five organizations, and OLPH School showcased themselves through pictures and educational materials describing their work, membership requirements and member expectations. Pictured on the right wearing glasses is Lily Lambinicio from elementary religious education with a family who stopped by the religious ed booth. Lily also serves in the music, bereavement and social outreach ministries. The Stewardship Committee hopes the event will lead parishioners to commit themselves to a ministry as a response to God’s love and grace in their lives. The drive will include witness talks by parishioners at all Masses during the Nov. 3-4 weekend. The drive culminates on the weekend of Nov. 18 with parishioners offering their stewardship commitment cards at all Masses during the Presentation of Gifts. The Stewardship Committee was formed in July with Barbara Abaya, Shirley Aganad, Berry Baldauf, Marlene Costa, Bill Febuary, Barbara Guervil and Esper Resayo. (Reported by Julia Torres)

KAHUKU

St. Roch

On Sept. 30, the parish celebrated a special Mass in memory of Louis and Eleanor Perreira. The five Perreira children — Reginald Perreira, Cecilia Izuo, Eloise Omakanim, Agnes Tani and Barbara Young — generously donated $5,500 in memory of their parents. With the contribution, St. Roch’s was able to purchase a new altar, sanctuary lamp, processional cross and two altar candle stands. Shown in the picture with the pastor Father Sydney Fernandes are three of the five Perreira children, Cecilia, Eloise and Agnes. (Reported by the parish)

WAIALUA

 St. Michael Parish

The religious education group’s service project this year is the “Thanksgiving Food Basket.” Donations of nonperishable items will be accepted up to Thanksgiving and may be placed in the baskets found at the back of the church at both sites. (From the parish bulletin)

KAHULUI

Christ the King School

Our students entered the Maui County Fair School Art Contest in division I — grades K-2 and division II — grades 3-5. We are pleased to announce that Jon Inano won first place in division I, and Sanae Nakoa took “Best in Division” for division II. (Reported by Melissa Ramos and Bernadette Lopez)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School

The school’s nine-member Dirt Club took their relationship with dirt to another level as they got down and dirty to analyze different types of dirt and determine its best uses. Oh, and by the way, they would like to point out that it is not dirt, it is soil! Under the guidance of science teacher Paul MacLeod, the students have learned the importance of evaluating various kinds of soil. The team’s dedication and effort paid off on Oct. 16 when they competed in the Maui County Soil Conservation Awareness Contest against four other Maui schools. The students came away with the first place trophy and the top four individual scores earned by Ted Dodson (275/300), Christopher Fernandez (253/300), Frank DeFellicia (245/300) and Ryan MacLeod (240/300). Other team members were Jennifer Hamilton, Malia Hamilton, Julianne Maeda, Sara Matasci and Elisa Ferreira. This achievement has earned the top four in the competition a trip to Molokai on Oct. 27 to compete in the state competition. “T-E-A-M … Yeah, TEAM!” (Reported by Virginia Nary)

HILO

St. Joseph Grade School

Ice cream making-kindergartner Liana Lee enjoys the homemade ice cream she made with her class. Kindergarten teacher Tanya Pataray incorporates the yummy treat into her science lesson each year. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

KANEOHE

St. Ann Parish

On Oct. 12, 10 choirs from parishes around the island, including St. Ann’s Choir, celebrated Lokomaika‘i Aha Himeni 2007 at our parish. As guests arrived, the members of our Youth Ministry warmly welcomed them. Father Benny Kosasih’s opening prayer set the tone for the evening as he graciously welcomed all to an entertaining, cultural evening of song and praise. Many shared their appreciation for the chance to experience prayer through music. Robert Mondoy led the community, choirs, parishioners and guests with an opening song to warm up our vocal chords. Our choir, directed by Jim Hoban, accompanied by Edna Hussey on the piano, with Noel Jaderstrom’s guidance, started the program with their choral interpretation of “Iesu No Ke Kahuhipa,” (Jesus, Shepherd of Our Souls.) All parish choirs sang their hearts out in praise of God. We thank the Lokomaika‘i Committee for the wonderful job that they do every year to make this event a great way to bring our parish communities together through music ministry. (Reported by Patricia Pimental)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

Do they look like farmers? Indeed they are … Our RCIA group went out to the “country” to sow some seed. Unlike the Gospel passage, this seed looks like it all fell on good soil! On Oct. 20, Paewalani Retreat Center was transformed into a field where the 14 catechumens and candidates and their sponsors reflected on the Word that is transforming their lives, guided and enlightened by a talk by their pastor Father Michel Dalton. They learned to avoid the “4 Ps” — pleasure, prestige, power and possessions — and implement the “5th P — Pay Attention! Let’s watch the seed grow in faith, hope and love all the way to the Easter Vigil and beyond. (Reported by Linda Cacpal, photo by Ed Taguba)

19 HILO

St. Joseph Pre-School

Happy Birthday, Sister Barbara Jean! Two students from our pre-school along with pre-school director, Marie Roberts, surprised elementary school vice-principal Sister Barbara Jean Wadja with leis and hugs on her birthday recently. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

Stafford Clarry, a native of Hilo who serves as humanitarian affairs advisor to the prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, took time from his busy schedule to visit students in Mrs. Kelly Chung’s world geography and cultures class recently. Clarry met with students in hopes of “stimulating interest in the larger world beyond Hawaii and the mainland where there are numerous possibilities and opportunities to have an interesting and productive life.” He encouraged the students to understand cultures and gain knowledge of geography, keys to expanding their potential in a global setting. “Whatever students might find themselves doing in the U.S. they could probably do elsewhere in the world,” he said. Pictured, from left, are Mrs. Chung, David Moriarty-Schieven, Kelson Rapoza, Emma Pirie, Devyn Monberg, Stafford Clarry, Mitchell Miyasato, Hannah Katibah, Joshua Teuber and Brittney Cole. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony School

Second grader Kristin Thomas records her observations of the Kolea — the bird also known as the Pacific Golden Plover. The second grade class is observing the Kolea. They are conducting research on the birds’ habitat, how they migrate, and what types of threats the Kolea might face. (Reported by Kelly Sakugawa)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

The school ohana participated in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk on Oct. 13 at the Kaahumanu Shopping Center. Students, parents and staff were committed and eager as they woke up early in the morning and walked 3.5 miles. They enjoyed the morning trek and fellowship with other walkers including comedian Augie T, seen in the photo with the group. Several of the team members walked in memory of family and loved ones that were affected by the disease. After the walk, the participants enjoyed the entertainment, food and prizes, and rested in the feeling of a morning well spent. The school participates in each of the annual walks as a way to reach out and give back to the community. Good job team! (Reported by Helen Souza)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea School

We celebrated the conclusion of the novel “Catherine Called Birdie” by Karen Cushman which takes place in medieval times. Dressed in appropriate costumes, the students enjoyed playing medieval games, eating eel pie, and describing the significance of heraldry. Three-dimensional images of a typical manor and village house were built and displayed and through role-play, the students creatively demonstrated the importance of herbs and medicines. All had a fun and educational time! Here we have Nicholas Luna, Allan Lee and Tyler Daido in their medieval costumes. (Reported by Margaret Rufo)

HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

On Oct. 24, our school honored Mary, Mother of God, with an all-school rosary service. Students brought flowers and leis as an offering to Mary. Each class had a turn reciting a different decade of the rosary. Thank you to Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Tomasa Marcos for the lovely service. (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Ahoy, mateys! Students, families and friends gathered to celebrate a night of fun and fellowship at our school’s fall fundraiser, “Pirates of Main Street,” on Oct. 19. In the spirit of the pirate theme, many came dressed as pirates, swashbucklers and even a ship. Pictured are David Wetherill and Michael Zafrani in their winning costume designs. After an evening of delicious food, games and contests, everyone gathered in the courtyard for our famous bingo games and raffle ticket drawing. The evening was a rousing success for all! (Reported by Jocelyn Fernandes)

KEKAHA

 St. Theresa School

Halloween is always a great time of anticipation and excitement for keiki everywhere! To add to the seasonal fun, our Parent’s Association held a Halloween Fun Night on Oct. 27. Included was a haunted house, fishpond, face painting and “trunk or treat” where children visited each class to get goodie bags of delicious candy! A movie was also shown to the delight of all while the Winter Book Fair was held in the library for those in the mood to shop. A food booth with all kinds of ono food was sponsored by the sixth and seventh grades to raise funds for a science trip to the Big Island in March 2008. All enjoyed a frightfully fun night! (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth School

A number of thoughtful, talented students recently completed their training to be qualified as Peer Mediators. They help our students resolve disputes that may occur on the playground and in the classroom. To become a Peer Mediator the student needs to meet specific criteria and be able to perform their duties as assigned. Certificates were awarded to the students upon completion of course. (Reported by Sebbie Akiu)

MANOA

St. Francis School

The school celebrated its annual Aloha Show on Sept. 21. Our very own HONU class performed for the first time dancing to “We Are Family.” Pictured here are Kaimana Pilares, Chloe Solidum, Jaynnan Ka‘ahanui, Melisa Garcia and Chloe Teijeiro. (Reported by Karen Curry)

KANEOHE

St. Ann Grade School

On Oct. 16, the school’s art department invited storyteller Lyn Ford to perform for grades 1 through 5. Ms. Ford is a Native American professional storyteller from Ohio who started her career as an elementary school teacher with a great passion for telling stories. She was constantly asked to tell stories for different groups and when her daughter went off to college, she took the plunge and started delighting others with her exceptional gift. For 18 years she has traveled all over the country to schools, libraries and festivals to tell her often-pungent tales. The children were actively participating and they had a wonderful experience. This performance was funded through the Art Excellence Award the school received from the Hawaii Art Alliance. Third grade students Ashton Kurosu and Krysta Altenhof have fun acting out Lyn Ford’s story. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

KANEOHE

St. Ann Early Learning Center

At our annual Parent Work Day on Oct. 20, more than 40 volunteers devoted their Saturday morning to painting, cleaning and disinfecting our Parish Center and Early Learning Center courtyard. Volunteers consisted of our parents, students and the Hawaii Pacific University softball team. What a difference everyone’s hard work made for our children! Early Learning Center volunteers, Rochelle Davis, Frank Tamayose and Sheila Alesna along with their little helpers, Aubree Davis and Shannon Kim, clean and disinfect the toys and play equipment during the work day. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

On Oct. 24, the seventh graders trekked out to Camp Erdman, located in the foothills of the Waianae Mountains, to test their strength, courage and independence. The infamous Odyssey Three — the ultimate high ropes course — involved being strapped into harnesses and climbing a four-story cargo net. Upon reaching the top, the students connected their harnesses to a thin metal safety wire and maneuvered their way across the upper elements of the Odyssey toward the Tandem Zip Lanes. Every seventh grader faced their challenge with courage and determination. The students returned to the Academy with greater self-confidence and with many daring stories to tell! (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

On the last Wednesday of each month after the liturgy, students are either curious to know whose birthday it is, or are excited to be honored for their birthday. Birthday celebrants feel special as they receive birthday cards and are serenaded with “Happy Birthday to You.” Each birthday student also enjoys a cool, refreshing ice cream with our principal Sister Davilyn Ah Chick. What a wonderful way to celebrate life, one of God’s greatest gifts! Pictured from left are, first row, Darian Rosal-Reyes, Luke Silva, Charles Suster, Noah Carges, Triston Baron, Samuel Konst and Erica Nishikata. Second row, Adam Barrack, Alyssa Acidera, Colton Salvador, Sage Seno, Jessica Rossi, Julian Torres and Mrs. Sprott. Third row, Sister Davilyn Ah Chick, Elyssa Ovitt, Mrs. Baron, Mr. Hernandez, Mrs. Spencer and Ana Martell (Reported by Remedios O. Cabera, photo by Thalia Woodward)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea Early Learning Center

The Center held a Montessori Curriculum Parent workshop on Oct. 24 for parents to discover, explore and experience the wonders of the Montessori Method and philosophy. Teacher/vice-principle Sheila Makahanaloa is shown here with a parent going over letter and sound recognition. (Reported by Leanna Brake)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph School

Our school’s Division II boys basketball team just ended their season. Our boys truly learned how to display good sportsmanship and learn to play together as a team. We are truly proud of our boys. This picture was taken during a time out at one of their games. Pictured are some of our boys: Joshua Saniatan, Ernie Kornya IV, Bryce Geronimo, Sheldon Sonido, Christian Gaoiran, Chris Agluba, Christian Baay, Paulo Atienza, Kenji Akasaki and Leeland Lauti. (Reported by Mrs. Keala Kia)

HONOLULU

Chaminade University

Students were greeted with a red carnation and an informational brochure on the lives of several Marianist Martyrs as they entered the Silversword Cafeteria for lunch on Oct. 24. Each year the Marianist priests and brothers on campus plan a special day to honor those fellow Marianists who lost their lives for the sake of their faith. (Reported by Kay Stone)

HONOLULU

St. Theresa School

During the liturgy for the opening of school year, Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet John Joseph Gilligan was the first to be commissioned by the pastor Father William Kunisch. Father William asked her if she would accept the responsibility as principal as set forth in the Diocesan Handbook. Her response was, “I knowingly and willingly accept the ministry of being principal and I will observe the regulations according to the Diocesan Handbook to the best of my ability.” The faculty and staff were then called forward to make their commitment to enlighten the minds and the hearts of the students, to care for them and to teach as Jesus did to the best of their ability. Each was presented with a personalized card, on which the school philosophy was printed, signed by Father William and Sister John Joseph. Eighth graders presented beautiful orchid leis to the faculty and staff. It was truly an awesome experience for the faculty and staff to face the assembly extending its hands in blessing while reciting the school community prayer. This event was coordinated by Sister Alice Benzing. (Reported by Sister Marian Muehlbauer, CSJ)