PAPAIKOU

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

On Tuesday, July 29, Archbishop Ernesto A. Salgado of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in the Philippines visited the parish with Father Ferdinand Ragasa, the administrator at Sacred Hearts Parish in Lanai City. Archbishop Salgado is the archbishop of our parish administrator Father Lovell U. Soller. He sent Father Soller and Father Ragasa to Hawaii to aid in the shortage of priests. The archbishop celebrated Mass here on the evening of July 29, assisted by the two priests. A potluck afterward in the parish hall was attended by an overwhelming number of parishioners. Everyone enjoyed the food, fellowship and the short program. Pictured, from left, are altar servers Nicholas Pang and Kirsten Pang, Father Soller, Archbishop Salgado and Father Ragasa. (Reported by the parish)

HILO

St. Joseph Parish

Mahalo to Father Scaria Thuruthiyil and diocesan religious education director Jayne Mondoy for their presentations to Big Island religious education coordinators on Aug. 9 in the church meeting room. Father Scaria spoke about this year’s catechetical theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” The R.E. coordinators met to discuss the upcoming religious education year and plan special events which will enrich all parish programs. We thank Professor Scaria for coming all the way from Rome to assist our parish while Father John Mbinda is away. (Reported by Joyce C. Saenz)

HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

Congratulations to our First Communicants: Tanya Adams, Mycah Gonsalves, Chloe Kalua’u, Preston Canionero-Carvalho, Hartwell Soledad, Kate Cedillos, Kiana Cazimero-Alejandro, Alexia Malasig and Rhyse Kalua’u. Congratulations to Buddy Caravalho and Jennifer Yamada who were married in our parish this summer. We also welcome newly baptized Brayden Jadulang, Jeremiah Medeiros, Dru Baclaan, Tiani Gantala, Makencie Afaga and Lilianna Santiago. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

KEAUKAHA

Malia Puka O Kalani Parish

On Aug. 3, our parishioners welcomed to the church the new Hilo Roman Catholic Community associate pastor Father Joseph Hennen. They celebrated his arrival with a welcome luncheon after his first Sunday Mass. Father Hennen will be the resident priest living in the just renovated rectory. He is pictured here with parishioners. (Reported by Natalie McKeen)

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

On June 14, La Salette Father Efren Tomas celebrated a special “renewal of vows” Mass which was followed by refreshments for everyone. Congratulations to the 27 couples who happily renewed their wedding vows. Each couple received a certificate and a picture of them renewing their vows. … On July 26 approximately 80 parishioners, including Father Efren and Father Ronald went on a parish bus pilgrimage to four churches: Holy Rosary in Paia, St. Joseph in Makawao, Holy Ghost and Our Lady Queen of Angels in Kula. After listening to a brief background of a church, everyone recited a decade of the rosary. After the visits, the parishioners had a picnic at Keokea Park. The pilgrimage ended back at our parish. … In conjunction with its 75th anniversary, our parish will have a Family Fun Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., on the church property. There will be food, games, prizes, entertainment and a talent show. Please sign up in the church to attend. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

Long-time parishioner June Borges celebrated her 80th birthday with a surprise ladies luncheon on Sunday, July 20, hosted by her sister Anita Boteilho and her daughter Anita Carrington. June has been a parishioner since 1972 when her family moved back to Maui from Oahu. Her husband, the late Deacon Joe Borges, was a deacon at St. Anthony’s for 19 years until he died in 2003. They were married 51 years. June is a lector, a eucharistic minister and works in the thrift shop. She is also a member of the craft group that works all year toward a parish Christmas bazaar which she co-chairs with fellow parishioner and friend Valerie Standing. Twenty-eight ladies came to the party. Many are involved in ministries with June and are faithful participants in the 6:30 a.m. weekday Mass. June calls them her “church family.” The ladies enjoyed a wonderful lunch and a cake designed for chocoholics. They spent time relaxing and chatting about happy times together as “friends in Jesus.” (Reported by Anita Carrington, photo by Leroy Carrington) On Sept. 5, the parish will observe the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Marianists to Wailuku with a special 5 p.m. Mass in church followed by dinner at Maui Tropical Plantation. For reservations, call the church office at 244 4148. Seating is limited. … On Oct. 7, there will be a healing Mass at church at 6 p.m. Last year’s Mass was well attended. … An Autumn Bazaar on Oct. 25, headed by June Borges and Valerie Standing will replace the Christmas Bazaar usually held in late November. Volunteers may call June or Valerie through the church office. (Reported by Mariam Kahalekai)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph Parish

Father Napoleon Andres and the entire parish community would like to thank Deacon Albert Phillips Jr. for all the years he served at our parish. Deacon Phillips has retired from his ministry due to health reasons. We pray for you and may God bless you for your dedicated service to the parish. (Reported by Donna Pico)

KULIOUOU

Holy Trinity Parish

The parish gym was blessed on Aug. 4, the opening day of school, by the pastor Father Gary Secor. The gym underwent renovation during the summer and now is fresh and bright, ready for the new school year. The project was overseen by parish volunteer Bill Donnelly. Pictured, from left, are the principal Sister Rose Miriam Schillinger, CSJ, Bill Donnelly, Yoku Donnelly and Father Secor. (Reported by Patti Dau)

TOPSIDE

Molokai Catholic Community

The best potluck supper ever! Such a variety of delicious food has never been matched in our community. Why? To welcome with glad thanksgiving three sisters and one brother of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to renew and continue the mission of their order on Molokai, once the mission territory of Blessed Damien. Getting settled in their new homes, Sisters Jessie Kai, Herman Julia Aki and Marie Christine Plateros and Brother Charles Kaahanui have been assisted by Sister Helene Wood and Father Bill Heffron. Together with our pastor, Father Clyde Guerreiro, and the parish council, the missionaries are searching for the most effective way to enhance the work of this historic parish. So the July 29 festivity welcomed the new ministers with prayer, music, dance, good eats and much aloha. Ilona Honig, Henry Tancayo, Pearl Souza and other volunteers made music, sang and danced to the delight of about 75 people present on the St. Sophia Church grounds. What a great beginning of our new era! (Reported by Jersula Manaba and Cecily Kikukawa)

HONOLULU

Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

On Aug. 16, Bishop Larry Silva celebrated Mass marking the 165th anniversary of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. Following the liturgy, the bishop blessed the Cathedral Kamiano Center, our parish center, in preparation for the parish celebration on Sunday. (Reported by Ann Hannan)

KALIHI

St. John the Baptist Parish

Pilgrims from the Neocatechumenal Way joined other Catholics from around the world in Sydney, Australia, to celebrate the World Youth Day Mass with Pope Benedict XVI on July 20. They were so happy when the pope waved and smiled at them as they greeted him with their big banner from Hawaii. (Reported by Velma Agustin)

WAIANAE

Sacred Heart Parish

On July 17, Council 11485 of the Knights of Columbus installed Gilbert K. Jose as Grand Knight for the 2008-2009 fraternal year. He succeeds Paul Ganaban. Other officers installed during the traditional ceremony were Deputy Grand Knight AJ Torres, financial secretary Gary K. Jose, chancellor George Charter, recorder Kenneth Nishimura, treasurer Jack B. Perry, advocate Francisco Quitugua, warden Donn Graves, inside guard Thomas Ryan, outside guard Patrick Ganaban, one-year trustee Raymond Sampaio, two-year trustee Warren Rowland, and three-year trustee Paul Ganaban. Grand Knight Jose has also served in that capacity from 2003 to 2007 and is currently a district deputy for the Hawaii State Council. He is active in our parish, serving as an ecumenical minister and a member of the pastoral council. Knights of Council 11485 are parishioners of the Sacred Heart Church in Waianae and St. Rita Church in Nanakuli. Council meetings are held at the Sacred Heart Church on the third Thursday of the month. The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization with more than 1.7 million members. (Photo courtesy of Linda Jose)

WAHIAWA

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

Pastor Father Edgar Brillantes blesses our new food pantry. Pictured, from left, are Joe Lenchenko, parish social ministry coordinator Lani Varde, Kelli Germano, Ewie Tamashiro from the Honolulu diocese’s Office of Social Ministry, Father Brillantes, parish liturgy coordinator Jay Raymundo and Shirley Brasher. The pantry dispenses food on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, please call Jack Kampfer at 621-5109, ext. 226. (Reported by Jack Kampfer)

ALA MOANA

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Last weekend, according to parish outreach coordinator Mike Prevost, 18 parishioners began training to become CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members. CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people that they serve. The goal is for emergency services personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations or work places in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for that area. (From the parish bulletin)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Archbishop Ernesto Salgado and Father Pascual Abaya IV are surrounded by some of the many 6:30 a.m. Mass-goers who gathered for a potluck breakfast in the church courtyard on Aug. 1. The archbishop was visiting from the Philippines to seek donations for the benefit of fellow priests, especially a priest who remains in critical condition after a severe accident. Our parishioners found another way to care for fellow members of God’s family. Contributions for the archbishop’s cause may be sent care of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

WAIPIO GENTRY

 Resurrection of the Lord Parish

If you are searching for an opportunity to spend spiritual time with other women, search no more! Our weekly Women’s Faith Sharing is designed to guide Catholic women to a deeper understanding of their unique calling in life (all women are invited to participate, Catholic or not). The coordinator Nadine Wheeler uses the program “Living as a Confident Daughter of God” as a class guide. During this two-hour session (which flies by because the participants have such a spirited time together), the women enjoy sharing their own faith and life journeys mostly by “talking story,” providing a beautiful view of the workings of the Holy Spirit. Mrs. Wheeler believes that “as church, we are home: a place for the family to reconnect, in an otherwise disconnected world. In this faith-sharing, we provide something more precious than diamonds! We provide souls a place to simply be.” The group meets Thursdays beginning at 6:45 p.m. with fellowship and refreshments with class from 7 p.m. One of the participants commented, “Being with other women and sharing our experiences together truly helps me realize I am not alone struggling to find time to be spiritual while juggling responsibilities daily as a mom, a wife, a daughter, a worker, a volunteer, and etc. in this busy world.” The parish also offers Men’s Faith Sharing on Monday nights. “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.” (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

KANEOHE

St. Ann Parish

Our parish hosted its first Catholic Scripture Study (CSS) focusing on the Gospel of Matthew. Approximately 60 students participated in the 28-week course which ran October to June, on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Parishioner Trudy Rawlins volunteered to coordinate the course, the first International Catholic Scripture Study offered in Hawaii. It provides a better understanding of the Bible and resources such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Comments from some participants include: “The course confirms why I believe what I believe and has helped me have a deeper involvement in my faith.” “Each week brings a new way of looking at my relationship with God.” “I will go over the lessons again in the future to help keep me focused on the need to read God’s word. The materials provided for the sessions are excellent.” “One benefit is the course caused me to have a desire to do a more in-depth study of other books in Sacred Scripture.” As a result of the interest, our parish is offering another intensive study course, Genesis, starting Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. or Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the parish center. For more information, contact Trudy Rawlins at 255-4131 or email rawlinst@hawaii.rr.com. (Reported by Patricia Pimental)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

On the scene, reporting from a hill in Galilee: On Aug. 3, parish Inquirers and Sponsors, led by catechist Bobbie Ornellas, report on Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. In a group activity, they gave perspectives on what was seen and heard, like modern-day reporters. The 23 Inquirers and 20 Sponsors have been gathering since July 13, eagerly attentive to growing in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Scripture is part of each Sunday session, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. They are learning to make the Bible a part of their daily prayer life and are committed to reading at least one Gospel during the process. Praise God for his abundant graces. Many of the Inquirers are friends, neighbors or even related — they encouraged each other to come to the process! (Reported by Linda Cacpal; photo by Ed Taguba)

WAIALUA

St. Michael Parish

The parish bulletin prints a list of “our deployed military personnel” and requests the parish’s continued prayers for them. The Aug. 10 bulletin listed Christopher Bolwell, Derrick Branson, Robert Lowers, Eric Powell, Troy Sabanal and John Santiago. (From the parish bulletin)

WAIMANALO

St. George Parish

The parish’s annual Koala Moa chicken sale is Saturday, Aug. 23. The cost is $8.50 for a whole, 2-lb., fully cooked, ono chicken. Plate lunches — 1/2 chicken, rice, potato/macaroni salad, and vegetables or fruit — will also be available for $6.50. This annual fundraiser helps support our sister parish in Habarana, Sri Lanka. … Religious education and RCIA classes begin on Sunday, Sept. 7. Class times are: grades 1-8, 8-8:50 a.m.; pre-k and kindergarten, 9-10 a.m.; high school, 10-11 a.m.; RCIA, 8-9 a.m. Please call the parish office at 259-7188 for more information. (Reported by the parish)

ENCHANTED LAKE

St. John Vianney Parish

Moving? Doing a little fall cleaning? Or just want to clear the house of clutter? Consider donating the good stuff to the Sodality of Our Blessed Lady’s Bargain Basement Sale, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23-24. Bargain hunters can shop 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Aug. 23, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 24. Donations may be dropped off during parish hours on the Fellowship Lanai. (From the parish bulletin)

HILO

St. Joseph Pre-School

Pre-school students in the toddlers class recently celebrated their first full day of school with outdoor play and bubbles with their teacher, Ms. Teri-Ann Yoshiwa. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph Elementary School

Pictured are fifth graders Tonilynn Amaral, left, and Therese DeCleene, who are among the first to use the brand new World Book Encyclopedia Online on the computer in the school library. Here they are looking at photos from past Summer Olympic Games. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

The first day of school for new students and 7th graders, also known as “Cardinal Splash Day,” was July 30. Current students volunteered on their last official day of summer break to welcome the students. Each was assigned a “buddy” who stayed with them throughout the day. Ice breaker games were held in the historic Walter Victor Gymnasium (the only gym in the state to boast an Ohia wood floor!) where students got to know each other and what it means to be a St. Joseph School “Cardinal.” The day also consisted of a shorter, condensed version of their class schedules and learning about the school seal and the alma mater. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

KAPAA

St. Catherine School

Our school began the 2008–2009 school year on Aug. 5 and is off to an exciting start. During the summer, the stage floor in Coyle Hall was replaced and new computers purchased for our computer lab with a grant from the Atherton Foundation. Our school is also proud to be one of 25 schools in the state piloting a federally funded healthy snack program, Power Up with Produce, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables at morning snack time. Students, parents and teachers appreciate the mid-morning snack. Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated Aug. 14 with St. Theresa School staff at the church. Our guest speaker was Carmen Himenes, superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools. (Reported by Celina Haigh)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

On July 5, the school participated for the first time in the 43rd annual Fourth of July Makawao Paniolo Parade. The surprising thing was that they were blessed with the first place trophy for “The Best Float” category. The P.T.G, staff, families and parishioners all came together to walk, ride and cheer the school float. Even La Salette Father Napoleon Andres was a first time participant and such a trooper, having been assigned to the parish just four days prior. There was a great response from the crowd for the school children and wonderful opportunity to participate with the community and culture of the unique Upcountry tradition. Mahalo and congratulations to all participants and helpers! God bless you all! (Reported by Helen Souza)

KAHULUI

Christ the King School

Bernadette Lopez, our principal, greets over 200 parents and families on Aug. 7 as they welcomed the new school year with the annual open house and family dinner. Father Ronald Guzman blessed the food and families. (Reported by Leanne Rivera)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony Jr./Sr. High School

July was eventful for the school’s LIFE team as they trekked across the ocean to participate in the Pacific LIFE Marianist Program at Mission Springs in Los Gatos, Calif. They participated in a variety of activities, learned leadership skills and met new people, creating treasured memories and lifelong friendships. Our school has participated in the LIFE Program since 1980. Pictured are the students with their moderators. Front, from left, are Marissa Santos, Kathleen DeLima, Joshua Carrizosa-Bernadez, Heidi Corson, Jenna Pico and Malorie Chong. Second Row: Quinton Tabisula, Alika Ham-DePonte and Christopher Fernandez. Back Row: Mosi Tafao and Stephen Imai. (Reported by Virginia Nary)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa School

Just before the end of the past school year, Franciscan Sister Hannah Johnecheck’s second grade class completed a hat making project for a social studies class. The Amulacion brothers, both graduates from our school, taught the students how to make hats out of palm branches. The second graders then brought these hats to the Syngenta field office to provide shade for their outdoor workers. The students enjoyed a wonderful tour and video explaining the many products made from corn and had an opportunity to see first-hand the variety of work done at the corn company. (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)

HONOLULU

Cathedral Catholic Academy

The academy is under the new leadership of interim principal Hank LePage and vice principal Aulani Kauhane. LePage comes to us from Maryknoll School after being in the classroom as a math teacher for 13 years. Kauhane has been with the academy for 16 years. They are both looking forward to sharing the new school year with the students, faculty and families. (Reported by the school)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Shellie Fielden, a licensed educational kinesiologist and licensed Brain Gym instructor, assists kindergarten teacher Erlinda Ceria in an exercise to help with whole brain sensory integration, focus and relaxation. As part of their preparation for the 2008-2009 school year, the faculty and staff participated in a three-hour workshop on Brain Gym. The exercises will help students with concentration, listening, writing and coordination: learning enhancements for the classroom and beyond. Many teachers were inspired and hope to use these activities prior to students reading, taking tests, or after recess. This Brain Gym workshop was also a vehicle for self awareness — many of the faculty and staff discovered parts of their bodies that had not been stretched in a very long time! (Reported by Thalia Woodward; photo by Jill Sprott)

HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

Each year, we are blessed that local comedian Frank De Lima does a community service program for public and private schools. To kick off our new school year, De Lima talked about responsibility and to be proud to be a member of our ohana. The students had a positive reaction to the message by spreading the good news to their parents, families, and friends. Thank you Mr. De Lima! (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU

St. Patrick School

Our school recognizes some student achievements during the long summer vacation. We congratulate sixth grader Carmen Sharkey who represented the school at the Congressional Youth Leadership Council conference in Washington, D.C., which offers educational leadership for an elite group of outstanding young people from across the country and around the world. The Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth celebrated the academic talent of seventh grader Christopher Pak during an awards ceremony at Hawaii Pacific University in May. Last but not least, congratulations to all our students for their enthusiastic participation in the summer reading program, “Catch the Reading Bug at Your Library,” sponsored by the McCully-Moiliili Public Library. Pictured, from left, are a few who caught the reading bug: Brandin Lee (K), Jessica Tanabe (K), Kourtney Kwok (1), Dylan Cramer (2), Matthew Lai (2), Andrew Lee (2), Chloe Kaneshige (3), Alex Lee (4), Stephen Lee (4), Soohyun Pyi (4), Malia Powers (4), Jimmy Zhao (4), Ethan Padilla (5), Kendall Fujita (6), Ashley Pi (7) and Hyun Ju Choi (7). Kudos to all! (Reported by office staff)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

Twelve juniors traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area over the summer break with Academy teacher Toni Normand. They toured Stanford University, California State University (both San Jose and San Francisco campuses) and the small college of Menlo Park. A number of Catholic schools were on the tour including the University of San Francisco, Santa Clara University, Holy Names College and St. Mary’s College. “This was an eye-opening trip for many of the juniors,” said Normand, the director of student life. “They were intrigued with the diversity that exists among these schools. Indeed, this trip will help them decide what a good fit is for them as they embark on life after the Academy.” The students learned how to choose a college that matches their personal goals and career objectives. They researched dorm rooms, the male-to-female student ratio, admissions paperwork and academic majors. One of the side stops on the Bay Area trip was Alcatraz (backdrop). Pictured in the front, from left, are Ashley Butay, Roxane Delos Santos, Nicole Biete, Christine Calipjo and Janelle Matsuura. In back are Tracey Retuta, Maxinne Ramos, Samantha Supnet, Annabelle Corpuz, Sarah Makainai, Melissa Lum, Jessika Hurley and Toni Normand. Next year’s college tour, being planned by college counselor Randall Fong, will go to the Portland and Seattle areas. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph School

“How great is our God, sing with me how great is our God.” The back-to-school liturgy, celebrated on Aug. 8 in the church, was sponsored by our beloved eighth graders. The whole school, and even some parents, attended. This Mass was led by our new priest Father Sunny. This Mass was very important, gathering together as one, praising and worshiping our God. Everything went smoothly, from the priest’s entrance to the closing song of praise. Father Sunny did an excellent job. Pictured, from left, are Tiana Wong, Raquel Hufana, Allurie Eliazar and Taylor Spencer, expressing their love for God with a special hula meditation. Welcome Saint Joseph School! (Reported by students Leah Fitzgerald, Esperanza Carrancho, Nikka Sonido and Alyscia Andaya)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea School

Hand over her heart, second grader Lily Humphrey looks up at the flag during a flag raising ceremony and assembly on the first day of the new school year. (Reported by Keith Haugen)

HONOLULU

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Aug. 7 was marked by a special blessing conducted at morning assembly in the courtyard with the entire school community present. Father Conrado Lomibao joined the student body to introduce himself as our servant and we as his masters. We trust that as the school year begins, we will do our best to fulfill our mission of servants of God, spreading his will among us. (Reported by Jocelyn Fernandes)

HONOLULU

Chaminade University

Summer Bridge students gathered to assemble bag lunches to be distributed with the homeless. By the time they were finished the nearly 60 students had prepared 150 bag lunches that included juice, sandwich, chips and dessert. The comment heard frequently was how good it felt to have an opportunity to give back. (Reported by Kay Stone)