HILO

St. Joseph Parish

Religious education students gather to say “mahalo” and wish our priests a happy World Priest Day! (Reported by Joyce C. Saenz)

KEAUKAHA

Malia Puka O Kalani Parish

The parish community continues to grow! (Reported by Father Joe Hennen)

PAHOA

Sacred Heart Parish

Deacon Robert “Bob” A. Cyr came to our parish here in Pahoa Town over a year ago, appointed by Bishop Larry Silva on Feb. 23, 2007. Originally from Boston, at around age 18 Deacon Bob moved to Maryland where he lived 30 years. There he served in the Air Force for eight years, got married and raised four wonderful children. His wife died, leaving him to raise four teenagers. He struggled along for about three years and prayed that our Lord would help him with his loneliness, and one day met an angel of a woman named Terry. They married and between them have four girls and two boys. They now have 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Now 73, Deacon Bob and Terry Cyr have been married for 25 years. They lived on Oahu for close to 20 years. On July 28, 2001, he was ordained a deacon. He also took Clinical Pastoral Education classes and served as a chaplain at Queen’s Medical Center for six years. Besides serving our parish, Deacon Bob is the chaplain of Hilo Medical Center. His services are greatly appreciated, and we thank the Lord for his presence. … Our parish would also like to thank the wonderful Roxanne Betts for her service and dedication as our religious education coordinator for two years. Our parish truly thanks you for your sincere commitment to our children. You will be missed dearly. (Reported by Steve Torres)

KAHULUI

Christ the King Parish

La Salette Father Ronaldo Guzman officially opened our fourth annual Marian Festival on Oct. 17 after the 7 a.m. Mass, blessing and incensing all the articles on display. The festival lasted over the weekend, ending on Sunday afternoon. Various ethnic families recited the rosary at different times. We continue to say the rosary 30 minutes before each weekend Mass in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary. Pictured are Father Jose Cadavid, center, and parishioners with the Our Lady of Guadalupe display. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

WAIHEE

St. Ann Parish

Congratulations to our newly installed pastoral council. Father Ramon Francisco commissioned and blessed the new council on Aug. 31, after which we celebrated with a potluck. Pictured are those who answered God’s call and said “yes” to serving the parish and the community: front row, from left, Frances Asuncion, finance and parish secretary/bookkeeper; Cathy Riley, RCIA; Agnes Cockett, social ministry and finance; Kim Phillips, council president; Kathy Texeira, religious education; second row, Melen Agcolicol, youth ministry; Bernard Paet, finance; Carole Mohan, finance; Father Ramon; Sheldene Cockett, youth ministry; Cheryl Hoopai, worship and liturgy; Percila Peros, outreach; third row, Tony Vertido, eucharistic ministry; Glenn Bio, finance and Ongolea Filo, buildings, grounds and maintenance. Missing are Angela Walsh, council secretary; Tom Moniz, music ministry; Juanita Kauhaahaa, environmental and Amber Sensano, youth ministry. The photo was taken at the first council meeting on Sept. 29. (Reported by Kim M. Phillips)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

Marianist Father Roland Bunda is pictured chatting with Carol Guerrero, committee chairwoman of the parish’s Oct. 7 Healing Mass reported here in the last Hawaii Catholic Herald. The Mass was dedicated to Blessed Marianne’s cause for sainthood and also involved other Maui parishes. (Photo courtesy of Carol Guerrero)

TOPSIDE

Blessed Damien Parish

It’s Country Fair time! Our parish celebrated its annual harvest bounty on Oct. 11 at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai. The 4-9 p.m. schedule attracted larger-than-ever-crowds. Success was due to the work of many under the leadership of co-chairs Barbara Helm and Pat Tancayo; Napua Silva, finance; Tina Habon, plants and produce; Minda Guerrero, Filipino foods and donations; Charlene Aquino, baked goods; Dennis Kamakana and Joan Lasua, huli huli chicken; Lynne Juario, country store; Yolanda Reyes and Rose Brito, plate dinner; Haunani Kamakana, Pronto Pups; Amy Estes, beverages; Ilona Honig, entertainment; Cecilia Eala, Adelina Cera and Junior Ragonton, environment; Maria Sullivan, Damien Memories; Diane Nichols and Angie Naehu, live auction; Linda Degraw, silent auction; Lani Kula, lucky drawing and publicity; Kahiwa Chow and Alicia Bicoy, games and activities and Kalei Ross and the Queen’s Medical Center, free flu shots. Among the happy winners were Omer Merkel with some nice green kala, and Jaime and Sally Mangca with a like-new 2001 BMW. Others received many items including bicycles, hotel getaways, free tillage, and dinner for six catered by Sacred Hearts Father Clyde Guerreiro. The event’s success was measured not only by the capital gained for our building fund but, more importantly, by the gathering of our extended community in fun and fellowship. The endless hours of labor volunteered by both lunas and peons were rewarded by the aloha of community. Right on, BDCP! Pictured, from left, are Leilani Chow, Alicia Bicoy, Olana Chow, Anela Chow and Keao Chow at the games booth. (Reported by Jersula Manaba and Cecily Kikukawa, photo by Kahiwa Chow)

KULIOUOU

Holy Trinity Parish

Instead of Bingo on Oct. 20, the parish showed “Young at Heart,” a funny and moving film about a New England senior citizen chorus on a world tour. (From the parish bulletin)

ALA MOANA

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Through November, the parish Book of Life will be located on a table at the altar. Pages are available for parishioners to fill in the names they wish to be remembered. (From the parish bulletin)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Can you think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon at the park? At Blaisdell Park in Pearl City, 99 people gathered to pray 20 decades of the rosary to ask God and his Holy Mother to save America from the trials we face today. The Rosary Rally was led by the parish’s Blessed Mother Prayer Group leader Larry Cole. The little children, youth, middle-agers and seniors who joined in the prayers under the shade of huge trees were blessed by sunshine and occasional puffs of Holy Spirit breezes. Prayer cards were circulated to keep the group united in asking God for help for our nation. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

WAIPIO GENTRY

Resurrection of the Lord Parish

Our lives are too often caught up in multi-tasking, rushing through every aspect of life. Everyone seems to be speeding from one place to another. When we attend Mass on Sundays, we are supposed to silence our cell phones, forget about the precious to-do lists and leave all the worries of our life at the door. Yet, some of us still wonder if the Mass will end on time so we can get to our next destination on time. But parishioners gathered on the evening of Oct. 9 sought to do just the opposite. That night, many came to celebrate a slow Mass with Bishop Larry Silva. The gathering was arranged by Makana Aiona, a coordinator for the newly established Teen Bible Sharing held 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday. As the bishop presided, he explained what happens during Mass and why, every step of the way. There was no need to rush. No cell phones rang. Everyone had a chance to reflect on the Mass, appreciate the beauty of the church’s tradition and be immersed in the presence of the Holy Spirit. In fact, no one rushed to leave after the slow Mass. They lingered to reflect or share fellowship with others. Stop and smell the roses. Listen to the Word of God. Slow down. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

WAIKIKI

St. Augustine Parish

Parishioners gathered at the Ala Wai Multi-Purpose Facility on Oct. 4 for a Morning of Recollection. The reflection on ministry in parish and our daily lives was led by Marianist Father Ken Templin and organized by a committee led by parish resource coordinator Sister Theresa Chow. More than 30 parishioners, including many involved in various parish ministries, attended the annual event. (Reported by Bev Tavake)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

Capuchin Franciscan Father Michel Dalton traces the sign of the cross on the hands and forehead of full Communion candidate Wanda Matute. The parish celebrated the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming on Oct. 12 at the 8 a.m. Mass. In all, six men and women are asking for Baptism. Seeking Eucharist and Confirmation are two candidates baptized in Protestant denominations, and 18 men and women who are baptized Catholics. In a pre-rite session, they reflected on the freedom to say “yes” to continue in their formation for the sacraments and the consequences of the “yes.” They’ve heard God’s call, and now God wants a response. We continue to encourage them in the daily responding through prayer, good works and faithful gathering for catechesis. Please keep them in prayer as they go on retreat Oct. 18 to reflect on their gifts and how to stay faithful in the journey. (Reported by Linda Cacpal; photo by Ed Taguba)

 KAIMUKI

St. Patrick Parish

With the general election just around the corner, the Confirmation I and II students of the religious education program staged their own mock election for president and vice-president on Sept. 28. Under the guidance of mediator Lisa Sakumoto, candidates Marissa and Christina Oba, Kendra Sakumoto and Kala’i Garcia answered questions posed to them by fellow confirmation students. A wide range of topics such as Social Security, pro-life, gay marriage, homelessness, education and the Iraq War were discussed. Pictured, from left, are the winners: Marissa Oba, president, and Kala’i Garcia, vice president. (Reported by Ruby Salinda)

WAIALUA

St. Michael Parish

The parish Sacred Heart Society organized a retreat at the Benedictine Monastery at the foot of Mt. Kaala in Waialua on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. A potluck lunch was planned. (From the parish bulletin)

ENCHANTED LAKE

St. John Vianney Parish

Handmade olive wood religious articles will be sold outside the church after all Masses on Nov. 1-2. The proceeds help Christian families in the Holy Land. (From the parish bulletin)

HILO

St. Joseph Pre-school

During a lesson on “The 5 Senses,” our pre-schoolers explored the sense of sight using cameras, sunglasses and binoculars. (Reported by Rowena Austria; photo by Nani Early)

HILO

St. Joseph Elementary School

Our elementary campus ran the game booths at our school’s 21st annual Country Fair on Oct. 11. Pictured is the fishing booth where everyone’s a winner! Thanks goes out to all faculty, staff, parents and students who contributed to another successful fair! (Reported by Rowena Austria)

KAHULUI

Christ the King School

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade will participate in Kids Voting Hawaii which gives them the information and experience to prepare them to participate as responsible citizens to sustain America’s democracy. Students will vote for candidates in this year’s general election. Teachers are planning activities that will expose our students to the democratic process. They will vote, Oct. 21 to Nov. 4, by computer online. Each student is given a password to vote and is very excited for this opportunity. (Reported by Leanne Rivera)

HILO

St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

Students from our art class participated recently in a Trash Fashion show, displaying their creativity using recycled materials as “fabric” for their fashion designs. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Lisa Franklin, Jade Gusman, Kim Duarte, Shalace Lee, and Savanica Nachor. In the back row, Sage Van Kralingen, Shaydene Santos-Colburn, Jenna Rapoza and Chelbie-lyn Hanohano. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph School

The school ohana participated in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk on Oct. 18 at the Kaahumanu Shopping Center. Committed and eager, the students, parents and staff 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, pictured with the group. Several of the team members walked in memory of family and loved ones who were affected by the disease. Afterward, the participants enjoyed entertainment, food and prizes as well as rest after a morning well spent. The school has joined each of these annual walks to reach out and give back to the community. Good job team! (Reported by Helen Souza)

HONOLULU

Cathedral Catholic Academy

Students in grades six, seven and eight had an opportunity to take a challenging course to prepare for the SSAT test. The SSAT or Secondary School Admissions Test is administered to junior high school students to help determine placement into independent and private high schools. The test has two parts: a brief essay and a multiple-choice section that includes mathematics, reading comprehension and verbal questions. The preparation course was offered during the 10-day intersession break. Bravo to the 15 students who took this intense course. Mahalo to Ms. Dorie for teaching them new study and test-taking strategies while refining their reading, writing and math skills. Good luck to all who will be taking the SSAT in the next few months! Our prayers are with you! (Reported by Michael Pa’ekukui)

HONOLULU

Damien Memorial School

The fires were lit in the early morning hours on Oct. 11 for our annual chicken sale fundraiser. When the day was done, we had made over $55,000! The school sincerely thanks all of our volunteers — students, faculty, staff, administration and parents — for making this sale such a huge success! Approximately $11,000 of the total was raised through Foodland’s generous matching gifts program. Special mahalo to Mike and Marcie Young, event organizers and all-day supervisors, and to Erline Mandac-Saniatan. Prizes were awarded to top sellers Johnathan Tran and R.J. Diaz. Johnathan’s family sold 70 tickets and he won a Nintendo DS-lite starter kit and Brain Age 2 game. R.J. sold 57 tickets and won a Sony 4 GB FMMP3 player. The Christian Brothers Retirement Fund also benefited from this sale, netting over $1,600 from the sale of sushi and donated drinks from Coca-Cola. (Reported by Didi Lota)

HONOLULU

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Eight talented students were recognized for their prize-winning submissions to a calendar art contest sponsored by Navy Region Hawaii Energy Conservation School Outreach Program. On hand to recognize the students for their artistic achievements with a certificate, gift bags and candy leis were Captain Muilenburg, commanding officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii, and Krista Stehn from the NAVFAC Hawaii Energy Team. Following a presentation on energy conservation, the students created energy-themed entries to reinforce what they had learned. The winners were Brenton Yasuoka (kindergarten), Mikey Archuleta (first grade), Edmund Zafrani (second), Kristen Kioke (third), Nicole Ishii (fourth), Gavin Moulton (fifth), Mahinalani Cavalieri (sixth) and Sarah Hawley (seventh). (Reported by Jocelyn Fernandes)

HONOLULU

Holy Trinity School

Our partner school for the Visions of Faith Cross Exchange is St. Catherine School on Kauai. Pictured is Sister Sarah’s kindergarten class with St. Catherine’s cross. After the month was over, kindergarten held a procession and ceremony to hand the cross to the first grade. (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll Grade School

Pictured, from left, are first graders Baily Yee, Brian Cox, Gianni Hermosura and Andre Shiu and Gregory Shiu (back) celebrating finding the perfect pumpkin during a recent excursion to Aloun Farms in Kapolei. About 200 students from pre-kindergarten to first grade went, and brought home their perfect Halloween decoration. Classes also used the pumpkins to study math (guessing its weight and circumference) and science (seeing if it would float). (Reported by Stephen Florino, photo by Maryknoll School Photography Club)

HONOLULU

Maryknoll High School

Class officers sat down for a roundtable, talk-story session with Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and state Rep. Della Au Belatti (center, with lei). The 24 students asked questions on topics ranging from a rail transit system for Honolulu and the upcoming presidential election to improving schools. Au Belatti is a Maryknoll graduate. (Reported by Stephen Florino, photo by Maryknoll School Photography Club)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

Pictured is fifth grader Chloe Wollin who practiced her Spanish language skills at El Lago del Bosque, a summer camp located in Bemidji, Minn. The two-week experience simulated a charming Spanish-speaking village where 100 students learned the language and culture. Chloe slept in cabins, ate in a dining hall and participated in numerous activities in buildings typical of the Spanish-speaking world and culture. She interacted with other students while improving her Spanish. When asked what she enjoyed the most about the camp, she said that the food was “fantastico,” especially the tacos and enchilados. She also shared her admiration for the hard work ethic and the beautiful artwork of the Spaniards. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

KAILUA

St. Anthony School

The school community came together on Oct. 10 for a blessing of animals to commemorate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. A special prayer service brought together students, parents and parishioners in the school courtyard. Pictured is pastor Father Dennis Koshko blessing pets, big or small, real or stuffed, or just a photograph of a favorite loved animal. Students learned about St. Francis and God’s gift of animals and our responsibility to care for God’s creation in the weeks leading up to our annual celebration. (Reported by Joyce Pollock)

HONOLULU

St. Anthony School

The school conducted a leadership training session for the first time on Sept. 27, attended by the student council officers and classroom officers from grades 2-8. St. Paul Sister Emelita Alvarez, the student council moderator, facilitated the all-day event in the parish hall. The activity developed leadership skills among student officers at each grade level. After every game, song and dance, they reflected on and shared what they learned with their group members and later with the big assembly. After lunch, Sister Celeste Cabral from the Benedictine Monastery gave a one-hour session about becoming “Leaders for Jesus.” For the last hour in the afternoon, the group planned how they can be leaders in school and at home. Pictured is a group of students having fun. (Reported by Sister Emelita Alvarez, SPC)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea Early Learning Center

The Keolamana room kindergarteners LillyBelle Kauwe, Aidan Downs, Kiana Smith, Isabella Millner and Zan Martin prepare for blast-off in a spaceship they created as a class project in October. (Reported by Leanna Brake)

HONOLULU

St. Theresa School

The fifth grade class sang and held jewelry sales on Sept. 27 to encourage donations to Catholic Charities. With the help of their schoolmates, they were able to deliver $60 worth of food for the needy and homeless. For the students it was a lesson in stewardship and Christ-like behavior. (Reported by Cyril Pires)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth School

We have students who have volunteered and trained to become peer mediators. A peer mediator helps their schoolmates solve basic everyday conflicts that may occur on the playground or in the classrooms. They are VIP’s — Very Important People — in our school. (Reported by Sebbie Akiu)

WAIALUA

St. Michael School

On Oct. 10, one student from each class, preschool through eight, was recognized as the Student of the Month for September. This PTO-sponsored event was a first at our school and the students were elated. The teachers nominated the students and presented the nominations to the PTO officers. Parents were notified in advance so that they could attend the morning assembly ceremony, but it was a surprise for the student winners as their names were called one by one. Each received an “outstanding student” medal and a certificate. They were also treated to lunch with principal Mrs. Arecchi. All the students who received the honor said they thought that it would be someone else, which shows their character and why they were chosen. Way to go students, and a big thank you to our PTO! Pictured, clockwise from left, are Chance Margotta, Kaleoaloha Ladao, Matthew Holmberg, Kristen Alexis Cadelinia and Dillon Eberhardt enjoying lunch with Mrs. Arecchi. (Reported by Jennifer Holmberg)

HONOLULU

St. Patrick School

The student body assembled on the grassy area by the auditorium on Sept. 11 at around 10 a.m. to observe two important events: the new school year and the commemoration of the thousands of people who suffered and died on that tragic day in 2001. To everyone’s surprise, a gigantic green and white hot air balloon tethered by weights was ready for lift-off. Symbols of peace made by the teachers were laid in the balloon’s basket. Everyone held their breath as the countdown began. Students, parents, friends and teachers blew thousands of prayer bubbles into the clear blue sky as the balloon was launched and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” played in the background. It was an incredible sight. The balloon soared more than a hundred feet above our school surrounded by millions, billions and trillions of bubbles which carried our love, special prayers and thoughts to the far corners of the world (hopefully)! Although some students felt “weird,” most agreed it was not only fun and exciting, but very memorable. It made them think about what happened seven years ago on 9/11 and to appreciate what they have today! (Reported by Lynn Murao)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

As the year-long celebration of our 40th anniversary came to a close on Oct. 14, the school gathered to commemorate the blessed and beautiful year. The day began with Mass concelebrated by vicar general Father Marc Alexander and pastor Father Scott Bush. Students then delighted all guests with their musical presentations. When all was said and sung, the students were treated to rides by Heather Inflatables. The highlight of the day, however, was when Fathers Marc and Scott challenged principal Franciscan Sister Davilyn Ah Chick to a climb on the climbing rock wall. To their surprise, she accepted, and all three donned harnesses and began their climb to cheers and applause from below. God has definitely blessed the school in these past 40 years, and we are all looking forward to the next 40 and beyond. Who won the challenge? Well … just look at the picture. (Reported by Laverne Suster)

HONOLULU

Chaminade University

The Samoan Club along with invited guests from the University of Hawaii’s Samoan Club treated the congregation of Mystical Rose Oratory’s 7:30 p.m. Mass to a traditional White Sunday celebration on Oct. 12. The more than 300 persons in the congregation are already asking when the next celebration will be held! The answer: sometime during the spring semester. (Reported by Kay Stone)