PAPAIKOU

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

On Aug. 15, our parish and Good Shepherd Mission, Honomu, hosted a get-together to celebrate Father Clyde Phillips’ 32nd anniversary of ordination. Father Phillips, who grew up in Papaikou, attended St. Joseph Elementary and graduated from St. Joseph High School, Hilo, was recently named procurator general of the Maryknoll Fathers and liaison between Maryknoll and the Vatican. He now lives in Rome. Father Phillips entered St. Stephen Seminary on Oahu in 1967 and in 1973 began theology studies at the Maryknoll major seminary in New York. He was ordained on May 20, 1978, and was assigned to the Philippines were he served for 20 years. He was elected Maryknoll’s U.S. regional superior from 2003 to 2009 and began his new duties as procurator general on Jan. 1. The celebration was well attended by parishioners here and from neighboring St. Anthony in Papaaloa. Everyone had a great time and helped make the evening a memorable one for Father Phillips. We are all very proud of Father Phillips and his accomplishments, especially since he is a product of our parish. God bless you Father Clyde, and best wishes on your new assignment. (Reported by Pat Phillips; photo by Inez Johnson)

HAWI

Sacred Heart Parish

Our parish welcomes Augustinian Father Raymond R. Elam as our new administrator. He was born in September of 1943 in Santa Maria, Calif., the youngest of three children. He attended public schools until his sophomore year in high school when he went away to Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, Calif. As a student at Santa Clara University he responded to the inner call to be a priest. He entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1963. His training took him to New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. He was ordained in 1970. He has served in more than a dozen parishes in four states, including Hawaii, two schools and other assignments. One of his favorites was being a hermit for over a year. We hope to have him here for many years. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

MOLOKAI

St. Damien Parish

Our parishioners remain “on the move” since fire destroyed the parish’s main church, St. Sophia, in February. This spring, Mass was celebrated in a community room at a local health center. That space is no longer available and the nomadic parishioners now celebrate Saturday evening and Sunday 9 a.m. Mass at the Kalanianaole Hall, a recently restored historic funeral hall. Plans for the new St. Damien Church proceed apace. Our pastor Sacred Hearts Father Clyde Guerreiro and the parish building committee are evaluating several bids for the construction of the new church. The parish remains hopeful to celebrate Christmas Mass 2011 in the new church and continues to fundraise to pay for the construction. See www.damienchurchmolokai.org. (Reported by Maria Sullivan)

PAHOA

 Sacred Heart Parish

In April I wrote about a “dedicated young man” who serves our parish. I now would like to introduce you to this young man’s older sister, Lealoha Valenzuela (Lea) Bernardo. When any of our youth produce outstanding achievements, I believe everyone should know about it. Lea is the daughter of proud parents Jimmy and Erlinda Bernardo. She graduated summa cum laude in Pahoa High School’s class of 2010 and was the class valedictorian. In high school she was president of National Honor Society; senior class vice president; junior class vice president; sophomore class secretary/treasure; secretary, sentinel, treasure and reporter for the Future Farmers of America and state secretary of the Future Farmers of America from 2008 to 2009. She did her internship at Pookies Cookies for her senior project. Lea will take up liberal arts at the University of Hawaii in Hilo. Lea is a well-rounded young woman. Besides excelling as a scholar, she has also been a cheerleader and a tennis and volleyball player; a cheerful greeter at the 8:30 a.m. Mass; and a big help in the family business. Lealoha is always ready to explore possibilities and willing to accept challenges. Her mom Erlinda’s face shined with pride and shared these words: “Though how humble she is, we are the proudest parents and we thank God for these blessings in life.” (Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.) (Reported by Steve Torres)

WAILUKU

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Frances Margaret Darling, a former Maui resident and teacher at St. Anthony Jr.-Sr. High School passed away on Aug. 10, at the UCLA Hospital in Los Angeles after a brief illness. A memorial Mass is being planned at our parish and will be announced. … St. Anthony’s fifth Annual Healing Mass will be celebrated Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. in the church center. The theme this year is, “Healing in the name of Jesus, with the love of Mary, his Mother.” The four parish choirs will be combined for this service. Refreshments will be served after Mass. … Receipts from Denny’s Restaurant are still being collected in the drop box in the back of the church. They will be redeemed for a donation from Denny’s. Mahalo to Denny’s and to all parishioners for their generosity and continued support! … Hui Na Lima Kokua, the craft ladies, is looking forward to its Autumn/Christmas Fair, Oct. 30, in the Marian Hall, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. The team is looking for help from all parishioners to make this a successful event. (Reported by Miriam Kahalekai)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph Parish

Our Early Learning Center opened its doors for the 2010/2011 school year on Aug. 2. Father Eric and the staff welcomed 57 children with open hearts and arms. The staff is as follows: director/teacher Helen Souza; office manager Dominican Sister Viviana Parnoncillon; teachers; and assistants Renette Koa, Roni Vierra, Alicia Cordeiro, Kortney Koa, Chelby Estrella, Dominican Sister Estelita Jamelo and Sylvia Comer. Our parish religious education teachers are: pre-kindergarten, Renette Koa; first grade, Ann Cravalho; second grade, Viola Quitazol and Sister Viviana Parnoncillon; third grade, Jocelyn Perreira; fourth grade, Mark Alo; fifth grade, Sister Estelita Jamelo; sixth grade, Barbara Cambra; seventh grade, Diane Jacinto; eighth grade, Alicia Kapua; Confirmation I, Sheri Harris; Confirmation II, Alicia Kapua; RCIA, Liz Miller and Chris AhPuck; youth group, Paula Cernal-Tavares; religious education coordinator Dominican Sister Georgina Delgado. Thank you for volunteering. God Bless You! … Our parish also welcomes Sister Estelita as the new social ministry coordinator. … Thank you to William Kukaua and Walter Freitas for cleaning out the gym. Our youth group begins Sept. 11, after the 5 p.m. Mass in the religious education office up in the school. For more information, call Paula at 357-3294. (Reported by Donna Pico)

KIHEI

St. Theresa Parish

Hale Kau Kau installed its board members and officers on June 27 at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Outgoing president Gail Mitchell introduced the new members. The new officers are president Marie Thomas, vice president Jeff Rummel, treasurer Dale Webster and secretary Ray Hart. The members of the advisory board represent the community of Kihei as well as the parishioners. They include Austin Murray, pastor of the Episcopal Church in Kihei; Janice Porter, who represents the Lutheran Church; Patricia Ziegler, a volunteer at Hale Kau Kau; and Steve Pollock of Goodfellow Brothers Construction Company. Goodfellow is a big supporter of Hale Kau Kau in its effort to feed the hungry. Outgoing board members Joe Mitchell, Jim Difalco, Marilyn Robertson and Kathy Michaels were acknowledged by kitchen manager Marie Osaki, and given a koa bowl as thanks for their work over the past years. Tina Draper is the development director and our pastor, Msgr. Terry Watanabe, remains the executive director. (Reported by Anita Carrington; photo by Leroy Carrington)

PAUOA VALLEY

Blessed Sacrament Parish

On July 29, their 66th wedding anniversary, Julia and William Ferreira, received Holy Communion and blessings in their home from pastor Father Khanh Pham Nguyen. Their son Douglas Ferreira participated in this special occasion. Others present were homebound eucharistic ministers Elizabeth and Robert Lum and their caregiver. Many fond memories were shared and the moment of their wedding day was captured in their black and white wedding picture 66 years ago. They recalled their “Just Married” 1940s car and their witnesses — Vivian Mello and Minert McKenzie. May Julia and William be blessed with many more years of love and togetherness. Congratulations from your parish family. (Reported by Lei Kondo)

KALIHI VALLEY

Our Lady of the Mount Parish

On May 28, five of our youth received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We were grateful to have Bishop Larry Silva celebrate the Confirmation Mass. He joined us in our parish hall for the reception. The confirmandis are Adam Baron, Marc Borcena, Dustin Borromeo, James Fernandez and Gabriel Oliveira. (Reported by Marlynn Calvo)

KULIOUOU

Holy Trinity Parish

Come and join us, the St. Giana’s Prayer Group, in praying the rosary each Tuesday night from 5:45-6:45 p.m. Our prayer focus is the pro-life movement. Prayer changes things and this is a cause we must continue to pray for. We meet in the Makai House Chapel. Everyone is welcome. (From the parish bulletin)

HONOLULU

 Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Mike Prevost of the outreach office reports: “Overall we are looking good and food wise we are better but still have a ways to go. Shopping twice a week at the Foodbank has helped and we will continue doing this for awhile. Your assistance has also helped greatly. I do have a few requests but not too bad. The Foodbank has been out of rice both times we have shopped, so this is a ‘Rice Alert.’ We have to have rice; it’s a staple here. White is preferred, any size bag, large or small. We use about 100 lbs. plus a week.” (From the parish bulletin)

PEARL CITY

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Our parish celebrated the Feast of St. Bernard on Aug. 20 with a visit by Philippines Archbishop Orlando B. Quevido, who was accompanied by Msgr. Vicente Avila. On this occasion, our parish’s new parocial vicar Father Arthur Amion was introduced to the weekday Mass-goers. The visit was significant because the archbishop ordained Msgr. Avilla, Father Amion and our parish administrator Father Pascual Abaya. He joked that he was here to “check up” on them. A parish potluck breakfast in the courtyard followed the Mass. Pictured are Father Pascual, the distinguished guests and some of the 60 parishioners who prepared the festive foods. Welcoming is our parish’s middle name. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

WAHIAWA

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

Jack Kampfer stepped down as the parish director of religious education. He was presented with a plaque for his long years of service. He appreciated the recognition, however, he said that he is not saying goodbye. He will continue to serve as lector, eucharistic minister, RCIA catechist, finance committee member and more as needed. He is being promoted as general for the International Lions Club and the task will take much of his time. (Reported by Pacita Baron)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

“Our parish is a faith-filled community for all cultures and ages dedicated to building the Kingdom of God. We come closer to God by following Jesus Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Through the Holy Spirit and with the intercession of our Blessed Mother, we provide a sense of belonging to all God’s people through prayer, service, and the sharing of our gifts for the praise and glory of God.” Thus reads our parish mission statement. At our catechists in-service training on June 28, diocesan director of religious education Jayne Mondoy showed how the diocese’s 15 religion standard guidelines fit perfectly with our mission statement. Pictured locating a religion standard on the sketch of the parish mission statement is catechist assistant Mila Caparas, with Jayne looking on. … On another note, the catechists were busy with on-going formation this summer. Parochial vicar Father Sammy Rosimo Jr. gave a talk on “Spirituality of Catechists” on June 3. Rona Rodenhurst, chairperson of the religious education board and a teacher-trainer with Bishop Museum, led a session on lesson planning on July 12. Remi Cabrera, the coordinator for elementary grades, did a follow up with elementary catechists on July 14. Julia Torres, director of education and formation, facilitated catechist certification classes on Introduction to Scripture (June 21 and 24) and Introduction to Creed and Doctrine (July 19 and 26). (Reported by Denise Duhaylonsod Oliveira)

WAIPIO GENTRY

Resurrection of the Lord Parish

Make it a family affair! Our parish offers faith formation classes for ages 3 to adult. Pictured are Keneke Ishikawa and his sons who will be participating in the upcoming classes. Here is what RCIA director Nadine Wheeler had to say about the program: “Recognizing God’s voice through Scripture will help us recognize his voice in today’s world, everyday of our lives. The Bible study and RCIA sessions help us develop a “love affair” with the Lord, through his “love letters” (the Bible). It helps us grow in wisdom so that we can live our lives knowing what God is asking of us. And we learn how to fully use the Mass and the Holy Eucharist as it directs us and nourishes us.” Classes start in September. If you are interested, contact the parish at 676-4700 or e-mail at Resurrect001@hawaii.rr.com. (Reported by Marlene Tamayo-Ishikawa)

WAIALUA

 St. Michael Parish

Our all-day annual parish picnic was Sunday, Aug. 29, at the Waialua Recreation Center. Besides eating, activities included swimming, volleyball, kickball, baseball, dodgeball, basketball, and just plain old socializing. Picnic-goers were encourage to buy and wear their St. Michael T-shirts. (From the parish bulletin)

KAILUA

St. Anthony Parish

Get a head start on your holiday shopping! On Sept. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., a craft fair in Father Henry Hall will offer lots of good food. The thrift shop will have many Christmas items for sale. Our address is 114 Makawao Street, Kailua. We hope to see you there. Please call 266-2227 for more information! (Reported by Val Haole)

AIEA

St. Elizabeth Parish

On July 25, Capuchin Franciscan Father Bob Phelps presided over the youth and young adult 6 p.m. Mass. It was a nice celebration, because Father Bob was formerly assigned to our parish in 1989. He is also the founder of Young Christian Life (YCL) youth ministry that was established in 1989, and continues to thrive today after 21 years. Pictured are Father Bob, left, and the pastor Father Tom Purayidathil, right, with some of the YCL members after Mass. (Reported by Rose de Vera-Javier)

WAIPAHU

St. Joseph Parish

Priscilla Davin poses for a picture with pastor La Salette Father Gregorio Honorio Jr. after being presented a Hawaiian-clock plaque for her 17 years of dedicated service at our parish. Parish friends and family celebrated her retirement on June 26. Priscilla was the office assistant in the parish office and worked the Saturday and Sunday schedule. She is married to Ron Davin and they have two children, Lori and Joshua. She will be able to enjoy much needed leisure time with her family, especially with their seven grandchildren. She looks forward to be able to attend the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday with her family. Priscilla started her employment at our parish on Sept. 1, 1993 and retired on June 30. God bless you, Priscilla, and much, much mahalo for your faithful service to our parish! (Reported by Irene Sandry)

WAIMANALO

St. George Parish

Our Youth and Young Adult (YYA) group dedicated its 6 p.m. Mass on July 18 to our 2010 high school and college graduates. Twelve graduates were honored and prayed for at the Mass presided over by our pastor Capuchin Franciscan Father Bob Maher. We are very proud of them for their hard work and perseverance, and wish them the best as they continue their journey through life with the help and guidance of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. After Mass, a scrumptious potluck dinner was hosted by the YYA group with help from the Filipino Catholic Club and hospitality committee. We say a big mahalo to everyone who rendered help and support. Pictured with Father Maher, in back, and Father Gary Wegner, at right, are four graduates, their parents and guardians. In front are Cenei Campo, Brooke Keane (Sacred Heart Academy), Jennifer Duque (Kailua High), Anafe Campo (Kailua High) and John Kealoha (Kaiser High). Behind them are Lucion Keane, Celso Campo, Fe Duque, Genevieve and Alan Kealoha. (Reported by Clendith Campo)

ENCHANTED LAKE

 St. John Vianney Parish

Congratulations to Thaddeus Shinno on receiving the Catholic scouting award Parvuli Dei (Children of God) on Aug. 22. This emblem is given to scouts for advancement in religious knowledge and spiritual growth as they discover God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes. … The pastor, Father Tom Gross, has the “honor and pleasure” of “serving time” behind bars for “Jerry’s Kids” to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Hawaii. His MDA “lock-up” is noon, Sept. 14, at Pinky’s Pupu Bar and Grill. His bail has been set at $2,000 — enough to send two kids to summer camp on the North Shore. Donate at www.joinmda.org/2010windward/tgross920 or pass checks or cash directly through the bars. The sooner he reaches his bail, the sooner he flies the coop. (From the parish bulletin)

KEKAHA

St. Theresa School

Fourteen beautiful young men and women graduated from St. Theresa School on May 26 with a special Mass and a luau. Many of them completed this 10-year journey beginning in preschool with Mrs. Sharan Souza and ending with Mr. Walter Souza. Both Sharan and Walter retired at the end of the school year and will be greatly missed. Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Souza have seen these students grow and mature, and it is this writer’s opinion that they have blossomed into truly fine young ladies and gentlemen! Two of the young ladies, Uakea Jose and Bailey Kaneakalua are off to Kamehameha Schools this fall. The rest are continuing their education at Waimea High School about four miles down the road. They will carry forever the teachings and guidance they received here. They especially thank their parents for the financial sacrifices made over the years to provide them a good, quality, Catholic education. We look forward to seeing these fine alumni at parish and school functions in the coming years. May God bless and watch over them always! Pictured in front, from left, are Joshua Castillo, Dion Duarte-Gray, Bailey Kaneakalua, Bailey San Agustin-Nordmeier, Uakea Jose, Marley Pereira, Tyler Yamamoto and Caylan Ajimura. In back are pastor La Salette Father Danny Galang; Gabriella Machado, Dusty Perreira, Tierra Teter, Nei-Mahina Henriques, Job Delos Reyes, Sienna Santiago, principal Mary Jean Buza Sims and eighth grade teacher Walter Souza. Here’s wishing the students, faculty and staff at St. Theresa School a blessed and successful 2010-2011 school year! (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte; photo by Joe Olivas)

MAKAWAO

St. Joseph Early Learning Center

The school year is under way and the school staff welcomed the year by attending the Mass of the Holy Spirit celebration. This year’s annual event was held at St. Anthony Parish and School in Wailuku. Pictured here is the St. Joseph ELC team sharing a curriculum unit with colleagues from various Catholic preschools on Maui. It was an opportunity to network, grow in fellowship and be spiritually renewed to begin the new school year. (Reported by Helen Souza)

HILO

St. Joseph Grade School

All Big Island pastors attended a meeting on Aug. 17 with diocesan administrators, school board members and school administrators here at our school, the only Catholic school on the island of Hawaii. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph High School

Father Joseph Hennen, pastor of Malia Puka O Kalani Parish in the Keaukaha, addresses students in the school gymnasium at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the liturgy for the start of the school year. Mahalo for your inspiring message Father! (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO

St. Joseph Pre-School

Our pre-school held a potluck family picnic recently to bring families and teachers together to start the school year. All enjoyed the gathering and left with full tummies! (Reported by Rowena Austria)

KAPAA

St. Catherine School

Our parent teacher guild held its annual Welcome Back Party on Aug. 13. New and returning students, their families and teachers enjoyed fellowship, fun and lots of good food. Thank you to Leilani Sim-Godbehere and Ann Croydon for organizing this annual event. The school reconvened on July 27 and is now well under way with increased enrollment and a reenergized staff. (Reported by Celina Haigh)

HONOLULU

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Aug. 5 was marked by a special blessing and sprinkling of holy water conducted by upper grade level students at morning assembly with the entire school present. Prayers, readings and songs resonated throughout the courtyard as students (550 strong), faculty, staff and parents gathered. The final song, “I Think You Are Wonderful,” was a joyous reminder of our diversity and value as individuals coming together as one community. We trust that as we begin our new school year, our good and gracious Lord will watch over each of us and guide us in all our efforts. (Reported by Jocelyn Burch)

EWA BEACH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

The faculty and staff attended their annual CPR and first aid classes for the new school year. Information was presented by video, text and hands-on scenarios. Faculty members practiced immobilizing injured limbs and other physical wounds and learned adult and child CPR. Everyday injuries, like cuts, bruises and nose bleeds, were also covered. Pictured are our teachers Jorge Ochoa and Karen Caliedo demonstrating their skills under the watchful eye of Red Cross instructor Khryz Picon, assembling a sling and splint from two pieces of material. We hope that we never have to use these skills, but we feel more confident knowing that we are able to handle these types of emergency situations at anytime. (Reported by Thalia Woodward)

HONOLULU

Star of the Sea School

A new series of framed photos that decorate the campus help even the youngest students learn about School-wide Learning Experience (SLE). Here John Lee and Tia Devereux of classroom 2B look at a picture that encourages them to “recognize and appreciate the value of performing and visual arts.” (Reported by Keith Haugen)

HONOLULU

Cathedral Catholic Academy

Junior high students take a Junior Police Officer oath promising that they will fulfill the duties and responsibilities expected of the Honolulu Police Department and be outstanding representatives of Cathedral Catholic Academy. Officer Cheryl administered the oath as our JPO officers continued to practice their drill commands. JPO officers meet once a week to review safety procedures and to learn drill commands as part of an end-of-the-year JPO picnic and drill command competition. (Reported by Michael Paekukui)

HONOLULU

Damien Memorial School

Our school celebrated student academic achievements at a recent honors assembly. Pictured are the winners of the gold, silver and bronze medal winners from the 2009-2010 school year and their proud families. Gold medal winners: Scott Dona ‘11, Ryan Nillo ‘12, Ethan Dayton ‘13, Paolo Atienza ‘14 and Jahsten Campbell-Lacasandile ‘15. Silver medal winners: Jacob Castro ‘11, Kendrick Go ‘12, R. J. Keliipono Diaz ‘13 and Kamaiki Tupua ‘13 (tie), Steven Chan ‘14 and Richard Arakaki ‘15. Bronze medal winners: Zachary Sousa ‘11, Marc Pineda ‘12, Vernon Rayo ‘13, Nicolas Angoco ‘14 and Taniela Tuihalafatai ‘15. School president Bernard Ho and principal Brother Peter E. Zawot presented the medals as well as the president’s list and first honor roll certificates. Congratulations to these bright young men and their families! … Our school recently received a six-year accreditation from the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the Western Catholic Education Association. The accreditation is good from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2016. (Reported by Diane Lota; photo by Stacy Dona)

HONOLULU

Sacred Hearts Academy

Soroptimist, or “S,” Club seniors were honored for their commitment to service and school. Kanya Gagarin earned the Youth Citizenship Award, which recognizes volunteer service, and received $500. She is enrolled at Hawaii Pacific University. Geraldine Agag was selected for the Violet Richardson Award for her outstanding contributions to home, school and community. She received $500 and attends the University of San Diego. Sisters Cathy Lee and Tammy Lee were selected as the Barbara Stevenson “S” Club awardees for 2010, which honors outstanding high school seniors who are members of the “S” Club. They each received $250 and attend Seattle University. Soroptimist is an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. The name means “best for women.” Pictured, from left, Tammy Lee, Kanya Gagarin, Cathy Lee and Geraldine Agag. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

MANOA

Saint Francis School

As we celebrated our school year’s first eucharistic liturgy, Shinichiro Kono’s voice resonated among the students, faculty and staff when he led the singing of the responsorial psalm. Shinichiro is a very talented operatic singer who is a Japanese national and enrolled here in the English as a second language program. Shinichiro’s passion is opera singing and wishes to pursue it even after graduating from Saint Francis. (Reported by Karen Curry)

HONOLULU

Saint Louis School

On Aug. 5, the slopes of Kalepohaku erupted once again with over 600 students in grades six through 12. Principal Pat Hamamoto, faculty and administration look forward to a great year. Described as a year of adaptation and change, there is excitement echoing throughout the halls with new courses, new bell schedules and new faculty members. “It’s exciting to be part of the Crusader ohana and we all look forward to another great year at St. Louis School” said the vice principal and dean of academics Tim Los Banos. Pictured is Marianist Father Ken Templin giving Communion to sixth grader Preston Gonsalves at the opening Mass of the new school year. (Reported by Eric Young)

HONOLULU

Chaminade University

New student orientation began with a prayer service on Aug. 20 in Mamiya Theatre that welcomed students to our Chaminade ohana. As part of the welcome, each student received a medallion of the Chaminade University seal. Shown in the picture is Marianist Father John Klobuka blessing the medallions and the orientation leaders and residence hall assistants who distributed them. (Reported by Kay Stone)