HAWI | Sacred Heart Parish

The parish invites you to offer, with joy, one little hour every Friday of Lent to show, as persons and as a parish, our commitment to Christ. Having a different speaker every week adds a little more interest. Our first speaker will be Father John Mutiso who has worked for 20 years in the Vatican and is temporarily residing in Kona at St. Michael Parish. Your lenten program has the schedule of speakers for each week. … The religious education teachers and their helpers held a fundraiser to help defray the cost of their educational trip to Oahu to attend the Hawaii Island Ministries Conference. Pictured in the kitchen are Rachel Wilson, Manu Salvador, Rita Maria, Sandie Carvalho, Mary Lou Ignacio and Barbara Izumi. They try to attend the conference annually to learn more and gather materials that would be beneficial to the religious ed program. (Reported by Lee Rivera)

WAIPIO GENTRY | Resurrection of the Lord Parish

Our parish has been chosen to receive the Catholic Charities Hawaii Partners in Mission Award for 2007. This award, according to Jerry Rauckhorst, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities, is given “to a parish whose partnership with Catholic Charities Hawaii has enabled our organization to carry out the social mission of the church to serve the people of Hawaii.” Some of the help cited at the award ceremony were the “Giving Tree” and other projects such as Ma’ili transitional housing site beautification projects, Mary Jane Center, celebrating Thanksgiving meals with the needy, sharing our Thanksgiving Day collection among others. Many of these projects were carried out quietly by the youth in Confirmation I and II as part of their preparation for the sacrament, but it is a testament to the good our young people do out of compassion and dedication. As our pastor Capuchin Franciscan Father Paul Minchak says, this is a wonderful tribute to our parish family, especially those most involved. Our parish was honored at the Catholic Charities annual meeting at Hale Koa Hotel on Feb. 9 with a presentation of a beautiful plaque from Bishop Larry Silva. Congratulations! (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

KAILUA | St. Anthony Parish

On Feb. 11, children preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (and their parents) gathered for a session on the Ten Commandments. Pictured are children and parents sharing ways they live the Commandments every day of their lives. Thirty-four children will celebrate First Reconciliation on Feb. 26. Mahalo to their catechists Ann and Julie Comstock, Marie Gomes and Betsy Connors. (Reported by Lisa Gomes)

KOLOA | St. Raphael Parish

St. Valentine’s Day was celebrated with a Mass at 6 p.m. at which married couples were invited to renew their wedding vows. The theme for the liturgy was love. It was a very touching event especially for some of the widows who were invited to imagine that their husbands were standing beside them renewing the vow with them. After Mass, a catered dinner was served with lots of singing, games and gifts. One game tested how well spouses knew each other. Each couple was asked to stand back to back and answers about each other. If there was a disagreement, the couple was eliminated. After 10 questions, seven couples were still in the game. The evening’s final event was a skit in which our retired priest, La Salette Father “Biz” Rene Bisaillon, sang a love song to widows Cora and Vickie. Act II was behind a hand-held sheet in which there was considerable commotion. Act III, the sheet was removed and you can figure out the result!!! Pictured are Nolan and Laverne Bukoski as they renewed their wedding vows during the Mass. (Reported by Bob Dwinell)

LANAI CITY | Sacred Hearts Parish

Special guests came over from Maui, Oahu and Molokai to join us for our annual Santo Nino celebration on Jan. 28. Honoring us with their presence were Straub Hospital chaplain Father Teddy Gaquit and Father Jose Macoy of the Molokai Catholic Community. Both assisted Father Raymund Ellorin in celebrating the liturgy. Potluck dinner and entertainment followed the Mass. Co-chairpersons for the event were Nida and Primo Bolo. Pictured is Father Raymund and parishioners doing the “Sunilog dance” to honor Santa Nino. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa, photo by Tony Guillen)

PEARL CITY | Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Joyous prayers and songs overflow from the hearts of the Charismatic Prayer Group and fill the church every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The lively sounds of guitars and drums accompany the chorus of melodious voices. Testimonies and inspirational talks are shared with fervor. Pictured here is the music ministry. The group experienced a big celebration of praise and worship music on Feb. 16 when many gathered for the service. Prayer services are also held at various local churches as well as in the homes of the members. Coordinator Flo Andrade of the Hawaii Catholic Renewal Service invites all to join the group in seeking the Lord through prayer and music. She can be reached at 455-3224 for more information. Call her and be renewed! (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

WAILUKU | St. Anthony Grade School

Father James Orsini talks to the students at the Maui walk-a-thon “Walking on Sacred Ground” held at St. Anthony School on Jan. 30. (Reported by Rodney S. Yap)

HONOLULU | Holy Trinity School

We were all so delighted! As part of their language arts curriculum, Mrs. Mecum’s 7th and 8th graders chose a humanitarian to research and write to. Five of her students received responses. Natalie Lee from her 4th grade teacher, Grant Butrick from Bill Gates of Microsoft, Joshua Nakama-Fukuhara and Noah Perkins from Lance Armstrong, and Johanna Ward from Frank DeLima. It just goes to show you how one letter affects people and it makes the students feel great that these big celebrity names took the time to correspond back. The students were tickled pink and so was Mrs. Mecum! (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

SALT LAKE | St. Philomena Early Learning Center

During Catholic Schools Week, the Early Learning Center collected “Pennies for Patients” for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our students raised $2,061.00 and were all excited when the Loomis truck came on Feb. 5 to collect our 13 bags of coins. (Reported by Joyce Acma)

TOPSIDE | Molokai Catholic Community

On Jan. 26, a group of more than 50 people gathered at St. Joseph Church at Kamalo for the dedication and blessing of our new grotto. Modeled after a grotto on the mainland and dedicated to Our Lady, this grotto was constructed single handedly by Father Jose Macoy, our parish administrator. We were fortunate to have Bishop Larry Silva do the blessing. (Reported by the parish)

KANEOHE | St. Ann Parish

Our parish and school held its second annual Scholarship Dinner and Dance on Feb. 10 at the Koolau Golf Course to raise money for a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to students who attend St. Ann’s Model Schools. We were honored to have in attendance vicar general Father Mark Alexander, Hawaii Catholic Schools superintendent, Dr. Carmen Himenes, and distinguished Brothers and Sisters of the Sacred Hearts Congregation. The silent auction’s top prize — dinner cooked and served by our parish priests — brought in $3,500. The evening was filled with camaraderie and fellowship. Guests were treated to a delicious dinner, wonderful entertainment and a night of dancing. All in all, “An Affair of the Heart” proved to be an affair to remember! Seated are Darlene Correa, Sacred Hearts Father Herman Gomes and Josie Akana; Standing are Himenes and Father Alexander. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano, photo by Patricia Pimental)

KALAHEO | Holy Cross Parish

The 8-year-old Agcoaili triplets, from left, Reyson, Rey C. and Reygan, are very proud of their work and their efforts. The three brothers and their mom, Amy, took on the project of repainting the parking stall stripes at Sacred Heart Church in Eleele. Mahalo to these young men! (Reported by Judy Cabanting)

WAHIAWA | Our Lady of Sorrows

Jack- Matthew Bocaya receives a donation from Walter Shim for the SOUPer Bowl of Caring special collection at our parish over the Super Bowl weekend. At the parishes three Masses, the youth of the parish collected over $763 to help the poor and hungry of the Wahiawa area. (Reported by Jack Kampfer)

WAIANAE | Sacred Heart Parish

Our parish helped Father Sebastian Chacko celebrate his birthday with a breakfast and fellowship after the morning Mass on Feb. 13, The parishioners got together with a pinata filled with candies (for the parishioners) and money donated for Father Sebastian. Father Sebastian had the opportunity to see if he could strike out or bust the pinata open to get his goodies. (Reported by Linda Jose)

HONOLULU | Holy Family Catholic Academy

One of our school’s many Catholic Schools Week highlights was International Day. Each grade level selected a country and presenting a display of decorations, photos and souvenirs. Food of each country was prepared and samples served to each student. Crafts and games were available for the students to experience. Students, teachers, parent and other school visitors toured the different countries, viewing the informational displays, participating in the games and activities, and sampling the delicious ethnic foods. It was a great way of having an around the world cultural tour while celebrating the joy of being part of a great Catholic School. Pictured are a group of 8th grade students serving malasadas and dressed in traditional Portuguese outfits. (Reported by Luciana Bishay)

KANEOHE | St. Ann’s Model Schools

For Catholic Schools Week, students gathered in unity to share knowledge, enjoy each other’s company and honor those who help our school provide the academic excellence and spiritual values that make it special. The week kicked off with partner classes creating banners for Catholic education. The school and early learning center gathered in the morning for a parade to showcase pride in our school. Additional school and community activities and events were held throughout the week. Among them was a special Mass, a musical performance at Windward Mall, the “Say Hi!” program with the Honolulu Police Department, Jump Rope for Heart, Author’s Day and an ethnic potluck luncheon. Pictured are the 5th graders with the early learning center three-year olds in a parade to kick off the week. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)

HONOLULU | Sacred Hearts Academy

Our Lancer softball team (9-8) topped off their season by winning their first D-II state softball championship. Earlier in the season, the Lancers claimed their first ILH (Interscholastic League of Honolulu) D-II softball championship after defeating Punahou (8-3) in the first ILH televised broadcast on OC16. The Lancers placed three players on the all-tournament championship team, and shortstop Kiane Dalit was selected as Athlete of the Game by OC16. Coach Wade Okamura, enjoying his 25th year as the Academy’s head varsity softball coach, led the Lancer girls to the victory. But that wasn’t all the Sacred Hearts girls accomplished in the athletic arena. The air riflery team also won the state title this year and the volleyball team took home the D-II state title. In the first row are Laura Abellanida, Raecha Kauahikaua, Tiara Ilae, Kiane Dalit (hands on knees to the right), Corry Abellanida (standing facing front); In the second row are Sydney Vegas, Meleina Fraga, Jessica Hirano (slightly lower), Chelsea Kamai and Joslyn Eugenio (back facing left), Noel Soma and Keicha Brunn (far right). (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

MAKAWAO | St. Joseph School

Campus cleanup day was a success thanks to the help of our students and the junior students of our neighboring school Seabury Hall. Working with our neighbors for the betterment and safety of our children is in keeping with the Catholic social theme for the month — solidarity. On Feb. 9, a campus-wide beautification and clean-up produced a painted crosswalk, a paint spruce-up on speed bumps and steps, sanding and a new coat of paint on playground equipment, new benches, and more sand under the play structures. Thank you Seabury Hall juniors and facilitators for your community service, and the students and staff at St. Joseph. Way to go! (Reported by Helen Souza)

HONOLULU | St. Theresa School

As part of their dictionary project, which is to provide a dictionary to every third grader on Oahu, the Rotary Club of Honolulu paid a visit to classes 3A and 3B during the first semester. Dictionaries were distributed and the students given a brief lesson on how to look up words and use the reference material in the back. The smiles on their faces tell you that the third graders were excited about receiving their dictionaries and eager to use their new reference skills. Pictured are students and Rotary Club members. The teacher of class 3A is Mrs. Ueda. (Reported by Sister Marian Muehlbauer, CSJ)

AIEA | St. Elizabeth School

Rain didn’t stop the eighth graders and Kinder Buddies from having fun on their Catholic Schools Week field day. In spite of the downpour, the entire school completed their Walk-a-Thon around Magic Island, and the 8th graders and Kinder Buddies managed to get in a few games of “Duck, Duck, Goose.” (Reported by Carol Dunn)

KAILUA | St. John Vianney Early Learning Center

The Knights of Columbus, shown here with Early Learning Center students, performed a flag raising ceremony during Catholic Schools Week. Thank you, Knights! (Reported by Joanna O’Neill)

HONOLULU | Saint Louis School

In honor of Marianist Heritage Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 2, the school’s L.I.F.E. Team helped teach middle school students about Father Chaminade. The boys made luggage tags to remind them of the Catholic Marianist values Father Chaminade taught. … On Thursday, the young men assisted in a prayer service and joined their class in various community service projects for a school wide Father Chaminade Work Day. Throughout the school year the L.I.F.E. team has been responsible for creating Christian Communities throughout their school. Pictured is Marianist Father Robert Hackel giving Communion to a student during the Father Chaminade Mass. (Reported by Christy Bryant)

MANOA | St. Francis School

Softball outfielder Jandee Taira takes a swing. The school won its history-making first Division 1 ILH title at Kamamalu Field on Jan. 27. (Reported by Karen Curry)

HONOLULU | Star of the Sea Early Learning Center

The children of the Early Learning Center celebrated the year of the Golden Boar with the traditional lion dance. (Reported Leanna Brake)

HONOLULU | St. Anthony School

Eighth grader Scott Dona was a second place winner in the 2006 “Americanism Essay Contest” sponsored by the Pearl Harbor Fleet Reserve Association. Scott, who is the son of Renato and Carmen Dona, wrote about the Bill of Rights and how it affects and influences his life. He was awarded a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. He is pictured here with his homeroom teacher Josefina Thorp and principal Sister Eleanor Amante. (Reported by Marites Cruzada)

KEKAHA | St. Theresa School

Our marvelous principal Mary Jean Buza-Sims organized a Pre Lenten Kachi Kachi Dance Party. St. Theresa’s Hall was decorated in a festive mood. The Puerto Rican food was delicious. Community spirit was evident in the number who attended and the ages represented. Truly it was a fun night for the inter-generational group. In fact, an immediate request went out to have the event monthly. Much gratitude goes out to the many volunteers who made this event a success. (Reported by Sister Marie Bernadette Dorn, OSF)

HILO | St. Joseph Elementary School

As part of her sixth grade curriculum sensei Yamanaka held a language exchange activity with students and Hawaii Community College students from Japan. The lesson included a self-introduction in Japanese, katakana writing practice, interviews and a game of Fuku warai. In the game, a blindfolded contestant puts face parts in the right places on a blank face made from construction paper. Pictured is Kanalu Awai-Martins (blindfolded) putting his best face together. Classmates, from left, Tessa Domzalsky, Deva Gordon and Catherine Burian try to help while Hawaii Community College student Tomohiro Akao (in blue striped shirt) waits his turn. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO | St. Joseph Pre-School

Four family generations of our students recently attended the pre-school’s annual family picnic. Pictured in the front, from left are Kathy (Herbst) Masulit ‘78; Paige Masulit and Heather (Belcher) Lee ‘97. In the back, from left, are Liana Lee, Annika Lee, Aileen Mattos ‘61; Karissa Lee; William Lee ‘97. Kathy and Aileen have worked for the school full time for over 10 years with Heather joining the St. Joseph school ohana last school year. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

HILO | St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School

Our school’s first ever varsity mock trial team recently gave present champs Hilo High quite a scare losing to them by just one point. The regional competition between St. Joseph, Hilo, Kohala, and Connections took place in a real Hilo courtroom with a real judge. St. Joseph coach, Dr. Nathan Yocum, entered two teams (a junior varsity and varsity) bringing the number of teams competing to five. Each semester Yocum holds two to three competitions between his own teams prepare for regional competition. He hopes to enter three teams next year. While mock trial teams have long existed in most law schools, they’ve been in high schools for about the last 20 years, and, even less in Big Island schools. State finals are held on Oahu each year. Pictured are the varsity team members, front row, from left, Nicole Calvino, Elyssa Correia, Hannah Katibah, and teacher and coach Dr. Nathan Yocum. In the back are Jared Scott, Mitchell Miyasato and Keiko Bostwick. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

EWA BEACH | Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Music fills our church every Wednesday morning. The students not only attend Mass that day but several students skillfully supply the music for the liturgical celebration. It began at the start of the school year with eighth grader Don Jose Ramos accompanying the Mass goers on piano. Slowly guitarists, bass players, and drummers were added to fill the space with joyful sounds to the Lord. Several sixth grade girls complete the ensemble on tambourine. These students clearly demonstrate the beauty of giving their talents to praise God. The musicians are pianist Don Jose Ramos, bass guitarists, Adrian Lactaoen and Jayden Zadlo, guitarists Remjhel Raymundo and Stuart Suster, tambourine players Brianne Tabios and Samantha Lamboley ( not pictured are Caitlin Colipano and Kristina Alvarez) and our drummer Jeremy Mateo. (Reported by Laverne Suster, photo by Thalia Woodward)

KAILUA | St. John Vianney School

Pictured are the finalists in the school wide spelling bee, from left Eric Magliulo grade 8, Tyler Primavera grade 7, Sarah Koki grade 8, Erin Carsten grade 7, Brandi Query-Kirimitsu grade 6, Jordan Anderson grade 6. Sarah was the champion the second year in a row and will compete in the Windward Regional Spelling Bee at Le Jardin Academy. (Reported by Joanna O’Neill)

HONOLULU | Chaminade University

Our campus ministry staff and students hosted an ice cream social in the Loo Student Center for all members of the ohana, to share both sundaes and information about the campus ministry events coming up this spring semester. At the end of the event over 20 gallons of ice cream had been consumed and new friendships made. (Reported by Kay Stone)

WAIALUA | St. Michael School

Teachers, students, and a variety of participants from all over the island participated in our 12th Annual Sugar Shark Fun Run Feb. 3. Participants either completed a 10k run or 2-mile run/walk. Seventh graders Robert Ladia and Cori Branam placed first in their gender division for the 10k run. Fifth grader Kevin Tiemann took first in his age/gender division in the 2-mile along with alumni Kanani Cubi who was first in her age/gender division. Many showed for this early morning event and after finishing the trek of their choice, stayed to cheer on their fellow runners/walkers and be treated to fruits and juice while relaxing in the beautiful cool Waialua morning. Congratulations and thank you to all who participated. Pictured is first grade teacher, Dee Arecchi who dragged all her sons out of bed for the 2-mile run/walk. (Reported by Jennifer Holmberg)