LANAI CITY | Sacred Hearts Parish

On Feb. 10, our parish one again welcomed Bob Cantan from the Alliance of Filipino Catholic Charismatic Prayer Community. Bob was here to present a workshop on the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit” as well as hold healing service. He has traveled worldwide to spread all that he has experienced, so we were honored that he came here to serve us. In his entourage was his wife Ching and from Oahu Nenita and Frank Hing and Aida and Romy Javier. Assisting him from our parish was the prayer group who also offered its hospitality, devotion and commitment to everyone. Many thanks to Bob and his group as well as to our own parishioners! Pictured next to Father Raymund Ellorin are Bob and his wife Ching. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)

TOPSIDE | Molokai Catholic Community

A surprise birthday celebration was held Feb. 28 for Grace Carlington, one of Molokai Catholic Community’s favorite religious education teachers. Ms. Carlington is also known as “Gramma Grace” and “Aunty” to the youngsters, thus causing some minor confusion as the children sang, “Happy Birthday, dear .....” Ms. Carlington was caught by total surprise when she heard the singing and actually did not realize that the children were saying her name (in many different ways). She was very touched and truly honored by the expressions of love delivered through the many hugs she received. As a volunteer at St. Sophia Church in many different capacities, Ms. Carlington has been an inspiration to the youngsters as well as many young adults. The children lined up immediately after singing to enjoy the delicious sheet-size Oreo cookie cheesecake topped with vanilla ice cream prepared by fellow parishioners Dorie Carlson and Jersula Manaba. (Reported by Jersula L. Manaba)

LAHAINA | Maria Lanakila Parish

On Feb. 17, a new group of 12 Sacred Hearts School students began training to become altar servers. Nina Mehring (far right) and Katalina Samasoni (far left) coordinated the training and the lunch. (Reported by Father Louis Hoang)

KAHULUI | Christ the King Parish

The Rite of Election was celebrated at the 10 a.m. Mass on Feb. 25 by Father Efren Tomas. There were four catechumens: Meliame Se of our parish; Scott Martin and Scott Isaacs from St. Theresa, Kihei; and Kawika Aweau from St. Anthony, Wailuku (absent). Father Efren asked questions of the godparents and the catechumens in the presence of the congregation. The candidates were then called forward to sign the book of the Elect. … On March 9, the parish welcomed the youth with praise and worship music by Prism Ablaze led by Frank Chargualaf. Honored guest Dallas Carter of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Pearl City brought with him students from St. Joseph, Waipahu. The students entertained everyone with spiritual songs, gestures and break dancing. Parish youth groups also came from Maui and Kauai. It was such a spiritual uplifting experience. Pictured signing the Book of the Elect with Father Efren are Meliame Se, Scott Isaacs and Scott Martin. (Reported by Carol Ursua and Jasmine Higa)

AIEA | St. Elizabeth Parish

“We go up to the altar of God, the God of gladness and joy.” On March 11, our parish commissioned nine new altar servers at the 10 a.m. Mass. Our parish is always blessed with young people who are glad to serve and do it well. Paulette Bibbs, in the back row, is the coordinator and she makes sure they look and serve reverently and well. Ed Taguba, next to Paulette, assists her with shepherding the servers and is a server at the 6 p.m. youth Mass. Perhaps for the boys, there are some vocations budding? We can only hope and pray. (Reported by Linda Cacpal)

WAIPIO GENTRY | Resurrection of the Lord Parish

Our parish’s bereavement ministry is such a tremendous comfort and assistance to every grieving family that has a funeral at our church. The ministry was founded last year in April by Vivian Aiona and Lorraine Cachen and instantly gained recognition and support within our parish. Their mission is “to assist our parish priest in welcoming the families and friends of our deceased brothers and sisters, before, during and after the funeral ceremony.” In December, the members completed a workshop on bereavement offered by Clarence Liu, chaplain of Hospice Hawaii. This experience helped ministry members renew and strengthen their commitment and compassion even more. The workshop ended with a touching ceremony of releasing white balloons into the night sky. I witnessed Vivian Aiona and Puna Lum Lee, pictured, on one Monday morning this month busy preparing the altar, setting the background music, heavy lifting, ushering and seating family members and friends, among other numerous duties. They are so efficient you would think that they are professionals from a mortuary! These dedicated and compassionate ladies, many with full-time jobs, are always ready to volunteer for wakes, funerals and burials. Mahalo nui loa for your love, compassion and time. It truly was a humbling experience for me to have a glimpse of what you do so selflessly. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

HONOLULU | Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

On March 6, our staff received shipment of two four-foot statues, one of Blessed Damien and one of Blessed Marianne! These two statues are currently being displayed in the Cathedral Gallery. The statues will eventually move into the Cathedral Church. These statues are replicas of the one we have currently on sale exclusively at the Cathedral Gallery. (Reported by Jason Nunez)

PEARL CITY | Our Lady of Good Counsel School

For Slime the Principal Day during Catholic School’s Week, librarian Mrs. Valencia concocted “green” which students used on their principal as a reward for exceeding their ARP goals. Unfortunately, some of the students chose Mrs. Valencia too. … The “Try Wait” team from Catholic Charities visited our eighth graders during the last week of February. … On March 2, we saw the return of our “Stations” play, pictured, with our sixth graders re-enacting the last hours of Jesus’ life. … On Green Day, March 14, for a small donation, students dressed in green. Over $300 was raised for children of an unwed mothers’ home in the Philippines. … On March 15, our talent show attracted 17 performers from grades 3-8. We had it all, singing, piano playing, a stand-up comic (Frank DeLima watch out), hula, dance, and martial arts to name a few. (Reported by Dominic Olaso)

EWA BEACH | Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Pictured are James (proud father), Lawrence, and Mary Ann (proud mother) Castillo, and (proud) principal, Sister Davilyn AhChick. On Feb. 22, at Ma’ili Bible School, Lawrence won a three-way spell-off for second place by correctly spelling “pyroclastic” at the Leeward District Spelling Bee. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, Lawrence “displayed calm and confidence through all 15 rounds of competition.” Lawrence’s proud coach and homeroom teacher is Laverne Suster. Lawrence then advanced to the 2007 State Spelling Bee on March 11, at Paliku Theater on the Windward Community College Campus. He placed fifth in the statewide competition. He remained in the bee round after round, spelling words such as “condolences,” “shrapnel,” “lucid,” “synopsis,” “eiderdown,” and “lederhosen.” OLPH congratulates Lawrence for his unrelenting efforts in studying tirelessly and representing the school with dignity and pride. (Reported by Michelle Felix and Jill Sprott, photo by Jill Sprott)

PEARL CITY | Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish

Our pastor Capuchin Franciscan Father Jack Niland reminded us that Lent means “Let’s Eliminate Negative Thoughts.” Let’s accentuate positive thoughts about our neighbors. God gives us a second chance to forgive, forget and focus on love and prayers. Being human, we welcome reminders to keep us focused. Ana Calana and many others of the environment ministry help set the pace for all by decorating the church during the season. The dried branches are becoming alive as we are, hopefully, growing and becoming renewed. We look forward to the transformation and resurrection. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)

HILO | St. Joseph Elementary School

The first graders, from left, Jakob Au, Damien Stack, Kosuke Nomaru and Raycen Lum are doing their part to save the environment by recycling old phone books. Help them by dropping off your used phone books at the elementary school on Ululani Street in Hilo or any Big Island Catholic church. Hauling service is available for large quantities by calling the school office at 935-4935. (Reported by Rowena Austria)

MAKAWAO | St. Joseph School

Our open house and fun day on March 10 was a great success. The school grounds were filled with games, entertainment; pony rides, jumping castles and food. However, the real stars of the day were the students who showcased their school pride. The school’s hula group under the direction of Kumu Cliff Ahue presented the wonderful song and dance renditions it learned this year. Our L.A.M.N.A. drama and performing arts club and the school band, under the direction of Daniel Timmermans and Terrie Robinson, gave a wonderful preview of their upcoming spring play. The fifth grade class offered several showings of their creative video “Revolution” which they put together with instructor Chris Kent. In it students reenacted various events surrounding the Revolutionary War. Parents and the community got to see first hand what and the students are learning and achieving in the school curriculum. It’s a great way to promote the big-hearted school in the little town of Makawao. Enrollment for the 2007-2008 school year is underway and this event was a winning kick-off, thanks to the staff, students, PTG and the wonderful marketing committee. Mahalo to all who help make this happening a tremendous event. God bless you all. (Reported by Helen Souza)

HONOLULU | Holy Family Catholic Academy

On a recent trip to the state capitol, the third grade classes toured the building and grounds and visited the Senate and the House chambers and the governor’s office. In addition, they learned about all the symbols present in the Capitol building. They visited the two main statues, Blessed Damien and Queen Liliuokalani, and learned more about the contributions these individuals made to Hawaii. Rep. Mark Takai gave them a personal tour of a state representative’s office and introduced them on the floor of the House. They presented their February community service project, Random Acts of Kindness, to the state representatives and encouraged them to also practice random acts of kindness in their daily lives. (Reported by Luciana Bishay)

HONOLULU | Holy Trinity School

On Feb.5, the Veterans of Foreign Wars held a flag ceremony at our school. They taught us how to retire a flag that has served its duty. It was a ceremony that our students will not forget. Once the flags had been burned, every student, faculty, and staff member placed some ashes into our garden to close the ceremony. We have received a very special new flag to fly above our school. Mr. Hopley, who is in Iraq with his troops, had flown a flag over Al Asad Air Force Base there for Holy Trinity School. The flag that was flying is one that was flown over Kirkuk AFB in Iraq two years ago for our school. (Reported by Colleen Nakama)

HONOLULU | Maryknoll High School

Advanced Placement economics and statistics teacher Lance Suzuki is the Hawaii’s recipient of the 2006-07 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement. The Siemens Award recognizes one teacher from each state who makes significant strides in AP. Suzuki was awarded $1,000. This is Suzuki’s second national award. In 2005 he received the NASDAQ National Teaching Award. Suzuki, on the Maryknoll faculty since 2000, teaches AP economics and AP statistics and is the faculty advisor for the school’s math team. (Reported by the school)

HONOLULU | Sacred Hearts Academy

The school’s Parent Organization prepared a beautiful tea for the Academy’s teachers to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. The theme was Chinese New Year with Chinese delicacies served on beautiful china and linens. The teachers received small gifts of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Pictured are Paula Ing, Lisa Wilson-Pena, Cecile Yasay, Susan Phillips, Sheryl Chun, Christy De Mello, Ernest Pang, Andrea Hamilton and Wendi Vincent. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

KAILUA | St. Anthony School

On Saturday afternoon, March 10, Father Henry Hall on campus was crowded to capacity. The stage had been transformed into the magical land of Oz. The newly formed Drama Club, under the direction of faculty advisor Stephanie Klapatauskas, came together and presented a spectacular version of the Wizard of Oz. The club, made up of 19 students in grades 6-8, rehearsed enthusiastically several days a week for three months. By the cheering and thunderous applause heard coming from the hall on that Saturday afternoon, one could tell their hard work paid off. (Reported by Joyce Pollock, photo by Jim Garcia)

HONOLULU | Star of the Sea Early Learning Center

Noted storyteller Jim May captivated the kindergarteners with a variety of stories during his recent visit to our school. (Reported by Leanna Brake)