The Reader’s Bulletin Board carries public service announcements and other non-commercial notices. All commercial messages, for sale announcements, rentals, paid pilgrimages, or help wanted notices should use the Hawaii Catholic Herald Classified Ads. Send notices to Reader’s Bulletin Board, Hawaii Catholic Herald, 1184 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Free for subscribers.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable Housing: For older adults, 60 years or older. Shared housing $195-$285 (for elders 62+). Counseling provided on housing options, applications, etc. Call Catholic Charities Hawaii, 595-0077.

DISABILITIES MINISTRY

Choosing Words with Dignity: Persons with Disabilities are just that — PERSONS. Avoid from using such words as crippled, handicapped, dumb, a defect or afflicted, but rather, speak to the PERSON. Examples could include using phraseology such as, “that person is deaf or hard of hearing” rather than “he is a deaf mute or deaf and dumb.” When referring to a person with a mental illness, he isn’t, “a mental case and psycho.” A person may have multiple or severe disabilities but shouldn’t be referred to as being “a vegetable, pitiful or a freak.” You can make the difference and with the awareness and proper attitude may too convey compassion and welcome to persons with disabilities throughout our parish communities.

ENCOUNTER PROGRAMS

Catholic Engaged Encounter: Marriage preparation retreat. Contact Ted and Daisy Rhoades 808-674-8293.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Remember how in love you were when you were dating or on your weeding day. Recapture that wonderful feeling and give your spouse and you the greatest gift in the world. A weekend alone to focus on each other. Do it now and take that step to a great marriage. The next marriage encounter weekend is Friday March, 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2009. Deadline to register is March 8th, 2009. Contact Ricky and Joanne Viernes at 393-2396 for details and registration or go to our website at www.lovemoredeeply.org.

Retrouvaille: This program for hurting marriages has been discontinued in Hawaii. Those interested in mainland programs should visit www.retrouvaille.org.

FOSTER CARE

Na Ohana Pulama: Catholic Charities Hawaii therapeutic foster care program is looking for foster parents to open their homes and hearts to give a child a brighter future. Foster parents will provide a stable, caring environment for youth ages 5-19 with emotional and behavioral problems. Families are certified and provided with 40 hours of training and 24 hour on-going support. For more information please call 535-0101.

HELP AVAILABLE

Pregnancy Problem Center: Offering free pregnancy testing, counseling and referrals for medical, financial and adoption services. Help in these areas are available at the Honolulu Center, 942-0328, Pearl City center, 487-7087 or Wailuku, Maui center 242-5069.

Mary Jane Program: A program of Catholic Charities Hawaii provides an array of services to women and teens experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. We provide residential services to adults and counseling and educational services to adults and teens. Women 18 and over reside in a transitional group living situation where they learn to care for themselves with the goal of being independent and integrated into the community. Volunteer opportunities are also available to provide transportation and baby breaks to this very special population. For more information, call 261-9776.

Free Health Screening for Women: Free mammograms, pap smears, and pelvic exams for women age 50-64, uninsured or underinsured, who meet income-qualifying guidelines. By appointment only at St. Francis Medical Center, Liliha Campus or St. Francis Medical Center West Campus in Ewa Beach. Call for qualifying guidelines and more information, 547-6798.

Breast Cancer Screenings: St. Francis Healthcare System are scheduling free breast cancer screenings, first come first served basis. For women age 40 and over without medical insurance, no mammogram within the last year, no breast implants, no current breast problems, not pregnant or breast-feeding. Call 547-6798 to schedule appointment.

Catholic Charities: Did you know that Catholic Charities Hawaii offers free employment services for eligible immigrants, information on important changes in immigration law and assistance in filing applications for relative petitions and naturalization. Call Melba Bantay, (808) 528-5233 on Oahu, and Linda Spencer, (808) 959-7985 on Hilo.

HOMESCHOOLERS

Hawaii Catholic Homeschoolers (HCH): Come join a dynamic support group! Once a month we attend Mass together and after Mass we meet for lunch and playtime. Other spiritual, Faith-related activities are organized throughout the year. We also offer varied and stimulating educational and social activities which enrich our homeschooling families. For more information call Teresa 595-6922 or 954-0424 or Maria 422-9957.

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Homeschoolers (OLGCH): We are a Catholic Home Schooling support group for families of Oahu. We provide a supportive Catholic homeschooling group to network: share Catholic and homeschooling information, experiences and expertise. Our families use a variety of Catholic homeschooling curricula. Each of our homeschooling journeys is unique and is worth sharing. We meet monthly for Mass and group activities. We welcome others that are doing Catholic Homeschooling or who may be interested in it. God bless you. All Catholic homeschoolers and prospective homeschoolers are welcome to join us. Contact Melissa Crisostomo rolmelcrsstm@hawaiiantel.net or 808-626-2469 or Dina Williams redleg_wife@yahoo.com.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Homeschoolers of Hawaii: These Catholic families join together to promote and support Catholic Home Schooling under the direction of Fr. Edwin Duffy. Families meet at 9:30 a.m. on the first Friday of each month at St. Pius X Church for confession, Holy Mass and meeting. For further information call Mary Ann Schmitt 396-0325 or Theresa Sorensen, 834-8291.

ITEMS NEEDED

Items Needed in India: With five thousand children and three schools in my residential area, we are in need pens, pencils, rosaries, used cards and used magazines and statues. Kindly send to: Fr. Paul Cruz, P.O. Box 691 571, Kottiyam-P.O., Kollam-691 571, Kerala-INDIA.

LAY ASSOCIATIONS

Discalced Carmelite Secular Order: Members of the Flos Carmeli and St. Joseph Group are practicing members of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and inspired by St. Theresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, make the commitment to the Discalced Carmelite Order to seek the face of God for the sake of the Church and the world. Meetings are held at St. Stephen’s Diocesan Center at 11 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month. For more information call Gwen at 262-0362.

Oahu Emerging Secular Franciscan Fraternity: New, emerging “Blessed Marianne Cope Fraternity:” Contact Sr. Pat Schofield at 630-9082 or email: ellenosf@yahoo.com. New Inquiry Classes are now in progress exploring their vocation to follow St. Francis of Assisi in his vision of Living and Loving the Gospel, and spreading the Good News to all their friends.

Kauai Forming Group of Secular Franciscan: We are now spreading the word that St. Francis has arrived on Kauai and gathering his friends to form a new, vibrant group to live and love the Gospel as St. Francis of Assisi loved so much. Please contact John Bonn at 631-9320 for a new flyer explaining their endeavors or write: John Bonn, SFO, c/o General Delivery, Anahola, HI 96703. .

Maui Secular Franciscan Fraternity: Maria O’Maluhia Fraternity is a community of laymen and women who are following the Gospel after the example of St. Francis of Assisi, and who are dedicated to an enriched life of prayer and service to others. Meetings are held at 1p.m. on the 2nd Sunday of each month, at Christ the King, Kahului or Maria Lanakila in Lahaina. In Kahului we meet at the Hale Kamiano trailer on the odd months of the year and in the Hale Damiano Room in Lahaina on the even months of the year. For more information please call Dan Thompson, SFO (808) 661-3015 / (808)298-1429 (cell), or Ann Herrick, SFO, (808) 572-7118 / (808)283-4528 (cell).

Kailua-Kona Secular Franciscan Fraternity: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity is a community of men and women who have made a commitment to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, following the example and inspiration of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. While living in the secular world, our members are called to a life of prayer and community service. Catholic men and women of all ages who wish to deepen their faith experience are invited. Meetings are held at St. Michael Parish Hall, 75-5769 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, at 1 p.m.. on the first Sunday of each month. For more information, contact Michael Moran, SFO, (808) 989-2858.

Hilo Secular Franciscan Fraternity: St Joseph’s Secular Franciscan Fraternity is a community of lay Franciscans following St. Francis by leading lives based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While remaining in the secular world our members are called to service and prayer. Catholic men and women who desire to live this life-style in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi please contact Sharon Paopao, SFO (808) 961-4434 for more information on the date, time and place of meetings.

Tau Kona Secular Franciscan Fraternity: We are a community of Secular Franciscans following the example of St. Francis of Assisi in living out the Gospel in our daily lives. We invite you to join us on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. For further information on the Big Island of Hawaii, please call Keiki Sanfilippo at 929-8549 or cell: 937-6585; or Clif Arrington at 328-8752 or 322-9400.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Don’t let those sparks fade, keep that marriage fuse burning by attending the next World Wide Marriage Encounter weekend. Please contact Duane and Wanya Ogata at 625-8863 for details, questions and registration. See our website at www.lovemoredeeply.org.

ORGANIZATIONS

Natural Family Planning: Did you know that Natural Family Planning (NFP) is just as effective as the birth control pill and does not have the harmful side effects? Did you know that you can use NFP even if you have irregular cycles? Did you know Mother Teresa’s sisters teach NFP to the poor of India and that the participants of her program are exempted from India’s mandatory sterilization laws? Did you know that NFP can be helpful for couples of marginal fertility who hope to achieve pregnancy? Ed and Betty Coda, 839-0837.

PILGRIMAGES

World Youth Day 2011 Pilgrimage: The 26th International World Youth Day will take place in Madrid, Spain. If your interested in taking this spiritual journey please contact Patty Kalua’u @ 808-895-3463, wyd2011@hawaiiantel.net, or Paulette Gomes at The Office of Diocesan Services, 808-203-6722, toll-free 1-888-863-8844, pgomes@rcchawaii.org for more information.

PRAYER GROUPS

St. Anthony Prayer Group meets weekly, 7pm at the St. Anthony Church Center, 1627-B Mill Street in Wailuku. Call Nona Iwata for information at 244-4148.

SERVICES

Free Health Screening for Women: Free mammograms, pap smears, and pelvic exams for women ages 50-64, uninsured and underinsured, who meet income-qualifying guidelines. By appointment only at St. Francis Medical Center Liliha Campus or St. Francis Medical Center West Campus in Ewa Beach. Call for qualifying guidelines and more information, 547-6798.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters: In our own lives, each of us was touched by someone, other than our parents, who broadened our horizons and brought a little magic into our lives. By becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can do the same for a child. You will both be forever magically changed. Share in the magic. For more information, contact Cora Spearman at (808) 521-3811 ext. 232, email: cspearman@bigshonolulu.org; website: www.bigshonolulu.org.

SPECIAL MASSES

Eucharistic Adoration: Every Wednesday, 5:30p.m. followed by Holy Mass at 6:30p.m. and Chaplet of Divine Mercy at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2124 Pauoa Road near Punchbowl Crater. Special prayers will be offered for the vocation of priests and for the intentions of our Holy Father and Bishop.

Tridentine (Latin) Mass: Sundays at 10 a.m., Blessed Sacrament Church, confessions at 9:15 a.m. Call Steve at 521-1629.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Hope Alive-Hawaii: Group counseling for those suffering from childhood abuse, neglect and pregnancy loss. Contact Deacon Ron Nelson (808) 381-3805. (hopealive-hawaii.com)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Meets at Star of the Sea Parish every 2nd Saturday of each month. Please call Ginny at 261-6987 for further information.

Compassionate Counseling: When the going gets tough and you have nowhere to turn, try Compassionate Counseling, a way to insight and wholeness. A licensed therapist specializing in individual, couple, pre-marital and spiritual counseling. Sliding fee scale, some insurance accepted. Offices in Honolulu (Liliha Street) and Ewa Beach (Fort Weaver Road). Appointments for counseling adults between the ages of 19 and 64 include mid-morning to early evening hours from Monday-Friday by appointment. Call 833-5264 ans/fax and 299-0888 voice/digital pager or email: compassionatecounseling@gmail.com

Parents of Prostituted Kids: Has your child been exploited through prostitution or other forms of commercial sexual exploitation? Sisters Offering Support (S.O.S.) has a parent support group for parents of children involved in prostitution. Meetings are Wed., 7 p.m. Ongoing. Call 941-5554 for more information.

Windward Cancer Support Group: 1st and 3rd Tues. of each month, 5:30-7 p.m., Castle Medical Center (wellness Center). Inquire at front desk for help. Call 263-5400.

The Beginning Experience Weekend: Support for separated, divorced and widowed persons. We extend an invitation to persons of all faiths to join us on a weekend, designed to be a time of closure on the past and discovery of a New Beginning in an atmosphere of compassion, love and understanding. Call Linda (294-8571) or Arlene (949-3387) for information.

ST. FRANCIS SUPPORT GROUPS

Walk in the Mall: Open to any person dealing with the loss of a loved one. Every 1st Wed. at Pearlridge Center, Uptown, Center Court area, 8-9 a.m.. Also Every 3rd Wed. at Kahala Mall Shopping Center, stage area, 8-9 a.m.. Call Felicia for more information at 595-7566.

Hospice Survivors Support Group: Meetings are held at the Sr. Maureen Keleher Center, 24 Puiwa Rd, 1st Fri., 10-noon; 3rd Mon., 7-9 p.m.; 4th Thurs., 7-9 p.m. At the Maurice Sullivan Family Hospice Center, 91-2127 Ft. Weaver Rd, Ewa Beach, 2nd Tues., 12-2 p.m.. For more information, call Felicia 595-7566.

Hepatitis Support Group: Third Wed., 7-9 p.m., Boardroom. (547-6624)

Women’s AA Night Meeting: Alcoholics Anonymous for Women. Monday evenings, 8-9p.m., Free. (547-6410)

THRIFT SHOPS

Holy Trinity Thrift Shop: Open Thurs.-Sat. 8:30-12 p.m., 5919 Kalanianaole Hwy. (396-0551).

St. Anthony’s Thrift Shop: Open Mon-Fri. 8:30-noon, 114 Makawao St., Kailua (266-2226).

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Hawaii Right to Life is a nonprofit organization of passionate volunteers dedicated to advancing reverence for human life from conception to natural death. Join our mission and make a difference! Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising, office work, political action, communications, volunteer coordination and event planning. Contact us at 585-8205 or HRTLProLife@yahoo.com.

St. Francis Hospice is seeking volunteers to work with terminally ill patients and their families in the home setting and at the Nuuanu and Ewa facilities; office work, special events, and a variety of other areas. Classroom and hands-on training is provided. For more information, please call Sallyanne Pekelo at 547-6858 or 547-6424.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program: There are currently over 8,600 of our Kupuna living in long term care facilities around our state. We need caring volunteers to talk story, inform and advocate for this frail elderly population. Make a difference in the lives of our seniors and become a Volunteer Representative. If you or someone you know age 21 or over is willing to make a one year commitment, interested in volunteering 2-4 hours a week and enjoys working with the aging population call and apply for our free training and certification program. For more information call 586-0100 and ask for the LTCO Program Volunteer Coordinator for the next training session.

Pearson Foundation of Hawaii: Operating three Pregnancy Centers in Pearl City, Honolulu and Maui to staff the centers, which offers free pregnancy testing, counseling and referrals for medical, financial and adoption services. Those interested in volunteering for this worthy cause should call the Honolulu center, 942-0328; Pearl City center, 487-7087; or Wailuku, Maui center, 242-5069.

Deliver Meals to Homebound: Hawaii Meals on Wheels, Inc is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to helping homebound elderly and disabled individuals preserve their independence at home by providing hot, nutritious meals and regular personal contact for those we serve. You must be a safe driver with a car valid driver’s license and car insurance, be willing to commit one weekday for a minimum of six-weeks, be available for a two-hour delivery period (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / 4-6 p.m.), be responsible, patient and friendly. For information, call at 988-6747.

Mercy Volunteer Corps: A lay volunteer program for women and men sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy provides opportunities for people over 21 years of age to give a year of service to those in need. Emphasizing on service, community and prayer. Volunteer possibilities include teaching or nursing, working in homeless shelters, clinics and social service agencies in urban and rural settings through out the United States. Room, board, medical insurance and a small stipend are provided. Loan deferments are available. For more information call (215) 641-5535 or Sheila Devereux, RSM, (415) 751-9574.

Hawaii Meals on Wheels: Volunteers needed for a new route in the Kapiolani/Kapahulu area. There are homebound people in this area who need hot lunches and will only receive them if volunteers can deliver the meals. If you can volunteer 2 hours during a lunch period once a week or every other week, please call 988-6747. This is a private, nonprofit organization.