HAWI
Sacred Heart Parish
Parishioner Jean DeMercer-Breese, a teacher at Kohala Elementary, brought her class on a tour of our school cafeteria on National School Lunch Week. The class visited each workstation to see how their nutritional meals are prepared daily. After the tour they were given school made cookies and a cup of juice. … The parish is putting together a scrapbook of parish memories. Please bring photos you are willing to donate for the project. Supplies are provided. Scrapbooking is on the fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the small hall. … Exercise classes are now three times a week: Tuesday at 7 p.m.; Thursday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. … Next week, we begin Advent. The Angel Tree will be ready for those able to give a gift to someone else. The return deadline is Dec. 16. … Condolences to the families of the late Andy Ragasa Sr. and Esther Reyes! Also to Emma Faisca and Manu Salvador on the sudden lost of their brother-in-law in San Diego. (Reported by Lee Rivera)
HONOKAA
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
Our parish held a rosary in commemoration of the 90-year anniversary of the final appearance of Our Lady of Fatima and the “miracle of the sun.” Pictured are parishioners in front of the parish’s Our Lady of Lourdes grotto on Oct. 13. (Reported by Cindy Juan)
PAHOA
Sacred Heart
Our parish, at 15-3006 Government Main Road in historic Pahoa town, is one of a unique group of older Big Island parishes trying to accommodate the population growth of the lower Puna District. Built in 1929, our wonderful church is as beautiful as ever. Pictured is our simple but majestic sanctuary. The “majestic crucifix” at the rear of the sanctuary was crafted by a special group of caring parishioners. The cross, 10 feet high and five feet wide, is made of beautiful rare koa beams, 10 inches wide and 6 inches thick. A wonderful couple from our parish, Wade and Mabel Wilson, donated the wood and opened their home to achieve this large task. The corpus, seven-feet tall and four feet from hand to hand, was sculped of rare Milo wood by Mr. Yannick. This wonderful achievement was done in 2001. If you have a chance to visit our island, please take the time to see this work of art done by loving hands, standing proudly in our church. Aloha and welcome to everyone. (Reported by Steve Torres)
KAILUA-KONA
St. Michael Parish
On Nov. 18, 25 teens from grades 7 through 12, catechists and parents from North Kona Catholic Community participated in a teen mission at Immaculate Conception Church in Holualoa. The mission included Mass, brunch, a safe environment program, and reports from the Oahu Youth Rally. The morning concluded when visiting Franciscan friar Father Chuck Faso joined the group to answer questions the teens had prepared about faith and Catholicism. (Reported by Shirley David)
KAPAA
St. Catherine Parish
Our pastor Father Edgar Villanueva on Nov. 2 commissioned the school altar servers. (Reported by Caira Nakasone)
KEKAHA
St. Theresa Parish and School
Our volleyball teams # 1 and # 2 won their championship games on Nov. 14. A special recognition was held during Nov. 19 morning prayer. The school received a championship plaque that will be on display for a year. … Also on Nov. 19, a Thanksgiving take-out lunch was prepared for our elderly in the church and those who live across the street from school. Students delivered some of the meals and religious education director Beverly Johnston and volunteers delivered meals to our homebound parishioners. … Finally, principal Mary Jean Buza Sims was honored on Principal’s Day with cards, gifts and leis. She was quite moved by the cards and most appreciative. Congratulations, Mrs. Buza-Sims — job well done! (Reported by Chantal A. Duarte)
WAILUKU
St. Anthony of Padua Parish
Co-chairs June Borges and Val Standing have announced the annual Christmas Bazaar will be Dec. 1 in the Trojan Café (Marian Hall) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many popular items will again be featured, such as laulau, chow fun, Portuguese soup, chili, baked goods, silent auction and a car wash by Boy Scouts of the parish. The proceeds will be donated to programs for youth and young adults. Five students are planning to attend the World Youth Day in Sydney and nine will be journeying to northern California for the Living in Faith Experience. … Kazuko Weizel, a talented member of the bazaar’s arts and crafts committee, was bid a fond adieu during a recent committee meeting as she and her husband Gale are leaving for a new home on the mainland. (Reported by Miriam Kahalekai)
MOLOKAI
Molokai Catholic Community
After six busy years, Carnation Nanod has retired from her ministry to the homebound. Every Thursday and Friday, she left the 7 a.m. Mass to take the Eucharist to about 30 parishioners who were unable to get to church. Her cheerful presence was eagerly awaited by those homebound and alone. Strong friendships were formed, but the highlight of each visit was the short but beautiful liturgy and the consumption of the consecrated host. Nanod’s retirement does not end the ministry. Father Clyde Guerrero has commissioned the following trained personal — Ida Reyes, Kanani Negrillo, Yolanda Reyes, Leoda and Deacon Mike Shizuma, Pat Pagay, Carmen Visoria, Don and Mary Ann Hill and Benny and Fely Piros. They join the newly practicing ministers Sister Ardis Kremer, Rose Brito and Maria Sullivan. Joan and Las Lasua, Stacy Crivello, Mary Igarta and Nona Fukuoka will join after their training. Additional volunteers are welcome. Coordinator Deacon Mike is also seeking more homebound parishioners to serve. Our “Good Samaritans” will love them all! … About 25 Molokai Catholic Community ladies and five brave men gathered for a Day of Recollection at the New Hope Oceanside Retreat Center on Nov. 17, sponsored by the Catholic Women’s Bible Study led by Joyce Mondoy. Blessed Sacrament Father John (aka Keonikamakama o akua) Keenan, whose background is theology and psychology, offered presentations on Advent, Emmaus, and new perspectives on the Eucharist. Small groups discussed the personal applications of his inspiring lessons. As the spirit was nourished so was the body by committee members who served breakfast, snacks and lunch. Credit goes to Jennie Mangca, Napua Silva, Haunani Meyer, Grace Kashiwamura, Lani Kula, Else Burrows, Linda Degraw, Greta Martinez, Sylvia Pabalan, Dolores Manaba, Maria Sullivan and Kay Marucith. As chairperson Joyce said, they were all absolutely reliable and efficient. Mahalo, ladies! (Reported by Cecily Kikukawa and Jersula L. Manaba)
LANAI CITY
Sacred Hearts Parish
Nov. 18 was Thanksgiving Day for the children of the religious education classes. Asked to bring non- perishable food to the 10 a.m. Mass, they all marched to the altar and presented their offerings. All the items will be given to the poor and needy in our community. At the 8 a.m. Mass on Thanksgiving Day, parishioners brought their share of non-perishables which were put in our parish food bank. (Reported by Eleanor Ozoa)
HONOLULU
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace
Each Thanksgiving our parish helps an agency that has special needs. This year we asked parishioners to support The Children’s Justice Center, an advocacy group for abused children. In the Offertory procession members of our parish brought forward new slippers, packages of underwear and socks as gifts. … On the last two Sundays of the church year, parishioners and our religious education children bring gifts to be placed in 50 backpacks for the Star Light Star Bright party given by the diocese for children whose mothers are in prison. (Reported by Ann Hannan)
WAHIAWA
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
Galendee Griffin paints the face of Christianna Brasher at our parish Fall Family Festival on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 18. The festival featured keiki and adult games, a bake sale, a white elephant sale, a bouncer/slide, balloon art and craft making, food and fun. The event raised funds for the parish’s participation in World Youth Day. (Reported by Jack Kampfer)
PAUOA VALLEY
Blessed Sacrament Parish
We thanked Father Khanh Pham Nguyen for ministering to the people of our parish and for being a Catholic priest on Oct. 28 at the 7 a.m. Mass. Our Parish Advisory Council chairperson Shirley Higa presented Father Khanh with a huge chocolate chip cookie of love with “Thank you, Father Khanh” written on it. Members congratulated him for answering God’s call of service as a priest and expressed their gratitude for ministering at our parish. Pictured in the front row are Dorothy Lee, Father Khanh, Shirley Higa, Daryn Talia and his dad. In back are Shuquain Chen and catechumen Guy Monihan and Vaa Leano and secretary Helen Tui. (Reported by Elizabeth Lum)
HONOLULU
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
Our parish will have an Advent Taize prayer service, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. immediately following the 6 p.m. Mass. “Watch and Pray” will be an hour-long program in preparation for the coming of Jesus. In the style of Taize, we gather in a darkened church lit with many candles to sing beautiful meditative songs and listen to Scripture. All will be invited to pray at the cross, which is laid out horizontally, at the end of the prayer service. Bring a flashlight if you need to read the lyrics to the songs. The songs are easy to learn. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to pray together in song as a community of believers. (From the parish bulletin)
KULIOUOU
Holy Trinity Parish
Come and join us for Kidsworld during the 9 a.m. Mass. The children leave before the Gospel and return after the homily. They hear a children’s version of the Gospel and homily. Kidsworld is every Sunday except the first Sunday of the month when we have our religious education classes. (From the parish bulletin)
PUNAHOU
Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community
Brother Loughlan Sofield, a Missionary Servant of the Most Holy Trinity, will present the Advent mission “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” Dec. 10-12, at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Church and 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Each session is about an hour and a half with refreshments after. The three sessions are on forgiveness, compassion and joy, respectively. Call the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community at 973-2211 for more information. (Reported by the parish)
EWA BEACH
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
The 15-week parish stewardship drive ended the weekend of Nov.17-18 with parishioners processing to the steps below the sanctuary with their commitment forms to time, talent and treasure. Shown here is Brandon Serrano dropping off his envelope in the stewardship basket. The stewardship committee members will sort the time and talent commitment forms and parishioners’ names will be forwarded to the various ministry chairpersons for follow up. (Reported by Julia Torres)
MAKAKILO
St. Jude Parish
On Nov. 17, our parish food pantry volunteers served 400 Thanksgiving lunches to the less fortunate. A special thank you to the Ko’Olina Resort Association who provided the meals. A big mahalo to all who came out and lent a helping hand. (Reported by Grace Balderas)
PEARL CITY
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish
Thanksgiving: a time of giving thanks in many ways. A parishioner said, “I received when I was in need. Now that I’m on my feet, I’d like to give back.” This sentiment spread among others, and because of their generosity, 56 needy families enjoyed a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner. Parishioners, the children of the school, and a neighboring parish donated huge turkeys, lots of canned ham, and boxes of canned food. As the food was picked up, wide smiles and tears of gratitude were reflected on the faces of the clients. Pictured is part of the team that helped Mary Ishihara, far right, chairwoman of the food pantry. The pantry is open twice a week. All this can only happen because of the love of Christ among the entire community. (Reported by Elaine Yamashita)
WAIANAE
Sacred Heart Parish
At Thanksgiving Day Mass, Nov. 22, altar server Savili Bartley assists Father Larry Fisher as he prays over the Thanksgiving meals the parishioners brought to Mass to be blessed. (Reported by Linda Jose)
WAIALUA
St. Michael Parish
The Misa de Gallo, an annual Christmas tradition among Filipino Catholics, is a nine-day series of early morning Masses celebrated before Christmas Eve, with the liturgy traditionally beginning at five in the morning. The tradition began as Masses celebrated for workers setting off for the fields before sunrise, hence the name, which means “Mass of the rooster.” Our Filipino Catholic Club has scheduled the Misa de Gallo here from Dec. 16 – 24, at 5 a.m. Envelopes for Mass intentions are being passed out. Names will be written on a “white dove” and hung on the Christmas tree in the church. (From the parish bulletin)
KAILUA
St. Anthony Parish
The parish outreach will have a Fashion Show and Dinner with silent auction, Dec. 8, in Father Henry Hall at 6:30 p.m. The clothing modeled will be from our Outreach Thrift Shop and will be for sale. Kimo Keawe will be our emcee. All proceeds go to our many outreach programs. Our address is 114 Makawao in Kailua. All this for a donation of $10! Call 266-2226 for more information. Hope to see you there! (Reported by the parish)
HILO
St. Joseph High
Our school has chartered its first ever Interact Club this school year sponsored by the South Hilo Rotary Club. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Pacheco and Alana Jardine during a recent community service project at the Humane Society of Hawaii Island in Keaau. Club members gave puppies a bath, walked dogs, and witnessed sterilization surgery performed on a dog. They also listened to a brief speech about the Humane Society given by one of its animal control officers. (Reported by Rowena Austria)
HILO
St. Joseph Grade School
“Take a Veteran to School” was the theme of our Nov. 9 Veterans Day celebration. Teachers and students prepared with lesson plans and background provided by the History Channel, and material from Oceanic Time-Warner Cable Company. During the welcoming assembly, Cub Scout Pack 9, the schools’ band, student council members, the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and others honored their guest veterans and all who have served our country. Twelve invited veterans were introduced to the school and others in the audience were recognized. They included Scott Carrothers of the U.S. Air Force; Dale Wilson, Bob Williams, Art Sampaga, Patrick Naughton, McWarren Mehau and LeRoy Andrews of the U.S. Army; Aaron Carvalho of the U. S. Army Reserve; Ben Nishimoto of the U.S. Coast Guard; Matthew Malinowski of the Hawaii Army National Guard; and Carolee Brulee-Wilson and Charles Schlegelmilch of the U.S. Navy. Five of the veterans St. Joseph High graduates, two are school staff members, and two are parents of current students. In “talk story” sessions after the general assembly, students got to know the veterans and their military service on a more personal level. Afterward, the veterans were treated to a thank-you luncheon. Pictured is first grader Punohu Martins trying on Matthew Malinowski’s combat gear. Matthew, a St. Joseph High graduate and full-time member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, was the guest speaker for grades K-1 on Nov. 9. (Reported by Rowena Austria)
KAPAA
St. Catherine School
We raised money for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness by selling t-shirts. The shirts have our school logo and the words, “St. Catherine School supports Pancreatic Cancer Research in honor of Carol West.” We have raised nearly $1,000 so far. November was Pancreatic Cancer month and purple is the color for the cause. We have 11x14 prints of this photo of the student body available for $15. Proceeds will also go toward Pancreatic Cancer research. The photo was taken on Nov. 20 on our playground. Our longtime principal Carol West died on Oct. 5 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. (Reported by Celina Haigh)
HONOLULU
Maryknoll Grade School
On Nov. 1, we welcomed the James Wong family for the blessing of a special corner in the grade school library. When Mrs. Ruth Wong, a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, passed away last year, gifts were made to the school in her honor. Because she loved to read to her grandchildren, the area of the library where librarian Virginia Koo reads to the early childhood students was named “Popo Ruth’s Reading Corner.” Mrs. Wong’s husband James, her sons Darryl Wong and Warren Wong, and Warren’s wife Napua, were present for the blessing. So were school board of trustees chair Al Wong, school president Michael Baker and grade school principal Paul O’Brien. Father Marc Alexander did the blessing. Students in Mrs. Bobbie Loo’s kindergarten class sang their morning welcome song for the guests. A koa plaque was unveiled, and Darryl Wong, pictured, read to the students his mother’s favorite children’s book. (Reported by Camille Domaloan Michel)
HONOLULU
Holy Trinity School
The fifth grade class performed their reenactment of the first Thanksgiving meal complete with costumes and the symbol of Thanksgiving, the cornucopia. They performed this wonderful play for our parishioners at all four weekend Masses and again for the whole school at our Thanksgiving School Mass. (Submitted by Colleen Nakama)
KANEOHE
St. Ann Grade School
On Nov. 20, grades one through eight geared up for Thanksgiving by partnering with each other to reflect on what they are most thankful for. Older students worked with younger ones on an activity that highlighted these reflections on headbands and hats. They then gathered in our Food Court, which was decked out in a festive autumn theme, for a delicious Thanksgiving luncheon. The students were especially thankful to have Father Herman Gomes, Father Benny Kosasih and Deacon Billy Whitfield as our special guests. The next morning the entire school community gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving Mass which began with a procession that included students bearing baskets of canned goods to donate to our parish’s Project Share Ministry. Pictured are fourth graders Ava Dotson, Cailee Achong and Castor Mattos “hamming” it up at our luncheon. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
MANOA
St. Francis School
The school celebrated Thanksgiving with an assembly on Nov. 19. Perry and the Poor Boys from Vancouver, Canada, entertained all with their upbeat Christian music and storytelling. (Reported by Karen Curry)
HONOLULU
Maryknoll High School
Students were invited to “Dig in for Some Dirt” on Nov. 15, enjoying vanilla ice cream with crushed cookie toppings in celebration of the school’s groundbreaking ceremony and project blessing earlier in the week on the site of the future Maryknoll School Community Center. Once city permits have been finalized, construction will begin and is expected to take about 14 months. The facility should be ready for occupancy in early 2009. Pictured is senior Javen Correia “dishing the dirt” for fellow students. (Reported by Camille Domaloan Michel)
WAILUKU
St. Anthony Jr. Sr. High Schools
The Class of 1957 celebrated its 50th reunion to usher in the 2007 homecoming week on the weekend of Oct. 19. The weekend activities included rocking and rolling to Jimmie Mac and the Kool Cats at Hale Nanea, an evening of reminiscing over dinner at The Dunes Restaurant at Maui Lani and winding it all up with a brunch after attending Mass on Sunday morning. The turnout was astounding with everyone catching up on the latest happenings and remembering the good ‘ol days. (Reported by Virginia Nary)
HONOLULU
Holy Family Catholic Academy
The eighth graders recently attended a day-long spiritual retreat at the very welcoming Benedictine Monastery of Hawaii in the hills above Waialua on Oahu’s North Shore. The students attended Mass celebrated by Benedictine Father Michael Sawyer, prayed the rosary together, and participated in discussions about their baptismal commitment, the Eucharist, vocations and chastity. They explored the beautiful monastery grounds and experienced the peaceful and prayerful serenity of this very special community. (Reported by Jocelyn Fernandes)
KANEOHE
St. Ann School ELC
Our school’s annual powwow celebration was held on Nov. 21 in the Garden Court. Kicking it off was special guest and Kaneohe native Joseph Ahuna. Mr. Ahuna talked about how Native Americans participate in a powwow. The Native American implements he brought thrilled the children. They beat on the drums, wore a traditional headdress, used the dancing hoops and learned the story of the dream catcher. Mr. Ahuna also taught the children a Native American song. The children continued their celebration by listening to a Thanksgiving Story, singing songs, praying, and sharing fruits with their neighbors. This wonderful event showed the children the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Pictured is Mr. Ahuna showing kindergartener Anthony-Tiamana Arboleda how to beat a Native American drum. (Reported by Kuulei Halemano)
HONOLULU
Star of the Sea School Early Learning Center
The school’s administrative and parish staff, with the school board and PTG members, hosted a Thanksgiving celebration Nov. 16 at the learning center. Here they pose for a Thanksgiving portrait with “Mr. Gobbleson.” They later feasted on a turkey lunch with all the scrumptious trimmings. (Reported by Leanna Brake)
HONOLULU
Sacred Hearts Academy
We won the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) air riflery championship by 11 points at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. The Academy has claimed the ILH and the state titles six times, repeating as the state champion on three occasions, thanks to the dedication of St. Louis coach Alan Tokumura. Three of the Lancers’ senior shooters finished in the top six spots. The junior varsity team also won their seventh ILH championship. Among the JV shooters, Clarissa Akana and Ashley Rosenfeld finished tied for first. Dana Pitts was fourth, Caitlin Mori fifth and Derlyn Rhoades took sixth. Rachael Paeste, Meddie Asuncion, Helena Medeiros-Cansana, Laurie Tom and Kristie Thromburg are also members of the team. As the JV individual champion, Akana was the only junior shooter to score 500 or better, earning 518 points. Pictured is the 2007 varsity air riflery team: front, Danielle Pontes, Janelle Matsuura and Maxinne Ramos; back, Jenna Wojcik, Mai Oseto and Samantha Niver. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)
WAIALUA
St. Michael School
On Nov. 20, students, faculty, staff and families celebrated Thanksgiving early with a prayer service and entertainment by class groups. They were great! Then our annual turkey prince and princess celebration featured princes and princesses from each class being recognized and dancing the turkey dance. It was a sight to see! Our principal Mrs. Dickerson and Father Johnathan Hurrell, pictured here, were given turkey crowns made by our preschool class and recognized as honorary turkeys. Our preschool turkey prince and princess, Anthony Arecchi and Marley Arecchi (cousins), walked away with the prestigious title of turkey king and queen. Yeah! As the program closed, Father Johnathan led a blessing of thanks for the Thanksgiving Feast in the parish hall. The delicious meal included all the fixings of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, brown gravy, cake and drinks. This was a perfect start to the upcoming holiday. We wish a happy holidays to all and all your loved ones! (Reported by Madison Burke)
HONOLULU
St. Theresa School
Pictured, from left, are Desiree Batangan and Analiza Mari Ancheta of room 5B, proudly holding their decorated pumpkins. These girls were happy to have their picture taken before entering their creations in the “Annual Decorate a Pumpkin Contest” sponsored by class 5A and open to all fifth grade students. Their teacher, Ms. Cadelago, helped them decide contest categories, and judges were chosen from both 5A and 5B homerooms. Analiza’s pumpkin won the “saddest face” category. Desiree’s pumpkin, while not awarded a prize, brought smiles to many faces. (Reported by Sister Marian Muehlbauer, CSJ)
HONOLULU
Star of the Sea School
Emiko Yamashita and Marjorie Boyd of the Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise visited Ms. Hudes’ 3B classroom on Oct. 30 to give the children student dictionaries, which the club is donating to all third grade students on Oahu. The students here were thrilled to receive the books and to discover that they not only carried definitions, but pages of reference material as well. Some third graders enjoyed trying to pronounce the longest word in the English language, which has 1,909 letters. (Reported by Rachael Hudes)
EWA BEACH
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Grandparents are our heritage and very important members of our families and communities. Our school set aside Nov. 21 to honor them with a Mass of Thanksgiving, picture taking, refreshment time, and a big school production. The students showed off their God-given talents by presenting songs and dances from the 1920s to the present. For the grandparents, it brought back memories and put pride in their hearts watching their grandchildren imitating them way back then. After the program, the students joined their grandparents to share more memories of long ago. Pictured here in her 1950s outfit is second grader Ryanne deGuzman with her grandparents. Thank you grandparents for who you are and for all you do for us! (Reported by June Teixeira)
HONOLULU
Damien Memorial High School
Pictured are several “super-students” who donated food for the outreach program at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Outreach director Val Haole was delighted with the generosity of our students who contributed over 3,000 pounds of food to the parish food pantry. Canned food was collected by four groups: 30 members of the National Honor Society and faculty advisor Darlene Tvrdy; Leo Club members and faculty advisor Jean Ota; Mrs. Tvrdy’s five freshmen English classes; and the entire Damien student body led by student government officers and advisor Hilary Stevens. Most of the food was collected during “Spirit Week,” the last week in October. Students donating specific items on certain days were allowed to “dress down.” Two days were designated for canned food. A five-pound bag of rice was requested for the final day. Many thanks to all who contributed to this very worthy cause! (Reported by Didi Lota, photo by Roxane Goo)
KAILUA
St. John Vianney School
Our third graders were recently visited by a representative of the Hawaii Rotary Club and each received a beautiful, brand new Student’s Dictionary. Ms. Elizabeth explained how to use the dictionary and pointed out all the additional information they could find in it. This is the second year we have been asked to participate in this very special program. … We were busy collecting food donations for the annual parish Thanksgiving Food Drive. The classes compete against each other and the winning grade receives a mahalo treat from the parish. We’ve had visits to the Alouns Farm Pumpkin Patch, parent/teacher conferences and the Scholastic Book Fair. It’s been a busy month! (Reported by Annie Chee)