JANUARY 31, 2014 A S P E C I A L F E A T U R E O F T H E H AWA I I C A T H O L I C H E R A L D JANUARY 31, 2014 1110

TheParish&SchoolNews JAN UARY 31, 2014

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1 PAIAHoly Rosary ParishOur parish is proud of our parishioner Christopher Ribucan who was admitted into candidacy for the order of permanent diaconate. Christopher, his wife Dawn, his parents, son, and niece at-tended the rite of candidacy Mass, Jan. 12, at Saint Ann Church in Kaneohe, with Fa-ther Eli Escanilla, Deacon Patrick Constantino and other parishioners. Christopher is one of three candidates from the Maui Vicariate. Congratu-lations Chris! Pictured, from left, Ernie and Suzanne Ribucan (parents of candi-date), Christopher, Dawn and Anthony (son). (Reported by Cyrilla Pascual)

2 AIEASt. Elizabeth ParishMembers of St. Elizabeth’s Young Christian Life group enjoyed a day of games, food, entertainment and fellowship Jan. 18 at the Central Oahu Vicariate Youth Day at Neal S. Blaisdell Park in Pearl City. The YCL teens were among about 100 youth who attended the event. (Reported by Celia Downes)

3 KAHUKUSt. Roch ParishParishioners of St. Roch and St. Joachim Mission ohana celebrated the holiday season together at our parish on Jan. 5. All gathered for a group photo that ushered in

an evening celebration that included a buffet dinner, en-tertainment and lucky number surprises. It was a wonderful, memorable night filled with fun, laughter, joy and fellow-ship as we remembered the past year, and the efforts of our youth and adults working together for our spiritual ac-tivities and community service projects. We are thankful to God for the many blessings of the past year and look forward to a new year of faith, prayer and renewal through Christ Jesus. (Reported by Phyllis Chan and Walter Weinzheimer)

4 PEARL CITYOur Lady of Good Counsel ParishThe Samoan Choir offi-cers for 2014 were installed on Jan. 12 by parochial vicar Msgr. Thaddeus Mercado. They are Ernie Alaimalo, president; Lui Fuga, vice-president; Rachel Faasu, secretary; and Rina Tui-olosega, treasurer. The choir has been singing at 6:30 morn-ing Mass for about 19 years. Currently, 11 families make up one voice giving praise, honor and worship to the Lord. The inspirational sound of voices blend beautifully bearing wit-ness to the readings of the day. According to director Mavis Alaimalo, she selects the songs based on the readings, the Gospel and/or the occasion being celebrated. Malia Ber-nard-Reiantaso accompa-nies the choir on the piano. As

a member of the Tautua Fou Samoan Catholic Associa-tion of Hawaii, directed by Father Sebastiano, the choir also sings at the Holy Family Church every first Sunday of the month. (Reported by Berna-dette Cabe)

5 EWA BEACHOur Lady of Perpetual Help ParishOur parish welcomed its new parochial vicar Father Ger-man Gerry Somera on March 18 and 19. Parish ad-ministrator Father Ed Barut introduced Father Gerry at all Masses. Aloha Fellowship Ministry prepared and served refreshments after each Mass to give parishioners an oppor-tunity to meet the new priest, pictured with some parishio-ners. Father Gerry comes from the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, Philippines. He ar-rived in Hawaii in 2012 and his first assignment was St. Cath-erine on Kauai. (Reported by Julia Torres)

6 MAKAKILOSt. Jude ParishOur parish bid a fond aloha to Father Joe Diaz with a pot-luck party on Jan. 4. Pictured is Father Joe and parishioners Paul and Elitha Sulkowski. We wish all the best for Father Joe. He will surely be missed! (Reported by Caren Argenzia)

7 KALIHISt. St. John the Baptist ParishIt was our pastor Father John Fredy Quintero’s 39th birth-day on Jan. 15. Many blessings from St. John’s parishioners. (Reported by Bertha Guerrero)

8 KAHULUIChrist the King ParishThe Youth Ministry again produced the Christmas play, “The Nativity,” in church, Dec. 19 and 20. The dramatic one-hour musical play based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke was free of charge. It pro-vided the youths and adults of our parish another opportunity to work together bringing the Gospel of the birth of our Lord to life. The play introduced new gifts and talents of new faces such as Father Joseph Pilotin as Angel Gabriel, Joshua Franco of St. The-resa Church in Kihei as Joseph and Shantel Silva as Mary. Other cast members were Jac-lyn Quedding (Elizabeth), Jaymar Quedding (Shep/Zakarias), Benjamin Acob (Joaquin), Leighanne El-vena (Anna), Shanell Pugal (Liat), Gabrielle Bega (Aunt Morag), Keali’i Guzman (Bo’az), Austin Sensano (Efrayim), Angel Agcanas (Chasida), Alan Brown Jr. (Officer/Innkeeper), Ariane Alejo (Rachab), Fermin Garcia (Thief), and the Heav-enly Choirs of Angels/Celestial Dancers: Elana Opinaldo, Janine Quedding, Ariane

Alejo, Genica Aban, Olivia Alasaas, Kristine Calun-tad, Jeselle Quedding, Arielle Macadangdang, AJ Brown, Leighann Elvena, Jaclyn Quedding, Shanell Pugal, Angel Agcanas and Gabrielle Bega. The play was directed by Bobbie Sensano. (Reported by Audie Pascual)

9 KAILUA-KONASt. Michael ParishFather Anthony Rapozo holds up a new chasuble, a gift from the parishioners. Father Rapozo served for the last two years as parochial vicar at our parish. He was recently reas-signed to Kauai. A farewell party was held on Jan. 11. (Re-ported by Shirley David)

KALAHEOHoly Cross ParishIt was a busy Advent and Christmas season. Misa de Gallo Masses at 5 a.m. became the focus in Advent. Bishop Larry Silva presided at a well-attended liturgy on Dec. 21. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship breakfasts following each Mass, allowing those who needed to go to work to eat first. … The Youth Ministry and Confirmation classes prepared and served about 150 hot meals on Dec. 29 to the homeless at Lucy Wright Park in Waimea and Salt Pond Beach Park in Hanapepe. Compassion prevailed once the youth got over their initial “I’m-really-not-too-sure-about-this”

reaction. They said they valued the experience of a personal encounter with the homeless. … A pro-life march on Jan. 22, the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe vs Wade decision began at the Ku-kui Grove Shopping Center at 10 a.m. Earlier that morning, a parish Mass celebrated “A Day of Prayer and Penance for Life.” … Second year confirman-di from St. Theresa, Holy Cross, St. Raphael and Immaculate Conception parishes were on retreat Jan. 24-26 at our parish hall. The retreat, led by Chaminade University team, helped pre-pare the Kauai vicariate candi-dates for Confirmation in May. … The Fill-the-Backpack program in one way our parish is responding to the needs of the homeless, hungry and poor. The program needs donations of non-perishable individual-serving food items. Twenty-one backpacks are filled weekly with cereals, healthy snacks, juices, pre-made meals, noodle cups, etc. and distributed to public school children-in-need. Leave donations in the black container at the church en-trance or at the church office. For information, call project coordinator Jo Chapman at the church office, 332-8011. … Attention: men of the three Westside parishes! If you are 18 or older, the parishes of St. Ra-phael, Holy Cross and St. The-resa is organizing a Westside Council of the Knights of Columbus. Twenty men are needed to start the council. The

next informational meeting is 6:30 p.m., Feb. 15, at Church. All men are invited! (Reporter by Judy Cabanting)

10 EWAImmaculate Conception ParishIn keeping with our ongoing “Christmas Spirit,” we would like to highlight another one of our parishioners. We do this not just to provide kudos to these folks, but to make them known to our entire parish community. We see each other every week at Mass but do we really know each other? This parishioner profile highlights Archie Agcgca-maran. Archie and his family have been parishioners for more than 11 years! Involved in many ministries, he is a money collector, usher, altar server, religious ed teacher and an overall handyman. Archie is always ready to “step in” whenever there is a need! Archie says, “This parish is the most important thing in my life outside of my immediate fam-ily. I receive so much strength and encouragement from the family atmosphere that Im-maculate portrays.” Archie is married and has two boys. He is also very happy that his boys can grow up in such a family-first environment at our parish. Pictured is Archie and his wife Mady. (Reported by Normand HJ Robert)

11 KIHEISt. Theresa ParishThe parishioners bid aloha and mahalo to Deacon Stan Franco on Jan. 12 at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. He is retiring after more than 12 years of service at the parish. Along with his duties at Mass, funerals and blessings, he was a volunteer at Hale Kau Kau, feeding the hungry for many years. Stan is originally from Haiku, where he has returned to live and be available to help at St Rita Church. He is looking forward to enjoying some travel and other interests in his free time. After his final Mass, a luncheon was held in his honor in Sta-wasz Hall. (Reported by Anita Carrington; photo by Leroy Car-rington)

12 KAPAASt. Catherine SchoolOn Jan. 11, we bid farewell to Father Gerry with a potluck dinner. The students sang a special song, “Give Thanks,” as their goodbye gift. We wish Father Gerry well at his new assignment. Our parish and school will miss him. On Jan. 15, we welcomed Father An-thony Rapozo as our new parochial vicar. Father Anthony graduated from St. Catherine School and is now return-ing home. He visited all the classrooms on his first day. … Students are busy planning for Catholic Schools Week. We will begin with a kick-off Mass

on Jan. 26. Student thank you letters will be read to teachers after Mass. There is already much excitement as students are decorating their classroom doors based on the week’s theme “Catholic Schools: Com-munities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” Students are also preparing thank you cards for local firefighters and lifeguards in appreciation of their service to the community. We look forward to getting together with our friends from St. Theresa School for a closing Mass and a day of fun at Lydgate Park. (Reported by Andrea Corbo and Patricia Doherty)

13 HONOLULUSacred Hearts Academy High SchoolSeven members of our Leo Club spent their Saturday working with participants in the Young Athlete Pro-gram sponsored by Special Olympics Hawaii. The Leos helped participants, 2-5-years-old, practice motor and social skills by modeling behaviors and guiding the youngsters through the activities. Most importantly, the Leos, including junior Alexandrea Somera (pictured), aimed to make sure their young buddies had fun through play. The Leo Club is the youth branch of the Lions Clubs International service organization. The Leo name stands for Leadership. Experi-

ence. Opportunity. (Reported by Hayley Matson-Mathes)

14 EWA BEACHOur Lady of Perpetual Help SchoolThe students have been prepar-ing for the annual Geograph-ic Bee, competing first in their classrooms where two finalists were chosen. These finalists (pictured) competed in front of the whole school on Jan. 14. The social studies teachers were responsible for coaching the contestants. Ms. Crystal Kaíaikala, chairperson for the school Geographic Bee, distributed the study booklets last October so that students had ample time to practice. Mrs. Laverne Suster and Mrs. Tracy Spencer mod-erated the school wide bee. Mrs. Emma Lacar and Ms. Kahae Iakopo-Maikai were the judges. The finalists from grades 5 through 8 battled for the distinction of represent-ing our school at the District Geographic Bee. This year’s representative is eighth grader Jordan Fines. Students in kindergarten through grade 3 competed for the honor of first place in their respective classes. Congratulations to all on a job well done! (Reported by Laverne Suster; photo by Patricia White)

15 KAILUASt. John Vianney SchoolAt our fourth annual Break-fast with the Bishop, Jan. 19, Bishop Larry Silva, our pastor Father Tom Gross and principal Caryn DeMello greeted more than 400 attend-ees who enjoyed a delicious buffet prepared by the school’s cafeteria staff and served by parents, teachers and students. A special addition to this year’s buffet was mouthwatering pan-cakes prepared and served by local celebrities James Duke Aiona, Ikaika Anderson, Chai Chaowasaree, Frank De Lima, Miss Hawaii Crystal Lee, Aaron Mahi, Father Gary Secor and Sweetie Pacarro. Providing outstanding entertainment were students who sang and played instruments under the

direction of Dana Arbaugh, and who danced hula under the direction of Jack McK-eaque. Thanks to the Sodal-ity of our Blessed Lady for the beautiful decorations, the Knights of Columbus #6307 who set up the parish hall and directed traffic and the school’s staff and stu-dents for being such gracious hosts. Thanks also to the many generous sponsors who helped the event reach its financial goal. The funds raised will help renovate a portion of the 50-year-old John Read Center into a 21st century multimedia learning center and provide additional tuition assistance for students. Next year’s fifth Breakfast with the Bishop is Jan. 25, 2015. (Reported by Earl Walker)

16 PEARL CITYOur Lady of Good Counsel SchoolOn Jan. 16, at our weekly school Mass, we had the pleasure of witnessing the pre-sentation of awards from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fort Shafter Post 10276 to four outstanding students. The youth were participants in the VFW Patriot’s Pen Pro-gram, an essay contest giving students in grades 6-8 a chance to express their views on de-mocracy. More than 125,000 students participate annually on post, state and national lev-els. The Fort Shafter Post win-ners are, pictured in the first row from left, 6th grade teach-er Mrs. Sylvia Tsuda (also recipient of an award), John Nguyen (2nd place), Sarah Barrientos (3rd place), Caitlyn Pang, (1st place) and Christian Souza (4th place). Behind them are VFW mem-bers, from left, Post Senior Vice Commander Calvin Sagara; Post Quartermaster Melvin Hori; State Senior Vice Com-mander Fred Chang; and Post Youth Coordinator Stan-ley Fernandez Sr. Principal Cindy Olaso was also recog-nized for the school’s continued support and participation. All winners were presented with a certificate of achievement, a

VFW Patriot’s Pen Medal, and a monetary award. First place winner Cailtyn also achieved second place statewide. She will be honored again at the Hawaii State VFW Awards luncheon, where she will receive additional monetary and achievement awards. Con-gratulations to all our students for their success! (Reported by Ginger Kamisugi)

17 HONOLULUSacred Hearts Academy Lower SchoolOur fourth graders were welcomed aboard the Hoku-lea and the Hikianalia, two navigational canoes set to embark on a world voyage in May. The sailing vessels are currently docked at the Uni-versity of Hawaii’s Sand Island Parkway. Prior to the visit, the students read about the canoes on the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s website. Long-time voyager Kealoha Hoe and several female members of the crew explained the vessel construction and the various voyaging jobs, such as the captain, navigator, cook and fisherman. The girls were intro-duced to a star compass, which helps navigators read the night sky. At dockside, the students designed a fabric square that will be made into quilts to be distributed to countries that Hokulea will visit. (Reported by Haley Matson-Mathes)

18 HONOLULUSaint Louis SchoolEducation of the whole per-son: this unique characteristic of Marianist education at our school emphasizes the impor-tance of spiritual, physical and academic growth among all of its students, faculty and staff. On Jan. 14, the school celebrat-ed their growing academic pro-grams by recognizing the ac-complishments of its students. Principal Martha Evans and president Walter Kirim-itsu, ’58, presented academic awards to 121 young men as their classmates, teachers, and families applauded their achievements. Seniors Nathan Lam and Dane Okamura

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received the highest honors both achieving a GPA of 4.57 at the end of their first semester. Pictured are Nathan, ’14, and President Kirimitsu. (Reported by Brother Norman Capinpin, SM)

19 HONOLULUSt. Anthony SchoolEighth grader Tricia Marie Reyes and seventh grader Ethel Guillermo partici-pated in the 2014 Spelling Bee District competition on Jan. 18 at Sacred Hearts Academy. Thirty-three students from 17 schools participated. Tricia was in the top eight and Ethel in the top 13. Principal Sister Mariza Mendes, SPC, school advisor Sister Jennifer Dayday, SPC, and the family members of the two contestants came to cheer and support Tricia and Ethel. Excellent job, ladies! Your St. Anthony Ohana is very proud for both of you! (Reported by Tess Reyes)

WAIPIOResurrection of the Lord ParishOn Jan. 4, our Confirmation candidates, sponsors and their families celebrated Epiphany at the Next Step Shelter in Kakaako. Every year the Confirmation youth work on the Epiphany Proj-ect, a Christmas celebration for the residents of the shelter that brings the joy of Christ to those who may not be able to celebrate Christmas in the grandeur many of us are accus-tomed to. The Epiphany Project is financed entirely by funds generated through the Con-firmation White Elephant Sale, the parish’s sale of gently-used goods donated by parishioners. The money raised buys Christmas gifts like gift cards, small toys and pillows for the residents. The Con-firmation group provides the food, music and games. While the Epiphany Project draws our Confirmation candidates, spon-sors and families closer togeth-er, it is first and foremost the youth’s Christmas gift to our Lord. Our youth aim to present Jesus with the gift of service described in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Reported by Stephanie Araki)

WAIALUASt. Michael ParishOur first adult faith for-mation session for 2014 featured a movie sponsored by the parish’s Confirmation Class on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in St. Damien Hall. The movie, “Greater Glory,” starring Peter O’Toole, Eva Logo-ria, Andy Garcia and Oscar Isaac, is based on a true story of a war that was fought for the freedom to worship by Catho-lics in Mexico. (From the parish bulletin)

KAILUASt. Anthony SchoolSeventh grader Brooke

Bolton won our school’s Spelling Bee and will move on to the District Level Spell-ing Bee this month with first runner up, seventh grader An-gela Lowell. … This coming week, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week with the rest of the diocese. The school kicks off the week with a 12:30 p.m. performance Jan. 25 at Windward Mall. The Parent Teacher Student Guild is hosting a pancake breakfast in Father Henry Hall 7-10:30 a.m. on Jan. 26. Students who attend Mass and wear their red uniform shirt that day will receive a free dress day. On Jan. 27 is scheduled a prayer service, band and speech club performances and a Safe and Caring activity. Jump Rope for Heart is Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. in the courtyard and the stu-dent talent show is Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. in Father Henry Hall. The celebration ends on Jan. 30 with Ethnic Day where students dress in clothes repre-senting any ethnic background. At the Ethnic Fair, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the courtyard, each grade will host a food booth of a selected ethnicity. (Reported by Kristie Carpenter)

NUUANUSt. Stephen ParishWe marked the Year of Faith celebrating the 80th anniver-sary of the founding of our par-ish church. On April 20, 2013, Bishop Larry Silva blessed and dedicated the former St. Catherine Convent, which now houses the chapel of St. Cathe-rine and the Bishop Stephen P. Alencastre Memorial Parish Administration and Life Center. The event began with a solemn procession to the church and blessing of the cross facing the Pali Highway, Mass at 9:30 a.m., followed by fellowship and festivities in the parish hall. St. Stephen began in upper Nuuanu as a mission chapel of the cathedral but did not remain a mission long. The new church was blessed by Bishop Stephen P. Alencastre in November. 1932 and dedi-cated it to his patron saint, St. Stephen, the first martyr. In April 1933, Bishop Alencastre elevated the church to parish status with Sacred Hearts Father Patrick Logan as its first pastor. Father Alphon-sus Boumeister was the pastor in 1944 when Bishop James J. Sweeney built St. Catherine Convent (named after his mother) next to the

church for the Maryknoll Sisters. The former convent was dedicated to the memory of Bishop Alencastre. (Reported by Ginny Jordan)

KULIOUOUHoly Trinity ParishOur Thrift Shop is expanding to a new location with a new name. The Cottage Thrift Shop will be in the newly renovated cottage next to the chapel building in the Koko Head parking lot. At this time, gently-used donations will be gratefully accepted at the current shop or at the office. As we get closer to opening, volunteers will be very much needed for a variety of duties. Although all are welcome and no experience is required, we would like those with retail or specialty experience to consider volunteering. Thanks to all of the energetic and talented vol-unteers who worked through the holidays to create an ideal retail space. Watch for future progress reports. (From the par-ish bulletin)

HONOLULUSts. Peter and Paul ParishThe youth and young adult ministry is printing T-shirts with the logo of our patrons,

“Sts. Peter and Paul.” They will look good as our parish ID at diocesan and other com-munity gatherings. They are given away with a donation to help support the programs and activities of the ministry. For orders and inquiries, please call or see Keith Febrero. (From the parish bulletin)

20 HONOLULUStar of the Sea Early Learning CenterOn Jan. 17, three Japanese students from the Nintei-kodomoen Kashinoki School in Chiba City visited our school for two days. They enjoyed participating in activi-ties with the students. The stu-dents demonstrated on how to wear their traditional kimono for the girls, and the happi for the boys. Everyone enjoyed the hands-on culture experience. (Reported by Leanna Brake)

21 AIEASt. Elizabeth SchoolDuring the holidays, our St. Elizabeth Praise Choir shared the joy of Christmas at the Ala Moana Shopping Center’s center stage as well as other venues around the com-munity. They sang and danced

to songs praising the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Reported by Sharon Nagasawa)

22 MAKAWAOSt. Joseph Early Learning CenterIn preparation of Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, the students created a replica of the national logo — “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” The week’s program will focus on that theme. For “service,” the students will do a church cleaning project on Jan 27. On Jan. 28, they will participate in a school pride and sports day. Jan 29 will be a fun day and on Jan 30, the staff will partici-pate in the island-wide Mass at St. Anthony, Wailuku. We are thankful to the staff, parish and families for investing in the foundation of a Catholic educa-tion for the future leaders of the world. (Reported by Helen Souza)

23 HONOLULUHoly Family Catholic AcademyOur talented students excel in many areas. Recently, three middle scholars were recog-nized for distinguished writing achievement as aspiring poets. Sixth grader Lucy Landry, seventh grader Joseph Con-roy and eighth grader Cam-eron Landry had their poems selected for publication in the “Creative Communication of Anthology of Poetry.” The stu-dents were honored at morn-ing assembly with special lei. The school community looks forward to seeing their poems in print when a copy of the an-thology arrives for our library. Congratulation to Holy Family Catholic Academy’s poet laure-ates! (Reported by Christina Ma-lins; photo by Cathy Kerch)

24 HONOLULUMaryknoll SchoolMaryknoll is excited to be developing our international exchange and leadership pro-grams. This year, we launch our first international student summer camp hosting students from China, ages 13-17. We are looking for families to host our interna-tional friends and need to have confirmed families by March 1. The program runs July 12 to Aug. 1. The schedule for our international guests is very structured with rigorous ESL classes and cultural activities during the week and on week-ends. We encourage you to par-ticipate in this valuable cultural experience for both our visitors and for your own families. If you are interested in hosting a student for Summer 2014, or in the future, contact the Director of International Exchange and Leadership Programs, Mrs. Jennifer Tseu, at misp@maryknollschool.org. Pictured are Chinese exchange students during their last visit to Maryk-noll in fall 2013. (Reported by Loryn Guiffre)

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