from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Newsletter — Feb-Mar 2023
by Catholic Stewardship Consultants
Many longtime members of St. Michael the Archangel will remember talks of constructing a parish center taking place 30-plus years ago. The project has seen many setbacks over the years.
Finally, the Grace Parish Center will open after crossing one last hurdle. So far, $3.8 million has been paid toward the $5.5 million project. There were some issues with the flooring this past fall, but Fr. Lio is hopeful that this was the last obstacle and that the Grace Parish Center can open soon.
We are joyfully anticipating the Dedication to take place on Feb. 23. Bishop Silva will be with us to offer this special blessing.
The name of our new facility also has a special meaning to our faith community. The Grace Parish Center not only signifies the abundant gifts God has poured out upon our parish family. It also is a living tribute to a very special person, Grace Wilsey, who has defied the odds through the grace of God and remains an inspiration to us all despite being diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disorder in 2013 — NGLY1 Deficiency.
There are only around 100 known cases of NGLY1 Deficiency worldwide, and when she was first diagnosed at age 4, doctors predicted she would not survive past the age of 5. But Grace is now 13 and thriving.
Grace’s parents, Kristen and Matt Wilsey, have been regular visitors at St. Michael. Grace has fond memories of celebrating many Easter, Christmas, and regular Sunday Masses at St. Michael’s in the original church as well as the tent. They consider St. Michael to be their second home.
Grace’s paternal great-grandmother was born and raised on Oahu and the family was eager to honor those roots as well as Grace by making a significant donation to the building campaign. So, it is only fitting that the Grace Parish Center honors Grace while symbolizing the abundant graces and blessings our Lord has given us all. We are very appreciative of Bobbie and Mike Wilsey for their generosity.
But the completion of the project has not been without its setbacks.
One of the most significant bumps in the road came with the Kīholo earthquake in 2006. With the church being rebuilt, a foundation was laid for a future parish center. Soon, that foundation will be holding us as we enjoy ministries and events.
Fr. Lio is very grateful that the Grace Parish Center is now close to reality.
“I can’t wait to welcome people into the new parish center,” Fr. Lio says. “We were hoping to have it completed for our Feast Day, but now that’s been pushed back a bit.”
When we think about how long-awaited this parish center is, these last few months amount to a relatively small span of time. Nevertheless, the excitement among our parishioners is palpable.
“What’s a few more months when we’ve been waiting for so long?” Fr. Lio says. “But we are so close. It’s so close that you can touch the doors now.”
Fr. Lio acknowledges that the longtime wait has certainly been frustrating. He’s so thankful for those who have stuck with the project. He asks for prayers to the Holy Spirit as the project end is finally in sight.
“We want to begin programs and expand others with the additional space in the Grace Parish Center,” Fr. Lio says. “We have so many great things in place. We want to take things to the next level.”
Especially as activities and ministries have been coming back in recent months, people will be anxious to get involved.
“Our focus has always been that the hall would be a place where we can really celebrate and offer additional ministries — from Faith Formation to community gatherings and outreach, all these things that have been held back,” Fr. Lio says.
Fr. Lio wants to thank every donor — from those who put money in the collection to those who made large commitments toward the Grace Parish Center. Every dollar has helped bring this parish to where it is today. “People have been so generous with their treasure toward the Grace Parish Center,” he says. “This will be a wonderful asset to our parish community.”
Please plan to join us on Feb. 23 for the Dedication with Bishop Silva. You can still give toward the Grace Parish Center project — learn more at stmichaelparishkona.org/online-giving/parish-center-building-campaign.
