It takes many stewards, with all kinds of gifts, to keep our church running. Some proclaim the Word as lectors, distribute Holy Communion, or use their musical talents to give glory to God.
One ministry that might not be immediately apparent is the Environment and Linens Ministry, which ensures that all of the linens in St. Michael’s reflect the liturgical season.
Fr. Lio asked Bonnie Miki to be part of the Environment and Linens Ministry to help decorate the new church many years ago because she is a quilter. It was an easy “yes” for Bonnie because she enjoys this work. She and the seven other members are very dedicated to making sure the banners, altar cloths, and linens properly reflect the liturgical season.
“Fr. Lio believed St. Michael’s could be a welcoming place for all to worship,” Bonnie says. “His inspirational leadership has transformed our church into a sanctuary of quiet peace and beauty.”
Bonnie enjoys this ministry because she can do much of the work from home. Her husband, Jerry, uses his eye for detail to assist when needed. Bonnie usually makes a few replacement sets of linens each year. The group gets together about twice a month throughout the year to create new banners. When the church opened, ministry members made chasubles, stoles, dalmatics, corporals, altar cloths, and new robes for the altar servers. Ministry members also keep the cloths clean, organized, and properly stored.
“Making St. Michael’s more physically and spiritually attractive to welcome all people has been satisfying for me,” Bonnie says.
Over the years, Bonnie has been involved with Tuesday Morning Coffee with the Pastor and the Friday Food Pantry. She has also been an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for many years and shares the position of Eucharistic Coordinator for the Saturday vigil Mass with Mary Warren.
“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know many parishioners as a result of these activities,” Bonnie says.
For Bonnie, it’s important to encourage other people to use their skills to get involved in the parish, whether in a big or small way.
“I believe that people grow and flourish in God’s love when they participate in church activities,” she says.
To Bonnie, this ministry is just a small way to give back for all she’s been given.
“My husband and I awake each day and marvel at God’s generosity,” she says. “We agree it’s important to give back to God, St. Michael’s Parish, and our Kona community. Giving back strengthens our bond with Christ.”
St. Michael’s is a special place to Bonnie and has been for 33 years. She loves to be involved and find ways to make the parish more beautiful.
To assist with this ministry, contact Bonnie Miki at [email protected].
