When Ben Cuaresma was a child, his mother instilled in him that he should always find a way to help people, and he was encouraged to be an altar server. Now, Ben helps the parish community by serving with our Maintenance Ministry. He is a carpenter by trade, so it’s a good fit. All these years later, Ben tries to instill a heart for service in his grown children. It’s a way to pass on a heart of stewardship, and we all must pass on that legacy.
Suzy went through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. Michael the Archangel. She received First Holy Communion and Confirmation in 1997. Having spent much of her life in the Episcopal faith, she feels she always has more to learn about the Catholic faith.
One ministry that has helped her learn more about the faith is the Sacristan Ministry, in which she has been serving for about two years.
“They were looking for people to serve as sacristans, and someone asked Ben,” Suzy says. “My heart told me that I wanted to do it. So, I raised my hand and got involved.
“I’ve learned a lot about the process of the Mass, worshiping, and the sacraments,” she adds. “I learn more each time. You get to work closely with the priests and ask them questions. It deepened my faith for sure!”
Suzy also helps out with many other Mass ministries, including as an altar server and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. During weekday Mass, she often serves as a lector. When the couple’s son, Hunter, was younger, Suzy taught Religious Education.
Both Ben and Suzy feel so blessed to be part of the St. Michael’s community. There is so much they love about this parish.
“It’s so welcoming,” Suzy says. “It’s not the same as other churches. We welcome people with open arms.”
“We get so many tourists and snowbirds,” Ben adds. “It’s fun to have them here. We’ve become friends, and like family, with many of them over the years.”
Suzy recalls that while she was in Arizona, she never really felt welcome at the Catholic Church — it was all a bit cold. This caused her to be even more thankful for her St. Michael’s community.
“I also love our music,” Suzy says. “The music directors do such a great job of mixing up the music and adding to the beauty of the Mass.”
The couple enjoys attending the 7 a.m. daily Mass, especially with the responses in the native Hawai’i language.
Ben and Suzy also appreciate Fr. Lio’s commitment to stewardship.
“I just love it here,” Suzy says. “It’s that stewardship way of life. It encourages people to volunteer and use their gifts. We are encouraged to use our time, talent, and treasure. There is something for everyone. We encourage volunteering.”
Being involved in the parish has helped Ben and Suzy get to know more people and grow in faith.
“For me, it’s about praising and thanking Jesus for all our blessings,” Suzy says. “I really feel blessed, and it’s something that’s important. It’s something I can do as a ‘thank you.’”
“I’ve been blessed all my life,” Ben adds. “It’s the least I can do to help around the church.”
The Catholic faith is truly so important to both Ben and Suzy.
“Without my faith, I don’t know where I’d be,” Ben says.
“The Eucharist adds to my life,” Suzy adds. “It’s very sacred to receive.”
If you haven’t found a way to get involved in our parish community, please pray about it, and find a way to jump in. You won’t be disappointed!
Courtesy of Catholic Stewardship Consultants Oct/Nov 2024 Newsletter
Beautiful words!