For many years, the gift shop here at St. Michael the Archangel has welcomed parishioners and visitors with aloha as they enjoy browsing and purchasing faith-related items. A dedicated team of stewards keeps things running smoothly while offering a warm and hospitable atmosphere.
“I serve in the gift shop because I like what it represents and I enjoy the interaction with clients,” says Beverly Behasa, who has been volunteering with the gift shop since it opened.
Beverly helps with the sales and display items, as well as selling points in the shop. The other team members include Romana Villasenor, Trinh Bui, Kathy Leopoldino, Patty Kellar, Teresa Carrero, and team manager TJ Moses. Collectively, they all spend time ordering the items, sorting inventory, pricing items, displaying items, and managing sales.
“The gift shop is a service and sales opportunity for both parish members and visitors,” Beverly says.
Since there are not many places to find Catholic items in the community, the volunteers believe the shop fills a need due to the offering of a variety of books, videos, home goods, and religious jewelry. The gift shop also receives many out-of-town malihini.
“We take the time to talk with people and learn where they are from and discuss the Mass or religious items,” Romana says. “Sometimes visitors want to know places to eat or visit. Sometimes other parishioners are looking for a particular prayer book and we help them find it.”
The gift shop is an extension of our church that provides a hospitable environment for all who stop by.
“It also helps anyone to connect with their faith by buying items for gifts or for themselves,” Kathy says.
After losing a loved one last year, Kathy began thinking about how to get involved with a ministry in the church.
“One day, the gift shop ladies approached and asked if I would like to volunteer, and I did,” she says. “Working in small teams and being aware of the environment during and after Mass helps us to be productive.”
Through giving of her time, Kathy says she has learned the importance of serving in a dependable and consistent manner. The parishioners appreciate and express gratitude for the gift shop being open on most days. Currently, the shop is open on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday each week.
There are some special products provided by the Kūpuna Group Ministry, which makes our signature rainbow rosaries and St. Michael chaplets. When the parish celebrated the new building’s 10th anniversary in March, the Kūpuna Ministry made over 300 chaplets working with TJ for the special celebration. The entire shop is truly a team effort, with everyone doing their part to keep it running.
The team remains grateful to Carolyn Livingston, who started the gift shop more than 30 years ago.
“I asked her if she had a motto or words to live by,” Kathy says. “Hers were, ‘If not us who, if not now, when?’ Carolyn and her [late] husband, Pepe Bouchard, opened the gift shop most of the week to make it available to kamaʻāina, visitors vacationing in Kona, and from the cruise ships. Carolyn retired last year and moved to the mainland with her family. We all miss her and appreciate what she has done for St. Michael’s.”
To get involved, simply stop by the gift shop on a Sunday during its operating hours.
