Articles by smadmin

A Look at Our Parish Projects and the Road to Completion

With the installation of the solar photovoltaic system, the construction of St. Michael Church and the Grace Parish Center is complete. The project that started after the 2006 Kīholo Earthquake damage has had its challenges. With your support, we now have a beautiful campus to worship and gather. Here is a recap of the costs and how we got to where we are now. St. Michael the Archangel Church The cost of the church, including […]

Read More

Engaged Encounter Guides Couples on Road to Marriage

In today’s society, so much goes into the preparation for “the wedding.” Endless details and expenses seem to demand the engaged couple’s attention as they prepare for their big day. Everything must be perfect — guest lists, caterers, venues, musicians, photographers, bridal party attire and flowers. The list can go on and on. What is many times missing from this grand plan? What will life be like after the big day? So much planning goes into the […]

Read More

A Visit to Our Parish’s Gift Shop: Religious Items and Friendly Faces Welcoming All Who Stop By

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 […]

Read More

Parking Ambassadors: Perform Essential Service and Extend Hospitality to All

We have many ministries here at St. Michael the Archangel that serve to foster ho’okipa (hospitality), such as the Coffee and Donuts Ministry, the Lei Ministry, and Welcome Committee, to name a few. It’s important to make parishioners and guests alike feel welcome. This is part of our Hawai’i tradition and our Christian tradition. Each person who walks through our doors should know they are welcome, valued, and loved.  As parishioners at St. Michael the […]

Read More

An Inside Look at the Charismatic Prayer Group: Renewed by the Holy Spirit

Beginning in the United States in 1967, right after the Second Vatican Council, the charismatic renewal movement has continued spreading around the world. Here at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, our own Charismatic Prayer Group’s efforts are supported through the Hawaiʻi  Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service.  Parishioners Monica and Dr. John Choe were baptized in the Holy Spirit through the charismatic renewal movement more than 40 years ago. John profoundly encountered the Lord, transforming him to live […]

Read More

Rich and Ellen Shares Their Stewardship Way of Life at St. Michael’s

Ellen and Rich Janevicius is this year’s Lay Witness Testimony in our annual Stewardship Campaign. Below is the transcript of their speech:  Ellen:  Aloha! My name is Ellen Janevicius and this is my husband, Rich. We stand here today filled with overwhelming gratitude and are humbled and blessed to share our stewardship story with you. We joined the St. Michael’s parish ‘ohana shortly after retiring here to Kailua Kona in 2021 from the Chicago area.  […]

Read More

Q and A about the Stewardship Renewal

You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of those you love. This rationale is difficult for many of us to accept. Mothers and fathers routinely place the needs of their children before their own; soldiers at war often throw their own safety to the wind in the interest of protecting their fellow soldiers. The story of Jesus also focuses on giving to others. If Christ calls us to imitate Him […]

Read More

Our Annual Stewardship Renewal: Thanking God for the Blessings He Has Bestowed on Us

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 […]

Read More

The Respect Life Ministry: Upholding the Sanctity of All Human Life, From Conception to Natural Death

Life is the central element of the entire Gospel message. As Christ tells us in John 10:10,  “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” So, as Christian disciples it is our responsibility to defend and champion life — from conception to natural death.  “All human life is precious in God’s eyes, and we want to praise and worship God,” says Ed Smialek, coordinator of our parish’s Respect Life Ministry.  Ed […]

Read More

Living Stewardship Through Parish Hospitality Ministries: A Gift of Time and Talents

Stewardship is not just a one-time act — it’s a way of life for Catholics. It’s about recognizing that everything we have comes from God and using our time, talents, and treasure to serve Him and others. One powerful way to live out this calling is by actively participating in parish hospitality ministries, serving as ushers, greeters, and lectors during the Mass. These roles not only enhance the Mass experience but also allow us to […]

Read More