Newsletter Articles

A Catholic Tradition of Reflection and Renewal: Lā Hāpala Lehu

A solemn day that marks the beginning of Lent, Lā Hāpala Lehu, or Ash Wednesday, holds a special place in the hearts of Catholics worldwide. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, this observance is laden with symbolism and significance, providing a profound opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal. Ash Wednesday falls 40 days before Easter Sunday, excluding Sundays, and serves as a period of penance, fasting, and prayer, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. The […]

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Environment and Linens Ministry: Ensuring the Beauty of Our Worship Space for the Entire Liturgical Year

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 […]

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Get to Know Fr. Henry Guillen-Vega, Our New Parochial Vicar: Empowering Parishioners to Live out Their Faith

This past summer, our St. Michael’s community was blessed to welcome Fr. Henry Guillen-Vega, beginning his assignment as Parochial Vicar on Aug. 15, 2023.  “It has been a blessing to be part of this faith-filled community and to serve the parishioners,” Fr. Henry says. “I am deeply grateful to Bishop Larry Silva, Fr. Gregorio, the Vicar for Clergy, and Fr. Lio, the Pastor, for entrusting me with this opportunity.” Fr. Henry was born and raised […]

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We Welcome Fr. Royd Mweemba as New Parochial Vicar: Looking Forward to Ministering to Our Parish `Ohana

In June, we were so happy to welcome Fr. Royd Mweemba as our new Parochial Vicar. This is not Fr. Royd’s first time at St. Michael, — he had previously served our parish back in the summer of 2014. We are blessed that he has returned to serve our parish community. Fr. Royd’s journey has led him to be both a teacher and a student over the years. His roots lie in Zambia, where he […]

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Altar Servers Find Great Joy in Sharing Talents with God and Parish at Mass

  We know how vital altar servers are in assisting our clergy with the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Altar servers also have a meaningful impact on their own families as they bring them closer together and closer to the liturgy.  “The impact that the servers have on their families is priceless,” says Ivan Toguchi. “I enjoy watching how much the servers really look forward to serving Mass. When the servers are […]

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Gratefully Celebrating the Completion of Our Grace Parish Center

Seventeen years since the October 2006 earthquake and eight years after the dedication of St. Michael’s Church, the long-awaited Grace Parish Center has been completed! Despite a recession, COVID-19, setbacks, and, at times, frustrations, we are now blessed with facilities that will serve our Catholic community for decades. Construction has been completed — however, a few items from the punch list remain to be recti fied. We are anxious to begin new programs and activities […]

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Lector Ministry: Proclaiming God’s Word for All to Hear

St. Paul has much to say in his letter to the Romans about those who bring the Word of God to others — “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people […]

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Feeding the Hungry with Malama Na Keiki

As Catholics, we are called to feed the hungry, especially in our own communities. In the State of Hawai’i, one in six children faces hunger and food insecurity. Here at St. Michael, the Malama Na Keiki ministry has partnered with Holualoa Elementary School — across the street from the Immaculate Conception mission church — to reach students who are facing hunger. “It’s a Corporal Work of Mercy to feed the hungry, and there is great […]

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The Children’s Rosary: Helping Our Keiki Come to Know Jesus and His Mother

  Courtesy of Catholic Stewardship Consultants (Aug/Sept. 2023 Newsletter) It was only about five months ago that Mary Warren began leading the Children’s Rosary. She is hoping that this ministry will provide an opportunity for children to not only learn how to pray the Rosary but also to develop a relationship with Jesus and His mother.  “This group serves the two-fold purpose of teaching children about the wonderful devotion to the Rosary, but also teaching […]

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Order of Christian Initiation for Adults: Bringing Others to the Love of Christ and the Truth of the Catholic Church

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gave His disciples their Great Commission, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age,” (Matthew 28:19-20). When Jesus gave the disciples this command, He was in turn commanding all […]

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