Moving all the chairs and other furniture out of the worship area into storage spaces is a hugely daunting task. A group of parish volunteers with big muscles (as well as a few with not-so-big muscles, but with motivation) gathered on April 6 during Holy week for our annual floor-cleaning event coordinated by Mr. Eddie Lee. The project required many able volunteers three days to complete. On the first night, they moved all the furniture and stripped the entire worship area floor. On night number two, the floor got five layers of sealant plus burnish to “pop the shine.” The time-consuming multiple coats are necessary for the protection of the beautiful etching on the surface and “it definitely helps the floor look great even after one year,” says Mr. Lee. On the third day, the chairs and furniture were moved back. All the lifting and aligning of the fixtures are done meticulously, as if each chair is a precious chess piece. Why the three days before Easter for the floor cleaning? Mr. Lee explained: “Easter is a celebration of the risen Christ. The floor will be bright and befitting for the Resurrection of Christ. It is also inviting for the people that come to church for Easter celebration.” Mr. Lee is greatly encouraged to see the number of volunteers growing every year. It is more than just cleaning. It’s a time of fellowship: helping each other, sharing laughter, praying together before and after, and growing in faith and community. It’s a “Fellowship of the Floor” (my Tolkien moment)! The volunteers gained strength from pizza and drinks kindly provided after work by Mrs. Joelle Lee. Mr. Lee thanks Mr. Kerry Nishimoto of ABC Corporation, a St. Joseph parishioner, for his valuable expertise regarding equipment and materials. Resurrection parishioners thank you, Mr. Lee, for your leadership and all the volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Pictured are Mr. Edward Millerd and his 7-year-old daughter Lindsey who are working hard to strip the floor on the first night. Lindsey was the only youth working amidst the macho guys. Way to go, Lindsey! (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Seven preschoolers gathered on March 8 for Faith Formation class. Sunday’s Gospel was about Jesus’ Transfiguration, when three apostles caught a glimpse of Jesus’ glory as God’s beloved son. The children dramatized the story using a flashlight in a darkened room representing Jesus’ radiant body revealing God’s beauty. They also learned that nature reveals God’s beauty and love. The children were encouraged to explore the things growing around them and to notice how they are also growing and changing. They especially enjoyed reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” one of the most loved stories among preschoolers. Like the caterpillar, which changed into a beautiful butterfly by the end of the story, the children have all grown considerably since the Faith Formation program began six months ago. Back then, some were too shy to walk into the classroom alone, while others clung to their parents and cried. Now they walk in with confidence and are happy to see their friends. Pictured are Alina, Annielou, Ashley, Cole, Jacqueline, Joshua, Nicholas, Robbie, Channel Fujimoto (catechist’s aide), and Walter Benavitz (catechist’s aide) holding their pots of freshly planted sunflower and corn seeds. They will be nurturing the plants and watching them grow and change over the next several weeks. Their closing prayer was genuine and moving: “Thank you God for all the food you make for us so we can grow. We want to grow to be more like Jesus. Amen.” (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish

On Feb. 25, members of our parish left Hawaii to attend the L.A. Religious Education Congress “Love Unfolding … Igniting Our Yes!” in Anaheim. Among them were nine members from our Youth Ministry: Christian Duldulao, Keoki Dumlao, Eric Ordorica, Joseph Ornellas, Matthew Oshiro, Ryan Pelaez, Ryan Quemado, Shayla Theodore and Sean Wheeler. All who attended arduously raised funds for the trip for one whole year through food booths after Mass, car washes, recycling bottles and cans, and a community dance. At the Congress, the youths particularly enjoyed Youth Day, workshops, and liturgies. Ryan Quemado excitedly recounted his experience: “We met over 15,000 youths from all over the country, which was really cool and we had a sign that told everyone where we were from and they were amazed that we came all the way from Hawaii!” When asked if the Congress transformed them in any way, Sean Wheeler explained without waiting a heartbeat: “I saw so many people there that are so close to God and they are so dedicated! The speakers, especially Irma Sandbo and Trudy Rego, inspired me so much that I really want to be like them.” These young people prioritized their busy school and personal schedules to go to the Congress and were rewarded with a deep spiritual connection and growth. Forget the i-pod, Xbox or PSP because they have found something much more fulfilling and long-lasting, or should I say — everlasting. These youths are energized and fired-up by the power of God and are sure to be beacons for other teens to see the unmistakable inner glow and peace that only our faith can bring. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi, photo by John Wheeler)

On Feb. 21, 23 children and youths received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. They all gathered at church at 10 a.m., feeling a little nervous. However, the soothing meditation music and the familiar faces of friends gave everyone comfort and encouragement. This first Reconciliation celebration was special because it was celebrated not only by the children but by their parents and siblings as well. Father Paul encouraged the children to smile when their confession was done. What a wonderful smile each participant had! Children and parents prepared for the sacrament with special classes and a retreat. Families also prepared for the sacrament together at home with assignments given to them by faith formation coordinator Mrs. Yuko Ornellas. I truly believe that this preparation helped the first Reconciliation experience to be a tremendously important journey in each child’s life. The lessons of asking for and receiving forgiveness, accepting responsibility for their own actions, and exercising the courage to make amends and change their ways are sure to improve the quality of their lives now and into eternity. The parents and the children shared the understanding that this sacrament is a gift and a privilege and that God’s love, his guidance, and his welcome are never-ending. Congratulations! (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish

On Feb. 6, we had our first neighborhood dance, 7-9 p.m., in the church parking lot, a project spearheaded by the members of our RCIA, Nadine Wheeler, and Youth Ministry, Makana Aiona. The band Woodrose, made up of none other than our own parishioners — a soul rocking singer Nadine Wheeler and a heavy-hitting drummer Aaron Mira Fuentes, also Zach Kaaihue, Wayne Lehano, Dave Johnston, Darrell Mira and Darell Mira Jr. provided live music. RCIA and youth ministry members hosted food booths with mouth-watering baked goods, homemade chili and spaghetti among many other items. Many enjoyed the line dance contest. There was a big turnout and the event was a huge success! Canned goods were also collected during this event and later donated to the Catholic food pantries. The proceeds from the food booths fund our RCIA and outreach programs and also to assist our catechists who are going to the L.A. Congress at the end of this month. The lighting and sound systems were donated by Ben Juan. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - December 12, 2008

Congratulations to the 24 candidates of our parish’s Confirmation I class who celebrated the Rite of Acceptance on the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30. The 24 youths — Jackie Aganon, Kingsley Albano, Adam Bajinting, Gabriel Balais, Coty Barrientos, Robby-Sean Cayetano, Edwen Ducusin-Sanguin, Devin Eddy, Christine Flauta, Devani Gaoing-Agbayani, Jayden Gaoing-Agbayani, Joann Gutierrez, Danielle Leon-Guerrero, Kristen Leon-Guerrero, Aprille-Grace Manzano, Adam Murata, Nicole Naong, Jennifer Nerida, Regina Pacis, Reny Ramil, Gregory Tabieros, Clare Taira, Shayla Theodore and Sean Wheeler — made the decision to move forward from the Inquiry stage into a new way of life. We pray that their answer to God’s calling will continue to guide them through their journey supported by their sponsors, families and the entire parish community. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - November 14, 2008

At a Care Fair hosted by our parish after Masses on Oct. 18 and 19, church ministries proudly presented their work and service opportunities in attractive booths. Each booth provided easy-to-read information, displays, pictures, decals, bookmarks and brochures. Volunteers at each booth were eager to answer questions. The fair gave the parish an atmosphere of celebration and helped people get excited about serving God through a wide variety of ministries and opportunities. The event also offered information to people in need of care. Events like this encourage people who might be wondering, “Where might God be calling me to serve?” It also helps those seeking to fulfill certain spiritual needs. The photo shows John Wheeler, Makana Aiona and Bob Mace smiling by a booth promoting none other than, YES!, the Hawaii Catholic Herald. Upon seeing the Herald display, scores of people excitedly signed up to subscribe. You can call it any way you like, Care Fair or Ministry Fair, but one thing is certain; it was a fun fair that was extremely informational at the same time. A highly recommended event if your church has never had one before. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - October 31, 2008

Our lives are too often caught up in multi-tasking, rushing through every aspect of life. Everyone seems to be speeding from one place to another. When we attend Mass on Sundays, we are supposed to silence our cell phones, forget about the precious to-do lists and leave all the worries of our life at the door. Yet, some of us still wonder if the Mass will end on time so we can get to our next destination on time. But parishioners gathered on the evening of Oct. 9 sought to do just the opposite. That night, many came to celebrate a slow Mass with Bishop Larry Silva. The gathering was arranged by Makana Aiona, a coordinator for the newly established Teen Bible Sharing held 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday. As the bishop presided, he explained what happens during Mass and why, every step of the way. There was no need to rush. No cell phones rang. Everyone had a chance to reflect on the Mass, appreciate the beauty of the church’s tradition and be immersed in the presence of the Holy Spirit. In fact, no one rushed to leave after the slow Mass. They lingered to reflect or share fellowship with others. Stop and smell the roses. Listen to the Word of God. Slow down. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - October 3, 2008

Long lines of anxious and salivating parishioners are testimony of how popular our malasada and cascaron sale is every time we have it. Our first of the year sale was Sept. 14. The day before, Confirmation I students, parents, and sponsors streamed into the church’s lanai — a makeshift kitchen — to prepare our delicious malasada dough. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon — cooking together while enjoying fellowship! The youths used their knowledge of fractions to measure ingredients, learned how the yeast works, and had lots of fun immersed to their elbows mixing the gooey dough. Some parishioners’ minds might have drifted off to the irresistible aroma of malasada being fried outside the church during Mass (sorry, Father!). The profits will fund our faith formation education. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi, photo by John Wheeler)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - September 19, 2008

At our parish, the most faithful pray the rosary as a group (Mary Takahashi, Gaylene Colon, Hank and Lorraine Cashen, Joyce and Marvin Uehara, Bob Mace and Lynne Cullen). They meet every first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. and anyone may participate. Bob Mace also leads the rosary at 6 a.m. before every weekday morning Mass. Coordinator Mary Takahashi says the prayer group is a wonderful way to learn how to pray rosary. “Parents are encouraged to bring their children and expose them to such a beautiful experience at a young age,” she said. The group also prays the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Modern society is afflicted by depression, crime, war, illness, broken families, violence and abortions. The power of the rosary can transform our spiritual life and bring us back into the fullness of the Catholic Church. The month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. Let us consider this beautiful prayer as a means to draw closer to Jesus and Mary through meditation on the great mysteries of our salvation. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - August 22, 2008

If you are searching for an opportunity to spend spiritual time with other women, search no more! Our weekly Women’s Faith Sharing is designed to guide Catholic women to a deeper understanding of their unique calling in life (all women are invited to participate, Catholic or not). The coordinator Nadine Wheeler uses the program “Living as a Confident Daughter of God” as a class guide. During this two-hour session (which flies by because the participants have such a spirited time together), the women enjoy sharing their own faith and life journeys mostly by “talking story,” providing a beautiful view of the workings of the Holy Spirit. Mrs. Wheeler believes that “as church, we are home: a place for the family to reconnect, in an otherwise disconnected world. In this faith-sharing, we provide something more precious than diamonds! We provide souls a place to simply be.” The group meets Thursdays beginning at 6:45 p.m. with fellowship and refreshments with class from 7 p.m. One of the participants commented, “Being with other women and sharing our experiences together truly helps me realize I am not alone struggling to find time to be spiritual while juggling responsibilities daily as a mom, a wife, a daughter, a worker, a volunteer, and etc. in this busy world.” The parish also offers Men’s Faith Sharing on Monday nights. “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.” (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - March 16, 2008

Do you ever wonder how the church stays sparkling clean every time you come to attend Mass? The bathroom smells fresh like spring breeze. The windows are always spotless. The floors are swept from corner to corner. The lanai areas are swept and void of unsightly rubbish. The trash cans are emptied promptly. We don’t have professional cleaners. Even better, we have dedicated parish volunteers who willingly come forward quietly to do just that for you. Confirmation I and II youths, their parents and sponsors were spotted working hard doing the job that many would rather not do on an early Saturday morning of Feb. 23. They happily spend every Saturday working hard during Lenten Season. Mahalo for a job well-done. Pictured is Nemesio Ramos, father of Dulce Ramos of Confirmation I, cleaning a stained glass window. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - December 14, 2007

November was National Hunger and Homeless Awareness month. While most people were preparing for their perfect Thanksgiving Day celebration, 75 Confirmation students, their sponsors and parents were busy putting their faith to action and giving witness of God’s great love for the least of our brothers and sisters at HOPE for a New Beginning Emergency Shelter in Kalaeloa in Kapolei. On Nov. 17, they started their day at the shelter cleaning and organizing the shelter’s thrift shop and food pantry and moving and refurnishing the children’s classroom. Once the old classroom was vacated, the “design team” prepared the new space for a family now living on a leeward beach. The skilled carpenters and craftsmen put together beautiful desks, one for every computer and a few extra to hold sewing machines (for classes for the residents) which previously sat on a makeshift plywood counter. Others moved furniture, painted rooms, checked the expiration dates on canned goods, sorted and folded clothing by color, size and gender, and stacked items such as books and toys. In the letter to the parish, Ms. Iwie Tamashiro of diocesan Parish Social Ministry Office wrote that the shelter manager cried when she first walked in and saw the transformation. The light rain and a beautiful rainbow at the end of the day seemed to be a sign of blessings for the good and faith-filled Confirmation candidates with kind and compassionate hearts AND great adult role models such as Liz Shippen, the Confirmation program coordinator who spearheaded this project. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi, photo by Rick McGough)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - November 16, 2007

Children and families of the faith formation classes joined the monthly family gathering on Oct. 28. During this two-hour event titled “Saints by Our Side,” participants learned about saints, celebrating them as models of love and faith, and examples for daily family life. The session culminated with activity centers prepared by faith formation coordinator Yuko Ornellas and catechists John Wheeler, Carol Barretto and Mark Johnson. One group (pictured) learned about saints by making their own saint clips. Another group made a healthy snack mix to nourish our bodies as saints nourish our spiritual wellbeing and energize our faith. The third group worked at “Who’s In Your Saint Posse” table to identify their patron saints in order to grow in their relationship with them. Everyone could to rotate to each activity center and socialize with fellow parishioners! The potluck lunch was great as it always is here. No one was in a rush to leave. It was another spiritual and fun-filled family gathering for our faith formation ohana! (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - May 18, 2007

One day, you are reciting Our Father. Then, you realize there is a little child inquisitively looking up at you. She says, “Sounds nice. Can you explain to me what you are saying?” You are not sure if you can. You have these precious lines committed to memory forever, but can you define each? Nadine Wheeler, an adult religious education coordinator and a veteran catechist, answering a directive from the pope, started the Bible Basics classes to help answer questions like these. She says, “There is a huge need among adult Catholics to grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible. They may enroll their children in CCD and Catholic schools, but if they really desire to grow spiritually as a whole family, it’s the adults, more than anybody else, who need to continue their journey with faith.” Bible Basics teach understanding of the Bible as a whole, its history, background, the people and culture, and literary styles. According to Nadine, adults should go beyond what was taught in the 8th grade regarding the church and the Bible so as to truly embrace the joys of Christian life. If you are interested in the Bible Basics classes, please feel free to contact Nadine Wheeler. The class is open to ALL adult Catholics! (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - April 20, 2007

The white cross on the roof of our church just got brighter. You can see it from miles away if you know where to look among the landscape of rooftops. The community is grateful for this and other makeovers organized by Adam Picon, a 17-year-old Boy Scout who made the ultimate rank of Eagle Scout earlier this year. For his Eagle Project, Adam and the adult leaders from Troop 76 climbed to the pinnacle of the church, then cleaned and repainted the cross with a special sealant to ensure its beautiful appearance for many years to come. Adam and his fellow Scouts also did extensive landscaping and grounds cleaning, digging around the sidewalks that surround the church and parking lot to install red brick scallops to prevent the erosion of red dirt. Why did Adam chose the church for his Eagle Project? “The church did so much for me,” he said. “They helped me in so many ways that I strongly felt it was my turn to give back.” He and 11 other Scouts are now working to earn a Roman Catholic Emblem through a program called Ad Altare Dei with John Wheeler as a counselor. Although Adam has reached the pinnacle of scouting, he is staying with his troop to help the younger scouts advance their knowledge and skills. We are proud to have such a young, humble and dedicated role model like Adam! (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

WAIPIO GENTRY | Resurrection of the Lord Parish - February 24, 2007

Our parish has been chosen to receive the Catholic Charities Hawaii Partners in Mission Award for 2007. This award, according to Jerry Rauckhorst, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities, is given “to a parish whose partnership with Catholic Charities Hawaii has enabled our organization to carry out the social mission of the church to serve the people of Hawaii.” Some of the help cited at the award ceremony were the “Giving Tree” and other projects such as Ma’ili transitional housing site beautification projects, Mary Jane Center, celebrating Thanksgiving meals with the needy, sharing our Thanksgiving Day collection among others. Many of these projects were carried out quietly by the youth in Confirmation I and II as part of their preparation for the sacrament, but it is a testament to the good our young people do out of compassion and dedication. As our pastor Capuchin Franciscan Father Paul Minchak says, this is a wonderful tribute to our parish family, especially those most involved. Our parish was honored at the Catholic Charities annual meeting at Hale Koa Hotel on Feb. 9 with a presentation of a beautiful plaque from Bishop Larry Silva. Congratulations! (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

WAIPIO GENTRY | Resurrection of the Lord Parish - February 9, 2007

Long lines of anxious and salivating parishioners are testimony of how popular our lumpia sale is every time we have it. Our first sale of the year was Jan. 14. On the day before, the volunteers kept streaming into the church’s conference room, a makeshift kitchen, to prepare the delicious Filipino treats. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon cooking together while enjoying each others fellowship! The youngest helper was a 6-year-old boy. I’m not surprised if some parishioners’ minds drifted off to the irresistible aroma of lumpia being fried outside the church during Mass. (Sorry, Father!) The profit is used to fund our building debt. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

WAIPIO GENTRY | Resurrection of the Lord Parish - Janurary 26, 2007

About 100 Confirmation I and II candidates, their parents, and sponsors gathered on Jan. 6 at the Hawaii Shelter for Homeless Veterans at Kalaeloa in Kapolei for their Epiphany project, “A Little Gift for Jesus.” They barbequed a luncheon feast for 170-190 veterans. Each teenage candidate sat down individually with the veterans to learn about their life and experiences. The event included live entertainment, games and prizes. The veterans received gift certificates and goody bags of personal items like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, etc. A lot of bulk items like laundry detergent, irons and ironing boards were donated to the shelter for distribution. They also presented the shelter with a check for $1,659.44 — representing the remaining funds from their Advent sale after luncheon expenses were covered. The candidates raised approximately $2,800 through their annual “Advent Food, Bake, and Stuff Sale.” The experience was truly rewarding for all who participated and those that diligently planned and dedicated their time and talents for their Christmas gift to the Lord. (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)

WAIPIO GENTRY

Resurrection of the Lord Parish - January 12, 2007

This was the Youth Choir’s first Christmas Eve Family Mass performance that included Aunty Carol and Aunty Rowena’s religious ed third graders. In the Nativity scene, Jolana Gollero as Mary holds Baby Jesus while Justin Failma as Joseph accompanied the music with sign language as the singers and musicians played “Here with Us.” The choir’s first performance was July 29. This new ministry provides youths with opportunities to apply their talents to create a worshipful environment that includes contemporary music. Director Wesley Taira hopes to provide music that appeals to all audiences with special interest to our youth. The parish has been very supportive and encouraging, he said. The choir practices Wednesday nights. All ages are welcome. Wesley says their motto is a quote from Father Richard Rohr, OFM, “When you know Jesus, you’re always young and ‘in love.’” (Reported by Nobuko Fushimi)