Saturday, December 25, 2010

Purposed Changes for Our Food Collection Program to Begin in January 2011

1. We set up a collection box in the narthex that people can donate none perishable food to at any time.

2. We set up a section of our Social Ministry shelves in the store room for a small food bank to be given to ROL parishioners whenever they are in need.

3. We also let it be known in the parish that we collect perishable food items for distribution to parishioners in need. I have had parishioners approach me and say they have perishable food items they would like to contribute. These could be monitored on a daily basis. If they are reaching end of life, we can give them to the Lighthouse on a daily basis.We can keep the perishable food items in the refrigerator in the conference room.

4. This small scale food bank, for ROL parishioners in need, will be run casually. If we have food and someone needs it, we give it, no questions asked, and no accounting. It can be given out by the people in the office (Laura, Carey, Nadine, Father Paul) Bob or Liz by phone request.

5. Anyone who would like to take a more active part in this program, or know of someone in the parish who would, jump on board. Give me your feedback. Bob at matthew25@clearwire.net

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas 2010

Easing world poverty with spare change By Elizabeth Balao | Special to the Herald

Why are so many third world farmers impoverished? It is not only because of primitive conditions and natural disasters. Many farmers are the victims of corrupt financial systems. Columban Father Shay Cullen, who spent time with farmers in remote areas of the Philippines, explained the reality in the March 2009 issue of World Mission, a Catholic magazine.

He wrote: “The farmers are impoverished because they give one-third of their crop to the landowner and pay the high cost of terminator seeds that have to be bought annually because they are designed not to reproduce themselves. They have to be bought yearly with the matching chemical fertilizer and pesticides made by a multi-national corporation.”

He went on to expose the rotten and corrupt system of government and Philippine lending institutions. “This unjust system is the greatest cause of poverty,” he said.

Father Cullen established a foundation to help farmers redirect their efforts from rice to fresh produce and livestock through micro-financing, a system developed in Bangladesh by the 2006 Nobel peace prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus that empowers poor people to help themselves.

I went on a humanitarian trip to the remotest areas in Cagayan Valley in the Philippines in October of 2009 invited by the Catholic priest who serves there, Father Manuel Vicente Catral. I witnessed the extreme poverty of farmers and their families.

Father Catral and I decided to look for a solution to the suffering. He suggested the very same idea I had been researching — micro-lending. And so was born our project, “Hope in a Jar.”

Hope in a Jar is a head start to self-sufficiency. It is a project to fund the livelihoods of farmers, single parents, and others who are victims of natural disasters, social discrimination, abuse, political corruption and other conditions that create poverty. It is not a dole out, but an opportunity for the poor to stand on their own, with the promise of success and pay back.

Fathers Catral, Geronimo, Sabban and Banggay are four young, energetic, dedicated Catholic priests whose parishes are in the remotest parts of the Cagayan Valley Province. They have initiated a micro-financing program to give their parishioners a chance for a better life and self-sufficiency.

Through modest donations from generous people in California and Hawaii over the past three years, Father Catral has saved $5,000. He will use that money to start a micro-lending program where the poor can borrow, with minimal interest, small amounts of money to invest in a business venture.

With a $200 loan, at 1 percent to 2 percent interest, a farmer, housewife, single parent or self-supporting college student can start a livelihood by growing vegetables, or raising pigs, chickens or fish, or opening a food stand.

Similar programs have been successful in the neighboring provinces of Ilocos and Isabela. Inspired by the achievements of these local entrepreneurs, Father Catral plans to spearhead his project with the help of volunteers.

Here is where Hope in a Jar comes in. We are asking anyone who wants to help to gather up all the loose change laying around the house, in your car, in your drawers and on your desk at work, and put it in an empty jar or any glass container.

Send the money, through the Philippine National Bank, to Rev. Fr. Manuel Vicente Catral, PNB Tuguegarao, advising him of the remittance number by sending a message to his e-mail address, mavic7079@yahoo.com.

Or you may drop off your jars at Blessed Sacrament Church on Pauoa Road on Sundays, 9-11 a.m., where a volunteer will be at the main door to accept the jars. Write your name, address and telephone number to receive a receipt after the change is counted.

For more information, call Elizabeth Balao at 599-7623. She is a Blessed Sacrament parishioner and also the coordinator of the Adopt a Classroom project for the poor children of the Cagayan Valley. Following her own transparency and accountability policy, Baloa does not accept cash donations for her projects.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

2011 National Migration Week - January 2 - 8


2011 National Migration Week - January 2 - 8
Loving Father,
in your infinite compassion, we seek your divine protection for refugee children who are often alone and afraid. Provide solace to those who have been witnesses to violence and destruction, who have lost parents, family, friends, home, and all they cherish due to war or persecution.
Comfort them in their sorrow, and bring help in their time of need. Show mercy to unaccompanied migrant children, too, Lord. Reunite them with their families and loved ones. Guide those children who are strangers in a foreign land to a place of peace and safety.
Comfort them in their sorrow, and bring help in their time of need. Show us how we might reach out to these precious and vulnerable children. Open our hearts to migrant and refugee children in need, so that we might see in them your own migrant Son.
Give us courage to stand up in their defense against those who would do them harm. For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Family Promise of Hawaii

Family Promise of Hawaii

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The hard working ladies of the office - Lauralie B. Loughlin & Carey L. Tomimatsu

Thank you Laura for all you have given. Welcome Carey.

Thank you Ursula

Thank you Ursula for organizing our Giving Tree Project

Friday, December 10, 2010

Attention at Liturgy

We support one another's faith by the kind of response we give to the Lord in our worship. That response needs to be active, alive, and enthusiastic. We make a difference to one another by the way we are attentive to what is happening at Mass. We can build one another up by the reverence we show. Eucharistic ministers certainly notice the reverence of people as they come to receive the Lord in communion. We can also weaken one another just by our inattention, our look of boredom, our non-participation. We have an affect on one another even when we don't always know it. Our responses and actions during liturgy are part of our ministry to one another as members of the Body of Christ.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

"Hail Mary, Full of Grace The Lord is with you"

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - white
2nd week of Advent
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Monday, December 6, 2010

Confirmation I and II: December 5, 2010: Second Sunday of Advent – Read the Gospel: Mt 3:1-1224:37-44

Journal: How did you live out last week’s Gospel message? What was tough? What was rewarding?

Maybe this Advent we should trim and burn some tree limbs, not just trim our Christmas trees.
John the Baptist seems to sternly warn religious leaders that people who ignore his call to change will face a fiery judgment. They’ll be like rotten trees cut down and burned.
I think John liked to shock people. But for good reason. He lived in a world full of poverty and injustice. He wanted people to face how their sins were hurting the world. Don’t let John’s harsh words scare you. True, our sinful habits and attitudes are like rotten trees or bare branches. Things like selfishness and prejudice take away our happiness, hurt others, and keep us from working for a just world. But Jesus can help us trim these “tree limbs” from our lives. I know a young man who decided as a teenager to change his life in a plane ride home from a Catholic conference. He hadn’t been treating girls he’d dated with respect. He’d been hanging out with the wrong crowd. Jesus, he said, showed him what to change and gave him the confidence to do it. He’s a lot happier now.
We light candles in Advent to remember that Christ can bring light (guidance and warmth) to the darkness in our lives and in the world. We also remember that Christ’s light can burn away what hold us back from our full potential. Take time in advent to feel God’s compassion in the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Or talk with a teacher, friend, or parent about things you’d like to change. You’ll realize, as you trim your Christmas tree, that Jesus is gently trimming your soul.

Journal: What can you change about yourself this Advent to make the world a brighter place? Be specific.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Great Christmas Gifts from Resurrection of the Lord Parishinors

Here are a couple of great gift ideas from two of our creative parishioners at Resurrection of the Lord; Lynne Cullen's work of religious poetry and Wesley Taira's CD of religious music. Lynne has said that the profits from her book sales go to Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church. Wesley, who is in the Permanent Deaconate Program, uses his earnings to help finance his Deaconate training.

To purchase these fine products, follow the links below:

The Orange Flame Within, by Lynne M. Cullen

"Psalms for Healing", by Wesley Taira

Friday, December 3, 2010

Sharing The Joy of The Resurrection

On Good Friday, April 2, 2010 Maria Ordonez, Lourdes Clemente and Marissa Ordonez delivered Easter gifts to the residents of Pearl City Nursing Home. The gifts were plastic eggs in multi-color, decorated and wrapped with colored netting cloth tied together by fine ribbons with a "Happy Easter!" greeting. The total number given away was one hundred forty (140) These were placed on the resident's food tray the morning of Easter Sunday. "Doing something simple for fellow Christians who are unable to partake of any formal chuch Easter celebration and bringing to them the news of Jesus' resurrection was a heartwarming experience. The time, money and talent used were God-given gifts that must be shared to others, It was truly a project worthy of the undertaking."

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

from the desk of Fr. Paul…

Wednesday, December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. When Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb, God preserved her from original sin, knowing that she would be the Mother of Jesus. Thus Mary remained pure from the moment of her conception until she died. We honor her under the title of “Immaculate Conception” on Wednesday. It is a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics – all Catholics are required to attend and celebrate Mass. This year, to try and encourage everyone to go to Mass, I have added an extra Mass on Tuesday night. The Masses for Immaculate Conception are: Tuesday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 8th at 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

During the season of Advent, we always have a Penance Service with confessions to give us an opportunity to approach Christmas with pure hearts. Resurrection of the Lord’s Penance Service is this Friday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. There should be at least 8 priests here to help with confessions.

If you cannot make it Friday night, the following is a list of Parishes of the Central Vicariate with the dates and times of their Penance Services:

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Pearl City - Tuesday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m.

St. Elizabeth, Aiea - Thursday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Wahiawa - Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m.

St. John Apostle and Evangelist, Mililani - Wednesday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m.

St. Michael, Waialua - Thursday, December 16th at 7:00 p.m.

THE GIVING TREE AT RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

THE GIVING TREE provides gifts for needy children on the islands of Oahu and Molokai this Advent Season. Tags with names of the child and the gift they are looking for are in the narthex. Gifts for the Molokai children must be received at the parish by Sunday, December 5th. All gifts must be unwrapped, with the tag attached. First pickup for the Oahu gifts will be on December 12th and the last pickup on December 19th. Mahalo for your generosity.
WANT TO BE A PART of beautifying our worship area this Christmas season? Donations to our flower fund will purchase flowers to decorate our church. Envelopes are on the table in the narthex and can be dropped off in the Mass collection basket. Please make checks payable to ROL church. Thank you for your generous support.

CHURCH FLOWER FUND - Donations are always being accepted to help purchase flowers. Envelopes are located on the table in the narthex and can be dropped off in the Mass collection basket. Please make checks payable to ROL Church. Thank you for your generous support.

There is a small group of volunteers who give much of their time, talents, and personal donations to purchase and maintain plants and flowers. Anyone is welcome to help out in this ministry. To inquire more information, please contact Lynn Aninzo at ROL church office 676-4700.

Confirmation I and II: November 28, 2010: First Sunday of Advent - Read the Gospel: Mt 24:37-44

Journal: How did you live out last week's Gospel message? What was tough? What was rewarding?

Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans several years ago. Hundreds died. Rescuers found hundreds trapped on rooftops. Some argued that many people suffered only because the government authorities weren't prepared for the storm. As Advent begins this week, Jesus reminds us that people suffered in Noah's time because they weren't prepared. Remember the story? It tells us that sin and injustice - ignored by God's people - caused the world's destruction. Are we ignoring sin and injustice today? This is a good season to think about that. As you do, prepare yourself for Christ in three ways. First, take time this advent to read newspapers closely. Look for evidence of injustice - war, poverty, prejudice. Keep your eyes open at school. Notice kids ignored by others and notice the bullies who prey on the weak. Sadly, you'll see that our world is still plagued by sin and injustice. But remember, Advent is also a season of hope. It comes at the darkest time of the year (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), so we light candles to remember that Christ's power seeks to beat back the darkness of injustice every day. Second, prepare yourself by looking for evidence of grace. To every war, God sends peacemakers. To every kid who feels left out, God sends a friend. Stay awake, Jesus says, and you'll see reasons for hope all over the world. Third, prepare yourself to be grace and hope this season, the person who shines light by standing for peace, feeding the hungry, forgiving an enemy, or welcoming an outcast. Sure, sin floods our world, but God sends boars to the rescue. Jump on board this Advent. People stranded by pain and injustice are waiting for you.

Journal: Where can you make a difference at home, at school, or in the world this Advent? What will you do? Be specific.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

To our Eucharistic Ministers

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am sending this to all before I finalize it. Please take a good look. There are lots of blank spaces. I don't want to fill it up, because it it not the regular schedule time. First is the Dec. 7th vigil mass at 7:00pm (Tuesday) for Immaculate Conception. Father wants to try this to give everyone chance to go to mass. Second is the Christmas Eve midnight mass. Third is the day after Christmas. Christmas falls on a Saturday. Father eliminated the regular Saturday evening mass, but he added one extra mass on Sunday the 26th at 11:15am., so, we have 7:30am; 9:30am and 11:15am mass. I want your reply no later than tomorrow. I will finalize it tomorrow night, so I can have it printed before this weekend. Thank you for understanding my predicament. We will have three new Head Ministers for the 5:15pm mass. Hank and Lorraine Cashen and Lydia Pavao. Thank you for volunteering.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

“What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Monday, November 15, 2010

ANNUAL WHITE ELEPHANT SALE & FOOD AND BAKE SALE

ANNUAL WHITE ELEPHANT SALE (proceeds go to the Confirmation Epiphany Project) – December 4 & 5 after each mass. Donations of new or slightly used items, crafts or Christmas stuff to be sold at this sale may be dropped off after each mass beginning November 8th through December 3rd. Items may also be dropped off at the office during the week. Thank you for your kokua.

ANNUAL FOOD AND BAKE SALE (proceeds go to Confirmation Epiphany Project) – December 11 & 12 after each mass.

This years Giving Tree Project for needy children

This year we will once again be participating in the Giving Tree for needy children on the Islands of Oahu and Molokai for Advent Season. Because the gifts to Molokai must be shipped early, we will have the Molokai children's names ready for selection after all Masses this week. They will be posted on the Lanai. Gifts for Molokai's children must be received at the parish by Sunday, December 5, 2010. Names for the children of Oahu will be ready for selection the first Sunday of Advent. Mahalo for your generosity.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Confirmation I and II: November 6, 2010: The Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Read the Gospel: Lk 20:27-38

Journal: How did you live out last week's Gospel message? What was tough? What was rewarding?

I had a friend who wrote a regular school newspaper column in college. He usually knew for sure he was right about an issue and attacked opposing arguments by making fun of them. His mind was closed, just like the Sadducees in this week's Gospel. The Sadducees were members of a religious group whose beliefs differed from Jesus' teachings. For example, they didn't believe in the Resurrection or in angels. But in this week's Gospel, they didn't listen to him and rethink their positions; instead, they made an argument that mocked his beliefs.
That's too common in our society. People don't listen to one another; instead, they attack or belittle one another. It's an easy style to adopt. You don't have to think if you can shout down or mock your opponent.
But that's how you miss God's wisdom. This week's Gospel reminds us that sometimes God challenges our positions on things like religion, school, and family. That challenge will likely come through friends, priests, teachers and family members. The Spirit calls us to keep our minds open, especially to people whom we disagree. Here are some tips:
1, When you disagree with someone, avoid the temptation to close your mind or respond with sarcasm or personal attacks. Think. Ask God to help you consider opposing opinions.
2. Don't let pride get in the way. God calls us to full life, but we miss out-like the Sadducees did-when we're not open to the spiritual and intellectual changes that life brings.

Journal: What makes it tough for you to keep your mind open when you disagree with someone? What keeps you from seeking and accepting what God wants you to know in order to live a fuller, more abundant life?

Thursday, November 4, 2010

BLOOD DRIVE at ROL on Saturday, November 27, 2010, 8 a.m. to 12:43 p.m.

BLOOD DRIVE at ROL on Saturday, November 27, 2010, 8 a.m. to 12:43 p.m. Signups after each mass begin on October 20th and ends on November 21st. Save 3 lives with a 1 pint donation. Volunteers also needed to assist at the sign up tables for 5-10 minutes after masses. No experience necessary, just a willingness to help. Call Jennie at 671-4733 for more information.

ANNUAL WHITE ELEPHANT SALE

ANNUAL WHITE ELEPHANT SALE (proceeds go to the Confirmation Epiphany Project) – December 4 & 5 after each mass. Donations of new or slightly used items, crafts or Christmas stuff to be sold at this sale may be dropped off after each mass beginning November 8th through December 3rd. Items may also be dropped off at the office during the week. Thank you for your kokua.

ANNUAL FOOD AND BAKE SALE (proceeds go to Confirmation Epiphany Project) – December 11 & 12 after each mass.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Confirmation I and II: October 31, 2010: The Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time – Read the Gospel: Lk 19:1-10

Journal: How did you live out last week’s Gospel message? What was tough? What was rewarding?

That guy Zacchaeus is one of my heroes. He was a little guy. Maybe he was pushed around much of his life by bigger people. The “in crowd” looked down upon him. He collected taxes for the Romans, so there couldn’t have been anything good about him. But Zacchaeus had guts. He couldn’t see Jesus, so he climbed a tree. His job as a tax collector also gave him the power to abuse people, but he told Jesus he would repay people “four times over” if he had treated them unjustly. He also had great wealth but pledged to share it with the poor.
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus teaches by making Zacchaeus a role model. Religious people were shocked that Jesus would dine with Zacchaeus. But Jesus, unlike them, saw the man’s heart and scolded onlookers for judging Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus can be our role model too. And I bet if you look around, you’ll see Jesus’ spirit in people I write off. They remind me of Zacchaeus. I have friends who have great wealth but focus more on sharing it with the poor than on protecting it for themselves. They remind me of Zacchaeus. I have friends who have been pushed around and belittled. They’ve never been part of the “in crowd.” But they don’t act bitter. They focus on living a good life. They remind me of Zacchaeus.
I bet if you look around your school, parish, or family, you’ll see Zacchaeus. You might catch a glimpse of him if you look in your mirror. I bet people see some of Zacchaeus in you too. Don’t sell yourself short.

Journal: Whom do you know that reminds you of Zacchaeus? Explain.

Thanksgiving Food Drive at ROL