from the desk of Fr. Paul… March 20, 2011

Bishop Silva has urged all the parishes in the Diocese to reflect and talk about the homeless situation here in the Islands. He feels that, as the largest Christian Church in Hawaii, the Catholic Church should take the lead in coming up with solutions for building affordable housing. In his letter to the parishes, he stresses prayer, but also wrote the following ideas on how to implement the plan for building these homes.

. Call together Catholic realtors to reflect on what they can do to help solve this challenge by identifying potential properties for affordable housing of various kinds and create a plan to acquire them.
. Call together Catholic attorneys who would volunteer their time to offer advice on the transfers of properties, and to tend to other legal matters.
. Gather Catholic bankers and financial planners to search out possible sources of funding for land purchase, building costs and maintenance.
. Ask Catholic facilities managers for advice on policies regarding the housing units to be developed.
. Ask Catholic land owners to consider donations of land parcels, of various sizes, for affordable housing.
. Call together Catholic developers to discuss how we can work in the long term to make sure that enough affordable housing is available to meet the needs of our community.
. Gather Catholic social workers to formulate plans to meet the social service needs of housing clients.
. Gather Catholic healthcare workers to offer health services to clients who may need them.

Once the Affordable Housing plan is established, we hope to mobilize Catholics and others interested in the issue, so that families or parishes can be sponsors for families seeking affordable housing but who may need training in financial management, maintenance or educational needs.

Confirmation I and II: March 13, 2011: First Sunday of Lent – Read the Gospel: Mt 4:1-11

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

I admire the way Muslims fast.
During their holy month of Ramadan, in the fall, Muslims abstain each day from all food and drink from sunrise to sunset. I have a Muslim friend who once told me his hunger helps him focus on what he really craves—union with God.
This week’s Gospel talks about Jesus’ forty-day fast. When the devil tempts him with food, Jesus replies that “one does not live on bread alone, but on every work that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Like my friend’s’ fast, Jesus fast focused him on his deepest hunger—union with God.
What do you crave? Our culture creates a lot of hungers. Sometimes it might seem like we can’t live without that special TV show or those shoes or that soft drink. Our consumer culture can create cravings that cause some people to choose selfishness over even friends or family. That’s why fasting can be a really good thing for people. When we give up something we crave—anything from a TV show to a favorite food—we realize that we can live without it.
Why not try a strict fast this Lent? Give up something you’ll really miss, like a meal each week, all drinks but water, or a favorite TV show. When the hunger comes, think instead about God and God’s promises. Then ask yourself, “What do I really crave?”

Journal: What can you give up for Lent that will cause you to remember your need for God? What will you do to build your hunger for God? in prayer? in service? In love for God and neighbor? Be specific.

A view from Kalawao

The new Office of Social Ministry for the Diocese of Honolulu website

http://www.officeforsocialministry.org

"Here the Hungry Find Plenty."

At its January meeting, in response to Bishop Silva's urging for all Catholics to become more aware of the plight of the homeless, our Pastoral Council voted unanimously to increase our efforts to collect non-perishable food items here at ROL. I am encouraging and asking all parishioners to take part in this effort, called "Here the Hungry Find Plenty." Beginning this Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, there will be a special box located at each of the entrances. We are asking that you drop off your food items in these boxes before Mass. One representative will be chosen from among our parishioners at each Mass to carry a food item from the boxes to the altar at the presentation of the gifts. Please note that we are not asking you to make a large donation weekly. The goal is to develop a habit for each of us to keep those less fortunate in our thoughts as we shop. Some Sundays you may simply grab something from your own kitchen pantry on your way to Mass. It is meant to be a continual reminder of our good fortune and the very basic needs of our friends in Christ.

A Confirmation youth, Zachary, from Resurrection of the Lord in Waipio, Hawaii, explains the history as well as the parts of the Rosary.

The Rosary from Hawaii Catholic Television on Vimeo.

Faithful Citizenship - March 6, 2011

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church it reads, "The Last Judgment will reveal even to its furthest consequences the good each person has done or failed to do (remember how we start each Mass, "I confess to Almighty God…..") during his earthly life: …..He will turn towards those at His left hand: "I placed my poor little ones on earth for you….my members on earth were in need….But you have placed nothing in their hands; therefore you have found nothing in my presence."

The Catholic Church seems to be awakening from a long slumber to become more visible and insistent about helping the poor and homeless. There are a number of initiatives being supported at the legislature concerning these issues. Please call your Senator and Representative and tell them that the time has come to sort through the issues that place people in tents at the beaches and on the narrow strips along the sidewalks.

Here at Resurrection of the Lord, your Pastoral Council has voted on a goal for this year of increasing the amount of non-perishable food collected. Father will be announcing this effort at all Masses this weekend; and the program, "Here the Hungry Find Plenty," will begin on Ash Wednesday. The goal is to have each family bring a food item each week. Please read the announcement on the back of this article and post it in a handy place where you can be reminded of this effort when you grocery shop. Currently our donations are divided between Our Lady of Good Counsel in Pearl City and Sacred Heart in Waianae. Depending on the success of this drive, we may be able to consider helping others. Please make your thoughts on this known.

Gotta go boot up my hard drive! Aloha--- Mary B

From Hardship to Hope

Thomas Awiapo, Ghana, Africa:
His story of initiative and his joyful
presence have brought inspiration
to thousands of people in the U.S.

Thomas will be speaking at
RESURRECTION OF THE LORD in Waipio
94-1260 Lumikula Street
Monday, March 21, 2011
7:00 - 8:15 PM

Thomas Awiapo has a truly inspiring story of survival and success. Orphaned before the age of ten, Thomas survived bleak poverty and hunger in his small Africa village. His search for food led him to school at 12, and he eventually won scholarships to attend college and later earn a Master's degree in the United States. Today he works for Catholic Relief Services training community leaders throughout Ghana and promoting outreach to our sisters and brothers in need throughout the world.

Thomas' village received help from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) through Operation Rice Bowl, the program that connects prayer, fasting and almsgiving with education about poverty and hunger around the world. Thomas' visit is sponsored by CRS as a way to thank Catholic communities for their support and to raise awareness about hunger, relief development.

Confirmation I and II: March 6, 2011: Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Read the Gospel: Mt 7:21-27

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

Never forget Christopher Reeve.
He played Superman in movies. He was wealthy, popular, attractive, and fit. Then one day he broke his neck riding a horse, and he could no longer use his arms or legs.
But that didn’t ruin him. In fact, his life seemed to take on new meaning as he worked endlessly for a cure to paralysis. This man, who could move only a few muscles, changed the lives of millions by raising money to fight paralysis. Ironically, he became a real “superman” once his body broke down. This week, Jesus talks about life’s hard realities. Don’t count on your popularity, academic success, or physical talents to make your life meaningful. As Christopher Reeve discovered, it all can change in an instant. Life is full of storms. You will fail. You will experience loneliness. You will get older. Your body will break down.
Then where will you turn? Thanks to God we have a rock for security during those storms. He is Jesus, the Christ. Because of him, we can find a meaningful life regardless of the storms that hit us—just as Christopher Reeve did. That’s good news, but it’s also a warning. As a teen you set priorities and develop habits for living. Build your house on a rock by developing Christian habits.
Pray daily. Learn to lengthen your daily prayer time. Join a Christian group, where people know you and are there for you during tough times. Regularly serve those who suffer. It will remind you of how much you can offer regardless of your success, beauty, wealth, or popularity. Learn to forgive and apologize. That will build you a circle of faithful friends.
Build your solid foundation now. The storms will come.

Journal: What are the foundations—the basic beliefs, values, and habits—that you are building in your life? Relate a recent personal situation when this has helped you through a tough time. Be specific.

from the desk of Fr. Paul…

Lent is upon us! This coming Wednesday, March 9, is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Masses are at 6:30 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at each Mass.

In her wisdom, the Church set aside this season of Lent, this season of repentance, to remind ourselves of the constant need to repent and cleanse ourselves of our sins. It is a season of penance and prayer. It leads us to Easter, the great celebration of our salvation. I urge you to use this season well.

As a reminder for us all, the Church has certain laws during Lent. As a Catholic, one must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, however, fasting is encouraged throughout the season of Lent, especially every Friday. This is the bare minimum. As God’s special people, given the opportunity of this season, should we not want to do more to renew our relationship with God and recognize what is keeping me from a closer relationship? The traditional forms of penance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Spending extra time in prayer (which includes Scripture reading and reflection), denying myself certain foods and becoming more aware of the needy through my volunteering and almsgiving, all help me to come closer to God. Using the Sacrament of Penance (confession) is a tremendous way of letting go of the past and experiencing God’s mercy, thus getting closer to Him. In addition to Sunday, coming and celebrating the Eucharist on one or more weekdays; the Council of Trent calls the Eucharist “a remedy to free us from our daily faults and to preserve us from mortal sin”.

As for devotions: Every Friday during Lent we will have Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m.; aids such as the “Word Among Us” will be available to all who want it, to help us read and reflect on the Scriptures; the monthly handouts such as “Everyday Catholic” and “Catholic Updates” give us many spiritual insights for our daily living. Our neighboring Parish of St John (Mililani) invites any of you to their Parish Mission, March 21-23 at 7:00 p.m. The Penance Service for Resurrection is set for March 22nd at 7:00 p.m. I’ll publish the dates and times of the other Parishes’ next week.

IHS Breakfast Serving

What a great opportunity to answer the call of our Lord Jesus Christ to serve the least among us. Yet, out of all the Resurrection of the Lord parishioners, only six signed up to serve at our scheduled breakfast meal serving in February, and only three actually showed up to serve.

Our next scheduled serving is March 27th. A signup sheet will be posted on the bulletin board, in the worship area, outside the parish kitchen.

Mahalo and God bless

Confirmation I and II: February 27, 2011: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Read the Gospel: Mt 6:24-34

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

Dishonesty. It plagues our high schools. Many students will do anything to get ahead. Some teachers go crazy trying to develop ways to stop cheating. Others are heartbroken when students they respect justify academic dishonesty.
And Jesus said, “Seek first…the highest grade, the best college…” Uh, not exactly. I attended a Catholic high school. While in college, I helped out at Catholic high schools. I worry about the pressure students feel to be number one.
Here is the message many students pick up: “I have to get the highest grades and be in the most activities—otherwise, I won’t get into the best college. If I don’t get into the best college, I will be a failure.” Too often, even well-meaning parents and guidance counselors feed that message.
That message can devastate young people. It leads some to justify dishonesty. It leads others to use alcohol and other drugs. It leads others to experience depression and despair.
If you’ve heard that message, let me offer a different one—one from the God who will always be with you. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will follow.” Here’s how you do that. Develop your character. Honesty, compassion, and generosity will make your life more meaningful than the highest grades, longest resume, or best college. Develop your prayer life. Using daily prayer and attending weekly Mass will remind you that God’s love and protection don’t depend on personal success.. Build time into your schedule for service. That reminds you that you don’t need a high ACT or SAT score to make a difference in the world and feel good about yourself.
Sure, work hard in school. Develop your brain and body through activities. But remember, almost any school can prepare you well for a career if you work hard. Also remember, our world needs more people with Christian character, not more millionaires.

Journal: How is the pressure to succeed leading some teenagers—or even you—to sacrifice character? How might you change the situation? What can you do? Be specific.

Faithful Citizenship - February 27, 2011

In his book, "The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People," author David Niven lists "Do what you say you are going to do" as #24. He writes, "Nothing kills progress or deadens enthusiasm more than someone who talks but never follows through." I must admit, though, that I am rarely surprised by people not following through. It seems that our busy lives preclude really doing much of what we say, hope or promise to do. Barack Obama and Neil Abercrombie, however, are walking around with the big smiles of happy people these days.

In his campaign for governor, Abercrombie PROMISED voters that he would sign a civil union (note how often the word marriage is used now when describing a "civil union") bill if it were placed on his desk. Done deal. He also PROMISED there would be no increase in the general excise tax IF he got what he wanted in the other parts of his yet-to-be-presented budget. Nobody gets everything they want from their proposed budget. That's why even kids ask for $20 when they'd be happy with $10. Keep your hands on your wallet, the governor's still smiling!

And guess who else is flashing the big smile of a happy person these days? President Obama PROMISED us that he was going to "fundamentally change America." What we couldn't have anticipated in that fundamental change was that he would disregard the U. S. Constitution. This week he directed his Attorney General to no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act despite it having been passed by Congress during President Clinton's time. Remember also that he said he wouldn't want either of his girls "punished with a baby if they make a mistake." He's made no secret of his stand on abortion. Please contact and pray for our representatives. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! Aloha--- Mary B

Daughters of Saint Paul - Books and Media Sale at ROL

For many ROL parishioners it's difficult to get downtown to the Pauline Bookstore. So, at the request of ROL parishioner and faithful customer, Gaylene Colon, the Daughters of Saint Paul brought the bookstore to Waipio. After each Mass last weekend Sister Linh and Sister An Mei offered an assortment of spiritual books, DVD's and rosaries for the parishioners of Resurrection of the Lord parish to view and purchase. We at ROL would like to thanks the Daughters of Saint Paul for their dedication and service in bringing the word of Our Lord, and the Catholic Church, to our Hawaiian Ohana. (Reported and photo by Bob Mace)

Conformation Project: Collection of clothing for adults at the Queens Medical Center and shoes and slippers for children in foster care at Ho’omalu

Conformation Candidates: Carlyn Abramo, Elaura Oshiro, Jasmine Barroga

Sponsors: Jodie Tramuto, Matthew Oshiro, Carissa Oshiro

“I’m Jasmine, this is Elle, and that’s Carlyn. We are currently in our second year of confirmation and as a requirement; we must fulfill a sponsor/candidate project. We, with our sponsors, have decided to collect donations.

First, we are doing a clothes drive. This is to support Queens Medical Center, where patients are in need of clothing. We are asking for sizes from teens to adults.

We are also collecting donations of slippers and shoes. This is to support Ho’omalu, a home for children in foster care. Any size of new or gently used footwear is accepted.

We are also collecting monetary donations, so we can buy these items. One dollar can get a child a new pair of slipper!

Collection boxes for the clothing and footwear will be out next week; February 26th and 27th and also the following week; March 5th and 6th.

The patients at Queens and the children of Ho’omalu really appreciate your generosity. Thank you!

Faithful Citizenship - February 13, 2011

If you’ve been watching what’s been going on in Egypt for the last several weeks, you can see what frustration can do to a citizenry. Imagine what it takes to get that many people out in the streets day after day, clamoring for change. Remember when they held the first elections in Iraq, and people were willing to risk their lives for a chance to vote?

Have you seen the bumper sticker “Freedom Is Not Free?” It’s not just a catchy phrase that makes a soldier feel proud of his/her service. It implies rights (Freedom) and responsibilities (Not Free). We are on the opposite end of the freedom spectrum than the people in Egypt, Iraq and other places around the world. We enjoy so many freedoms that we need to be mindful that there are limits. One piece of chocolate a day may not hurt you, but unlimited amounts may kill you (unfortunately). We have the freedom to drink and drive, but the responsibility not to.

The legislature is again struggling with the civil union issue. There is no longer any confusion over whether the proponents intend eventually to push for gay marriage. They have all but said so. It is not an issue of whether or not we love people of differing life styles, but simply whether or not we see ourselves as a society where marriages will be other than between a man and a woman. As I write this, I’m assuming that the House will pass their version of the civil union bill on Friday. They have the votes. But we still have time to contact both our Senator and our Representative because the bill will probably end up in conference committee. Rep. Henry Aquino is against civil unions. He needs our thanks and support. Sen. Nishihara is for the measure. He needs our prayers and a phone call or e-mail. Please let your thoughts be known. Gotta go boot up my hard drive! Aloha-- Mary B

ROL Parishioner Gabriel (Gabby) Balais awarded Ad Altare Dei Religious Emblem

During a special Saturday night Boy Scout Mass at the Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, Resurrection of the Lord parishioner, Alter Server and Saint Louis High School junior Gabriel (Gabby) Balais, (along with Walter Benevitz another ROL Alter Server), was awarded the Ad Altare Dei (Catholic) Religious Emblem by Bishop Larry Silva. This emblem is awarded not by the Boy Scouts of America, but by various religious groups. Gabby was awarded this emblem by the Diocese of Honolulu Catholic Committee on Scouting (DHCCS), after completing the Ad Altare Dei class, which was conducted at ROL parish. The Ad Altare Dei (to the alter of God) program is organized in chapters based on the seven Sacraments as the primary means towards spiritual growth. Gabby and his proud parents, Bobby and Eloise Balais, would like to give special Mahalo’s to Gabby’s Ad Altare Dei instructor, Uncle John Wheeler; his Confirmation Director, Auntie Liz Shippen; his Confirmation Sponsor, Uncle Kerry Nishimoto; and Scout Chaplain for DHCCS, Fr. Paul Zaccone, ss.cc for their guidance and support. The Balais family (Gabby’s brother Matt is a freshman at Saint Louis High) feels truly blessed to have these spiritual guides in Gabby’s life. This family is a great example of the “Holy Family” that all families are called to be. (Reported by Bob Mace, photo by Balais family)

ROL Parishioner Barbara Gabriel returns to Our Father's House

Resurrection of the Lord parishioner Barbara Gabriel passed away last Sunday morning, February 6, 2011 after suffering from spinal cancer. She was in hospice at Leeward Integrated Health Home in Makaha, with Saint Francis Hospice. Please pray for her soul.

The next Lighthouse Homeless Shelter Serving will be February 27, 2011.

Menu for February 27, 2011

Filipino Potluck

We need help in preparing, transporting and serving on Sunday, February, 27th, 2011. Filipino (and other) recipes, prepared by you, can be dropped off at ROL church between 5 and 5:30 pm on serving Sunday. Aluminum pans are best, and can be provided to you by the parish Social Ministry. We also need help transporting food and serving items from ROL to The Lighthouse Homeless Shelter in Waipahu. Set up is from 6 to 6:30 pm, and serving is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. We then return items to the church and clean up. We finish around 8:15 pm. Can you help? Signup up will be posted on the Lanai before and after Masses starting the weekend of 12/13 February. Mahalo and God bless.

If you are interested in helping at this serving contact Bob at 808-232-5386 or email:matthew25@clearwire.net to sign up, or for more details.

Parent Orientation Meeting for 1st Reconciliation and Eucharist