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

Mahalo to everyone who helped prepare, cook and serve at the Lighthouse Homeless Shelter on Sunday.

The various Lasagna's and deserts were a big hit. We also handed out personal toiletry items that were much appreciated. The next serving will be Sunday, February 27th, and will be a Filipino Potluck. Detail and sign up will be posted soon.

Confirmation I and II: January 30, 2011: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Read the Gospel: Mt 5:1-12

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

Some years ago, I was riding in a van with some teenagers when I jokingly threatened to tie a loud kid to the roof with a cord. That way, I joked, he could still ride with us but we wouldn't have to listen to him. His response? "That would be cool." And he probably would have enjoyed it. Teenagers like risk. Rock climbing. Driving fast. The rush of adrenalin. The thrill of adventure. That's why teenagers make excellent disciples. Following Jesus is all about risk. In this week's Gospel, Jesus calls his disciples to risk. The Beatitudes (which is what we call the list in this Gospel) are risky actions Jesus tells his followers to choose. For example, be poor in spirit. (Ask God's guidance for all decisions.) Be meek. (Treat others as if they're more important than you.) Mourn. (Don't hide your pain.) Be merciful. (Choose forgiveness.) Be a peacemaker. (Work publicly for peace and justice.) You take a risk when you live a Beatitude. People might mock you for letting God, rather than wealth or popularity, set your direction. People might put you down when someone hurts you and you don't get even. People might call you crazy for protesting abortion or war. But Jesus says God will bless us when we take these risks. In other words, God will act in our favor. So when you let God direct you, God will give you a meaningful life. When you face your pain and mourn, God will comfort you through prayer or by sending people to help you. When you choose mercy and work for peace, God will give you the strength you need to forgive and the courage to stand publicly against violence. So take a risk this week. Live the Beatitudes. It's an adventure.

Journal: Which Beatitude seems the riskiest for you to live? Which seems the easiest? Which Beatitude could you see yourself living right now - reflect on a current situation happening to you or around you; which Beatitude can you use to respond to it and how? Be specific and give details.

Faithful Citizenship - January 30, 2011

One day you drive up to your house, and you think to yourself, “Gee, it seems like only yesterday when we painted, but it sure could use it again.” Or you open your credit card statement and suddenly realize there’s no way you’re going to be able to pay the total in your lifetime. It’s my favorite lesson learned from the poor lobster in the pot: it seemed so comfortable all along, but now it’s too hot to get out!

I think we’re in that pot again. Last session, at the very last moment, HB444 was revised to create “civil unions.” Proponents argued that the bill was not meant to be a gay marriage bill, but all the wording in it referenced the Hawaii Revised Statute concerning traditional marriage. No, they argued, that’s what it looks like, but we are not trying to weaken traditional marriage. Well, fast forward to this session. The bill has surfaced early on; and, despite all the controversy and emotion generated by it last May, Gov. Abercrombie didn’t even address it in his State of the State on Monday. He says we all know where he stands.

Where’s the lobster been? If you are over 40 years old and think back to the type of TV shows, magazine articles and ads that you first remember, then compare them to what your children see and hear today, you will see how their strategies have been effective. We were told that you didn’t have to be married to live together and have kids. Then we were told that “love” made a family, not a mom and dad. Next they asked why shouldn’t we be treated the same for tax purposes, etc. as other “families?” Then came Hawaii’s 1997 Reciprocal Beneficiaries law, and things calmed down for a while, on the surface, at least. But now, the very structure of our society is being challenged. If we don’t make our views known, fairytales will someday begin with “Once upon a time, there was a family with a mom and dad……” Call your legislator this week. All listings are in the front of the phone book!

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

Day of Recollection at the Benedictine Monastery.

Pictures from the March for Life Rally at the State Capital

This is my annual plea for your assistance in communicating to your ministry the need for their assistance!

FYI --- The parish church cleaning for the 3rd Sat. of each month was taken on two years ago, to help Ed Lee. The family that originally cleaned the church during this period was not able to continue the much needed service. During one of our conversations after church, Ed expressed to me, the difficulty in finding people in our parish to help, even after announcements from Father to the parish. I initially took on the project on behalf of our Lector ministry, until other ministers in the Eucharistic and Music ministries suggested that all ministries should get involved. Collectively, we are about 90+ strong and with the consideration of the time and number of people needed to clean the church, the ministers and even their families would more than sufficiently complete the task.

Consider .....

10 Saturdays in a year, one Sat. per month (Confirmation candidates does about 2 of our Sat. in the year) X 2 hours minimum each Sat. to clean, Equals = 20 hours a year

We need at least 6 people per Sat. X 10 Saturdays in the year = 60 people min.

There are a few that take on the church cleaning every scheduled Saturday + those from Confirmation that come with their sponsors/parents to make up their service hours or just come because they want to. AND given that those that do come, also bring their family/friends, means that we (ministries) could easily fulfill the need every 3rd Sat.

Father Paul will be making an announcement regarding the church cleaning efforts after each mass in February, but with an urgency for a call to action. This time he will be seeking help for every Saturday.

There are several ways we can manage this, but our first concern is our commitment for the 3rd Sat. of each month.

The 2011 cleaning schedule:
Feb. 19
March/April Confirmation Candidates scheduled to clean
May 21
June 18
July 16
Aug. 20
Sept. 17
Oct. 15
Nov. 19
Dec. 17

Family, friends are always welcomed!

Note: 8am, cleaning includes M/W bathrooms (replace supplies, sweep, mop),
Cry Room (sweep, mop, bathroom-replace supplies/clean),
Conference Room (sweep, mop, empty rubbish),
Parish office (empty rubbish, vacuum carpets, bathroom-replace supplies/clean/mop,
Sacristy (vacuum, bathroom-replace supplies/clean/mop,empty rubbish),
Reconciliation Rm & 2 side Chapels (dust, vacuum, empty rubbish),
Altar (dust, wipe down),
Other - dust, wipe, sweep/blow down the main parish area, align chairs, ensure missalette under each chair,
empty outside rubbish bins and replace with liners.

2 hours for one Saturday in a year....is this still too much to ask - for one person to help clean the Lord's house?

Yours in Christ,

Roeana

Confirmation I and II: January 23, 2011: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Read the Gospel: Mt 4:12-23

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

(Mt 4:12-17)
What do you think went through Jesus’ mind when they arrested John? Remember that John and Jesus were close. Herod, who arrested John, was a cruel tyrant. Jesus must have realized John was facing torture and a brutal death. The Gospel makes it sound like Jesus withdrew for prayer and reflection. Did he reconsider dedicating his life to God? Did he need to grieve? Was he afraid? Did he consider seeking revenge? No one is sure why he withdrew, but it must have been a tough time for him.
The Gospel also says that John’s arrest marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. So he withdrew but then decided God was calling him to start his own ministry to replace John’s.
How do you deal with tragedy and loss? It seems that Jesus responded by starting his own ministry to announce God’s Reign of peace. Too often today it seems that people respond to tragedy with destructive options. Some lash out at others or use alcohol or other drugs or some other behavior to numb the pain. Some give up.
Follow Jesus’ example. God doesn’t bring tragedy into your life, but God certainly wants to help you deal with it or learn from it. Prayer and discussion with other Christians will help you hang in there during tough times or learn how to avoid them in the future. Write letters to God in a private journal. Learn to meditate. Like Jesus, you will find that wisdom or even a new direction for your life comes from a tragedy.
Here’s a good example. I know students whose family members have suffered some form of cancer. But they have let that tragedy motivate them to improve the lives of others. They are doing that by educating others about the different types of cancer and raising money to help find a cure. Like Jesus, they suffered painful tragedy, but they let the tragedy—with the help of God—guide them in acting to make the world a better place.

Journal: In what specific ways could teens let God help them through tragedy? Be specific. Do you know people who have responded to tragedy by using their experiences to help others? .

Our Windows

The stained glass windows in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Marian Shrine contain almost no traditional Christian symbols. One image that forms the foundation for both sides is the earth, the “aina”, a precious concept for the people of this land and, hopefully, for all of us. We also see a rainbow, beginning and ending in each window, spanning the entrance to our Church: it is not only a common sight in our lands, it is mostly a sign of God’s love for us, the renewal of His Covenant with us, as we know from Genesis 3:19.

The main thought in the Marian Shrine window is, of course, Mary … but in her role as “Mother.” There is the imagery of creation, life coming forth. Even as the oozing lava creates the face of the earth, new life in the green plants seen sprouting forth from desolation is clear. Living creatures abound on earth, in the sea and the sky. The land is itself created and the land still brings forth life. (Since the human image of Mary is already present in statue form in the Shrine area, it is not duplicated in the window.) Mary brought forth the Savior Who then brought life everlasting to all. From the stump springs the Shoot; from the desolation of sin comes New Life.

The Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Eucharist, is the BREAD OF LIFE. It nourishes and sustains the New Life we now have through the saving act of Jesus: to suffer, to die, to rise. The earth, too, is a source of nourishment, as is the sea and even the sky. The earth brings forth life. (Since God is physically present in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the images of wheat and grapes, hosts and chalices seemed trite and were not included in the window.) Breadfruit, pineapple, mango, banana, sugarcane … almost gone, but how it has sustained life! – The Hawaiian word “aina” means land, earth, the word “aina” means, meal. Our Sacred Meal nourishes and sustains us.

When you stand inside one of these rooms, close your eyes and try to imagine what you might see outside, if the townhouses, asphalt, street lights, cars – all that we have placed on the earth, in the way – were gone. Open your eyes! Look and see!! If you still have difficulty finding meaning in these very beautiful windows, take a small child by the hand and stand in front of one of them. Watch and listen, as the little one, with unbridled excitement finds a snail and a bird and a flower and a dolphin. Watch and listen, as the little one points out the face of God! Look and see!! Open your mind and heart and soul. Look and see!!

ROL Secretary Lauralie Loughlin retires after 22 years of service

After 22 years of service to Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church in Waipio-Gentry, parish secretary Lauralie Loughlin retired on December 31, 2010. During that time, Laura worked first for Fr. Ed Turner as he and the early parishioners created the new Catholic community. By the time the new church building was completed in 1995, Father Ron Burke was the parish priest; and Laura moved into her new office. In 2002, Father Paul Minchak came to ROL.

On Saturday, January 15, 2011, the parish planned and successfully executed a surprise retirement party for Laura. On the ruse of attending the 5:15 PM Mass to celebrate the Baptism of her 12th grandchild, Laura was completely unaware of the evening that awaited her. Her husband and all six of their children were in on the secret. When Father Paul asked what the family asked of the church, Laura expected her daughter-in-law to say, “Baptism.” Instead she said, “We’d like our son to be at the retirement party of his grandmother.” Father Paul then announced to Laura that there would be no Baptism (that has been officially scheduled for April), but instead she was to be honored for her many years of service to Resurrection of the Lord.

In addition to lots of good food, the evening included two songs sung by her grandchildren, a hula performed by Nicole Naong, beautiful tributes by Fr. Paul, her husband John, and Parish Council Chair Mary Bretschneider as well as music provided by several church members and their friends. Laura was gifted with a travel credit at AAA and a gift certificate purchased with funds donated by parish members. Many hands, including volunteer Confirmation candidates and Youth Ministry members, worked to make the evening a success. The parish wanted Laura to know that she will be missed.

Story submitted by Mary Bretschneider

Irate woman attacks Father Paul after Mass

Just kidding! Thanks Laura for 22 years of service as our Secretary at Resurrection of the Lord.