Fifth Sunday of Easter

Holy Trinity Catholic Church A Stewardship Parish

May 2, 2021 Fifth Sunday of Easter

Pastor: Fr. Michel Dalton, OFM Capuchin Deacons: Steve Kula and Fernando Ona

Reconciliation/Confession Saturday 9:00 to 10 00 am.

Mass Schedule Saturdays: 4:30 pm Sundays: 8:00 am / 10:30 am Mondays: 5:00 pm Tuesdays: 9:00 am Wednesdays: 5:00 pm Fridays 10 :00 am

Our vision: To be a welcoming parish committed to serving others.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, CYCLE B

Scripture Readings

Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31 Barnabas acts as RCIA sponsor to the converted Saul. Psalm 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32 To God alone is praise and worship due. 1 John 3:18-24 Believing in Christ means loving one another as he commanded. John 15:1-8 Jesus is the vine in whose life our discipleship bears its fruit.

QR Code Online Giving

Holy Trinity Church Contact Information 5919 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, HI 96821 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: holytrinitychurchhi.org Telephone (808) 396-0551 Emergency Telephone: (808) 772-2422

Health and Healing Eternal Rest

Lori Santos Juanita Cambre Carolyn Nakatsu Jeffrey Cambre Robert Dennehy Bob Sargis Dr. James BH Young Ofelia Lazaro Edward Redford Bill Hamilton Michael Brennan Jim Leahey

John Debrovin Sr. Anita Kenneth Wong Maria Gambino D.J. Louis Naomi Short

Please advise the Parish Office when it is no longer necessary or appropriate to keep names on the list, so we may use the space for future entries.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the Vinedresser.”

This quote of Jesus is renowned because it is at the heart of human- kind's relationship with God…we are a connected people. Part of this connection is that we be united with Him and one another. Our life is ground- ed in the communities we participate in…our families, our parish and society. In each of these relationships we share many aspects of life and in a very real sense our roots are intertwined. Jesus taught and stressed that this interconnectedness is not an option. Bruno Barnhart is a Calmaldolese monk who reflected on this aspect of Jesus’ teaching and says: “Abide in me”: means to root yourselves in this central place, and remain rooted here, and my life will flow through you and bear fruit in the world.”

This past Thursday the Church celebrated the Feast of Dominican Lay- Tertiary, St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380). She was an incredible wom- an, a mystic, activist, Doctor of the Church (one of only 4 women with this title in the church), the youngest of 25 siblings (most of whom did not survive childhood), and an adviser to Popes. She wrote a meaningful meditation which speaks of the image that Jesus uses in this weekend’s Gos- pel, regarding the Vine and the Branches. Here is what she wrote:

“Engrafted To Divinity” And you, high eternal Trinity, Acted as if you were drunk with love, Infatuated with your creature. When you saw that this tree could bear no fruit but the fruit of death, because it was cut off from you who are life, you came to its rescue with the same love with which you created it: you engrafted your divinity into the dead tree of our humanity. O sweet tender engrafting! You, sweetness itself, Stooped to join yourself with our bitterness.”

These beautiful words should move us to mediate on how gracious God’s love for us is. Not only did He send His son to be born as one of us, but He also allowed us to be united (or, grafted) onto and into His life through Baptism. All our life from that point on is graced, blessed, and made holy. We are inseparably ‘grafted’ into the Divine Life which leads us eventually to Eternal Life. St. Catherine’s poetic words remind us that new life was the goal of God’s love for each of us. Our lifelong task is to remain branches that draw life from the vine. Stay connected and live long! Easter Season blessings,

Fr. Mike

Weekly Donation for 10-11, 17-18 April 2021

Offertory $20,551

Major Maintenance & Repair 6,981

Rice Bowl-/Holy Land 1,281

Thrift Shop One-Day Sale 862 TOTAL $29,676

Thank you for your continued support.

Attendance

10-11 April 17-18 April

Adults Children Adults Children

Sat 4:30PM 133 12 129 11

Sun 8:00AM 92 4 96 4

Sun 10:30AM 96 8 124 9

TOTAL 321 24 349 24

Mother’s Day

Just a reminder. This coming Sunday, May 9 is Mother’s Day. Let’s remember our mothers, those living and those with the Lord. Let’s especially remember them in prayer. Remembrance envelopes are at our church entry, just help yourself and add a name. Our mothers will be remem- bered at Mass.

Finance Committee Member Retires

We want to thank parishioner Mel Freitas who has served for many years as an active and contributing member of the Parish Finance Com- mittee.

Since Fr. Mike arrived as our Pastor, Mel has been asking him to "let me retire from the Committee." They both had this conversation many times and Fr. Mike would reply to him, "not until I find a replacement for you."

Well, Mel's wish has come true, and he will be relieved of his duties on this committee effective immediately. But he remains as one of the great Ushers at the Saturday 4:30pm Mass.

He will be missed, and his keenness and depth of perception into financial matters truly added to our financial planning over the years. In his place will be Brad Wessel, a parishioner who accepted the invitation to join the other members of the Finance Committee that includes:

Kevin McCrary, Ivan Ishii, Niall Kilcommons, Joe Chang, and Jon Ksukamoto. Mahalo and prayers for your dedication to our parish in so many ways.

Stewardship Corner Reflection 253

Stewardship at Holy Trinity Catholic Church

On the Outside Looking In

“...this brother of yours was lost and is found again...” (Luke 15:31)

We recently celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday and Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son is yet another example of God’s Divine Mercy. Fr Joseph Girzone, the ‘Joshua Priest,’ discussed this parable from a different point of view…” from the outside looking in.” Many of us take the side of the ‘good son’ that stayed with his family, but we might have been or might have had a child that acted as the younger; then changed his/her ways and returned. We rejoiced; as does God when one of His own returns. Girzone’s meditation has one looking, as a third party, as if it were from the outside...as perhaps Jesus does: removing Himself and becoming an observer. His joy is truly greater than ours could ever be when He sees one of His own return. Let’s celebrate and enjoy this Happy Easter Time!

“You Can’t Out Do God’s Generosity!”

Good News to the Parishioners of Holy Trinity Church

May 2 2021

1. Heidi Slyker had a performance with the New England Philharmonic in Boston in 2012. After the performance, she took a taxi back to her hotel and unfortunately left her flute in the taxi. With no instrument...no future performances. She took part time work and saved up over the next five years to purchase a replacement flute of the required caliber. Recently she received a call from the police to meet at Virtuosity Musical Instruments...it seemed a cabbie bought the flute in to estimate its value. The authorities were called...and the rest (as they say) is history. 2. Mae Carol Jemison, an avid Star Trek follower becoming interested in space as a youngster in Decatur, AL She graduated HS early and was admitted into Stanford University at age 16 (BS BA) later completing Cornell Medical School. As an MD, she joined the Peace Corps, the CDC and eventually into private practice in Los Angeles. She applied to NASA in 1985 and was selected for the program in 1989...one of over 2,000 applicants and the only black, female selectee of the 15 final mission crew. She went to space in September 1992 for 12 days. She continues today as a professor at large at Cornell University. 3. Marco Angel is a UPS driver in Oak Park, IL. Recently he heroically saved the life of a toddler. It seems he delivered several packages to a residence and proceeded across the street, continuing on his route. Hearing a cry for help, he looked around and noticed a large package fell over on a young child at his previous stop. He rushed over, removed the box and rescued the boy beneath the pile of boxes (seems he was “helping” mom carry in the boxes). The whole thing captured on their doorbell camera. The boy’s response: “I was saying help and the package man just came back.” 4. “...You can have it all...just not at the same time.” (Jane Foster, incoming CEO, CitiGroup. 5. Think hard. Did something good happen this week? I’m sure it did. Then cherish that memory. Hold it in your heart/or in your mind; then when things are challenging...recall that memory. 6. Remember our gifts from God...continue to take care of one another. 7. “I know it’s difficult to eat and drink with a mask on, but to the extent possible...keep your mask on.” (Anthony Fauci, MD). 8. When it comes to Coronavirus...common sense is not so common...chose common sense anyway. 9. Wear your mask, maintain distance and wash your hands. 10. Keeping current with Holy Trinity...easy. Check our website for the latest news and updates at www.holytrinitychurchhi.org.

Let’s remember the value of what we have when the good times return. Stay safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, looking forward to seeing you in our gym at Mass until then.

Respect Life Corner, May 2021

Hail Mary, Full of Grace

It is May, the month of flowers and a special month to honor Our Blessed Mother. Mary, as the Immaculate Con- ception is the Patron Saint of the United States, and many other countries and regions, and she holds a special place in our hearts.

We pray for Mary to intercede for us for healing, for an end to abortion, for love and respect for all lives – from conception to natural death, for protection of the vulnerable, healing of the unwell, and wisdom for those who work to cure illness.

“Redeemed by reason of the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, she is endowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because of this gift of sublime grace, she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. At the same time, however, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam, she is one with all those who are to be saved.” (Lumen Gentium, no. 53)

Next weekend, please join us in offering a spiritual bouquet to Our Blessed Mother. Parishioners are invited to write down prayer intentions and offer them to Our Lady along with flowers of thanksgiving for her motherly love and intercession. If you would like to participate, please bring your written intentions and a flower with you to Mass that weekend.

As we celebrate the gift of mothers and honor Our Blessed Mother, we also recognize that Mother’s Day can be a difficult holiday for many. We hope this spiritual bouquet provides an opportunity to pray for the intentions brought to your heart by Mother’s Day.

Join us for our monthly Rosary and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, each First Friday, right after the 10:00 am Mass (in the gym).

We support and sustain a culture of LIFE at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Your prayers are always appreciated. If you have ideas and suggestions to share, or are interested in joining our Respect Life Committee, please contact Debbie at [email protected]

The Fifth Sunday of Easter May 2, 2021 Getty Images

May is the Month of Mary! As the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary has a unique position among the saints, indeed, among all creatures. She is exalted, yet still one of us. Redeemed by reason of the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, she is endowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. At the same time, however, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam she is one with all those who are to be saved. (Lumen Gentium, no. 53) Mary embraces God's will and freely chooses to cooperate with God's grace, thereby fulfilling a crucial role in God's plan of salvation. Throughout the centuries, the Church has turned to the Blessed Virgin in order to come closer to Christ. Many forms of piety toward the Mother of God developed that help bring us closer to her Son. In these devotions to Mary, "while the Mother is honored, the Son, through whom all things have their being and in whom it has pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell, is rightly known, loved and glorified and . . . all His commands are observed." The Church honors her as the Mother of God, looks to her as a model of perfect discipleship, and asks for her prayers to God on our behalf.

Foster Care Awareness Month May is Foster Care Awareness Month! Join us in praying for all foster parents and children.

Catholic Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Current BULLETIN Sunday, May 02, 2021 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a prayer of gratitude for the FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER richness of human diversity. Search for the truth TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8 (287). “I am the vine We’ve entered an age when discovering the truth feels more and you are the branches.” complicated than ever. Some of us are leery of “facts,” knowing how easily they can be manufactured, massaged, or politicized. Thursday, May 06, 2021 Traditional sources of truth—government, news media, even EASTER WEEKDAY organized religion—have proven to be subject to the same failures Focus on the essentials to which we ourselves are prone. How do we sort out truth from all One of the earliest conflicts in the church had to do with whether the political noise that distorts what we hear? John says the Gentiles should have to follow the laws and customs of Judaism. Spirit’s been given to us for precisely this task. Pray for the gift of Because Christianity grew out of Judaism, early church leaders holy discernment. had a hard time sorting out what was essential to the emerging TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 9:26-31; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8 (53). Christian faith and what was simply the “way we’ve always done “Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” it.” This question continues to vex church leaders to this day and has gone through many iterations—from questions about ritual Monday, May 03, 2021 practices, to prayers and social norms. What is essential to the FEAST OF PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES faith? That we love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul, and Don’t think less of others love our neighbor as ourselves. Everything else may well be a Poor James the Lesser. The other apostle named James—the matter of custom. When it comes to faith, take time today to get Greater—got the better nickname. We don’t even know anything back to the basics. about James the Lesser, other than his name and that Jesus TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 15:7-21, John 15:9-11 (288). “It is my picked him to be one of the 12—but that alone speaks volumes judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles about this James. We’ve all experienced what it feels like to have who turn to God.” labels attached to us that make us feel less in the eyes of others, if we even feel seen or known at all. But God looks past those labels Friday, May 07, 2021 to the truth of our identity. That’s where you’ll find your value and EASTER WEEKDAY dignity, even if others don’t seem to. Remember that, like James, Connect with creation and Creator you are God’s chosen. If you have a garden, you might be checking the forecast these TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14 (561). “Do days to see if conditions are right for planting. Gardens play an you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” outsize role in the Christian imagination. From the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane, key events happen in gardens. For Tuesday, May 04, 2021 centuries communities of sisters, brothers, and priests have EASTER WEEKDAY cultivated gardens for food, edification, and connection to a major May their force be with us metaphor for spiritual development. Seek out a patch of green, and Today is Teacher Appreciation Day, recognizing teachers as a whether you plant a seed or enjoy a bloom, connecting with force for good—especially in this pandemic year. Through John creation will connect you with the Creator. Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of all teachers, we might say the TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 15:22-31; John 15:12-17 (289). “It was not best educators naturally follow a “Lasallian” philosophy of you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go education. “The Lasallian tradition emphasizes the fact that all and bear fruit that will remain.” people, especially the young, have an inherent dignity which comes from their being created in the image of God,” explains St. Saturday, May 08, 2021 Mary’s College of Winona. “Education is a means of developing EASTER WEEKDAY this dignity for the well-being of each student as well as for the Elevate your spiritual gaze well-being of our society.” Thank a teacher today. Blessed Teresa Demjanovich (1901-27) has been called TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a (286). “Do not let America’s “Little Flower.” Like Thérèse from Lisieux, France, your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Teresa from Bayonne, New Jersey was a spiritual writer of great insight who also died young. Because of her virtue, her writings, Wednesday, May 05, 2021 and a miracle healing attributed to her intercession, she was EASTER WEEKDAY beatified in the Newark cathedral in 2014, the first-ever such Celebrate the dignity of diversity ceremony held in the United States. Her elevation to sainthood Though today’s “Cinco de Mayo” celebrations commemorate but a awaits confirmation of a second miracle. Teresa’s mother died in single Mexican victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May the 1918 pandemic, which killed well over 500,000 Americans. 5, 1862, in the United States it has become an opportunity to honor Sound sadly familiar? Ask Blessed Teresa’s intercession for all the heritage and culture of Mexican people. As folks revel in who have suffered because of COVID-19. parades and festivals, enjoying Mexican cuisine and music, we TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21 (290). “You do not recall these words from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world.” “Human interdependence is increasing and spreading through the world . . . embracing people who enjoy equal natural dignity.”

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time ©2021 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; [email protected]. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permitted with the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and app available online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.