SaintSaint TheresaTheresa DECEMBER 2016 Roman Catholic Church Parish Newsletter
“The Power of Grace and Blessings” Misa de Gallo his Christmas season, do you want to see fabulous noodle soup, bibingka (rice flour and egg-based cake, Tthings happen in your heart and soul? Do you want cooked using coals on top and under), puto bumbong to grow closer to the Divine Child and be filled with His (a purple sticky rice delicacy that is steamed in bam- heavenly peace in a way you never have before? boo tubes), salabat (hot ginger tea), and tsokolate (thick If you do, you may want to take part in St. Theresa’s Spanish cocoa). And to top it off, on the last morning of Misa de Gallo celebration at our parish from Dec. 16 to the Misa de Gallo, lechon — a whole roasted pig with a 24. For each of these nine days, a breathtakingly beau- variety of trimmings — is served. tiful novena will take place, which features Mass every “We, the Filipinos, believe in the power of graces morning at 5. Following the Masses, all are welcome to and blessings that come from attending the novena,” take part in fellowship and Filipino traditional Christ- says Trixie Galam, President of the St. Theresa Fili- mas delicacies at Stawazs Hall through a potluck. Parish- pino Catholic Club. “We feel that we get closer to Jesus ioners prepare and cook foods such as: pancit (noodles), through it, and that it strengthens our relationship with fried rice and longganisa (Filipino sausage), rice cakes, God. Attending these early Masses is a great sacrifice, but continued on page 2
25 W. Lipoa St.│Kihei, HI 96753│www.saint-theresa.com│808-879-4844 Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church
“The Power of Grace and Blessings” continued from front cover
the benefits that come with it are greater. Discipline and and it became a tradition over time. There is actually solidarity in the family are just two of the good virtues a traditional Filipino belief that those who complete that this tradition brings. We love seeing our friends and the novena will have their special request or favor families who we have not seen for so long in a church granted by God. setting at Misa de Gallo. Meeting and being with them “Misa de Gallo is most special to all young and old brings back childhood memories of growing up in the Filipinos because it is part of our heritage and speaks of Philippines and attending the celebration.” our cultural values and traditions,” Trixie says. “We are Misa de Gallo, otherwise known as Simbang Gabi so glad it has been introduced at our parish. Continuing or the Dawn Mass, began sometime in the 1700s this tradition makes us feel like we are at home. Misa De when a Spanish friar gathered his flocks of farmers Gallo deepens the faith of its devotees and strengthens during harvest time – coinciding with the Christmas the bond of the whole community.” season – and together, they gave thanks for the boun- Misa de Gallo is open to all parishioners. Come, en- tiful harvest. From then on, these farmers willingly counter the beauty of this Filipino tradition, as well as the observed those early mornings as a time for worship, Divine Child who has inspired it!
If you would like to help out with the celebration or have further questions, please contact Trixie Galam at 808-264-4699. Monetary donations may be made to: St. Theresa Filipino Catholic Club, c/o St. Theresa Church at 25 West Lipoa St., Kihei, Hawaii, 96753.
Don’t Forget to Return Your Commitment Card!
Grace in Action Time Talent Treasure The 2016 Stewardship Renewal (cont.) Talent Spending Time with God Using My Talents Making a Consistent in Prayer in Parish Ministries Gift to the Offertory = Interested in Joining = Currently Involved is ongoing. Please remember to Prayer is the beginning of stewardship. Only when You can read about each of the ministries listed below In thanksgiving for God’s gifts, each household at of family member on the line. Clearly write the first name we spend time with God in prayer are we spiritually in your Stewardship Handbook. When you sign up, the St. Theresa is asked to give a specific percentage of prepared to offer ourselves in service to others. leader will call to explain how to get involved. income based on the 10% biblical tithe: SERVICE (cont.) Check the circle next to your prayer commitments: 5% to St. Theresa = Currently Involved = Interested in Joining turn in your commitment cards Finance Council plus 1% to the diocese Gift Shop Attend Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days Clearly write the first name of family member on the line. and 4% to other charities Attend weekday Mass at least once a week Hale Kau Kau HOSPITALITY to the parish as soon as possible. Invite a friend or acquaintance to Mass Hispanic My Offertory pledge to Aloha Committee Pray together with my family St. Theresa Catholic Church: Knights of Columbus Hospitality Committee Pray for the sick, the lonely and the deceased Percentage of household income: % Liturgical Committee FORMATION We appreciate your willingness to St. Theresa Discuss our Catholic Faith with my Please complete either a children/parents Pastoral Council Catholic Church Adult Sacrament Process a Weekly or Monthly offertory gift: Read the Bible for a half hour a week Stewardship Committee Confirmation Weekly gift $ x52 = $ annually Spend at least 15 minutes a day in personal Tongan Catholic Community Religious Education or participate in this year’s renewal. 2016 Stewardshipprayer Commitment Card
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Monthly gift $ x12 = $ annually Ushers Pray the Rosary at least weekly (RCIA) Go to Confession at least every other month PRAYER (one card per family) Youth Ministry First & Last Name The more we grow to embrace and Altar Servers Spend extra time with my spouse each day Youth and Young Adults Weekly giving based on Daily Mass Ministers proportion of income. SERVICE At St. Theresa each household is asked to work toward Extraordinary Ministers - At Mass Street Address giving 5% of their income to the parish. Some families The gift of my time, Altar Care may have difficulty reaching this goal at first. If so, try understand the stewardship way increasing your weekly gift incrementally until you reach an Extraordinary Ministers - To the Sick and talent and treasure ZIP Bereavement Committee State amount that you know is right for you. Homebound City is the right size: Building and Grounds Committee Weekly Giving Chart Extraordinary Ministers - To the • When I can no longer make any excuses for the size of Hospitalized the gift (large or small). Environment % of Hshld Income: 10% 5% 4% 1% of life, the more our parish will Household Income Amount of Weekly Gift Telephone (Important)• When I can honestly state that the gift is sacrificial as I Faith Formation Committee $30,000 $58 $29 $23 $6 Lectors offer it in thanksgiving to God. Filipino Catholic Club $50,000 96 48 38 10 • When I can honestly state that in the giving of my gift, I $70,000 135 67 54 14 Music Ministry Email Address am being honest with God and with self. $100,000 192 96 76 19 Adult Choir St. Theresa Continued on back panels flourish and grow! Life Teen Contemporary Choir Catholic Church Tongan Choir Youth Choir 25 W. Lipoa Street | Kihei, HI 96753 808-879-4844 | www.saint-theresa.com Prayer Servants
2 A Letter from Our Pastor Advent: Moving Toward a Time of Fulfilled Hope Dear Friends in Christ, here is never a time during the year the traditions in our Church and in many of when we cannot pause and reflect on our homes is an Advent wreath. That custom whoT and what we are and how we conduct is filled with meaning. The wreath tends to our lives, both as a parish and as people of be circular in shape with four candles – three God. But this time of year in particular lends purple and one rose. The color purple is very itself to just that. evident at this time of year, just as it is during Advent is often called “a season of hope.” Lent. Purple represents prayer, penance, sac- However, it is more than that. We have rifice, and good works. choices and decisions to make at this time. On the Third Sunday of Advent, though, This is the time when we must acknowledge we light the rose candle. That is Gaudete Sun- the need for us to change attitudes and to day, a day of rejoicing. Throughout Advent, welcome the light of Christ’s presence. In this the candles are lit in progression each week. way, we can contribute to bringing hope to a world that is This builds on the idea of expectation and starved for hope. hope that we may see as Christ’s first coming into the world, Of course, we approach this time of year with a spirit but we must also keep in mind that, at the same time, we are of confident expectation, but now is the time for us to be anticipating His Second Coming. We cannot ask ourselves awake to Christ, Whose presence is revealed as forgiveness, often enough, “Are we ready?” Jesus and St. Paul and others Whose peace reconciles our differences, and Whose hope remind us often that we do not and cannot know the time should strengthen and lift up our hearts. and the place. We have pointed out that each and every day is an op- The point is that the time is now for us. Yes, this is a time portunity for a new beginning. Our Church’s new liturgical of hope, but we are heading toward a time of fulfilled hope. year began on the First Sunday of Advent. We understand God bless you and yours at this special time of year. that Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord – Christmas – but I would remind Sincerely yours in Christ, you that it is much more than that for us Catholics and Christians. It is a time for us to prepare for Christ’s Second Com- ing, as well. Much of what we do, our Scripture readings, Msgr. Terry Watanabe our prayers, our traditions are built on that reality. One of Pastor
Advent & Christmas Schedule Dec. 8 Dec. 16-24 Dec. 24 Immaculate Conception Misa de Gallo (No Saturday 5:30 p.m. Mass) Holy Day of Obligation Novena Masses daily at 5 a.m. Christmas Eve Masses Masses — 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Weekday Mass, M-F, 7 a.m. 6 p.m., 9 p.m., Midnight
Dec. 12 Dec. 21 Dec. 25 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Penance Service — 7 p.m. Christmas Day Masses Mañanitas, Dawn Service (No reconciliation Dec. 24&31) 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m. Mass Celebration— 6 p.m. (no Sunday 5:30 p.m. Mass)
3 Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church
Drawn Into Beauty Through Our Church Environment
lowers, banners, plants and a variety of colors. Isn’t Fit nice to walk into a beautiful church? In a special way, we, as Catholics, appreciate the “smells and bells,” the physical reminders of our faith. While we do our best to create a beautiful environment in our parish at St. Theresa, it isn’t simply to have a pleasant visual. The teams who vol- unteer to decorate the church each week hope to make it a place that draws people closer to God, as well as their parish community. Many members of our parish family come together as teams, to bring beauty to our church each week. Our Ha- waiian, Tongan, and Filipino communities, as well as local families who have been members of our parish for years, give of their time and talent to serve in the Environment Ministry. One of the goals of this ministry is to make our church a welcoming environment, for both longtime parishioners, as well as visitors to the area. From the flowers inside the church, to the outside grounds and signage, everything is designed to help people feel welcome and at home at St. Theresa’s. “We really try to have that kind of ambiance, with the warm aloha welcoming environment,” says Candie Pinau- la, our Pastoral Associate. “I don’t think anybody can really show welcome if their place is in disarray,” she adds. “[The environment] enhances what you want to share with the person – ‘Come! Welcome!’ To be warm and welcoming, to have the aloha spirit, you have to have the visual.” The flowers are the main responsibility of those who serve on the Environment Ministry, finding local tropical flowers at farmer’s markets and arranging them according to the liturgical season and colors. Decorating according to “Every gift we have comes from the Lord. If people look at this big beautiful church, it’s not because we did it for God, but because he reminds us in His grandeur, that His love is so big and unconditional
By making our church beautiful, the members of the and we can be part of it. He wants us to appreciate what He has given Environment Ministry team hope to welcome both longtime us, and take care of it.” – Candie Pinaula parishioners and visitors to the church.
4 Drawn Into Beauty Through Our Church Environment
the liturgical season is an opportunity for people to learn more about their faith and the celebrations of the Church. “To have a beautiful sanctuary decorated, it also helps catechize people,” Candie says. “It touches all our senses – the intellect, the heart, the will, and the soul.” Longtime parishioner Ray Golino served in the Envi- ronment Ministry for many years. “Ray contributed a lot,” Candie says. “He [decorated] for the liturgical seasons, he would change the banners that run down the side of the crucifix. At Christmas, he would provide all the Christmas trees and all the decorations.” Candie hopes that the environment in the church will help people become more engaged at Mass. “We want to bring people to focus their attention on the Eucharist at the Mass, on what goes on in the sanctu- ary,” she says. “The environment enhances our senses, our feelings. It helps you pray better when you’re in an envi- ronment where you can smell, see and touch.” She also hopes it will help people remember God’s love and generosity and want to honor Him by giving back. “Every gift we have comes from the Lord,” Candie says. “If people look at this big beautiful church, it’s not because we did it for God, but because he reminds us in His gran- deur, that His love is so big and unconditional and we can be part of it. He wants us to appreciate what He has given us, and take care of it. If we can celebrate Him big, we’ll celebrate.” Candie encourages parishioners to become involved in this important ministry. Even if you cannot commit to serving long term, you can volunteer to serve for a particu- lar month. “Come and share your gifts and talents,” Candie says. “If you want to love and serve others through your gifts, come on over!” “Every gift we have comes from the Lord. If people look at this big beautiful church, it’s not because we did it for God, but because he reminds us in His grandeur, that His love is so big and unconditional If you would like more information on this and we can be part of it. He wants us to appreciate what He has given ministry, or to become involved, please us, and take care of it.” – Candie Pinaula contact the parish office at 808-879-4844.
5 Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church
Time: The Foundation of Stewardship
he U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has told us that stewardship is part of discipleship and is a way of responding to TGod’s call in every aspect of our lives. We refer to the three facets of stewardship as “Time, Talent and Treasure,” and when we consider the importance of these three Ts of stewardship, the “time” component comes first by design. When we talk about stewardship of time, we are referring to prayer time. Prayer is of the utmost importance in a disciple’s life, and it serves as the fertile ground from which the gifts of talent and treasure blossom. Only by spending time in prayer each day and receiving the sacraments are we able to consistently and generously donate our talent and treasure to the Church. When looking for examples of how to live our lives as disciples of Christ and as stewards of God’s gifts, we can always turn to the great saints of our Church to guide us. And when it comes to the Stewardship of Time, the life of St. Damien is just one example of how prayer, or “Time,” is the foundation for our lives of stewardship. Shortly after being ordained a priest, St. Damien volunteered to serve a colony of lepers isolated on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. From May 1873 until his death in 1889 (at the age of 49) St. Damien worked to restore within the lepers a sense of personal worth and dignity. Although for some time St. Damien took the necessary precautions to ensure that he did not contract leprosy, he knew that physical touch was necessary to communicate his love and concern to those afflicted with the disease. He embraced the lepers, dined with them, cared for them, and anointed them in the sacraments. With great humility and sacrifice, St. Damien offered his own life in order to save the lives of others. From where did St. Damien draw his strength? What was the source of his inspiration? “Were it not for the constant presence of our divine Master in our humble chapel, I would not have found it possible to persevere in sharing the lot of the lepers in Molokai,” St. Damien wrote. “The Eucharist is the bread that gives strength... It is at once the most eloquent proof of His love and the most powerful means of fostering His love in us. He gives Himself every day so that our hearts as burning coals may set afire the hearts of the faithful.” St. Damien found his strength in the Mass, the greatest prayer of the Church. Prayer was the impetus behind the gen- erosity of this faithful servant of God, and is the fuel that ignites every heart to flame in love. Without prayer, without the grace that flows from the sacraments, we are incapable of leading lives of service and responding to God’s call! How much time do you dedicate to prayer each day? One hour? Fifteen minutes? None at all? Before you consider joining a parish ministry or volunteering your talents in service, and before you discern your gifts of treasure to the Church, be sure that prayer is your foundation. Identify a prayer schedule that is manageable. This may entail arising 20 minutes early each day to offer your work to the Lord, or attend- ing daily Mass once a week. Every prayer commitment is unique and personal. Yet, no matter what, this time offering, this dedication to prayer, is the key to serv- ing the Lord with faithfulness, generosity and joy.
6 “We Recognize Service – Service to Our Country and Service to God” A Look Back on Our Veterans Day Celebration at St. Theresa
t is highly likely that you have Inever heard of Randy Sly. Cur- rently an editor with Catholic On- line, he was formerly an Episcopalian Archbishop who made the decision to come into full communion with the Catholic Church, thus converting from his vocation as an Episcopalian priest. However, he is also a Vietnam veteran, and a former Faithful Navi- gator (4th degree) in the Knights of Columbus. A few years ago, Randy spoke at a Veterans Day ceremony at his own Catholic parish. He said, “First of all I want to say to all the veterans – thank you and God bless you! However, also as Catholics, I want to challenge us to live out our faith to the fullest of our ability as God gives us strength, for His glory, the good of our Church, and the good of our country. Those who died should not have died in vain. They gave their lives for a coun- try that believed that ‘all men are cre- changed the name to Veterans Day, celebrations. Dale reflects on our own ated equal, that they are endowed by but it was still at that time dedicated Veterans Day commemoration. their Creator with certain unalien- to honoring those who had died in “Attitudes in the United States have able Rights, that among these are Life, service to our country. President Ger- changed during my own lifetime,” he Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ ald Ford expanded that to include says. “I sense that more today than ever, We need to live our lives standing for all who had served the country. His people appreciate those who contribut- these same principles.” declaration called for “a celebration ed and those who continue to contrib- Veterans Day, which we celebrat- to honor America’s veterans for their ute so much to our country, so much to ed Nov. 11, has evolved for almost patriotism, love of country, and will- who and what we are. On Veterans Day 100 years. On Nov. 11, 1918, an ar- ingness to serve and sacrifice for the we recognize service – service to our mistice was signed ending “The Great common good.” country and service to God.” War,” World War I. President Wood- In our own parish, Dale Web- Our celebration was built around row Wilson declared November 11 ster serves as Chair of the Steward- the 8 a.m. Mass. In an effort to rec- to be celebrated as Armistice Day. ship Council. In addition, he serves ognize all veterans in the parish, we President Dwight Eisenhower then as coordinator for our Veterans Day asked that they contact the parish of- continued on back cover
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25 W. Lipoa St. • Kihei, HI 96753 808-879-4844 • www.saint-theresa.com
“Service to Our Country, Service to God” continued from page 7 fice and let us know their name, their service branch, and their rank. Then, at the Mass itself, we had them stand up and be rec- ognized. Following Mass, there was a breakfast held for the vet- erans and their families. Dedicated staff members, along with Fr. Terry, came together to make this celebration a success. Dale points out that an important part of stewardship is service and sacrifice. “Our veterans are a great example of what it means to be a steward,” he says. “Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. As Catholics, realizing that all we have is a gift from God, we are encouraged to reflect on our blessings, increase the gifts God has given us and share with others. By giving of ourselves and helping those around us, we are practicing Christian stewardship. Our veterans are among the best illustrations of this. We have a significant military presence in this parish, and it is a blessing because these are people who understand stewardship, who appreciate what it means to serve others.” As General Douglas MacArthur stated, “Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” We cannot thank our veterans enough for what they have contributed to our country, and thus to each of us here at St. Theresa.
Mass Schedule Weekdays: 7 a.m. • Saturday: 5:30 p.m. (English), 7 p.m. (Spanish) • Sunday: 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.