Holy Trinity A Stewardship Parish

February 28, 2021 Second Sunday of Lent

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

Reconciliation/Confession Saturday 9:00 to 10 00 am. Stations of the Cross Fridays after 5 pm Mass

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: 5:00 pm Stations afterwards

Our vision: To be a welcoming parish committed to serving others. Our mission: To make Christ known to the world through Word, Sacrament, Prayer and Service

Second Sunday in Lent, Cycle B

Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Abraham is willing to obey God at the cost of his beloved son. Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19 We are merely the servants of God, and yet precious in God’s eyes. Romans 8:31b-34 God is for us, and Jesus intercedes for us. Whom should we fear? Mark 9:2-10 Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son to terrified disciples.

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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

Carolyn Nakatsu Ross Nakatsu Bob Sargis Yvonne Silva Paul Reyes Ofelia Lazaro Jay Rego Sandy Yim Emiliana Vite Bill Hamilton Chieko Furumoto Jim Leahey John Debrovin Sr. Anita Kenneth Wong Maria Gambino D.J. Louis

Robert Dennehy 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.

Stations of the Cross: As displayed in our Gym-Church

The beautiful Station of the Cross prints that we are using this year were a gift to Fr. Mike from David and Madeline Merrill...who spend several weeks each year with us from Texas. What follows is the story about the artist, Ted De Grazia, and the initial project that he was commissioned to do for the St. Thomas Moore Chap- el at the University of Arizona for the Catholic student community there. (Note: This description was written by Robert L. Graff and was included with the prints, and edited by me)

I. The Way of the Cross is a popular devotion in the Catholic Church enabling the believer to accompany his Savior on that sorrowful journey. Although not part of the liturgy or public prayer of the church, it is a private devotion richly blessed and encouraged by the church, and in almost every Catholic Church one will find the Stations of the Cross. The Way of the Cross is a kind of miniature pilgrimage in which we follow the Savior's footsteps to the place called the Skull. The devotion consists in pausing before fourteen scenes depicting the sufferings of Jesus' journey to Calvary and in making some application drawn from each scene to one's spiritual life.

II. The origins of the devotion can be traced ultimately to the Holy Land and Via Dolorosa (the sorrowful way). It was natural for the Christians to love the soil trodden by their Lord and to visit the way that led from Pilate's house to the place of the crucifixion. The exact route travelled by Jesus is not known, but it was not a long journey, not more than five or six hundred yards.

III. Perhaps a more common term for the Way of the Cross is the Stations of the Cross. In 1222 the first mem- bers of the Franciscan Order came to Jerusalem and in 1342 they were made the official custodians of the holy places. Often groups of pilgrims were organized to visit the places made holy by Jesus' footsteps and at the more prominent sites they usually would stop to recite prayers, hence the word "stations" or "stopping place." It is not easy to determine how the number of stations came to be fixed at fourteen.

IV. The Way of the Cross in Art. Some early forms of the Stations of the Cross are valuable works of art such as the Stations in Cathedral. Others worth mentioning are those at Gorlitz erected by G. Em- merich about 1405 and those at Nuremberg by Kretzel in 1468. Imitations of these were at Louvain in 1505 by Peter Sterckx. A challenge to any artist is the depicting of the events of Jesus' suffering and death.

V. The Current Work...the prints on display on our Gym's wall. When the new St. Thomas Moore Chapel, serving the Catholic students at the University of Arizona-Tucson was under construction, it was felt that the Stations of the Cross could serve as a splendid opportunity to make an historical event pertinent to today's world and a source of virile spirituality that would prove attractive to stu- dents.

A good artist could accomplish this task. Not without some hesitation, realizing the enormity of the task, Ted DeGrazia consented to paint in oil the Stations of the Cross for St. Thomas Moore Chapel. DeGrazia became so absorbed in his work that nothing could interrupt him. At the conclusion of his work, he commented that never before had he been so caught up in any of his work--once he started painting the Stations, he could not stop

VI. The Exposition of DeGrazia's Stations at Holy Trinity Church is unique. (No other Church throughout Hawai'i can claim to have these beautiful prints on display for Lenten devotions at this time). The events of Good Friday are no longer far away in another age, in another country. They are present here and now-- to this time, to the people, in Degrazia's portrayal. In a strong and virile Via Dolorosa, yet humble. Each Station is painted for its particular truth and impact. Of particular interest are the three Stations depicting the three "falls" of Jesus. it is a black Christ, a yellow Christ, a red Christ who falls under the weight of the cross--the universality of Jesus' redemption, for He died for all men. And in DeGrazia's portrayal too, ultimate- ly, we hear the echo of the words of St. Paul: "O, death, where is thy victory? O, death, where is thy sting? Death is swallowed up in victory." I Corinthians 15:55

I hope that this brief explanation of these beautiful Stations of the Cross has been insightful and helpful as we use them to journey throughout the Lenten season. Be sure to stop and view each "Station" and absorb the intent of the artist and the specialness of each moment in Jesus' journey to Calvary.

Lenten blessings,

Fr. Mike

Stewardship Corner Reflection 244

Stewardship at Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Sure, Lord

“He changed his mind” (Matthew 21:28-32)

We all know the parable of the man who owned a vineyard; he had two sons and asked each to work a day in the vineyard. The first son replied: ‘I will not’ but later changed his mind and went into the vineyard. The second son said: ‘I will, father’ but did not. The point: who did the father’s will? Most say the first son...and that is why ‘sinners will enter the Kingdom of God first’ (Matthew 21:31), because they believed and repented. This lenten season offers a time to reflect on our lives and service to the Lord. We often think not...then change our minds and do, just as the first son did. Let’s thank the Lord for His invitation to change our minds for He is a generous Lord and only wants what’s best for us. Let’s look for the opportunities to change our minds...to see it His way...so we too can enter the Kingdom of God. Happy Lent!

“You Can’t Out Do God’s Generosity!”

Good News to the Parishioners of Holy Trinity Church

February 28, 2021

1. Police Officers Maurice Staggers and Otilio Green responded to a carjacking call with a baby on board in New Haven, CT. When they found the car, the driver was arrested and the 6 month old boy was just fine and returned to parents. Both officers are fathers of young children. 2. Jason Baumann, EMT received a call to transport a doctor and an organ from a Cincinnati airport to the Children’s Hospital...only severe snowstorm closed most roads. His police escort got him there within the 2 hour window of surgery. 3. Outdoor venues in Philadelphia, PA might reopen this summer for concerts. 4. Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards has authorized teachers and school staff to begin covid vaccinations. Also the new VA center will open for vaccination of veterans. 5. The city and county of Honolulu has gone to Tier 3. 6. 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. 7. Remember our gifts from God...continue to take care of one another. 8. “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). 9. When it comes to Coronavirus...common sense is not so common...chose common sense anyway. 10. Wear your mask, maintain distance and wash your hands. 11. 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.

Pastoral Council Meeting Feb 10, 2021: Summary

Our Parish Pastoral Council met on Feb. 10th with our full membership attending.

Council Members include: Deacon Ferdi & Steve, Paul Hilton (Chair), Vickie Barela (Co-Chair), John Kim, Dorothy Maurice, Jen Ishii.

1-Introduction of Jen Ishii as a new member of the Council. Jen replaces Dane Olaso who has served for the past few years but has moved out of the parish and can no longer serve as a member.

2-Church Flooring Project: progress continues, and a Contractor will be selected from those who submitted bids. Funding will be taken from our Major Maintenance and Repair Fund. Previously, we have received approval from the Diocese and will soon sign a contract. The projected timeline is 5-7 months. 3-Fr. Mike proposed to the Council that we replace all the existing pews and chairs with new Pews. It seems logical to use the time that the church is not being utilized to further look into this project. Currently, the cloth chairs would not meet with the Covid requirements for disinfecting. The Council wholeheartedly approved this idea and encouraged Fr. Mike to continue his efforts to gather information and pricing for such a venture. Funding for this project would also come from our MMR account.

4-The schedule for the forthcoming Holy Week and Easter celebrations were discussed. A schedule of Service and Mass times were published On-Line last week for the parish community.

5-A new program for children over the age of 7 who have not yet been baptized will begin after Easter. Debbie & Deacon Steve Kula, along with Betsy Gunderson have put a program together and we hope that this will assist families who have children in this age grouping. This does not replace any level of our current Religious Education program...it is for unbaptized children seeking Sacraments.

6-Music Ministry was discussed so that we could do some brainstorming before returning to the church. It was the consensus of the Council that we should explore asking parishioners who are musically talented to assist us in providing music for the weekend Masses...when we return to the church building. The concept is that we would have separate choirs who could take care of one Mass each. Deacon Steve volunteered to work in providing Liturgical guidance to both musicians and singers.... but did not volunteer his voice!

Religious Education Students Celebrate their First Confessions

Last Saturday morning Fr. Mike heard the First Confessions of the boys and girls who will eventually be receiv- ing their First Communions and Confirmations later this year. A special 'Mahalo' to their parents and teachers for properly instructing and preparing them for this important moment. We look forward to their Communion and Confirmations as much as they do!

We celebrate Xander Ganialongo, Julia Glac, Avi Echeverri, Asher Echeverri, Silver Echeverri, Chiara Doyle, Kaitlyn Juliana, and Jordan Juliano.

Becoming Fully Catholic for Youth – Ages 7+ A Journey with Jesus

Is your child over the age of 7 and not yet baptized? Is he or she interested in receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist? Are you interested in supporting them on this journey?

Shortly after Easter 2021, classes for this all-important Journey with Jesus will begin and lead to reception of these sacraments at the Easter Vigil in 2022. For more information, contact Deacon Steve at [email protected]

New Floor for the Church...next, New Pews

If you read the information of the recent Pastoral Council meeting you saw that I started a discussion about replacing the current cloth chairs and old pews with new pews and chairs without cloth. Both existing types of seating in the church have 'seen their days.' I mentioned to the Council that the existing cloth seats are not able to be properly disinfected so that we couldn’t use them even after Covid restrictions are over.

Therefore, I 'floated the idea' of new pews and seats to both the Pastoral and Finance Committee of the parish. They all agreed that I should proceed and look into what it would take to make it happen.

Since I received that 'go-ahead', I was able to enlist the talent and services of parishioner and Project Manag- er, Scott Ruppel to assist me in this project. We have measured the church space, contacted some of the church furniture manufacturers in the U.S., enlisted the expertise of an Architectural designer, and put togeth- er our needs for eventually replacing what we have with newly designed and manufactured pews and chairs.

Some of the details: * In the main body of the church there would be all pews, from the entryway to the altar area. * the current chairs that face the altar from either side would be replaced with non-cloth chairs. * an appropriate number of chairs would be placed in the area in front of the tabernacle, as is there now. * the Deacon chairs would be replaced with new chairs. * the length of the pews would be modified to allow for the necessary ADA requirements. * several of the pews would be modified so that a wheelchair or walker could be accommodated. * attached kneelers would be included. * wood and color would match the existing wood tones in the church. * this project will be timed to parallel the installation of the new floor and its timeline. * the timing for the floor and pew replacements is great since we are not using the church currently.

Funding: The bulk of the funding will be taken from our existing Major Maintenance & Repairs Fund. However, I would encourage that anyone who wishes to make a 'special contribution' to this Fund to do it at your earliest convenience. Also, if recognition is desirable than we can add a "leaf" to the existing Giv- ing Tree in the church vestibule...with a name or family designation. Details on the individual cost for a pew or chair will be forthcoming. Comments: Please direct any comments, questions, or ideas directly to me (Fr. Mike) so that we can possibly incorporate them into our planning. Like the flooring project, the timeline is about 4 to 6 months from the time of ordering to installation. We would like to get this 'up-and rolling' ASAP. I have consulted with our Facilities Coordinators: (aka: Russ Pinho, Tom Fake and Paul Hilton) and since they are coordinating the Flooring we want to be working in conjunction with one another.... which we are. Note: It is through the ongoing generosity of so many of you that we have a robust MMR Fund that we can use at times like these. We have saved, so that we use it wisely when the need arises. I hope that I can count on your support so that when we eventually return to the church it will look new, be comfortable, clean, and welcoming both for us and future generations.

Mahalo for your generosity and support, fr. mike

Honolulu City/County Moves to Tier 3

Based on improved Covid-19 numbers, Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced that the City and County of Honolulu will move to Tier 3...so what’s the impact to Holy Trinity Church? Nothing changes.

So, let’s review Tier 3. In general, the impact is to social gatherings, inside and outside that will now allow 10 people: the same for restaurants.

For churches, it’s about the same...wear your mask, sanitize your hands and maintain a 6-foot distance. So Holy Trinity will maintain its current practices...that means we stay in the gym, sanitize our hands, wear a mask and sit 6 feet apart. We’ve been doing things right for nearly a year under Fr Mike’s pastoral guidance and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Lenten Journey Continues

Many us grew up with the tradition of giving something up for Lent. Although we continue to do this, we must ask ourselves what is the purpose of giving up something? If we give up watching a 30- minute TV show or even the opening monologue of a late night TV show, we can use that time to read the scriptures, pray, or make a time or money contribution.

At the end of each day in Lent, we have a simple 3- item mental checklist: Prayer? Fast? Give? Then, a comment – what can we do better tomorrow? The goal of Lent is not to deprive ourselves. It is to get closer to God.

Lent is a journey, where there are many distractions. When we get off course, it’s up to us to make a correction. When Easter Sunday arrives, we can celebrate the achievement of getting closer to our Savior.

Second Collection Announcement Major Maintenance and Repair (MMR)

Reminder: Next weekend, March 6-7, 2021, there will be the monthly collection for Major Maintenance and Repair (MMR). This monthly collection will sup- port ongoing major maintenance and repairs to the physical plant and buildings of Holy Trinity Church.

The floors, chairs, and windows in our church have served us well for many years. Our Maintenance guys, Russ Pinho and Tom Fake have put a lot of band aids on things over the years. The cleaning crew has worked extra hard to keep the carpet clean. The new tile floor will require a lot less maintenance. The walk- off entrance rug will keep much of the foot dirt out. The new windows will end the leaks and help with our utility bill.

We are grateful for your generosity enabling our parish to have sufficient funds to begin restoration work of our church. Your continued support is appreciated. Mahalo.

For Lent For Life

For Lent For Life – That’s the theme for the CRS Rice Bowl campaign this year. Journey with Frankline in Mada- gascar, Edwin in El Salvador, and Eliza in Timor-Leste as they build better futures for themselves and their com- munities through vegetable gardens.

And you can try some of the recipes: Pupusas from El Salvador, Batar Da’an from Timor-Leste, and Vary Amin’anana from Madagascar. Be adventurous this Lent. Try something new. And remember to be thankful – pray. And be generous – give to those who are less fortunate.

In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis encourages us to nurture an “attitude of the heart” and to express it “when we stop and give thanks to God before and after meals... That moment of blessing, however brief, reminds us of our de- pendence on God for life; it strengthens our feeling of gratitude for the gifts of creation; it acknowledges those who by their labours provide us with these goods; and it reaffirms our solidarity with those in greatest need.”

Please help us support and sustain a culture of LIFE at Holy Trinity, this Lent and always. We always appreciate the support of your prayers. If you have ideas and suggestions to share, or are interested in joining our Respect Life Committee, please contact Debbie at [email protected].

Sunday, Feb 28, 2021 sacrifice of the Blessed Sacrament. How will you commit your SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT own life to making the world more just? Go all in TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28 (232). Erin became a Roman Catholic in midlife. When asked why, she “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” says she tried fiercely to make life work according to her plan. Erin told God many times how it should go, attempting to Thursday, Mar 04, 2021 MEMORIAL OF CASIMIR persuade the powers that be to see it her way. Then one day God Grace under pressure replied: My plan for you is so beautiful, wonderful, elegant. Why Casimir seemed destined for riches and power, but this not try it instead? When Erin celebrated the Rites for Candidates of Poland, called the Peacemaker, took a different for Full Communion on a Lenten Sunday just like this one, she path. Born in 1458 to the king and queen of Poland, he was a found the joy she was missing. Pray for this year’s candidates— devout, ascetic child. At age 14 his father had him lead an army and for candidates for years to come. to install himself as king of Hungary, but with an overpowering TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31b- 34; Mark 9:2-10 (26). “If God is for us, who can be against us?” enemy and troops beginning to desert, Casimir instead returned home. His furious father exiled him, but Casimir would never Monday, Mar 01, 2021 again take up arms. Rejecting violence when those around you LENTEN WEEKDAY embrace it can take great inner strength. Cultivate an inner Mercy me! compass that can pursue peace despite pressure. Pope Francis called mercy the "beating heart of the gospel." TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31 (233). “Blessed Mercy is forbearance, divine favor, compassionate treatment of is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.” the distressed and undeserving. It’s another word for God’s love. Consider showing devotion to it by reciting the Chaplet of Divine Friday, Mar 05, 2021 LENTEN WEEKDAY; DAY OF ABSTINENCE Mercy, a rosary-based prayer that was received by Saint Pray for besieged people everywhere Faustina, a Polish nun in the 1930s, through visions of Jesus. Prayer is our life with God. Sometimes we carve out a particular Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated the week after Easter, but time during the day, and sometimes there are specific words, many make the Chaplet part of their regular Lenten practice by images, or experiences that help us be more aware of or express reciting it every day at 3 p.m. (the traditional hour of Christ’s our relationship with God. And so of course during Lent prayer is death). You can find the Chaplet on the USCCB website. one of the pillars, along with fasting and almsgiving, that help us TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 9:4b-10; Luke 6:36-38 (230). “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” turn to God. On today’s 2021 World Day of Prayer, an ecumenical observance, we are invited to “Build on a strong Tuesday, Mar 02, 2021 foundation.” This theme comes from the women of Vanuatu, an LENTEN WEEKDAY island hit by Cyclone Harold in 2020. Despite the perils they Celebrate humble history faced—and we've all faced in a year of pandemic—the message Women’s History Month celebrates well-known women but also of today's prayer is one of confidence in God's steadfastness and unsung heroines. How appropriate, then, that today is the feast of the rock of faith. Unite in prayer for healing and recovery. Agnes of Bohemia, a lesser-known saint. First cousin of Elizabeth TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Matthew 21:33- of Hungary—and descendent of Good King Wenceslaus—Agnes 43, 45-46 (234). “The kingdom of God will be . . . given to a people came upon her vocation naturally. She built a hospital for the that will produce its fruit.” poor, a Franciscan friary, and a monastery for Poor Clare nuns. Saturday, Mar 06, 2021 When she also became a nun and was urged to become abbess, LENTEN WEEKDAY she referred to herself only as “senior sister.” She continued to Sibling rivalry of biblical proportions cook for her sisters and mend the clothing of lepers rather than The Parable of the Prodigal Son could as easily be called the live a royal life. Celebrate the unsung heroines in your life. Parable of the Bitter Brother. The story might have ended with TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20; Matthew 23:1-12 (231). the celebration at the return of the repentant prodigal. But instead "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” we are left to ponder the feelings of the “good son,” the obedient one who followed all the rules but never got a party thrown in his Wednesday, Mar 03, 2021 honor. It’s a very human story, reenacted in nearly every family MEMORIAL OF KATHARINE DREXEL, RELIGIOUS FOUNDER in one form or another. “Mother always liked you best.” “You We have work to do were Dad’s favorite.” “All we ever did was bail you out of Katharine Drexel (1858-1955) is a saint for our time. Born into a trouble.” Will the bitter brother in the gospel story reconcile? Has successful Philadelphia banking family, she used her wealth to bitterness or division in your own family been reconciled? improve the lives of others. Her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Consider being the reconciler who brings it about. devoted their lives to education of Native and African Americans, TODAY'S READINGS: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (235). building more than 100 schools in cities, rural areas, and on “Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your reservations. Though Katharine and her sisters at times faced orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with criticism, endured racist taunts, and were threatened by the Ku my friends.” Klux Klan, they remained steadfast in their mission. Patron saint of racial justice and philanthropy, Saint Katharine epitomizes the

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