December 2014

Inside This Issue...

2 Keeping Things in Perspective During Christmas

3 Making Christmas a Time of Real Blessing

4 New Inspirational Hula Ministry Glorifies the Lord

6 Begin the Journey Home for Christmas

7 Fr. Boniface Waema, Parochial Vicar of St. John Apostle & Evangelist Honors Filipino St. John Apostle & Culture with Misa de Gallo Celebrations Evangelist

he celebration of the Misa de Gallo novena – also known as TSimbáng Gabi or Mass of the Rooster – is a Filipino tradition that dates back to the early days of Spanish rule. This nine-day consecutive early morning Masses is celebrated at many parishes throughout Hawaii, including here at St. John Apostle & Evangelist. The first Misa de Gallo was celebrated at St. John on December 16, 2000. “We try to keep the customs of the ‘old country’ and teach the younger members and children the importance of preserving their heritage,” says parishioner Richard Amaral, President of Fil-Am Catholic Group. “In the Philippines, the Misa de Gallo is celebrated early, with the church bells ringing at 4 a.m. so that people can get ready for the 5 a.m. dawn Mass. This tradition was introduced by Spanish friars to allow the farmers and fishermen to hear Mass before going to their work early in the morning. Most churches are decorated with lights of many colors and beautiful lanterns to welcome the churchgoers.” Every year, the Misa de Gallo begins on December 16, with the last Mass taking place on December 24. Several parishioners and ministries host and sponsor the Masses – St. John’s Fil-Am Catholic Group hosts and sponsors the first and last Masses. “Each year, we start with fundraising to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide for a successful Misa de Gallo,” Richard says. The early-morning celebrations also includes Filipino food and refreshments after the Mass. At St. John Apostle & Evangelist,

continued on page 5 Keeping Things in Perspective During Christmas

hristmas season is upon us. an unemployed loved one. He may over. His name should not be CWe have started making have helped safely bring a new baby added to our list out of guilt, or as our gift lists and checking them into the family, or has brought peace an afterthought. We should instead twice. Of course, we will include during a difficult time. The blessings joyfully desire to place God first family and friends on our lists. are no doubt countless. These on our list for the same reason we But we may also include teachers, abundant gifts God bestows on us want to give gifts to the others coaches, and even service are given to us freely out of His love on our list — out of love and workers, such as newspaper – even though we are unworthy to appreciation. deliverers or mail carriers. We receive them. Stewardship allows us to want to give everyone a gift, Now think of all the ways tangibly give a Christmas gift to showing our love and appreciation you respond to these bountiful God through our time, talent and for all they do during the year. blessings. How do you choose to treasure. Why not spend an hour The idea of holiday gift giving show God your thankfulness? As in the church adoring God, or pray — to show love and gratefulness we prepare for the coming of Jesus a Rosary to share your time with to others who have touched our during Advent, do we remember Him? Perhaps you might bring a lives – is certainly parallel to the to add His name to our list? When meal to a family going through a concept of stewardship. we check Grandpa’s name on our difficult time, or watch an infant Stewardship – returning a list, are we also including a gift to for a young mother so she can portion, or gift, to God in love and Christ? It is His birthday we are prepare for Christmas. Providing thankfulness – follows the very celebrating, after all. an extra offering by way of the same pattern. We give a gift to Him The very first name on the Christmas envelope is also a to express our thanks. Think of all list – above our spouse, children, perfect way to share your treasure God has done for you this year, and relatives and friends – should be with God. Whatever choice how His love has impacted you. God’s name. As good stewards, you make this season, make the Maybe He has answered a special we are called to give God our decision to be a good Christmas prayer petition, or provided a job for “first fruits,” and not what is left steward. How do you choose to show God your thankfulness? As we prepare for the coming of Jesus during Advent, do we remember to add His name to our list? When we check Grandpa’s name on our list, are we also including a gift to Christ? December 2014

A Letter From Our Pastor Making Christmas a Time of

Dear Parishioners,

s we all know, December is about Christmas. The basic truth of AChristmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But the additional load we have piledReal onto our Christmas observance means Blessing that worship is often almost lost in the shuffle. Think about what weight Christmas has to bear. For instance, we send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We have to put up wreaths, Christmas trees and lights. It’s the time of year above all others to visit relatives – “Home for Christmas” is a sort of national motto. There’s the Christmas dinner to plan and cook. And then, we have Christmas presents to buy. No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought! Presents, at least, are a natural extension of the Christmas theme: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16). As God loved us and expressed it by giving His Son, so we in turn share the love we have received by giving to others. And it’s natural to show the joy we feel at the birth of our Savior with gifts, decorations and festivities. Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments. Treasure, although challenging, is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most generous Christmas present we give be the one to Jesus, whose birthday we’re celebrating? Risen and glorified, He needs nothing we have. But His Body, the Church, continues Jesus’ mission here on earth, and as good stewards, we all have a need to return a portion of our gifts to God in gratitude for His many blessings. Stewardship of our time may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Drop in to the church and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Maybe you can attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Have your family gather for prayers together in the morning or at dinner, in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season. And talent? There are lots of possibilities. You can help decorate the Church. Or perhaps you might cook or bake for someone who is homebound or a shut-in. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family. Offer to work in a soup kitchen. The possibilities are endless. Yes, December is synonymous with Christmas. But with a little planning, we can make this hectic time one of real blessing, both for ourselves and others. Have a blessed and joyful Christmas.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Msgr. John S. Mbinda Pastor

3 New Inspirational Hula Ministry Glorifies the Lord “Let them praise His name in dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.” - Psalm 149:3

Hula dancers practice the song “The Prayer,” praying in thanksgiving to God for His guidance and wisdom

eimomi Cleghorn began dancing both excited and willing. The two motions,” Leimomi says. “I feel filled Lhula when she was 7 years old. wanted to bring this form of worship to with the Holy Spirit. It’s an outpouring It was something she enjoyed, but it St. John Apostle & Evangelist and share of joy and peace, and I feel close to God wasn’t until she was 11 that she learned it with their brothers and sisters in faith. when I dance.” it could be a form of prayer. She saw “I was honored that she asked,” Ku’ulei, Leimomi’s daughter, was hula danced to the Our Father, and that Leimomi says. “I felt a calling from also instrumental in beginning this one exposure was enough – from that God, because I feel that dancing for the ministry. She started learning hula from moment on, she became very interested Lord is a gift that I have been given. her mother at a very young age, and in hula as worship. I felt she was asking me to share this after attending a traditional hula class, So when a fellow parishioner form of prayer, because that’s how I she found a Christian hula ‘auana – or and friend, Gwen Mitsui, approached view it – as prayer.” modern hula – class. Leimomi about beginning an Thus was born a brand-new parish “Every time I went to class, I felt Inspirational Hula Ministry, she was ministry, called in Hawaiian Hula Ho’oulu alive and honored to be dancing for I Kou Mana’o – or translated into English, the Lord,” Ku’ulei says. “Being able “Inspirational Hula.” Leimomi relates to start this class with my mother Inspirational Hula to using sign language to share our gift with others is an – it’s simply a different way to express the exciting and honoring way to praise words of a prayer. and worship the Lord.” “When I dance, the words fill me Inspirational Hula will occur and they are expressed through the at special occasion Masses such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother’s Inspirational Hula start-up team. Day and Confirmation, and will be (From left) Gwen Mitsui, Ku’ulei set at appropriate times determined 4 Cleghorn, Leimomi Cleghorn by the particular needs of the Mass. December 2014

New Inspirational Hula Ministry Glorifies the Lord “Let them praise His name in dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.” - Psalm 149:3

For example, if the Mass will be particularly long – as at Christmas and Easter – the dancing will occur before the start of the Mass so as to not prolong the Mass time. Practices are held from 10 to 11 a.m. in Room 6 of the Parish Center on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. These lessons are free of charge and open to all females in the parish from seventh-grade through college age. No previous experience in hula dancing is required. For questions or to get involved, please contact Gwen Mitsui at 808-623-6982. “We’re really excited about this ministry!” Gwen says. “We would love to have girls who have never had hula lessons before join this ministry. It’s (Back row, from left) Tricia Reyes, Ku’ulei a wonderful way to involve our youth in the celebration of the Mass, to Cleghorn, Toni Reyes. (Front row, from left) praise our Lord and to thank Him for the many blessings He has given us.” Saydee Velasco, Leimomi Cleghorn. “When I dance, the words fill me and they are expressed through the motions,” Leimomi says. “I feel filled with the Holy Spirit. It’s an outpouring of joy and peace, and I feel close to God when I dance.” – Leimomi Cleghorn

Misa de Gallo Celebrations continued from front cover volunteers from the Fil-Am Catholic Group assemble at 4 a.m. to set up for the gathering. “Shortly after each morning Mass, the aroma of traditional delicacies and many ethnic dishes await the 2014 Mass Celebrants churchgoers. Popular favorites are , ( 5:00 a.m. cakes), , sa pasko, and tea or coffee. Hot pandesal (breakfast rolls) may also be served along Tuesday, December 16 Msgr. John Mbinda with fresh fruits and soups.” Richard says, “The food and Wednesday, December 17 Most Rev. Larry Silva fellowship is secondary to the celebration of the Mass and Thursday, December 18 Rev. Joe Selvan spiritual preparation for Christmas.” Friday, December 19 Rev. Edmund Barut The Mass and gathering each morning of the Misa de Saturday, December 20 Msgr. Ted Mercado Gallo novena are well attended. The celebration is truly Sunday, December 21 Rev. Boniface Waema a community event, with everyone gathered together to pray and share in fellowship – and even to serve by Monday, December 22 Rev. Paul Li cleaning up together afterwards! Tuesday, December 23 Rev. Rheo Ofalsa This Advent, all parishioners are welcome to partake Wednesday, December 24 Msgr. John Mbinda in the Misa de Gallo novena to prepare for the birth of Christ. For more information, please contact the parish office at 808-623-3332. 5 Begin the Journey Home for Christmas

hrist was born the son of a poor carpenter. This was by person, no matter their status. This is the “good news of great Cno means an accident. His birth was the culmination of joy for all people” – Christ was born for us all. salvation history, as it profoundly revealed the glory of God. Christmas is the perfect time for distant shepherds to begin Infinite power and wisdom took the “form of a slave, coming the journey home. The angel’s greeting extends to all those who in human likeness” (Phil 2:7), not as a warrior, but a poor feel estranged from the Church or numb to God’s love. Those and vulnerable babe. who have fallen away from the faith can be comforted by these Every aspect of Christ’s birth, from the three kings to the words: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good swaddling clothes, carries meaning. The proclamation of the news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the angel, therefore, is also important: “Do not be afraid; for behold, city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all Lord” (Lk 2:10-11). the people” (Lk 2:10). This message, meant to be for “all the Be not afraid. The Christ Child awaits your arrival. people,” was announced to a group of shepherds in a field out in Begin the journey back to Christ by drawing near to His the middle of nowhere. Was this accidental? Not at all. body, the Church. Through prayer and the sacraments, you The shepherds, who received a personal invitation to will discover the great joy that accompanies a relationship greet Christ at the manger, reveal that God’s love extends with God. Take a moment to ask the Lord to bring peace beyond boundaries of distance and transcends social classes. to your heart and guide you in love towards Him. Please Unlike persons of this world who yearn to gain recognition join our parish family for the final preparations of Advent, with those of influence, wealth or beauty, Christ cries out to as well as the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. the lowly in society – to the shepherds in the distance. He You have read this entire article and have received a personal reaches out in love, desiring a relationship with every single invitation to begin the journey. Accidental? Not a chance.

Advent and Christmas Schedule

Parish Advent Retreat Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 Dec. 1-3 at 7 p.m. Masses at 6 p.m. (Children’s Mass), 9 p.m. and midnight Retreat Master – Rev. Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D. Christmas Day, Dec. 25 Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Masses at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (Holy Day of Obligation) (No 6 p.m. Evening Mass) Monday, Dec. 8 Masses at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. St. John Apostle and Evangelist Feast Day Saturday, Dec. 27 Parish Advent Penance Service Mass at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Breakfast Potluck after Mass – please bring a dish to share.

Misa de Gallo (Sponsored by Fil-Am Catholic Group) New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Wednesday, Dec. 24 Mass of Thanksgiving at 10 p.m. Mass at 5 a.m.

For more information, please call 623-3332 ext. 100, or email [email protected]. 6 December 2014

“Together, We Can Assume the Image of Christ” Fr. Boniface Waema Parochial Vicar of St. John Apostle & Evangelist

ur priests inspire us with their dedication and their Oselflessness. When he heard the story of a priest who encouraged a struggling alcoholic to transform his life, Fr. Boniface Waema felt the call of his vocation. “The commitment of the priest to assist touched me, and I wanted to dedicate my life to the service of humanity, especially to give spiritual help,” says Fr. Boniface, the new Parochial Vicar of St. John Apostle & Evangelist. “I joined the Seminary of St. Augustine in the Diocese of Bungoma in Kenya in 1976 and did philosophy for two years before proceeding to the St. Fr. Boniface Waema, the new Parochial Vicar of Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Nairobi where I did theology St. John Apostle & Evangelist for four years. I graduated with my degree from Urbaniana University in Rome in 1983 and was ordained the same year.” Fr. Boniface had been serving as Parochial Vicar in Throughout his priestly vocation, Fr. Boniface has Ekalakala for two years when his bishop, Rev. Martin Kivuva, served in several places and different capacities. After approached him about coming to the Diocese of Honolulu. his ordination, he was the Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of “At first I was apprehensive and resisted the idea, for I Lourdes Cathedral in Machakos and then served as a parish had not considered going abroad and being a missionary,” priest in different parishes including Masinga, Ekalakala, Fr. Boniface says. “I requested time to pray and think about Tala, and Kanzalu. While serving as the Parochial Vicar of it. He gave me some time and after consulting, thinking and Masii, Fr. Boniface was the administrator of the Diocesan praying for two weeks, I gave him the consent to go ahead Catholic Hospital for three years. with arrangement.” Fr. Boniface also has a background in education. He Before coming to St. John, Fr. Boniface communicated with taught theology at St. Matthias Mulumba Seminary in the only person he knew in the diocese, Msgr. Mbinda, without Tindinyo for eight years and from 2010 to 2012, he taught knowing he would soon be working with him. Two days after in the Catholic In-Service for Religious Education Teachers landing in Hawaii and arriving at St. John, Fr. Boniface went to (CISRET), a national institute of the Kenya Catholic the bishop’s office and received his official appointment. Conference of Bishops (KCCB). continued on back cover

7 Fr. Boniface Waema continued from page 7`

Fr. Boniface “I would with Msgr. John and Victor like to thank Apilado, parish the St. John volunteer family for their acceptance of me and their warm welcome. With high expectations, I look forward to working with them to nurture and “I became the new Parochial Vicar at heart. I look forward to this bonding with enrich our St. John on Sept. 22, 2014,” Fr. Boniface Christians of St. John. This will create says. “As a Parochial Vicar, I administer an atmosphere of openness, and it will familial ties so the sacraments to the faithful of the parish, enhance my service to them.” visit the homebound and bring Communion, In his personal time, Fr. Boniface enjoys that together, give some pastoral counseling, and handle reading, visiting new places and meeting different issues as delegated to me by the new people. He appreciates open dialogue on we can assume pastor.” issues, and he views discussions with others the image Here at St. John Apostle & Evangelist, as an opportunity to listen and to learn in Fr. Boniface hopes to connect closely with order to further serve. of Christ.” the community and to continue his vocation “I would like to thank the St. John to serve others and their spiritual needs. family for their acceptance of me and – Fr. Boniface “Originally when I felt the call to their warm welcome,” Fr. Boniface says. priesthood, my desire was to serve the “With high expectations, I look forward to Waema, people in order to facilitate their nearness working with them to nurture and enrich to God,” Fr. Boniface says. “This has our familial ties so that together, we can Parochial not changed, and I still hold this in my assume the image of Christ.” Vicar

95-370 Kuahelani Ave • Mililani, HI 96789 • 808-623-3332 ext. 100 • [email protected] • www.stjohnmililani.org • www.facebook.com/johnapostle.718