Health Notes

Missioner Tales

      This story is taken from the April edition of Maryknoll magazine. Although I was not a Maryknoll seminarian, in 1972 I graduated from the Maryknoll School of Theology in Ossining, New York. I earned master's degrees in theology while there. You may subscribe to this magazine by writing to: Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, New York, 10545-0302. (The Maryknoll "campus" has its own zip code and name).

    The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers have served the people in the diocese of Honolulu and throughout the world for many years. They are a very popular and respected missionary congregation.

      The story, then...

      On the bus to Jessore, Bangladesh, a Muslim gentleman seated beside me spoke about the service he has seen me offering to the sick poor. “Why do you do it?” he asked.

      “Jesus lived this way, “ I replied.

      “Yes, but people remember Jesus,” he commented. “You, after a while, they’ll forget.”

      I agreed and then I offered a further explanation that he also accepted. “It’s all right for them to forget me. I do these works for Allah and that One never forgets.”

Robert McCahill, M.M.

Laughter, The Best Medicine

        While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish carriage.

      The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust."

Hawaii Family Forum

Organizational Announcement

Hawaii Family Forum & Hawaii Catholic Conference Seeking New Executive Director

      Hawaii Family Forum, a non-profit, pro-family education organization committed to family-friendly policies in Hawaii and its community partner, the Hawaii Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii is seeking an individual to serve as Executive Director (ED) of both organizations.

      The ED works on a range of legislative community issues including the sanctity of life, social justice and poverty, and traditional marriage and values. The ED represents both organizations to the legislature, churches and community.

      Candidate must have excellent writing, communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

      Qualified candidates should send their resumes to:

      info@hawaiifamilyforum.org

No phone calls please.

Kauai Clergy Update

      As you probably know, Father Edgar Villanueva will be leaving St. Catherine's Parish in mid-April to return to the Philippines for vacation. When he returns to the United States he will enter a training program to become an Army chaplain.

      Bishop Silva has announced that Father Alberto Silagan will stay on at St. Catherine's and he will be the temporary administrator of the parish until June 30, 2008. Father Alberto will be joined by Father Peter Miti, one of our newly ordained priests, who has been appointed the temporary assistant pastor until June 30, 2008. The reason the priest appointments are temporary until June 30, 2008, is that regular and permanent assignments in our diocese are made and become effective on July 1st.

      Let us remember these three fine priests and the people they serve in our prayers during this time of transition!

Congratulations!

      Congratulations to our Elect who received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.  They are Leorie Guarin, Christopher Longboy, Nadine Longboy, and Stephen Owen.  Congratulations also to Bradley Hiranaka, Jeannie Renaud, and Ricky Renaud who were received in Full Communion.

Parish Secretary/Bookkeeper Position

            Some of you may have heard the sad news that Marylee Harris, our parish secretary and bookkeeper, along with her husband Paul, will be moving to Austin, Texas this summer to be near their grand-daughter. It will be difficult but necessary, of course, to find a replacement for her. The ideal for me as pastor is to find one person who can fill both positions.

            The position of both secretary and bookkeeper is a full-time job. It may be necessary to have one person in the secretarial job and one serving as bookkeeper, both on a part-time basis. The salary level will be related to the applicant’s skill and experience.

            Applications and job descriptions for the positions will be available at the receptionist’s desk in the rectory office on Monday, March 24th. The start-up date for the job is July 1, 2008.  Applicants are required to provide at least two references. The Catholic Church requires an independent background check on all new employees. The parish will pay a nominal fee for this background check. The background check is done with the applicant's knowledge and permission.

      Applicants for this position(s) do not need to be parishioners. It is, of course, very helpful if the parish secretary is Catholic. Please give me a call at 245-2432 if you would like more information about this position.

            Father Bill Shannon, Pastor