Convalidation Mass This September

     I would like to plan a group Convalidation Mass for this September. A Convalidation marriage ceremony is an opportunity for civilly married couples (by a judge, a minister or a justice of the peace). The couple must be free to marry in the Catholic Church in order to have a Convalidation ceremony.

     Deacons Tom and Bill and myself will be available in the months of June, July and August to work with couples to plan for the Convalidation Mass. The "beauty" of a group Convalidation Mass is that the parish will plan the ceremony. There will be little to no expense for the couple. They and their witnesses will just have to show-up for a rehearsal and the Mass and not have to worry about wedding details.

     Please give me a call at 245-2432 if you would like to set up an appointment to discuss the possibility of a Convalidation. I'm going to schedule these meetings for June since April is a busy month for me and I'll be away for most of May.

     Father Bill Shannon, Pastor

Dear Friends In Christ,

     I give thanks and praise to God for the news I received this morning!   The Theological Consultors of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints expressed their opinion that the miraculous cure of Audrey Toguchi was indeed granted through the intercession of Blessed Damien.  Now the case will go to the Cardinals and Bishops who actually compose the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints for their opinion, and then to the Holy Father for final approval.  Please keep this process in your prayers that it will result in the canonization of our beloved Father Damien.

+ Larry Silva

Bishop of Honolulu

Did You Know?

Where Do Your Kids Spend Their Time? 

     You can help keep your children safe by knowing where they spend their time.  Get to know the adults who show up at the various locations in the community where children gather and where they play together.  Be wary of any adult who seems more interested in creating a relationship with a child than with other adults.  Pay attention when an adult seems to single out a particular child for a relationship or for special attention.  Warning signs include treats, gifts, vacations, or other special favors offered only to one specific child. 

Source: “Know the Rules . . . After-School Safety Tips for Children Who Are Home Alone,” www.missingkids.com.

 Laughter the Best Medicine

     The other day I was out in our schoolyard. It was Friday afternoon and all the Head Start children were getting ready to go home. With a lot of laughter and giggling they all started saying goodbye to each. But this afternoon there was a difference; they decided to call each other "monkey." One would say, "See you on Monday Monkey!" "Bye monkey." This kept up for a couple of minutes until everyone had their turn. Of course the teachers and parents all tried to stop this unusual farewell ceremony, they kept saying, "No name calling!" 

     But I think the children must have had a philosophical notion here thinking if everyone is called "monkey" then its not really "name calling." It then seemed like a change in the laws of the universe where everyone had the same name.

Father Bill Shannon, Pastor

 Free Introductory Qi Gong Exercise Class

May 14 or 28, 7-8:00 p.m.

     A friendly and easy introductory class of Qi Gong exercises for beginners.

Free Sitting Qi Gong Class For Seniors

     An easy and gentle sitting form for ages 65+. Beginning Qi Gong Exercises, Basic 8. May 14, 15, or 21, 22 at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

     A popular and easy series of exercises for beginners. Promotes mental clarity, balance and greater health. Attend two classes with 2 months optional practice (40 optional sessions, $125, $60 children. Continued practice is available throughout the year.

     For information about these classes, please call the Lihue Qi Center, 639-4300, or Qi@hawaii.rr.com

A Letter From A Visitor

Dear Priests and Parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church:

Last year, when I was staying in Lihue, I visited your church one Sunday, the day I was leaving.  As soon as I got there, I was overwhelmed.  Your church has such an amazing, warm, family vibe to it.  It felt as if I had been a parishioner there my whole life.  It was so sweet when you asked all the visitors to stand up, and you greeted them with leis.

As everyone stood holding hands saying the “Our Father”, I became extremely sad.  I love your church and I wanted to stay one more day so that I could visit it once more.  This church is truly my favorite and I have visited many churches across the continent.  I hope that I can come and visit your church again.  I love it soooo much.

 Memorial Donations

We have had two memorial donations to the “Stained Glass Window Fund”.  A $1,000 donation has been made in memory of Adele Therese Carvalho. A $1,000 donation has been made in memory of Placencio Adviento.

     Mahalo for your generosity!

T.S.A. Jobs At The Lihue Airport

     T.S.A. is hiring more employees for the Lihue Airport.  They are looking for both part-time and full-time employees.  All jobs include benefits.  For more information call (916) 471-3311 and ask for Lisa Ford.  You may also apply in person by visiting the Lihue office at 3-3100 Kuhio Highway, Lihue (across from McDonald’s).  Full-time positions begin at $36,648 per year; part-time positions begin at $17.56 per hour.

Memorial Opportunity

     I have ordered two new candles for our sanctuary. These will replace the two, older style candles that we use for Mass. You will notice that the two newer style liquid wax candles have a crystal wind guard at the top of the candle. The older candles are a slightly different size that does not allow for a crystal flame guard. The older candles easily blow out with a slight breeze coming through the church. The new candles will prevent that from happening.

(Please note, we have two older candles and two newer style candles mounted on four bronze candleholders on the sanctuary wall).

     The two new candles will cost $200, (that is $100 each). If you would like to memorialize these items please contact me at 245-2432.

     Mahalo!     Father Bill Shannon, Pastor

Changed Your Address?

If you have recently moved, or changed your address, please let us know by calling the parish office, 245-2432, so that we can update your information in our census data. This is particularly important if you are using the parishioner contribution envelopes.  The envelopes are mailed out quarterly to the address we currently have on file for you.  If your address has changed, the envelopes are returned to the parish with a 69¢ postage due fee.  Mahalo!