St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish — 2021 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

Mercy

STEWARDS OF GOD'S

2021 Stewardship Renewal

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH

Mercy

STEWARDS OF GOD'S

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

— Luke 6:36

M

ercy, as Pope Francis defines it, is “the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.” Each and every one of us is in need of God’s mercy. He forgives us despite our failures and selfishness, and we are called to show that same mercy to those we encounter in our daily lives.

A life of stewardship can only flow from the awareness that God is love and that His love is merciful. We, as sinners, do not deserve any of the gifts He has given us, but, “God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love He had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5). A good steward knows it is only by God’s grace that we have this life of abundance. And a good steward knows it is our responsibility to return a portion of those gifts back to Him.

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Stewardship of

TIME -

MANAWA

I

f someone gave you the most magnificent gift you have ever received, what would your reaction be? Most people would give a hug, write a “thank you” note, or at least say, “Mahalo!” If this is our reaction to a material gift, how much more should we rejoice over the gifts God has given us?

“Then the LORD God formed the man out of the dust of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). One might argue that the second greatest gift that God gave human beings — second only to the gift of His Son — is the gift of life. There was no need for God to create human beings on the sixth day, but out of pure love, God created a being in His image. And even when we fall and choose to turn away from Him, God continues to invite us back into union with Him through the sacraments, specifically the Sacrament of Reconciliation, through which our soul is wiped clean, and we are given the grace to start anew.

This year, will you show God gratitude for His mercy by spending time with Him in prayer? Will you frequent the sacraments, especially Reconciliation, to receive forgiveness and the grace you need to live a life of holiness, growing closer to Christ?

A consistent prayer life takes time, practice, and commitment.

Consider a few of the following suggestions: • Commit to spending time each week in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

• R ead the daily readings of the Catholic Church (found at usccb.org/bible/readings), and ask Him what He wants you to learn from His Word each day and then thank God for His blessings.

• S et aside intentional time each morning to pray for God’s blessing over your day and the grace to be merciful to those you encounter.

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Stewardship of

TALENT -

NO'EAU

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ope Francis tells us that, “Love, after all, can never be an abstraction. By its very nature, it indicates something concrete: intentions, attitudes, and behaviors that are shown in daily living.” Not only does God show mercy to His people, but we are also called to imitate Him and show mercy to our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Christians, we should put the needs of others before our own needs, recognizing that if we are to love as Christ loves, our actions should be full of humility and service.

Here at St. Michael the Archangel, we show each other Christ’s love through participation in our various parish ministries. Each ministry ultimately exists for the purpose of growing more deeply and completely in our relationship with Christ by attracting others — through our service and love — to do the same. Please take a minute to look through our ministry catalog and pray about where God is calling you to serve.

“I am not thinking of reward. I am working for God and do so cheerfully.“ – St. Marianne Cope of Moloka‘i Serving others means putting their needs before our own.

• P ray and ask God to show you how your talents can be used to help others.

• G et involved in a ministry that pushes you to be more selfless, putting others’ needs first.

• T alk to others about how your life has grown through service and encourage them to join you!

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Stewardship of

TREASURE -

MEA MAKAMAE

T

hroughout the history of the Church, countless saints gave their all for Christ — many of them willingly handed over their lives because of their love for Jesus.

While God continues to call some of the faithful to martyrdom, He calls all of us to give back in thankful response to the gifts we have been given. Prayerfully discern how God is asking you to give to Him through our parish offertory.

Our parish asks each family to tithe — giving 10% of our household income to our church. Ask God where He wants your financial giving to be and take a step toward increasing your giving this year.

CONCLUSION: Stewardship requires a shift in perspective — indeed, in the very way we view life itself. God has shown mercy to each and every one of us and given us an abundant life. How will you view your life in the context of a gift, and express your gratitude to our God, who is, “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy”?

(Psalm 145:8).

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Ministry

CATALOG

Please note on your commitment card which ministries you are interested in or involved in.

If you would like to speak to a ministry leader, please contact the parish office at 808-326-7771 or stmichaelarchangel@rcchawaii.org.

Hospitality - Hoʻokipa

Prayer - Pule

COFFEE AND DONUTS MINISTRY

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Coffee and donuts are available at St. Michael after the morning Masses on Sunday to encourage fellowship among parishioners and to welcome visitors. This ministry also assists with other parish events. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways.

Contact: Willie Naone

SPECIAL EVENTS MINISTRY

Volunteers serve by helping with logistics for special occasions that occur several times throughout the year at St. Michael. This ministry involves both planning and helping on the day of the event and assisting staff members assigned to organize each event.

Examples of such events: St. Michael the Archangel Feast Day, Chrism Mass, Parish Missions and Retreats, large workshops.

Contact: Luella Branco and Sissie Pittullo

WELCOME COMMITTEE

“For I was… a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). This ministry consists of parishioners dedicated to ensuring a warm welcome, full of aloha, to new members of our parish ʻohana. They assist with registration and orientation, including hosting a lunch at St. Michael several times a year.

Contact: Brenda Nelson

All are welcome to spend time in the presence of Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. Spending time in meditation, prayer, and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is an excellent opportunity to experience grace in our lives.

Commit to one hour a week or drop in as available to spend quiet time with Jesus.

Contact the coordinator or check the bulletin or website for times.

Contact: TJ Moses

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP

This ministry is dedicated to the Holy Spirit and organized around prayer, song, and evangelization. The group meets once weekly for two hours and sponsors a bi-monthly Healing Mass. Our primary goal is to offer support and encouragement to one another through the workings of the Holy Spirit. New members are always welcome.

Contact: Carole Shultz

CHILDREN’S ROSARY

The Children’s Rosary is a prayer group movement that was begun out of love for Our Lady and Her Son. This movement is an effort to begin prayer groups composed of and led by children. We welcome families with children to participate for an hour each month.

Contact: Keolani Keawe

CONSECRATION TO GOD THE FATHER

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This is a monthly prayer group honoring God Our Father. We pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet followed by the Consecration Prayer

to God Our Father. The consecration prayer helps us to acknowledge God as our Eternal Father, to honor Him, and to give Him our commitment to follow His commandments.

The prayer group meets at St. Michael’s every first Sunday of the month from 2:30-3 p.m.

Contact: Romana Villasenor

RETURN MINISTRY

New ministry inspired by Bishop Robert Barron’s writings that is dedicated to praying for disengaged Catholics to return to the sacraments and the practice of the faith and to support their return and welcome.

Contact: Shirley David or Deacon Sándor

ROSARY PRAYER GROUP

The Rosary is prayed after each weekday Mass at St. Michael. Volunteers are needed to help lead the Rosary. We pray for the needs of the parish and special intentions.

Contact: TJ Moses

SEVEN SISTERS APOSTOLATE

This prayer group formed out of love for the Church and a desire to act in her hour of need, becoming the first in Hawaiʻi to join the Seven Sisters Apostolate. The mission of this international group is to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week for the sole intention of a specific priest or bishop, for his deeper conformity to Christ. For full information in English or Spanish, visit: www.sevensistersapostolate.org.

Contact: Sharmayne Naone

TRAVELING ROSARY

We pray for the intentions of our St. Michael Parish ʻohana. With the statue of the Blessed Mother in the home, a family/individual prays the Rosary every day for a week. The statue then travels to the next home.

Contact: Beth Smith

WAY OF THE CROSS FOR AN END TO TRAFFICKING

Each Wednesday at noon, a group prays the Via Crucis (Stations or Way of the Cross) in the church for the safety of all those who are held captive by traffickers for either sex or agricultural work and usually have no way of escaping the status of slavery. The prayers were developed by Bishop Silva and require about 20 minutes of your time. Please join whenever you can.

Contact: Karen Unger

Formation - Hōʻomoʻomo BEACH AND KAILUA BLOCK EVANGELIZING — “BE NOT AFRAID”

Dedicated to the re-evangelization of Catholics and evangelization of non-Catholics, this ministry prepares those involved to answer the pressing questions and issues of our time through formation, instruction, and mentorship. We start with a booth at the monthly “Kōkua Kailua Village Stroll” and staff evangelists at St. Peter’s mission in Kahaluʻu. We also host public discussions in churches and elsewhere throughout the island. We welcome all to join, encouraging high school and young adults. As we all learn the Truth together, we are able to be witnesses for a full joyful Catholic life, and positively impact the lives of all our neighbors and ʻohana. Plans are underway to restore and beautify St. Peter’s by the Sea Mission to welcome malihini and share the unique history of that mission and of our Catholic Faith.

Contact: Dr. R. Scott French

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BIBLE STUDY

Bible Study sessions will resume after the completion of the Parish Center. Check the parish weekly bulletin or the parish website at stmichaelparishkona.org for updated information.

Contact: Hin and Sally Cheung

CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION

Volunteers in the K-5 catechetical ministry plan and carry out the catechetical mission: Christ's call to proclaim the Good News and to hand His message on to our keiki.

Catechists, substitutes, and volunteers for special events are always needed. We especially need bilingual (Spanish and English) speakers to occasionally help our catechists communicate with our Spanishspeaking families.

Contact: Margaret Essex

COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH MINISTRY

Come and serve as a catechist, sponsor, or other member of the RCIA team. The RCIA team meets with adults (ages 18+) who are curious about the history, rites, and spirituality of Christianity and want to learn more about the Catholic faith, and/ or are thinking of becoming Catholic to delve deeper into relationship with God as an intentional disciple of Jesus Christ.

Conversations may lead towards the adult receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion). For all candidates (especially those who have been baptized in another faith where the Catholic Church recognizes the Baptism) preparation will be arranged according to the needs of the individual.

Contact: Deacon Sándor Hernández Morales, SHernandez@RCCHawaii.org or Judy Glickstein

RCIA FOR CHILDREN AGES 7-17

Activities, service opportunities, and faith formation in a safe, loving, and accepting environment for middle school and high school youth. Youth Ministry provides a balance of integrated concepts of USCCB’s “Renewing the Vision.” We are always looking for volunteers to be catechists, small-group facilitators, food coordinators, food preparers, photographers, outreach service activity coordinators, social event coordinators, and setup/breakdown support. If you are interested, we are waiting to hear from you!

Contact: Edwina Fujimoto (Youth Ministry Coordinator), efujimoto@rcchawaii.org

Rite of Christian Initiation is the process through which children ages 7-17 are prepared to receive the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. Keiki are catechized to understand the role of Jesus in their lives.

There are several ways you can volunteer in this ministry, including becoming a child/ family sponsor, catechist, or assist at the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Contact: Sharmayne Naone

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY MINISTRY

Weekly discussion of the Sunday readings and faith formation topics. The conversation connects the Scriptures with feast days, culture, history, arts and humanities, current events, and everything else in the context

This ministry works to promote, sustain, and enrich Christian marriage and the family.

Contact: Karen Unger 8

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

“THE WORD WE PROCLAIM” LITURGY-BASED SCRIPTURE STUDY

of the Sacred Liturgy and the Church’s liturgical calendar.

Contact: Deacon Sándor Hernández Morales, shernandez@rcchawaii.org

Service - Lawelawe LITURGY ALTAR SERVERS MINISTRY

Children and adults are trained to serve at the altar by seamlessly assisting priests and deacons in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy of the Church. Altar servers are scheduled to serve for Sunday and daily Mass and other parish liturgical celebrations.

Contact: Ivan Toguchi (English Masses)

ENVIRONMENT — CHURCH CLEANERS MINISTRY

Volunteers are always needed to use their time and talent to keep the Lord’s House clean and beautiful. Complete cleaning is done each week at St. Michael’s on Saturday morning from 7:30-9 a.m. and Monday night at 6 p.m.

Contact: TJ Moses or Renee-Mae Ota

ENVIRONMENT — DECORATIONS MINISTRY

Decorations are added to the church to make special times like Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe into vibrant celebrations to give glory to the Lord.

Contact: TJ Moses or Rene Lemus

ENVIRONMENT — GROUNDS BEAUTIFICATION MINISTRY

Volunteers are always needed to help maintain the parish grounds — mostly at St. Michael, Immaculate Conception, and Holy Rosary.

Care is given to trees, shrubs, flowers, and the lawn while keeping the environment very neat and clean to show our love and respect for God. Contact: Scott Unger

ENVIRONMENT — LINENS MINISTRY

A team of volunteers comes together periodically to make wall hangings, altar cloths, corporals, purificators, etc. for use at Holy Mass.

Contact: Bonnie Miki

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Extraordinary Ministers (ages 16 and over) are approved and commissioned by the pastor before beginning to serve and are specially trained to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass with reverence and respect. Those serving must be fully initiated Latin Rite Catholics (Roman Church) who are living in compliance with the standards of the Catholic Church.

Contact: Sue Costa or Debbie Gallo

ENVIRONMENT — GREENERY MINISTRY

Volunteers maintain plants and flowers in the church building and on the lānai. This includes potting, moving plants, watering, etc. to create a sense of place that enhances the prayer experience and gives glory to God. Contact: Beth Bartell

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EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION TO THE HOSPITALIZED, HOMEBOUND, AND CARE HOMES

Extraordinary Ministers are approved and commissioned by the pastor and receive the same training as those who serve at Mass.

They are also trained to minister to the sick in places beyond the church. The Church has the responsibility of ensuring proper care of the Eucharist. Only trained and commissioned individuals are authorized to take Holy Communion to relatives, friends, and others, with the express permission of the pastor.

Consideration is always given to bringing Holy Communion to the place the Minister is most comfortable. Examples include a private home, the Life Care Center, the Regency at Hualālai, and independent care homes. We need dedicated, compassionate volunteers.

Contact: Sue Costa (Homebound and Care Homes), Jim Dunn (Hospital)

FUNERAL MINISTRY

Members of the Funeral Ministry establish the initial connection of the family with the parish.

They assist the family in making decisions about the funeral service and they attend the funeral to provide support in meeting the family members’ immediate needs.

Contact: Caroline Smith or Luella Branco

GREETERS MINISTRY

Ministers stand at the entrances of the church before Mass and special events to welcome parishioners and visitors. Greeters present new visitors with a lei.

Contact: Jo Anne Fay

HULA MINISTRY

The practice of praying through the sacred gestures of hula is presented at special liturgical celebrations as an expression of 10

Native Hawaiian Catholic spirituality and culture, as sanctioned by Vatican endorsement since 1998 during the pontificate of Pope St. John Paul II. We invite youth (middle/ high school age-plus) and adults to join.

Church hula is prayer, and thus different from secular hula (that is why we do not applaud afterwards and instead respond “Amene”).

Contact: Anita Okimoto

LECTORS

Lectors bring the Living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. Through them, God speaks to the gathered faithful. A person with strong faith, along with knowledge and command of communication skills, can be trained to proclaim the Word of God at Holy Mass with great dignity and reverence.

Lectors must be approved and commissioned by the pastor.

Contact: Judy Chaput

MUSIC MINISTRY

Through liturgical music, music ministers lead the assembly into full and active participation at Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

Contact: Walter Bacxa, stmichaelskonamusic@gmail.com

USHERS MINISTRY

Ushers are welcoming ministers who make every parishioner and visitor feel comfortable at the church. They make the environment as free from interruptions as possible. Ushers coordinate the offertory and second collections, and expedite the queues for distribution of Holy Communion.

Contact: Chris Guillen

WEDDING MINISTRY

After the initial phase of marriage preparation, this team helps the bride and groom with the remaining details of the wedding-planning

process. They assist with the selection of readings, arranging the liturgical music, and other norms required for a Catholic wedding so the bride and groom may focus on growing closer to God and one another during this special time.

Contact: Paulette Adams

PARISH BUILDING REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE MINISTRY

The volunteers in this ministry possess a variety of technical skills: electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc. They offer these gifts to do minor repairs in the parish buildings and advise the pastor about ongoing maintenance needs and issues.

Contact: Stan Haʻanio

GIFT SHOP MINISTRY

Volunteers in this ministry contribute to the aloha of our parish creating a welcoming environment as they assist the Gift Shop manager with operations. Volunteer at least once a month around the Sunday Mass you attend or during the weekday while the Gift Shop is open.

Contact: Carolyn Livingston

MEDIA MINISTRY

Volunteers manage the parish website and provide content, photos, and videos published on various online and social media platforms in response to the call for the New Evangelization.

Contact: Ben Agdeppa, Fern Gavelek, or Deacon Sándor Hernández Morales Parish Office, 808-326-7771, stmichaelarchangel@rcchawaii.org

OFFICE ASSISTANTS MINISTRY

Volunteers are always needed to kōkua in the parish office with tasks such as filing,

answering phones, taking messages, preparing mailings, folding bulletins, and greeting visitors with aloha.

Contact: Susan Bender, Parish Office, 808-326-7771, stmichaelarchangel@rcchawaii.org

CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH CHARITY WALK MINISTRY

Giving alms to the poor we realize Corporal Works of Mercy. Team members recruit volunteers for this ministry who sponsor and/or participate as walkers in the annual Charity Walk on behalf of Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi.

Contact: Karen Unger

DIAPER MINISTRY

“…naked and you clothed me…” (Matthew 25:36). Diapers and supplies are provided to mothers through the agencies that act as resources to families with difficulties.

Volunteers pack the diapers and supplies for distribution at St. Michael Food Pantry and the agencies.

Contact: Thelma Bacxa

FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY

Feeding the hungry we realize Corporal Works of Mercy. This ministry distributes food at the Immaculate Conception parking lot from 9-9:45 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Fresh produce from our Sharing Garden and non-perishables are offered to all who come/ask. In addition to the twice-a-month set-up and distributions, volunteers rotate stock, sort and prepackage, on Thursday morning before each event.

Two to five hours of service per month are requested of volunteers.

Contact: Bill Culhane

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GLOBAL SOLIDARITY MINISTRY

Giving alms to the poor we realize Corporal Works of Mercy. This ministry maintains longstanding relationships and sponsors projects in the developing world. Projects are selected based on need and may change over time depending on the circumstances.

Members of the Filipino community closely oversee the sites in the Philippines and visit periodically. Local bishops provide support and close oversight for future projects being considered in Cuba (as permissible).

Projects throughout the developing world are considered as an expression of Catholic solidarity and social justice, with careful and thorough oversight.

Contact: Deacon Sándor Hernández Morales or Sharmayne Naone

HOMELESSNESS TO HOUSING MINISTRY

Giving shelter to those facing homelessness we realize Corporal Works of Mercy. Ministry members advocate for and encourage those who are awaiting the opportunity for housing. Members participate in drives to assist families that are newly housed through sources like The Homes at Ulu Wini and other family strengthening non-profits that support families transitioning out of homelessness.

We share our knowledge learned from Community Alliance Partners and the Vibrant Hawaiʻi Housing Coalition. We advocate for legislation to improve housing opportunities for those in need. We participate in activities sponsored by the West Hawaiʻi Faith-Based Hui to End Family Homelessness.

Contact: Shirley David

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MINISTRY

Catholic Social Teaching establishes that everyone has the right to human dignity.

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Ministry members learn how to identify human trafficking and domestic violence, and what they can do to support survivors.

Members share their knowledge, participate in community human trafficking and domestic violence coalitions, community awareness events, and advocate for legislators to pass laws that support survivors and help prevent human trafficking and domestic violence.

Contact: Shirley David

IMMIGRATION MINISTRY

“For I was… a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). New ministry seeking volunteers to assist immigrants with various services.

Contact: Sharmayne Naone

M LAMA N

KEIKI MINISTRY

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…” (Matthew 25:35). This ministry (to supply supplemental healthy meals to school children) is done in collaboration with Hōlualoa Elementary School for children acknowledged by the school as food insecure because of financial need. Volunteers shop for and pack the food that is distributed at the school every other week. This enables children to have food for weekends when free school lunches are unavailable to them.

Contact: Jo Ann Dunn

MEALS THAT HEAL MINISTRY

“…ill and you cared for me, ....” (Matthew 25:36) Volunteers prepare and deliver a meal to those who need a little extra help during times of illness, during chemotherapy, after surgery, or after the birth of a new baby, etcetera.

Contact: Cheryl Roderer

RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY

YOUNG AT HEART MINISTRY

Helping parishioners recognize the issues and realize the importance of meeting the needs of the most vulnerable from conception to natural death. This ministry especially supports pregnant mothers and their unborn children; the seriously ill or dying; and their families. We also coordinate and promote parish participation in the annual Respect Life Program from the USCCB, as well as specific intentions through education, pastoral care, public policy, prayer, and worship.

Contact: Ed Smialek

A weekly gathering of interested kūpuna for the purpose of sharing friendship and prayer. There is a Gospel reading with lively discussion and reflection, a potluck lunch, and Bingo with prizes for all. All seniors are welcome!

Contact: Bobbie Courtade

SHARING GARDEN

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Feeding the hungry we realize Corporal Works of Mercy. Volunteers tend to a large garden of fresh vegetables and fruit. We plant, remove weeds, water, and harvest. The harvests are distributed at the St. Michael Food Pantry, Mālama Nā Keiki, and The Homes at Ulu Wini.

Contact: Beth Bartell

SHINING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST MINISTRY

“Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise” (Luke 3:11). For families with children and teens, this ministry provides opportunities for community outreach.

Arrangements are made with parents who are willing to have their children involved.

Contact: Thelma Bacxa

Affiliated Groups - Hui Kākoʻo Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is part of the international Scout Movement and is one the largest youth organizations in the U.S. The BSA’s goals include training youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs.

Contact: Paul Abaire

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights of Columbus are a fraternal organization of Catholic men, founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. This organization provides fellowship for men while building up the parish and community with an emphasis on family, faith, life, and community activities.

Contact: David Aragon

THE FRIENDLY PLACE LUNCHES MINISTRY

Feeding the hungry we realize Corporal Works of Mercy. Volunteers sign up to prepare a hot meal once a month (on a Tuesday) for people facing homelessness at The Friendly Place.

Contact: Claire Inman

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Please keep this catalog until Fall 2022 ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH 75-5769 Ali`i Drive • Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (808) 326-7771 • stmichaelparishkona.org