Issuu

CHI RHO CONNECTION JUNE 2019

FR. EJ RESINTO BRIDGING PARISH AND SCHOOL Three years ago – on July 9, 2016 – EJ Resinto was ordained a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. Fr. EJ – the name given to him by his parents to stand for Eddie Jr. – was born on Kauai to Eddie and Shantyne Resinto. He is of Filipino, Portuguese and Hawaiian descent. This past January he became pastor of Sacred Heart Church and Maryknoll School and already has been a very active presence at school events. He agreed to answer these questions for the newsletter: WHAT LED YOU TO THE PRIESTHOOD? My call to the priesthood was definitely a journey and still continues to be one. I was born on Kauai and the eldest of two sons. My parents instilled in my brother and I the value of faith. While both my parents worked very hard, they always made sure that we got to Mass and catechism classes each Sunday. We also lived with my maternal grandparents, who were very devout in their faith. I always found Church very attractive and enjoyed attending Mass and various activities. When I was 5, I joined the Children’s Choir and then upon receiving First Holy Communion became an altar server. Here is where I

believe the seed of my vocation was planted. I loved liturgy and serving at Mass with the priests. I also love to serve the community and was also involved with the Boy Scouts and other academic organizations. While I always knew God had a plan for me, it wasn’t until my second year of culinary arts school that I seriously discerned my call to the priesthood. I enjoyed cooking, but wasn’t finding the joy that I thought I would’ve had in it. After speaking with my pastor at that time, Fr. Bill Shannon, and with the support of the late Sister Florence Remata, O.S.F., I decided to speak with Bishop Larry Silva. I remember him telling me, “try it out. If it’s God’s will it’ll happen, if not, you’ll still be a better person.” So, with the support and prayers of my family (who have been praying for a priest in the family for many years), I entered the seminary in January 2008. Long story short, seminary formation helped me in my discernment, affirmed me in my faith, and challenged me to be the best Christian man I can be. I graduated with the B.A. in Philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and received my M.A. in Divinity and S.T.B. from St. Patrick’s Seminary in California. I was ordained by Bishop Larry Silva on July 9, 2016, and was first assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church

and School in Ewa Beach. In July 2018 I bid farewell to my “first love,” and said hello to Sacred Heart Church and Maryknoll School. Being such a young priest, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and inadequate to serve in such a big capacity of this parish and school. But, I have faith and confidence in God that he will help in fulfilling the expectations set for me. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR MARYKNOLL SCHOOL? First off, let me say how impressed I am at Maryknoll School. She stands as a beacon of pride in the local community and in the Catholic community as well. I feel the need to bridge both Parish and School life as well as focus intensely on the Catholic identity of our students, faculty, staff, and administration. How will this be done? I don’t know, but I promise to be more active in the life of the students by being more visible as well as a commitment to uphold the teachings and truths of the Catholic Faith. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS? I think Catholic Education has come a long way and has a long way to go. In a world that is becoming more secularized it becomes a challenge to practice, teach, and share the faith. This is why all Catholic schools must Continued

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE ALUMNI OF MARYKNOLL SCHOOL

2019

ALOHA SPARTANS! Many of you have probably seen recent news articles concerning enrollment challenges and financial difficulties within the private education system in Hawaii. Last year, 11 schools on Oahu closed; eight of the schools were private schools. This is a pivotal time for Catholic education with rising costs and a smaller pool of students. However, I want to assure you that Maryknoll is financially sound, due in part to sound fiscal policies and the active support of its alumni. A recent David Brooks column in the Star-Advertiser talked about philosopher Josiah Royce, who argued that loyalty is not just about emotion, but action. That is … the loyal man serves. We are fortunate to have alumni who not only love Maryknoll, but serve our alma mater in many ways … as administrators, teachers, coaches, board members, volunteers and as donors. We have an active Alumni Association and Alumni Council, with representatives from almost every decade helping keep alumni connected with each

other and with the school. This sense of loyalty is a hallmark of Maryknoll alumni, and I am proud of the commitment I see from you. With the steady rise in tuition to cover the cost of providing a quality education and opportunities for our students, the amount of financial aid a school can provide directly impacts enrollment and retention. Maryknoll has been steadily growing its endowment fund through the annual Kekumano Dinner, planned giving and direct donations. We as alumni can help keep Maryknoll the premier Catholic school in Hawaii by continuing our active support and helping our alma mater grow its ability to help families who need financial assistance. I had never heard of Josiah Royce before the Star-Advertiser column, but his philosophy about loyalty certainly speaks to the loyalty of our Maryknoll alumni. However, our work is not done yet, and I invite you to join me in the effort to keep our alma mater strong for generations to come.

Derrick Wong Alumni Association President

BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM WINS STATE TITLE

Our Bold, Brave, Spartans clinched Maryknoll’s first Boys Basketball Division I state title in more than 34 years with their thrilling 50-34 win over defending state champion Punahou! Our boys extend their thanks to all of the Spartan fans, supporters, family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and coaches who cheered them on and supported them throughout the season! Congratulations to the Maryknoll Boys Basketball Team!

ALUMNI WEEK EVENTS JOIN US FOR

ALUMNI WEEK 2019!

JULY

FORE! MARYKNOLL GOLF TOURNAMENT

JULY

JARED KAUFMANN BOWL-A-RAMA

JULY

LEI MAKING WORKSHOP

JULY

MARYKNOLL ALUMNI LUAU

Time: 11am Lunch & Check-in Leilehua Golf Course

RECONNECT WITH FELLOW ALUMNI, CATCH UP WITH CLASSMATES – AND RETURN TO CAMPUS.

Each year, Alumni Week is the highlight of the Maryknoll Alumni calendar and this year will be no exception. We start Alumni Week with the FORE Maryknoll Golf Tournament at beautiful Leilehua Golf Course on Friday, July 12. It’s a great outing for all of our golfers – with golf on a beautiful course, ono food and lots of prizes and give-aways. The Jared Kaufmann Bowl-A-Rama is set for Sunday July 14 at Aiea Bowl. We welcome bowlers and even non-bowlers who like to come for the great Aiea Bowl grinds. The week concludes with an Alumni Mass at 4 p.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church followed by the Alumni Luau at 5:30 p.m. in the Maryknoll Community Center. The Class of 1969 will mark its Jubilee reunion year at the luau and we’ll award the annual alumni scholarship to two graduating seniors. I hope you’ll join us and I look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions or want information about Alumni gettogether opportunities, please contact our office at alumni@ maryknollschool.org or (808) 952-7310. Mahalo, Yvonne Morris ‘63

Time: 12 noon to 3pm Aiea Bowl

Time: 10am to 2pm Alumni Room

Director of Alumni Relations & Development

TROPICAL FLOWERS NEEDED! HELP MAKE OUR LUAU PICTURE-PERFECT. We’re looking for donations of tropical flowers and greenery to help enhance our annual Alumni Luau on Saturday, July 20. Please bring cut flowers and green foliage to the Maryknoll Community Center between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. the morning of the luau. Each year, our beautiful arrangements feature donated gingers, heliconia, bird of paradise and more!

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE ALUMNI OF MARYKNOLL SCHOOL

Time: 4pm to 8:30pm Maryknoll Community Center

FR. EJ RESINTO BRIDGING PARISH AND SCHOOL Continued

come back to their roots and remember whom we serve, Jesus Christ, and our mission to be good stewards of his message of peace, hope, and mercy. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MARYKNOLL ALUMNI INTERACT WITH THE SCHOOL? I think we can definitely use the support of our alumni. Here in Hawaii it is our culture to always revere the ones who have walked before us. Alumni certainly give us the wisdom in what it means to live out Noblesse Oblige. I know our alums continue to support our students in various ways and I humbly ask that you continue to do so. Please join us for School Masses and other events. WHAT HAS IMPRESSED YOU THE MOST ABOUT MARYKNOLL SCHOOL SO FAR? One thing that has impressed me about Maryknoll School is the passion that everyone has here. You love your school! This encourages me knowing that you still believe in the mission of Maryknoll and the mission of the Church. I am impressed in the academic expectation we have on our students as well as the modern technological advances we use. As I walk through the school some days, I sometimes wish I could be back in school too... sometimes! WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? As you can tell by my appearance, I’m not picky with foods! I do enjoy all sorts of cuisines and am open to trying anything. I do enjoy my local favorites and Pacific Rim Cuisine. I am also blessed to have been given the gifts and talents to be able to cook. That way I can try new things. I love cooking for people and entertaining. I have also come to love and appreciate my Instant Pot, which makes everything easier and quicker, especially with my hectic schedule. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR RELAXATION? ANY HOBBIES? For relaxation, I try to do a 30- minute walk daily to clear my mind from stress and anxieties. I do enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. I like to go hiking, visit with friends, and play cards. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE OR PSALM THAT IS YOUR MOTTO FOR YOUR LIFE? My go-to Bible passage and mantra is always 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “Faith, hope, and love remain these three, but the greatest of these is love.”

SR. BERNADETTE HIGA MM 1925-2019

SR. MARGARET TRYON MM 1928-2019

Maryknoll School alumna (1945) Sr. Bernadette Higa MM died on March 12, 2019 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. She was 93 and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 68 years.

Sr. Margaret Tryon died on January 28, 2019, at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. She was 90 and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 71 years.

She was born Shigeko Higa in Kaupakalua on Maui on October 12, 1925, to Kame and Ushi Higa. One of her sisters is Sr. Mary Louise Higa MM, who is an active member of the Maryknoll Congregation today. Shigeko became interested in the Catholic faith in eighth grade, she was baptized as Bernadette on August 14, 1943, at Sacred Heart Church. She attended Maui High School for one year, McKinley High School in Honolulu for two years and Maryknoll High School in Honolulu for two years, graduating in 1945. Bernadette and her sister Mary Louise studied at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Honolulu, from 1946-1949, and both became registered nurses. From 1949-1950, Bernadette worked at St. Francis Hospital. She then entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate with her sister, Mary Louise in 1951. She was first assigned to Taiwan and in 1973 returned to St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu for a refresher course in general nursing. After doing Congregational Service at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, NY from 19761978, Sister Bernadette was assigned to the Congregation’s new mission project in Bangladesh. In 2006, Sister Bernadette retired at the Sisters retirement house in Monrovia, CA where she remained until 2011; she then returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, NY due to declining health.

She was born in Eddington PA on July 28, 1928, to Dorothy and William Tryon. She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Valley Park MO in 1947. At her reception into the Congregation she received the religious name Sister M. Dorothy Francis. Sr. Margaret was assigned to Hawaii in 1953 to teach Home Economics and English at Maryknoll School until 1957. From 1958-1962, she was assigned to Majuro in the Marshall Islands and then returned to Maryknoll NY to study at Maryknoll Teachers College, there she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1963. Sr. Margaret returned to Hawaii and she taught in various grade schools on Oahu and Maui and in Majuro in the Marshall Islands until 1970. From 1971- 1972, she gave service at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, NY as a liaison to the Food Services Department. She then returned to the Marshall Islands to teach part time and she also organized an in-service teacher training program for Micronesians and was involved in radio training until 1974. From 1975-1997, Sr. Margaret served back and forth between Hawaii and Maryknoll NY in various roles. Including teaching, pastoral ministry and prison ministry. In 2000, Sr. Margaret retired to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, where she remained until her death. Sr. Margaret donated her body to science.

I N M E MOR I A M

SR. JOAN CHATFIELD MM 1932-2019 Sr. Joan Chatfield M.M. died on, March 1, 2019. She was 86 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 68 years. Sister Joan, originally from Elizabeth NJ, entered Maryknoll in 1950. and was assigned to Hawaii in 1956. From 1956 to 1972, she taught at St Ann’s High School for three years, St. Anthony’s High School for eight years and Maryknoll High School for four years. She became the executive director of the Institute for Religion and Social Change, an organization that promotes interfaith activities, in 1976. Sr. Joan brought people together from all different cultures, faiths and beliefs and helped them realize that the lines that seem to separate us are erased with love, understanding, forgiveness and compassion for one another. She was a wise, vocal, spiritual leader in Hawaii, promoting social justice for all people in Hawaii and beyond. She was well known for her humor and her story-telling. In 2009, she was recognized as a “Hawaii Living Treasure” by Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. Sr. Joan also worked at Chaminade University, where she was dean of humanities and fine arts. She was ecumenical officer for the Diocese of Honolulu from 1981 to 1994. She was vice president of the Mits Aoki Legacy Foundation, which is dedicated to improving end-of-life care in Hawaii through education and individual and family support following the teachings of Dr. Mitsuo Aoki. Sr. Joan dedicated herself to the spiritual support of families with family members with differing abilities through the John 17:21 Christian community.

SR. IRENE SOLZBACHER MM 1934-2018 Sr. Irene E. Solzbacher MM, who taught at Maryknoll High School from 1961 to 1970, died on Nov. 29, 2018, at the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll, NY. She was 84 and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 65 years. Sr. Irene was born on June 21, 1934, in Luxemberg City, Luxemberg to Regina and William A. Solzbacher. She entered the Maryknoll Sisters Novitiate in Maryknoll, NY in 1953. Sr. Irene’s first mission assignment was in Hawaii, and she taught math, science and religion at Maryknoll High School until 1970. Sister Irene decided she wanted to begin her studies in the medical field and in 1975 earned a doctor of medicine degree at the University of Hawaii. She was then assigned to Waianae Mental Health Clinic to work as a psychiatrist and also served as Director of Social Services at Kahumana Counseling Center in Maili from 1979-2000. Sr. Irene then returned to the Maryknoll Sisters Center in Maryknoll NY and served as a volunteer/medical companion in the Out Patient Clinic from 2001 until 2014, when she retired. Sr. Irene donated her body to science.

SR. MARIA ROSARIO DALEY MM 1923-2018 Sr. Maria Rosario Daley, a much-loved member of the Maryknoll School family and very much a presence on campus even in retirement, died Oct. 18, 2018. She was 95 years old and had been a Maryknoll Sister for 73 years. Sr. Rosario taught and worked at Maryknoll School on and off over a 50-year span. Maryknoll School was always very special to her, and she was an honorary alumna. Right up to her death, Sr. Rosario continued to take part in school and alumni events. Sr. Rosario was born Regina Anne Daley in Albany N.Y. on Feb. 1, 1923. On Sept. 6, 1945, she entered Maryknoll. Three years later, in 1948, she was assigned to Hawaii, teaching Grades 7, 8 and 11 at Maryknoll School until 1957. She then taught 11th Grade at St. Ann’s School in Kaneohe from 1957 to 1963. She was then sent to Maui, where she taught 11th Grade at St. Anthony’s School from 1963 to 1965. She then enrolled at Boston College in Massachusetts, where she earned an M.A. in Mathematics in 1967. She returned to Hawaii in 1985. She worked for the Diocese of Honolulu from 1985 to 1995, then worked in the Guidance Department at Maryknoll High School from 1996 to 2006, as well as in 2014.

2019

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE ALUMNI OF MARYKNOLL SCHOOL

2019

MARYKNOLL K-NECT CONNECT WITH OUR NEW PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORM JUST FOR MARYKNOLL ALUMNI. With Maryknoll K-nect, you’ll be able to: • Find and reminisce with fellow graduates, see what they have been up to and stay in touch. • Introduce, employ and offer to act as a mentor to our graduating students. • Leverage your professional network to get introduced to people you should know. • Advance your career through inside connections working in top companies.

Noblesse Oblige Office of Institutional Advancement 1526 Alexander Street Honolulu, HI 96822

Maryknoll School

NonProfit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Honolulu, HI Permit No. 603