One Catholic Ohana

The Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I – Wisdom 9:13- 18b

Reading II – Philemon 9-10 , 12-17

Gospel – Luke 14:25-33

Embracing Your Cross - We often speak of the “crosses” we must carry in life.  These can range from loss of a job to a serious or terminal illness to unhealthy relationships, and so on.  The cross has become the wide-ranging metaphor for the trials, ills, and discomforts that are part and parcel of every human life.  While we all understand this use of the word “cross,” it does a disservice to what the Jesus of the Gospels means by it.  For Him, a “cross” is not something that fate, bad luck, or unfortunate circumstances foists upon one.  It is, instead, something one chooses, something one embraces.

For Jesus, carrying the cross in discipleship was the rejection of earthly possessions or status, it was the sundering of bonds of kinship or friendship.  It was, above all, the necessary kind of self-sacri-ficing, self-surrendering choice one had to make in order to be a true strength to bear it.  If we are to be true disciples, we must also pray for the strength to reach out and willingly accept a cross as well.  To bear up, with God’s grace, under the burdens that are not of our own choosing does take a strong faith.  But to walk willingly under the weight of the cost of discipleship shows an even stronger desire to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Copyright, J.S. Paluch Co.

For those who missed the announcement last week...

This is the big news of the week! St. Michael’s Church is about to take a giant step forward and I need as many of you as possible to be there.  Our “Special Manage­ment Use Per­mit” application is scheduled for public hearing by the Planning Com­mission.  The hear­ing will be held on Thursday, September 30th, 2010, in the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona.  It will begin at 10am.  Your presence alone will demonstrate to the commu­nity how com­mitted we are as a Faith Commu­nity in gaining their approval for the construction of our St. Michael’s Church.  Please wear white, if possi­ble.  This will identify us as parishioners.

Please take the time today to look at the renderings of the new Church.  They are posted on the bulletin board.  I realize that you have all waited patiently for a long time.  As you look at them, remember that these are architectural render­ings.  The architect does not select the fixtures and furnish­ings, etc. but he puts them in the renderings so that you can get an idea about space and the kinds of things that will fill the space.

Take time today to register your family for One ‘Ohana. The first session will be on Sunday, Sept. 26th.  It will take only a few minutes to fill in the information we need.  If you have not already registered in the par­ish, there will also be registra­tion forms available.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Lio

The USCCB has released a Labor Day Statement through its Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.  The Statement is A New “Social Con­tract” for Today’s “New Things” is too long to print in the bulletin (click here to download), but the following is a summary and conclu­sion of the Statement.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers six criteria to evaluate policies and institutions.  They also offer a path forward at a time of economic distress and uncertainty:

• Respect for Human Life and Dignity
• Subsidiarity and Solidarity
• Respect for Marriage and Family Life
• Priority for the Poor and Vulnerable
• Recognition of Cultural Diversity
• Right to Economic Initiative and Productive Work

The Bishops conclude the following:

We find ourselves at a crucial moment in economic life.  Millions lack work and there is so much work to do.  As Catholics we look to Jesus Christ who teaches us:  “Apart from Me you can do nothing,”  (John 15:5 ) but then reassures us with, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20 ).

...This Labor Day we must seek to protect life and dig­nity of each worker in a renewed and robust economy.  Workers need to have a real voice and effective protections in economic life.  The market, the State, and Civil society, unions and employers all have roles to play and they must be exercised in creative and fruitful inter-relationships.  Private action and public policies that strengthen families and reduce poverty are needed.  New jobs with just wages and benefits must be created so that all workers can express their dignity through the dignity of work and are able to fulfill God’s call to us to be co-creators.  A new social contract, which begins by honoring work and work­ers, must be forged that ultimately focuses on the common good of the entire human family.

Catholic Charities Sunday 2010

Sunday, Sept. 12th is Catholic Charities Sunday. Last year Catholic Charities Hawaii helped 41,014 people with a hand up, not a handout.  Thirty programs Statewide offered help to people of all faiths and cultures, especially those with the greatest need.

Catholic Charities Hawaii programs address:

• child abuse and neglect
• homelessness
• children’s emotional and behavioral problems
• unplanned pregnancy
• adult violence and abuse
• difficulties encountered by immigrants and refugees
• difficulties adjusting to life’s challenges
• sustaining independent living for seniors and persons with developmental disabilities

St. Michael’s parishioners and Catholic Charities Hawaii Advisory Board Members, Kathy Leopoldino, Jack Ferguson, and Shirley David will be speaking before the Masses this weekend.  They will ask you to work with them in supporting the social mission of the Church by making a monetary money donation to Catholic Charities Hawaii. Special envelopes are included in the bulletin this week and available at Church entrances.

Fr. Lio Goes to Rome

After 18 years as an ordained priest, Fr. Lio, having received a personal gift from friends, will visit Rome for the first time.  He will leave Kona on October 10th and join Msgr. Fran Cilia in the Eternal City.  Luckily Fr. Fran has been to Rome many, many times and can show Fr. Lio the Vatican, other sacred places and the ruins that attract pil­grims to Rome.  Many in our congregation have been there and know the thrill of being in St. Peter’s Square when the Holy Father gives his blessing.

Since Fr. Lio travels alternately among the Masses at St. Michael’s and the mission Churches, this message will allow everyone an opportunity to say “Bon Voyage” and Godspeed. —The Pastoral Council

On two separate weekends around Thanksgiving, St. Michael’s Quilt Group “Holy Kapa” will be holding our annual Bazaar.  If you have any craft/quilt items you’d like to make or donate to this sale, they would be most appreci­ated.  We hope this notice will give you enough time to work on the items you wish to donate.  Items should be new and unused.  Last year our Bazaar was a great success.  Can we do it again?  All profits will be donated to the parish  Building Fund. Thank you!  Wilhelmina van den Boom, Chairwoman

Larry Villados (left) talked to the youth group with thier parents about the homeless situation in Kona.

Our Youth Group has continued to meet, sharing fellow­ship, food, and fun!!  Last week Friday, following an ono and diverse hot dinner prepared by our parents, Larry Vil­lados of the Office for Social Ministry, who also sings with our St. Michael’s Choir, helped us con­tinue on our theme of “Service In Our Community.”  He talked to us about his work with the homeless and the issue of home­lessness in general here in our Kona com­munity.  This eye-opening and informa­tive talk-story ses­sion gave our Youth ideas on how we can take action and to be positive influ­ences in our town.  Check out what we have planned:

• September 3rd—Youth prepare spaghetti dinner, and put­ting together care bags (for our homeless).  Physical activity to fol­low.
• September 17th—Potluck dinner followed by Street Out­reach—passing out “care bags” to the homeless around Alii Drive
• September 30th—In collaboration with the group that feeds the homeless, our Youth will serve hot meals at St. Michael’s at 5pm to the homeless; Outreach & Banana Split Fun (in place for Friday, October 1st)
• October 15th—Potluck dinner, preparing for Advent (signing to music) and Activity.

North Kona Catholic Community’s Youth Group contin­ues to meet every first and third Friday of the month at St. Michael’s grounds by the Gift Shop.  So, if you are in Grades 6th through 12th, please join us!  This is just for you!  The plan is always to have a good time.  Call Thelma and Sylvia at 430-9118.