NKCC

Walkways fronting the church and its south wall were groomed with brick pavers. The result earned St. Michael's church a Kona Outdoor Circle award in 1995. Project led by Fr. Ron Gronowski. Photo by Don Gomez.

As you will notice, the demolition is well underway. Since we are unable to stockpile rocks on this property, the rocks are being moved to another place for storage. Even­tually, each family will receive a rock from the church building. You may decorate the rock any way you see fit. As we begin to build, you may place your rock in the foun­dation of the new church. Our church will be made of liv­ing stones!

I would like to thank all who helped remove the bricks from the pavements around the church. It was not easy work and I am grateful for all the help. The bricks are on flats and will be stored for the time being. A special thanks also, to Donna Urban-Higuchi and her family for bringing pizza to the workers.

Thank you for your generosity to the people of Haiti. Our faith community can always be counted on to help those in need. As I have told you before, our parish does more than most when it comes to sacrificing for those in dire need.

Please remember the Parish Mission beginning on Monday, January 25th. It is unfortunate that it has to be held up at Holualoa, but we could not ask the priest to change his schedule at the last minute. The talks will be Monday through Thursday at 7pm and will last about an hour. The topic will be Verbum Del or THE WORD OF GOD. Friday, January 29th, there will be a special night for parents and children. It will begin at 6pm We'll provide a light supper. This one-hour session on the Bible will replace the One `Ohana that was scheduled for Feb. 7th.

Today is the second collection for the tent. As I men­tioned in my last letter, the insurance covered the replace­ment of the tent except for the $10,000 deductible which we had to pay. Most of you understand that is how insur­ance works. I realize this is the second week in a row that we have had a second collection. It is unusual for us to have a second collection; however, I am asking that each family contribute whatever they can today. This will pre­vent us from having to take the money from our reserve fund. I am counting on the reserve fund to help us with the building of the new church. For whatever we can save, I will be grateful.

The parish office will continue to be manned to receive PHONE CALLS only. Please remember that there will be NO ACCESS to the property or any of the parish build­ings during the demolition. Security will be provided to prevent trespassing.

Like last week, daily Masses at 7am and noon will be held at Immaculate Conception. Fr. Bill Burton, the priest who is conducting the Mission, will celebrate the noon Mass each day. Adoration will be held there on Friday.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We have been functioning well with our inconveniences during the past three years. As a parish, we are prepared to continue until this phase of the life of St. Michael's is complete. Peace to all of you and my heartfelt thanks for your sup­port.