Holy Family • Raising Jesus

Today we gather together to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, which is always celebrated on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s. My hope is that you had a wonderful Christmas, filled with the love of God and love of family. I thank each of you for the generosity you showed me on Christmas Day. I have so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts that I received

FIRST READING -Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-37God promised childless Abraham a family that would extend through the ages, whose decedents would be like the stars of the heavens. Abraham trusted in God and was given a son. God affirmed the family from the beginning of creation.SECOND READING- Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19The writer of Hebrews praises the faith of Abraham, who believed in God’s unlikely

December 28, Sunday Religious Education Classes and RCIA on vacation, Regular Mass Schedule.December 31, Wednesday, New Year’s Eve Masses at 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 NoonOffice closes at Noon.January 1, 2009, Thursday, New Year’s Day8:00 a.m. MassNOTE: Only one Mass today! Office & Outreach are closed.

Please join us on Friday, January 2nd for the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament beginning with Mass at 7:30 p.m. continuing with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament hourly until closing. Benediction at midnight. Everyone is invited!

St. Anthony Retreat Center, 3351 Kalihi St., Honolulu, 96819Begins Friday, February 13, 2009, 4:00 p.m.Ends on Sunday, February 15, 2009, 4:30 p.m.For more information, please contact Melissa Crisostomo at 626-2469 or alohamc@yahoo.com for details and registration.

Jack & Joan Fotheringham

The following children were Baptized here at Sts. Peter & Paul Church on 12/20/08 & 12/21/08JACOB KEOKI AYAUchild ofJohn Ayau & Robin AbelCHRISTIAN LA’AKEA AYAUchild of John Ayau & Robin AbelARIA POWLESchild ofKirk Powles & Fe-Leizl MandacNAHOA ALII OKE KAI ALEXANDER NARDO child ofDennis P. Nardo & Jasmine L.M. KamakaTYLER REI YI LEEchild ofDarren Lee & Karyn Anne Chee

Edward A. PomroyPassed away 12/5/08Rose Marie Pokaka’aPassed away 12/10/08

Chester & Pat Fuke, Mei Chan, John & Rosalie Kalwicz, Carina Yung, Rudy & Grace Devega, Susan Kim, Ki Sook Kim, Katrina Kim & Agada Min... for maintaining Sts. Peter & Paul Church and grounds immaculately. These people spend a portion of their Saturday morning weekly keeping our Church beautiful. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Parish at 941-0675.

“Whatever you do,” says St. Paul to the Colossians, “....do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.” And so it is that we offer our gifts in the Eucharist “through Him, with Him and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit....”

Food Awareness for 2008“One can/package of food per person, per weekend..” Aloha! It’s hard to believe the Holidays are just about over. As always because of you everything went over well. As I look back over the year, we were able to lend a helping hand to thousands of our less fortunate islanders. We assisted them with food, clothing, furniture, rental assistance and more. As one woman told

Are you ready to take the next step on your spiritual journey as you develop your relationship with God? Ready to move beyond vocal prayers to a prayer of consenting to God’s presence and action in your life? Centering prayer is an ancient form of prayer updated in modern times by Fr. Thomas Keating. While sitting in silence, this prayer prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer.Sts

Please pray for the sick of our parish, especially ... Robert Winter, Matthew O’Rourke, Robyn Richard, Stacie Kelleher, Janine Main, Maria Heitz, Juanita Inouye, Ronald Costa, Violeta Luna-Hill, Lillian Figueroa, Mildred Pacheco, Hartford Wright, Juliette Lane, Elsie Kuwada, Kathleen Gross, Ossie Omar, Olen Canamore, Joseph Marmo, Sr., Christian Dela Cruz, Pilar Gonzalez, Ethel Tamashiro,

Lord, make the New Year a happy oneNot by shielding us from sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it Not by taking hardship from us, but by taking all cowardice and fear from our hearts as we meet hardships.Not by making our paths easy, but by making us sturdy enough to tread any path.Not by granting unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our faces bright in the shadows.Not by making our

HAVE A BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2009! FROM THE PARISH & STAFF OF STS. PETER & PAUL CHURCH.

For the last fifteen years, Sts. Peter & Paul Church has been sending out Birthday cards to people who responded to the Birthday coupon in our weekly Parish Bulletin and a mass was said for the individual on their birthday. Due to the increased cost of the cards and postage, birthday cards will no longer be sent to the recipients. However, mass will be said for the birthday individual on the day

Christmas Masses are scheduled as follows:WEDNESDAY, December 24 6:00 pm - Christmas Vigil Mass midnight - Chritsmas Midnight MassTHURSDAY, December 25 (CHRISTMAS) 9:00 am - Christmas Mass 11:00 am - Christmas Mass 6:00 pm - Christmas Mass

Fourth Sunday Of Advent • Giving Your Best

Today we come together to celebrate the Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and our journey is almost at an end. Our question is, how have I used my time in preparation for Christmas 2008? Am I a better person than I was or could I stand improvement? Don’t fret, you have a few more days to put on the finishing touches. As we have traveled trough Advent, our Gospel readings have prepared us.

FIRST READING -2 Samuel 7:1-5,8b-12,14a-16There is an important lesson behind this story of David’s desire to build a house for God. God is the creative energy at work in the human personality. None of David’s marvelous achievements were the result of his own cleverness and strength.SECOND READING- Romans 16:25-27The coming of Christ revealed a mystery that had remained hidden for thousands of

As the year 2008 draws to a close, we begin to reflect on what we, as parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish have accomplished. We must also contemplate about 2008. To start the year early, in preparation of another magnificent year, the 2009 Collection Envelopes have been prepared and are located in the back of the Church. Please look for your name....the Collection Envelopes are in

Sts. Peter and Paul will have an Advent Taize prayer service on December 21st 2008 at 7 p.m., immediately following the 6 p.m. Mass. In the style of Taize, we gather in a darkened church lit with many candles to sing beautiful meditative songs, listen to a few Scripture passages, and sing more beautiful songs. All will be welcomed to pray at the cross, which has been laid out horizontally, at

For parishioners interested in buying exquisite hand painted Christmas cards that you have seen in the past at Sts. Peter & Paul, please contact Deacon Richard Port either at church or at home at 941-9624. The cards are $1.25 each and proceeds are used to fund an orphanage in India established with the help of retired Chaminade professor, Jon James.

The following children were Baptized here at Sts. Peter & Paul Church on 12/13/08 & 12/14/08RENDIELL S. OMBINGchild ofRenil Escano & Rochelle S. OmbingVANESSA FAITH MARIKO ISHIKAWAchild of John T. Ishikawa & Victoria Nerveza SalvadorAPRIL AI SALVADOR OGATAchild ofSky T. Ogata & April N. SalvadorISAIAH ROBERT TANIchild ofRomel Tani & Yolani Lacar

TODAY IS THE THIRD WEEKEND OF THE MONTH AND WE WILL NOW HAVE OUR SECOND COLLECTION FOR THE BUILDING FUND. PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR GENEROSITY AS WE ARE CONTINUING WITH THE REPAIR WORK AND RENOVATIONS OF OUR CHURCH.YOUR LOVING SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. MAHALO

Marge FoydlMaria Ching

Henry Morton Gulicksonpassed away 11/16/08

Chester & Pat Fuke, Mei Chan, John & Rosalie Kalwicz, Carina Yung, Rudy & Grace Devega, Susan Kim, Ki Sook Kim, Katrina Kim & Agada Min... for maintaining Sts. Peter & Paul Church and grounds immaculately. These people spend a portion of their Saturday morning weekly keeping our Church beautiful. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Parish at 941-0675.

In the first reading, God promises King David that his house and his kingdom will endure forever. It is through Mary’s “Yes” - “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.” - that the promise finds fulfillment.

Food Awareness for 2008“One can/package of food per person, per weekend..” Aloha! As I mentioned last week, I would go over our Christmas plans with you. Over the past 3 years, we have seen this holiday change dramatically in the number of people willing and wanting to share their Aloha to those in need. That trend continued again this year. To date we have had less than a dozen requests for

* New or gently used toys, books, puzzles* Christmas candy and treats* Wrapping paper, bows & ribbons, scotch tape* Gift Certificates* Christmas decorations, trees, lights, bulbs, Nativity scene* Prayer!

CD UPDATE!!Are you looking for a special gift this Christmas?Please consider this prayerful CD “Gratia Plena”, whose words and music are “uplifting” and “encouraging.”To date, we have given to the Building Fund a total of: $46,960.00Please see any of our musicians in the “Music Corner” and they will be more than happy to help you.As a special “thank you,” we will give to you a “gift” from Gratia

Are you ready to take the next step on your spiritual journey as you develop your relationship with God? Ready to move beyond vocal prayers to a prayer of consenting to God’s presence and action in your life? Centering prayer is an ancient form of prayer updated in modern times by Fr. Thomas Keating. While sitting in silence, this prayer prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer.Sts

Please pray for the sick of our parish, especially ... Robert Winter, Matthew O’Rourke, Robyn Richard, Stacie Kelleher, Janine Main, Maria Heitz, Juanita Inouye, Ronald Costa, Violeta Luna-Hill, Lillian Figueroa, Mildred Pacheco, Hartford Wright, Juliette Lane, Elsie Kuwada, Kathleen Gross, Ossie Omar, Olen Canamore, Joseph Marmo, Sr., Christian Dela Cruz, Pilar Gonzalez, Ethel Tamashiro,

Are you worn out from the holidays? Are you tired of spending hours in shopping centers or traffic? Why not give yourself a weekend away from it all? Meals prepared! Time away from the pressure of work and everyday responsibilities! A chance to talk and listen to that special someone who loves you! If that sounds good to you, sign up now for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next

Complete the form below, with your pertinent information, so that you will be remembered at Mass and with prayers on your special day in JANUARY. Fill in and complete the attached form, (please print clearly) and put it in the collection basket or return it to the Office no later than December 21, 2008.

For the last fifteen years, Sts. Peter & Paul Church has been sending out Birthday cards to people who responded to the Birthday coupon in our weekly Parish Bulletin and a mass was said for the individual on their birthday. Due to the increased cost of the cards and postage, birthday cards will no longer be sent to the recipients. However, mass will be said for the birthday individual on the day

Third Sunday Of Advent • He Became As We Are

Today we gather to celebrate the Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent and color Rose is significant in our liturgy. The Rose vestments indicate that our journey is almost over. Christmas is around the corner and the anticipation has increased. Like last Sunday the readings fill us with wonder. The first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, tells us that the spirit of the Lord is upon him because

FIRST READING -Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11How do we recognize God’s presence in our midst? We know God is with us when we work to free the captives, when we strive to establish justice, when we cultivate the garden of earth. We know God is with us when we are doing the work of God.SECOND READING- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24Christian faith is a present tense religion. God’s spirit is at work in our lives,

As the year 2008 draws to a close, we begin to reflect on what we, as parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish have accomplished. We must also contemplate about 2008. To start the year early, in preparation of another magnificent year, the 2009 Collection Envelopes have been prepared and are located in the back of the Church. Please look for your name....the Collection Envelopes are in

Sts. Peter and Paul will have an Advent Taize prayer service on December 21st 2008 at 7 p.m., immediately following the 6 p.m. Mass. In the style of Taize, we gather in a darkened church lit with many candles to sing beautiful meditative songs, listen to a few Scripture passages, and sing more beautiful songs. All will be welcomed to pray at the cross, which has been laid out horizontally, at

NEXT WEEKEND, WE WILL BE TAKING UP A SECOND COLLECTION AT EVERY MASS FOR THE STS. PETER & PAUL BUILDING FUND.PLEASE COME PREPARED AS YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.

Mona Quinones, Tomas & Isla Iniguez

For parishioners interested in buying exquisite hand painted Christmas cards that you have seen in the past at Sts. Peter & Paul, please contact Deacon Richard Port either at church or at home at 941-9624. The cards are $1.25 each and proceeds are used to fund an orphanage in India established with the help of retired Chaminade professor, Jon James.

Are you ready to take the next step on your spiritual journey as you develop your relationship with God? Ready to move beyond vocal prayers to a prayer of consenting to God’s presence and action in your life? Centering prayer is an ancient form of prayer updated in modern times by Fr. Thomas Keating. While sitting in silence, this prayer prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer.Sts

Chester & Pat Fuke, Mei Chan, John & Rosalie Kalwicz, Carina Yung, Rudy & Grace Devega, Susan Kim, Ki Sook Kim, Katrina Kim & Agada Min... for maintaining Sts. Peter & Paul Church and grounds immaculately. These people spend a portion of their Saturday morning weekly keeping our Church beautiful. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Parish at 941-0675.

All of the people in today’s readings - the prophet Isaiah, the Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. John the Baptist - seemed to understand clearly and rejoice in what God was calling them to be and to do. Do I?

Food Awareness for 2008“One can/package of food per person, per weekend..” Aloha! Let me start by bringing you up to date. I have been away for a month caring for my mom while my younger brother Ricci and Linda his wife, went on vacation. It was “Great” spending time with my mom. She is doing “Fantastic.” The power of prayer! Thanks. I also was able to have Thanksgiving with part of our large

* New or gently used toys, books, puzzles* Christmas candy and treats* Wrapping paper, bows & ribbons, scotch tape* Gift Certificates* Christmas decorations, trees, lights, bulbs, Nativity scene* Prayer!

CD UPDATE!!Are you looking for a special gift this Christmas?Please consider this prayerful CD “Gratia Plena”, whose words and music are “uplifting” and “encouraging.”To date, we have given to the Building Fund a total of: $46,860.00Please see any of our musicians in the “Music Corner” and they will be more than happy to help you.As a special “thank you,” we will give to you a “gift” from Gratia

Still searching for the perfect gift for a loved one? Try one of the amazing free gifts below. Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back!1. The Gift Of Listening... But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. 2. The Gift Of Affection... Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions

Please pray for the sick of our parish, especially ... Robert Winter, Matthew O’Rourke, Robyn Richard, Stacie Kelleher, Janine Main, Maria Heitz, Juanita Inouye, Ronald Costa, Violeta Luna-Hill, Lillian Figueroa, Mildred Pacheco, Hartford Wright, Juliette Lane, Elsie Kuwada, Kathleen Gross, Ossie Omar, Olen Canamore, Joseph Marmo, Sr., Christian Dela Cruz, Pilar Gonzalez, Ethel Tamashiro,

“I have always wondered what it would be like to answer a call as sacrificially as John the Baptist did. Ten lifetimes of pulpit preaching or parish service couldn’t add up to one year of John’s ministry. He is the mark I hold myself up to when I think I have given enough. His is the voice I hear when I pride myself on my Christian service. John is the example of what I should be, a voice calling

Complete the form below, with your pertinent information, so that you will be remembered at Mass and with prayers on your special day in JANUARY. Fill in and complete the attached form, (please print clearly) and put it in the collection basket or return it to the Office no later than December 21, 2008.

For the last fifteen years, Sts. Peter & Paul Church has been sending out Birthday cards to people who responded to the Birthday coupon in our weekly Parish Bulletin and a mass was said for the individual on their birthday. Due to the increased cost of the cards and postage, birthday cards will no longer be sent to the recipients. However, mass will be said for the birthday individual on the day

Second Sunday Of Advent • While We Wait

Today we gather to celebrate the Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent and the readings center on us being prepared for the coming of the Lord. We are also celebrating one of the two Holy Days of obligation in the Honolulu Diocese, the other being Christmas Day. How important for us to celebrate these feasts by our presence at Mass. Very often during the year people confess that they didn’t go to

FIRST READING -Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that God was at work in the people’s experiences. He challenged them to prepare for the great things God would do. The focus was not on when God would act, or how, but on the people being prepared for it.SECOND READING- 2 Peter 3:8-14As humans, we live within time. God is eternal and the Creator of time. God does not measure time as

The following children were Baptized here at Sts. Peter & Paul Church on 11/30/08CAMERON ADONIS MORIYAMAchild ofMiles K. Moriyama & Carolyn Nguyen AdonisELISSA MAILE SCHAEFFERchild ofJon Eric Schaeffer & Maria AbcedeKIET-TYLER TAKAYANAGIchild ofTyler Takayanagi & Rosalyn Escalante

Anthony Lucido & Gloria SikoraPatrick W. MurphyBernard & Phuong Riola

For parishioners interested in buying exquisite hand painted Christmas cards that you have seen in the past at Sts. Peter & Paul, please contact Deacon Richard Port either at church or at home at 941-9624. The cards are $1.25 each and proceeds are used to fund an orphanage in India established with the help of retired Chaminade professor, Jon James.

I know you’ve heard about Charlie’s Angels and have been informed about Sts. Peter & Paul Parish’s PJ’s Angels. And this year is no different. You have seen the 2009 Collection Envelopes in the rear of the Church. Many hours were spent to label and alphabetize over 600 Collection Envelopes by “Angels”Tony Bacani, Eunice Fong, Odetta Doublet, Mapuana Kapana, Betty Ann Nault, Stephanie Pochinski,

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th is a Holy Day of Obligation. It is one of the two days where the Catholics of the Diocese of Honolulu are required to attend Mass (in addition to Sunday’s). The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, falls on a Monday. Masses will be held as follows: December 8th - 7:00 a.m., 12 Noon, 6:00 p.m.Please note: The 6:00 p.m. Mass on

As the year 2008 draws to a close, we begin to reflect on what we, as parishioners of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish have accomplished. We must also contemplate about 2008. To start the year early, in preparation of another magnificent year, the 2009 Collection Envelopes have been prepared and are located in the back of the Church. Please look for your name....the Collection Envelopes are in

Sts. Peter and Paul will have an Advent Taize prayer service on December 21st 2008 at 7 p.m., immediately following the 6 p.m. Mass. In the style of Taize, we gather in a darkened church lit with many candles to sing beautiful meditative songs, listen to a few Scripture passages, and sing more beautiful songs. All will be welcomed to pray at the cross, which has been laid out horizontally, at

Chester & Pat Fuke, Mei Chan, John & Rosalie Kalwicz, Carina Yung, Rudy & Grace Devega, Susan Kim, Ki Sook Kim, Katrina Kim & Agada Min... for maintaining Sts. Peter & Paul Church and grounds immaculately. These people spend a portion of their Saturday morning weekly keeping our Church beautiful. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Parish at 941-0675.

John the Baptist’s call to repentance is echoed in the US Bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship: “Christians must beg God for the grace of conversion: the grace to know who they are, to whom they belong, how they are to live - the grace to repent and change and grow, the grace to become good disciples and stewards.”

Food Awareness for 2008“One can/package of food per person, per weekend..” Aloha! As in the past, we will be needing pretty much the usual things. Those of you who want to help can look over our Christmas Wish List which will run right up to the holiday. It may change slightly each week, so you need to take a glance at it every so often, but if you think Christmas, you’ll be fine. Since the

A REMINDER: NEXT SUNDAY, DEC. 14th, WE WILL HAVE OUR BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING IN THE COURTYARD AFTER THE 9 AM MASS.

CD UPDATE!!To date, because you have purchased this CD for yourself or as a gift to someone special in your life, “Gratia Plena” has given to the Building Fund a total of $46,660.00.We thank each and every one of you for supporting this CD project. Without God, you and your prayers, we would not have been able to have thousands of this CD in homes, cars and offices praying along as they listen to

Clarence & Grace Wong, December 2ndMarried 64 yearsWesley & Maria Ballesteros, December 6thMarried 23 yearsDaniel & Esther Gefroh, December 12thMarried 16 yearsJohn & Gloria Masunaga, December 15thMarried 17 yearsPepe & Susie Tumanuvao, December 18thMarried 10 yearsStanley & Cynthia Chang, December 28thMarried 53 yearsLawrence & Anita Peralta, December 28thMarried 23 yearsCONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!

Please pray for the sick of our parish, especially ... Robert Winter, Matthew O’Rourke, Robyn Richard, Tomie McMurray, Stacie Kelleher, Janine Main, Maria Heitz, Juanita Inouye, Ronald Costa, Violeta Luna-Hill, Lillian Figueroa, Mildred Pacheco, Hartford Wright, Juliette Lane, Elsie Kuwada, Kathleen Gross, Ossie Omar, Olen Canamore, Joseph Marmo, Sr., Christian Dela Cruz, Pilar Gonzalez, Ethel

For the last fifteen years, Sts. Peter & Paul Church has been sending out Birthday cards to people who responded to the Birthday coupon in our weekly Parish Bulletin and a mass was said for the individual on their birthday. Due to the increased cost of the cards and postage, birthday cards will no longer be sent to the recipients. However, mass will be said for the birthday individual on the day

Lilia Tuscano December 1stMel C. Labrador December 1stSharon L. Gabalis December 1stValentina Velasco December 3rdJayden Testado December 3rdAlex Mendoza, Jr. December 3rdWyatt Ichiro Hoku Donayri December 3rdBernie Serrano December 4thMary Ann Esperanza December 4thAvon Czerwinski December 4thWendilee Adkins December 4thLillian Dias December 5thLeonida Cameros