Annunciation Catholic Church and Ascension Mission Newsletter — Nov. 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

Annunciation

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Catholic Church

Ascension Mission

AN INSIDE LOOK AT OUR USHERS MINISTRY

Reaching out with Hospitality, Serving the Lord and His People

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s Catholics, we must always strive to extend a hand to new parishioners, longtime parishioners, and guests alike. Now, in these tumultuous times of COVID-19, the hospitality shown by the Ushers Ministry is more important than ever. Here at Annunciation, our parish’s ushers serve as a helping hand to ensure the Mass flows smoothly, and to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.

“We are here to serve the Lord, and to serve the people,” says ministry leader Dean Fujitani. “We want to make sure people don’t feel alone. If someone had a rough day, or the whole week didn’t go right for them, they need our support at church. We need to show them respect, ask them how they are doing — anything small that might cheer them up.”

In our “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several aspects of the Mass experience have changed. Our ushers play a very important role in keeping every Mass attendee, liturgical minister, and our priest safe during Mass. Currently, attendees must sign up in advance for a specific Mass time, and are required to wear masks inside.

Ushers serve at a recent Mass.

“Before Mass, we open the church door and the bathroom doors. I clean the lanai floor — we want to show respect to our Lord and make sure that when we welcome the people in, everything is clean,” Dean says. “We give everyone that comes in a squirt of hand sanitizer, and we take them to their seat. The seats are numbered and we note the number on the check-in sheet so that we know who is sitting where, and who is sitting around them.

We seat everyone six feet apart.”

For the collection, instead of passing the basket continued on back cover

65-1235 Kawaihae Rd. • Waimea, HI 96743 • www.bigislandcatholicchurch.org • 808-887-1220

QUESTIONS

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ANSWERS

About Our Annual Stewardship Renewal

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his has most certainly been a trying and unusual year, as we have navigated through uncharted waters. In the face of great uncertainty or difficulty, it is easy to become complacent. Yet, this is not what God calls us to do. We are called to live stewardship as a way of life — in the good, bad or uncertain times. In moments of trial, God raises up saints!

Our Stewardship Renewal reminds us that God’s gifts never stop being poured out. In turn, we never should have reason to stop thanking Him. So, let us take this Stewardship Renewal as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God in the midst of our rapidly changing world.

How do I use my Commitment Card?

Your Commitment Card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the whole family.

Time Section: Everyone should be able to check the boxes to commit to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days or to view the Masses online during the crisis. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God. We recognize

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that the current crisis may impact your ability to carry out your commitments. Know the Lord sees what is in your heart and is pleased with your best efforts.

Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries.

Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry!

This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person.

Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish.

Issues like my age, physical limitations, and the current crisis prevent me from being active in the parish. Should I still turn in a Commitment Card?

Yes! The first section of the card — Stewardship of Time — is the most important because it allows you to make commitments to prayer. Even if you can’t join a ministry or make it to Mass on Sunday, you can always pray! Your spiritual support has tremendous value in the eyes of God. What if I can’t fulfill my financial pledge?

While our pledge is not a “contract,” we should all make a good-faith effort to fulfill it. Of course, if your financial circumstances change — if you lose your job, for instance — then the amount of money you give the Church will change, too. Likewise if you get a raise or bonus. The biggest reason many people don’t fulfill their pledge is that they attend Mass at another parish when they go on vacation, attend a wedding, etc. If you’re out of town, just make up for the missed Sunday when you write your next check to the parish. Using your envelopes is a good way to see which Sundays you missed. Also, online giving is an easy option!

Even before the crisis, I didn’t go to Mass frequently.

Why turn in a Commitment Card?

Because this is your chance to turn over a new leaf! Why not make a commitment to God to come to Mass every Sunday once the crisis is over, and until then, commit to viewing the Mass online each week, then write down that commitment? Even if that’s the only commitment you make, take a step forward. Jesus Himself is waiting for you!

NOVEMBER 2020 A LETTER FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR

In These Extraordinary Times,

We Are One Faith Family

Dear Parishioners,

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eace and blessing!

We have been living in extraordinary times these last eight months and I hope that this letter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all our lives, revealing how closely we are interconnected as one human family.

First off, we so appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate these extraordinary times.

As your new priest, with the exception of some whose faces are always covered, I surely missed the opportunity of meeting most of you at Mass and I ask you to join me in praying fervently for the end of this pandemic so that we can be together as a parish family again soon.

Nonetheless, despite COVID-19, with the help of God’s grace and guidance, life still goes on in our parish. To date, please be informed that with the current dispensation in effect to attend Mass especially for those who are immunocompromised, you may spiritually join us from home in our Eucharistic celebrations on our parish FB page at facebook.com/bigislandcatholicchurch/. Also, though virtually done, our parish formation programs have already resumed — namely Children’s Catechetics, Sacramental Prep Program, RCIA, Bible Study, and Marriage Enrichment Experience. Our Food Pantry outreach ministry has been extremely busy meeting the many needs of our community and surrounding neighborhoods through this unprecedented time, etc.

Moreover, in an effort to maintain transparency with each of you, I would also like to share about our current financial status. We are so blessed by the many families who have continued to give generously throughout the pandemic. In addition, we were blessed with the Payroll Protection Plan that the government provided for short-term relief. Also, the diocese put a hold on our monthly assessment for two months. All of these things allowed us to finish the fiscal year in pretty good shape. However,

all of those aids have come to an end and we are now operating at a significant loss each month. I ask you to please keep this in mind as you consider your financial contributions to the parish. Mahalo for your generosity!

And most importantly, as we begin our “Annual Stewardship Renewal,” let us be mindful that by our baptism, we are one `ohana (family) of faith, called to “Go Make Disciples” by giving witness to a life of Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service as we generously share our Talent, Time and Treasure while growing in His love and wisdom. We often go through our lives inattentive to this summon to live this basic calling, but as our faith teaches us, the call to evangelize is a call for all Christians.

As we pray and reflect during this time of renewal, I challenge each of you to make commitments in the areas of Time, Talent and Treasure as we continue to grow in our role as missionary disciples. God has called each of you!

Let’s keep each other in prayer during this moment of renewal in the life of our parish.

Lastly, since we are now in November, it is a good time to remember our deceased loved ones. So, kindly send us the names of your beloved departed and they will be prayed for and blessed at each of our Sunday Masses in November.

Please stay safe and let us take care of each other by uniting in prayer fervently to end this pandemic.

Until we can gather together again without any restriction around the table of the Lord to hear His Word and share His Body and Blood, I remain spiritually connected and faithfully yours.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Anthony “Tony” Pangan, SSS

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Annunciation Church & Ascension Mission

Knights of

LOCAL COUNCIL EMBRACES AND ENHA

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or decades, the Knights of Columbus have been well-known for the good work they do in the local community, across the nation and around the world.

Founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus serve as a way for men to grow in fellowship and fraternity with others who share their Catholic values. Here at Annunciation and Ascension Mission, a group of Knights — who currently belong to the council at St. Michael the Archangel — hope to establish a new council of their very own.

Parishioner Devo Voss first became aware of the Knights during his childhood, growing up in Ohio.

“I was born in Hilo and my mother’s family is all from Hilo and Samoa,” Devo says. “My father was in the Navy and my mom met him in Pearl Harbor during the Vietnam War. We moved to Ohio where my father was from, so when I was young, I’d go back and forth between there and Hawaii. All my friends there were Catholic, and all their fathers were in the Knights of Columbus. I remember going to events that the Knights sponsored, such as fish frys, pancake breakfasts, and sports games.”

Living in Hawaii once again as an adult, Devo began to wonder about the Knights and whether there was a council in Waimea. Although there wasn’t a council in the nearby area, he nonetheless started to research and learn about the organization.

“Then a few years ago, Joe James, the Grand Knight at the council at St. Michael the Archangel, came to speak at Ascension Mission,” Devo says.

Devo Voss enjoys sharing in camaraderie and fellowship with other faithful Catholic men as a member of Knights of Columbus.

“He explained what it was and asked if anyone was interested. My wife and other parishioners knew it would be perfect for me, so they encouraged me to get involved.”

Soon after, Devo became a first-degree Knight as a member of Council #13227 at St. Michael.

Just recently, he completed formation as a fourthdegree knight. Devo is active in a variety of parish ministries, and found the stewardship focus of the Knights to be a perfect fit. continued on page 5

“Within the Knights, everyone strengthens everyone else in their faith. We can all share with each other, and everyone brings something different to the table. You get to learn a little more about everyone’s devotions and it really does help your faith to expand and grow. It’s truly a stewardship organization, too, so it’s great to be around other guys who dedicate their energy and their time and their treasures.” — Devo Voss 4

NOVEMBER 2020

Columbus

ANCES STEWARDSHIP AT OUR PARISH “The Knights of Columbus are able to have fundraisers to help the parish and local communities,” he says. “For example, if a person’s family needs help, or a school is having some issues, the Knights can put together an event and earmark the proceeds specifically for those causes. They do it on a very local community level, and it allows everyone to help out in some way and increases the camaraderie amongst parishioners and others in the community.”

Devo also enjoys the fellowship with other faithful Catholic men.

“What’s unique and good about the Knights is that the club is focused on God, and Mary, and our Catholic faith,” he says. “It’s so gratifying to hang out with other men who are into their religion and God as much as you are. All the guys I’ve met so far with the Knights are so involved, pray their Rosaries, and prioritize Mass. It’s a big part of their lives already, so when they come into the Knights of Columbus, they are able to connect with men who all feel the same way.”

Since becoming a Knight, Devo has enjoyed sharing his experience with his friends and fellow ministry members at the parish — as a result, many others have also been inspired to become Knights.

They recently hit a milestone of 20 new members and, in turn, are hoping to establish their own council at the parish. By establishing this council,

they will be able to more directly help those here in the Waimea and Waikoloa communities.

“Joe James from Kona will help us form leadership, elect officers, and provide a lot of support material,” Devo says. “Once we set up the council, we want to start a routine of meeting for fellowship, a way to get the guys together and relax, but also to talk freely about our faith. “Once the pandemic situation allows us to do so, we also want to have our own charity events to raise money for local needs,” he adds. “The parish can find out and let us know who needs help, and we can then set up fundraisers for that. It’s such a big part of stewardship — it’s always better to give than to receive, and you really can see the blessings that come from that.”

Through the Knights, Devo’s faith has been enriched, and he hopes that the parish having its very own council will inspire even more men to get involved.

“Within the Knights, everyone strengthens everyone else in their faith,” he says. “We can all share with each other, and everyone brings something different to the table. You get to learn a little more about everyone’s devotions and it really does help your faith to expand and grow. It’s truly a stewardship organization, too, so it’s great to be around other guys who dedicate their energy and their time and their treasures.”

If you would like more information about the Knights of Columbus, or to get involved, please contact Devo Voss at devo@thesonsofmary.com or 808-345-3409.

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Annunciation Church & Ascension Mission

PARISH FOOD PANTRY FEEDS THE HUNGRY

with Joy

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e’ve all heard the story of the Good Samaritan — and as Christians, we are all called to be ‘Good Samaritans’ to our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Annunciation Community Food Pantry is one way that we can serve those in need, right here in our local community.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has found themselves affected in different ways. Many are having difficulty feeding themselves and their families, and our Food Pantry volunteers have been working hard to be a force for good and help as many people as they can.

“As Catholics, we’re charged to feed the

hungry,” says Ann Lum, Food Pantry coordinator.

“When things shut down, we made a really quick turnaround — we had a phone conference about safety and opened the next week with drive-by service. We have a dedicated group and have spread out all the jobs so we can keep our volunteer volume under 10 and meet all requirements.”

For drive-up service, the Food Pantry welcomes anyone who needs food on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. In order to keep contact as minimal as possible, no sign-in is required, and volunteers deliver a box of food right into the vehicle’s trunk or seat. All volunteers wear masks, and the driver and passengers are also asked to wear masks.

“We’ve been making 160-165 boxes each week,” Ann says. “For three weeks in August, we did an experimental sign-in procedure, but stopped because it was too much contact. But during that time, we discovered that out of the 301 different names in those three weeks, 185 were people that we had never seen before. It’s a different population — people are now coming to the Food Pantry who had never been here before, who really haven’t needed this before. People are very thankful — it’s a difficult time. All of us at the Food Pantry are really committed to keeping this going, and keeping it open and available for those who may not have other resources.”

Food Pantry volunteers shop during the week and make food boxes every Saturday. The boxes also contain items donated both by parishioners and other organizations.

“We had four months of wonderful vegetables continued on page 7

If you would like more information about how to volunteer for the Community Food Pantry, or ways to donate, please contact Ann Lum at 808-640-4704 or the parish office at 808-887-1220.

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NOVEMBER 2020

PARISH FOOD PANTRY

continued from page 6

donated by Keck Observatories and our county council member, Tim Richards,” Ann says.

“Each week, they brought about $1,000 worth of farmers’ produce directly to us and other food pantries. This allowed us to have a bag of fresh vegetables every month.

“The program has ended now, but we are always happy for donations of fresh produce for the boxes,” she adds. “We have had people donate ulu, avocados and kale, for example. We also once had someone donate little packages of dental kits, which was really nice to give people in the boxes.”

Donations are essential to keep the Food Pantry up and running, and ready to serve those in need. The Food Pantry welcomes any donation, big or small. Monetary donations are extremely helpful, as well as donations of food items such as canned goods, or produce from backyard gardens.

“We are so appreciative of anything people can do, even if it seems like a little,” Ann says. “If everyone can donate just a little bit, it adds up to a lot.”

Working in social services during a pandemic means constantly adjusting, searching for solutions, and brainstorming ways to continue to raise funds and provide services in a safe way.

But for volunteers, working in the Food Pantry is a way to bring joy to the community during a difficult time.

“Everything is closed down, and we’re not all able to go to Mass, but we’re out there every Tuesday,” Ann says. “We are the face of the Church in the community right now. The volunteers are cheerful, we greet everybody, and it’s a happy place. It’s a stressful time and you don’t know what people are going through, so we try to make the Food Pantry a positive place for them.”

After 15 years of service, Ann will soon be retiring, and Maile Lincoln will be stepping in as coordinator. Maile and Ann are currently working together to ensure a smooth transition. Mahalo, Maile and Ann, for your stewardship and service!

“Everything is closed down, and we’re not all able to go to Mass, but we’re out there every Tuesday. We are the face of the Church in the community right now.

The volunteers are cheerful, we greet everybody, and it’s a happy place. It’s a stressful time and you don’t know what people are going through, so we try to make the Food Pantry a positive place for them.” — Ann Lum 7

Annunciation Church & Ascension Mission Annunciation / Ascension Parish 65-1235 Kawaihae Rd. Waimea, HI 96743

USHERS MINISTRY

continued from front cover

around, the ushers place it in front of the fountain, where people can drop their gift into the basket.

When Communion is ready to start, the ushers take it up to the altar.

“We assist people during Communion by telling them where to go and which lines to stand in,” Dean says. “At the end of Mass, as soon as Father leaves the altar, we start exiting people through to the front of the lanai so that people don’t linger inside. Afterward, we wipe down the pews and sanitize them for the people who come in for the next Mass.”

Ideally, we would have four ushers at each Mass.

However, throughout the pandemic, the ministry has worked with however many are able to serve.

“It’s a volunteer situation,” Dean says. “Some people don’t feel safe coming to church right now, so I never tell them they have to come or try to persuade them. We want everyone to be safe. We will take any help, though! I don’t want to twist anyone’s arm, but we could always use the help.”

Throughout his time as an usher, Dean has been able to grow in faith through his service.

“It has helped me to grow in faith through worship, communion with Jesus, and spending time in prayer,” he says. “It’s a great way to help others, especially parishioners who need help walking, or newcomers who don’t know where to go. It makes you really grateful to God for having the opportunity to do something to help that person out.”

If you would like more information about the Ushers Ministry, or to get involved, please contact Dean Fujitani at 808-885-7651 or 808-365-2194, or the parish office at 808-887-1220.

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. (Waimea) | Sunday: 8 a.m. (Waimea) & 10 a.m. (Puako) | Confession: Saturday 4 p.m. (Waimea)