NKCC

Lito Ilagan

Last Sunday was a day to remember! The weather was perfect and everyone had a good time. The 11 AM Mass set the tone for the day. The Liturgy was truly a moving, joyous celebration of the Paschal Mystery. The music was outstanding in every respect. The Ua Mau with hula was very fitting for the day.

I appreciate the hard work of all who volunteered to make this a festive occasion for the parish. Some volunteers were very visible because of what they were doing but there were many, many hands that worked behind the scenes to make it happen. There is, though, one name I must mention and that is Lito Llagan who chaired the planning committee. In his very quiet, methodical way, he made sure that every detail was handled. Lito made himself available to help each of the people who headed up the various activities that made our celebration so successful. Hopefully, no one went away lonely, hungry, or bored from lack of fun.

Although fundraising was not the goal of this year's Feast, we were able to raise: $4,221.25 in the silent auction; $396 in bracelet sales; $419 in the raffle; and $77 in hard cover book sales. Thanks to all who purchased something.

Thanks, also, to parishioners and visitors who attended the celebration to support the efforts of the workers. A party is not a party without guests.

This is a day that will not be soon forgotten. In just a few weeks, we will begin planning for our next celebration of St. Michael's feast. It will be a bigger celebration that will, hopefully, embrace the community beyond St. Michael's. Please note the bulletin insert for a list of all the contributors of items for the silent auction, the raffle, and the prizes. In recognition of their generosity to us, please patronize the businesses.

Please keep in mind the canonization of Blessed Damien on the 11th, as well our special day to have his Relic with us in the North Kona Catholic Community. Anyone who wishes, please join us at the airport on Saturday, October 17 to receive the Relic at 4pm. We will have a bus available at 3 pm for anyone who would like to travel with us. Please notify the office by October 14th to reserve a seat on the bus. Fr. Lane Akiona and Mr. Ching will arrive from Honolulu to deliver the Relic to us for veneration in our West Hawaii Vicariate. The choir will sing two Damien hymns at the airport. The Relic of St. Damien of Molokai will be us all day Sunday, October 18. Please check the schedule for the various activities associated with this great day.

I keep meaning to acknowledge the generosity of our visitors in helping us with the Building Fund. Each week I receive letters with contributions from people who have visited us for Sunday Mass and are concerned about St. Michael's having a new church. Visitors from California are especially aware of the havoc that earthquakes can wreak.

Have a blessed week, Fr. Lio