Driving down the “twisty road” at night toward the North Shore, I always see a gleaming necklace surrounded the Fair Ocean’s neck. However, this past week the perfect gem was that of St. Michael’s, Sts. Peter & Paul, & our beloved school. Our parishioners gathered from all points to celebrate the visit of our beloved Bishop Larry Silva.

Our people have been working to present a comprehensive overview of our ministries. Those with decorating skills have worked tirelessly on the new Parish Center (PC). Damien Hall was filled with light and fabulous school bulletin board…I was a teacher for 40+ years and bulletin boards become a way of life! The banquet following Mass on Saturday evening was superlative with ministry heads sharing their programs and hopes for the future. The meal was wonderful and the kitchen “Martha’s” took good care of us! Bishop Larry asked a few questions particularly of the educationally related programs…AFF, RCIA, Youth, and Religious Ed. He then lavished us with praise…after all we ARE a dynamic parish up here in “da’ country”! After mingling with us and having mucho photos taken, he spent the night in his beautiful Bishop’s Room in the PC.

Bright and early he arrived at Sts. P & P for 7:30 Mass. Of course, it was packed and altar servers, among others, got their pictures taken with the Shepherd of our Diocese! He even met a fellow who was good friends with the Bishop’s brother in Oakland. Small world!

Then back he zipped back to offer the jam packed 10 a.m. Mass at St. Michael’s. The Children and Youth Choirs tempered some of their music a bit, but I thought I saw his hand moving to the drums! The pre-school and Kindergarteners filled the front pew with their teachers immediately behind them. They looked like little birds peeking out of their nests!

Then the All Parish Pot Luck was in Damien Hall and outside under the tents. We know our pot luck routines very well…tables were overflowing with all you could eat…plus more! The school youngsters performed, parents stood high to photograph their offspring, the Youth Group sang their theme “Lean on Me” and we sang along. Once more a tired Bishop Larry told us how wonderful we are (we knew that) and allowed a multitude of pictures with group and individuals taken. Finally, as the tables were wheeled away and chairs stored, our good Bishop went off for a mini-rest in his room, then drove back to St. Stephen’s.

We, as a parish, have been preparing and working on this since last summer! Hard work DOES pay off! Our Bishop Larry was delighted with us, as we were delighted with him!

For more pictures of the Bishop Larry Silva visitation visit our Photo Album

Tags: Bishop Larry Silva

Friday February 11, 2011
Day one of the confirmation retreat:
Tonight was a fun and fulfilled night. To start off we checked in and were assigned to the our cabins then after went to the hall to do a collage of our personality. Then after that we did confession, and to end the day we had a great time meeting new faces, and just seeing everyone have fun. Now to see what's in for tomorrow.

Saturday February 12, 2011
Day two of the confirmation retreat:
Today was the most fun days yet. From the talks about family, and relationship, to self-esteam those talks were deep, and they were all talking about forgiveness, after we ate lunch and then we went on the odyssey while it was raining but we all had a blast. From Team Epic to Team Team, they all had fun. Even though some students didn't go on, they had fun watching and taking pictures. After that we all rushed back to cabins to shower cause we all were soaked. Then we had dinner, mass then our bonfire. While we were at the bonfire we made our smores and played a game called "Chuby Bunny", that participants that were in the game was Elaine, Kanisa, Keoni, 'Auli'i, Janelle, Jake, and Brennon. They all looked funny. Then we watched a movie. All of us went back to the cabins and got our blankets and pillows, instead of watching the movie some of us we sleeping because we were so tired.

Sunday February 13, 2011
Day Three of the confirmation Retreat (Last Day-closing mass)
"Good Morning guys, its time to get up" "Rise-n-shine"
Its time to pack and its almost breakfast, Sunday is here and all the students had an exciting time at the retreat. Everyone joined us at our closing mass at St. Michael's church. Had testimonies from Noah Nellis, Jeren Dingal, and Dale Aquino. The youth sang wonderfully and did a wonderful performance of Lean on Me.

Thank you all for joining our mass and thank you students for attending the confirmation retreat. Thank you Sts. Peter and Paul, OLS, and Paige Thomas for joining us. Hope to see you guys next year or in the neat future.

Tags: youth