Ministry Index

Interested in Joining a Ministry at St. Raphael's Church?

There are many opportunities for you to share your time and talents with the parish community.

 Learn more by viewing our Ministry handout. 

Parish Pastoral Council: 2021 to 2023

Mission Statement:
Following the example of Jesus Christ, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St. Raphael, we commit ourselves to witness God's love story to all.
 
Our Vision:
We, the Christian Community of St. Raphael passionately immersed in the Gospel values of Jesus Christ, envision a faith filled community that brings self and others closer to God.

Elected Members:

• Moderator - Keith Dietterle
• Chairman - Paul Roberts
• Vice-Chairman - Michael Huston
• Secretary - Gloria Crescines

Members:

• Ministerial Chair: Marina Pascua
• Ministerial Alternate: Leonard Vierra
• Brenda Sameshima
• Cecelia Silva
• Kevin Meehan

Parish 5 Year Plan Available now

Parish leadership met to chart the course for our Parish and Ministries for the period of 2021-2026. The results were grouped into the following categories: Social Ministry; Youth and Young Adult Ministry; Worship; Community and Evangelization. The plan has been shared with the Diocese of Honolulu and progress will be assessed annually.

Stewardship

Stewardship vs. Volunteering

Every year, we seem to struggle to get more and more people to "volunteer" to do what needs to be done to keep our churches going.   But are we really looking for volunteers? No, we are truly seeking stewards!  Some may think that the two terms are interchangeable. Aren't we all working to help the church anyway?

Let's take a minute to consider the definitions. To volunteer is to do, make or bring about of one's own free choice. Clear enough.  But isn't there more to our church life than simply doing something freely and without pay?

Ok, let's consider stewardship. It's defined as a person who manages another person's property or financial affairs or one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.  The focus is different. We are not just coming of free will to accomplish a task, we are taking care of that which has been given to us by God. This is his world, his church, his property and we are his children and stewards who have been entrusted with the care of it all.

As faithful stewards of God's holy house, we have a sacred obligation and responsibility, not simply to volunteer a few extra moments, but rather, humbly and joyfully offer our time, our talents, and our resources back to God.

This is true for all of us. We have been blessed by God with certain gifts and talents and opportunities to use them.  We are all of infinite value to our God and a vital part of the management and stewardship of his holy church.

Let us go and be faithful to our calling, each in our own way. Let us be faithful and righteous in our stewardship. Life itself is a gift from God. All we have in life, is part of that gift. Please consider joining one our existing ministries at St. Raphael Church to give some of your time, talents and treasures to praise God.

Diocesan Stewardship Document-Click here

Latest Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Choir and Music

                 Practice: Wednesday 6:30pm 

Filipino Catholic Club

                Director: Lydia Rebugio 

Food Pantry and Outreach Program

The Food Pantry at Saint Raphael Catholic Church was initiated by Lil Riley and Marie Petro and their respective husbands over 20 years ago. The mission of the Food Pantry was to prepare baskets of food for families in need of assistance during times of hardship. The families neither had to be Catholic nor in the Koloa area.  It could be any family across Kauai that needed help. Over a decade ago, Tina Brun took over this mission.

In 2020, Benymar Tapucol has taken on the role of director of the food pantry and continues to prepare care packages. These care packages not only include food but household supplies as well such as soap, shampoo and even bedding. Every third Thursday of the month care packages for families in need are prepared and distributed.

Donations are accepted either in monetary form in “Food Pantry” box at the back of the church or nonperishable food can be left anytime in a container outside of the church office.

Families in need should contact the program Director Benymar Tapucol at 808-742-1955 

Religious Education

       Director: Allison Carveiro
       Religious Education Registration Form - Download here - complete and return this form to register for upcoming religious education classes.

Children's Religious Education Program - Preschool through Grade 8: Sunday 8:30 - 9:20 am

Lei Ministry

One Saturday each month, parishioners gather to share fellowship and knowledge to create traditional Hawaiian items.  Contact Ulii Castor or Sandra Honl for details exact dates and times at the office, 808-742-1955.

Landscape Ministry needs your assistance! If you have time and talent to spare, please contact Leonard Vierra at 808-742-1955

Volunteers Needed - Church cleaning team is looking for additional help - please contact the parish office

Respect Life

    Alternative to abortion - call 1-800-395-HELP FREE

Rosary

    Prayer begins 30 minutes prior to every mass.

St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii

    Domestic Violence crisis line 808-245-6362
    Sexual Assault crisis line 808-246-4144
    Suicide / Crisis Prevention 1-800-753-6879 FREE

Disciples' sepia at the back of the altar, view from outside