The Kauai parish respect life coordinators met on Feb. 16 with the new director of the diocesan Respect Life Office, Paulette Vernay, to plan future activities. Pictured from left are Neves de Laveaga from St. Theresa, Kekaha; Kathleen Refamonte-Ramos of Immaculate Conception, Lihue; Andy de Laveaga of St. Theresa, Kekaha; Lillian Lucas of St. Catherine, Kapaa; and Diana Honjio of Holy Cross, Kalaheo. Vernay is planning to meet with parish respect life coordinators on every island. “I want to see our voices raised,” she said. The agenda for her ministry includes education, pastoral care, public policy advocacy and prayer. So far, about two-thirds of Hawaii’s 66 parishes have coordinators. (Photo courtesy of diocesan Respect Life Office)