Please tell me about Hawaii
I am writing to you as part of a class project for the novel “The Watsons Go to Birmingham.” My classmates and I are contacting newspapers across the country in a state we want to learn more about. I chose Hawaii, because I think that it would be very fun to learn about some fun things you do there, like surfing or what luaus are like. I would like to visit Hawaii someday and swim in the ocean!
Another reason I am writing you is because I would like to ask your readers to please write me back and tell me why they like living in Hawaii, some interesting things they have learned living in Hawaii, and what tourists or visitors can do there. They could write to my school address – Queen of Peace Catholic School, 4502 Vistula Road, Mishawaka, IN 46544.
If they could include a copy of the newspaper where they found my letter, that would be great!
Aunnika Smith
Mishawaka, Indiana
Rice Bowl a way to give alms
We are in the season of Lent. It’s a period for prayer, fasting and abstinence, and almsgiving. Almsgiving, giving financial aid to the less fortunate, is a hallmark of the Catholic Church as well as other faiths. The Rice Bowl is an outstanding way for the young and old alike, single or family, to give alms during this sacred season.
By now many practicing Catholics and their families in Hawaii have picked up a Rice Bowl from their parish or church of attendance. If not, it’s not too late. Putting in a daily gift, small or big, will add up. There is a wonderful insert inside the box. It gives a daily reflection. The picture on the Rice Bowl and daily reflection remind me that there are many in this world in dire need. Also, much information on Catholic Relief Services and the Rice Bowl is available by Googling CRS Rice Bowl. One might consider doing it.
At the ending of the Lenten Season, the family or individual Rice Bowl collection can be turned in to the parish. It’s optimal for the individual or family to count the money and then write a check to the parish with the memo line indicating Rice Bowl. Twenty-five percent of the total collection will go to the Diocese of Honolulu for helping those in need locally. The other 75 percent will go to CRS to help our brothers and sisters worldwide in need.
Lastly, at this time let us remember the four CRS employees along with 153 others who were killed in the tragic accident of the Ethiopian aircraft on March 10. The CRS employees were Ethiopian nationals on their way to Kenya to attend CRS training. They were Sara Chalachew, Getnet Alemayehu, Sintayehu Aymeku and Mulusew Alemu. May they rest in peace.
Lawrence (Larry) M.O. Chun
Kailua
Is this our standard?
I have a problem with a statement in the story, “Sex abuse in the U.S.: Serious and pervasive,” in the Feb. 22 issue. Regarding the sex crisis, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan is quoted as saying: “The U.S. Catholic Church ‘is no greater (an) offender than anybody else.’” Is this really our standard?
Emily Bott
Kihei
Letters are welcome. Letters should pertain to a story or issue in the Hawaii Catholic Herald, be courteous, and not exceed 250 words. Letters must be signed and include an address and phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Send them to Letters to the Herald, 1184 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 or to herald@rcchawaii.org.
