St. Michael the Archangel Church, left, in Kailua-Kona and the new Grace Parish Center to be blessed Feb. 23. (Photo courtesy of Shari Navarre)
By Shari Navarre
Special to the Herald
Many longtime members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Kailua-Kona will remember talks of constructing a parish center 30-plus years ago. The project has seen many setbacks over the years.
Finally, the Grace Parish Center will open after crossing one last hurdle. So far, $3.8 million has been paid toward the $5.5 million project. There were some issues with the flooring this past fall, but the pastor Father Konelio Faleto is hopeful that this was the last obstacle.
The parish is joyfully anticipating the dedication and blessing of the center Feb. 23 by Bishop Larry Silva.
The name of our new facility has a special meaning to our faith community. The Grace Parish Center not only signifies the abundant gifts God has poured out upon our parish family, it also is a tribute to a very special person, Grace Wilsey, who has defied the odds through the grace of God and remains an inspiration to us all after being diagnosed in 2013 with an extremely rare genetic disorder — NGLY1 Deficiency.
There are only around 100 known cases of NGLY1 Deficiency worldwide, and when she was first diagnosed at age 4, doctors predicted she would not survive past the age of 5. But Grace is now 13 and thriving.
Grace’s parents, Kristen and Matt Wilsey, have been regular visitors at St. Michael. Grace has fond memories of celebrating many Easter, Christmas, and regular Sunday Masses at St. Michael. They consider St. Michael their second home.
Grace’s paternal great-grandmother was born and raised on Oahu and the family was eager to honor those roots as well as Grace by making a significant donation to the building campaign. So, it is only fitting that the Grace Parish Center honors Grace while symbolizing the abundant graces and blessings our Lord has given us all. We are very appreciative of Bobbie and Mike Wilsey for their generosity.
But the completion of the project has not been without its setbacks.
One of the most significant bumps in the road came with the Kiholo earthquake in 2006. When the church was rebuilt, a foundation was laid for the future parish center.
Father Faletoi is very grateful that the Grace Parish Center is now close to reality.
“I can’t wait to welcome people into the new parish center,” he said. “We were hoping to have it completed for our feast day, but now that’s been pushed back a bit.”
Father Faletoi acknowledges that the wait has been frustrating. He’s so thankful for those who have stuck with the project. He asks for prayers to the Holy Spirit as the project end is finally in sight.
“We want to begin programs and expand others with the additional space in the Grace Parish Center,” Father Faletoi said. “We have so many great things in place. We want to take things to the next level.”
As activities and ministries have been coming back in recent months, people will be anxious to get involved.
“Our focus has always been that the hall would be a place where we can really celebrate and offer additional ministries — from faith formation to community gatherings and outreach, all these things that have been held back,” Father Faletoi said.
The pastor wants to thank every donor — from those who put money in the collection to those who made large commitments toward the center. Every dollar has helped bring this parish to where it is today.
“People have been so generous with their treasure,” he said. “This will be a wonderful asset to our parish community.”
To donate to the Grace Parish Center project, go to stmichaelparishkona.org/online-giving/parish-center-building-campaign.
A version of this story was first published in the St. Michael Parish newsletter. It is reprinted here with permission. Shari Navarre writes for Catholic Stewardship Consultants, Inc.
Photos from the Feb. 23 dedication and blessing.
