The Baysa ohana: Dr. Robert and Lora, and their son Zach. (Courtesy Catholic Stewardship Consultants)
By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
The Baysa ohana has dedicated nearly four decades to serving their community through their dental practice and living their faith in powerful, everyday ways.
Dr. Robert Baysa is the former president of the Hawaii Dental Association and has earned numerous awards in his field. His wife, Lora, serves as chief operating officer of Dental Arts Hawaii, overseeing the practice’s administrative operations while also serving at Resurrection of the Lord Church in Waipio.
Along with their son, Zach, the Baysas say that ohana is the heart of their lives. Their immediate and extended family is where they devote their time, energy and love.
At Resurrection of the Lord, Lora Baysa serves as a lector, sings in the choir and is a member of the Pastoral Council, where she oversees stewardship and evangelization. However, her journey to serving on the council was not without trepidation.
“When I was first asked to join the Pastoral Council, I hesitated,” Baysa said. “I was concerned about taking time away from my family. But as I started using my administrative gifts in service to the parish, I found it to be deeply fulfilling. It made me more fulfilled as a wife and mother because I was operating from a place of purpose and strength.”
Baysa’s story is one of discovering how to say “yes” — even when the answer feels uncertain — and how that “yes” can lead to a deeper connection with God’s plan.
Prayer is a vital part of Baysa’s discernment process. It anchors her efforts to seek God’s will and move forward in faith.
“Whenever I am unsure or feel the pull of a new opportunity, I pray,” she said. “I ask the Holy Spirit to show me the way, to lead me in his will. The Holy Spirit never fails to direct me when I seek his guidance with an open heart.”
Baysa said she prefers working behind the scenes but has learned that interacting with others has its own rewards. Being part of the parish community and discovering her gift for administration has helped her find her purpose.
She believes the only way to uncover one’s gifts is by saying “yes” — God reveals his plan when we step out in faith, and she sees prayer as the means through which he opens our hearts.
As for her family’s involvement at Resurrection of the Lord, Baysa is proud of its vibrant parish life and is passionate about evangelization. While much attention is given to younger generations, she emphasizes the importance of honoring the kupuna — the elders of the parish.
“Too often, in today’s society, our elders are overlooked,” Baysa said. “Their wisdom can add so much to the life of the church. We must embrace their guidance and create opportunities for them to mentor the younger generation.
“By fostering collaboration between elders and youth, we strengthen our faith community and build a foundation for a more spiritually enriched world.”
Looking ahead to the parish’s 30th anniversary celebration in December, Baysa is planning a memorable event. A gala is on the horizon and fundraising efforts are underway. Beyond the celebration, she said the occasion will honor the parish’s forefathers, who had the vision to make Resurrection of the Lord the vibrant stewardship parish it is today.
Through it all — her busy family, professional and parish life — Baysa remains grounded in prayer.
“Every day, I start in prayer, asking God to guard my heart and humble myself, to see where He’s leading me,” she said.
Alongside Lora, Dr. Baysa serves the community in meaningful ways. He is involved in the men’s leadership program That Man is You!, a Catholic initiative that emphasizes accountability and Christian growth.
Lora Baysa values the deep sense of prayerful support fostered by such programs. She is also part of a small group — Life Group — in which members study material from Matthew Kelly’s Dynamic Catholic Institute.
“These small groups are such a blessing,” she said. “We pray for each other, encourage one another and ask God to work in our lives. It is amazing to see the miracles he creates through prayer and community.”
When it comes to her faith and commitment to stewardship and evangelization, Baysa’s message is simple: “Trust, step forward and say ‘yes.’ The Holy Spirit is calling each of us to share our gifts, no matter how big or small. When we answer that call, lives are transformed — starting with ourselves. When you say ‘yes’ out of faith, amazing things happen.”
“When we come together in faith, we bring heaven to earth — one act of love, one step of courage and one ‘yes’ at a time,” she said. “Let us come together — honoring, learning, and growing side by side — to make this world a brighter place.”
