Cookie and Stan Haanio say they find meaning in the time it takes to see their ministries thrive. (Courtesy Catholic Stewardship Consult-ants)
By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
While stewardship involves the gifts of talent and treasure, there’s a third element that might make people hesitate — time. For Stan and Cookie Haanio, this part of stewardship is where they’ve seen God move the most.
“Just being able to help is the highlight of stewardship,” Cookie Haanio said. “Having both the time and ability to serve is a gift.”
The Haanios have been involved in multiple ministries at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Kailua-Kona over the years. Cookie currently treasures her participation in the food pantry, while Stan is the building and maintenance coordinator for the parish. This role has brought many projects his way, the foremost being the construction of the Grace Parish Center.
“The project took years — technically decades, actually,” Stan Haanio said. “We hit a major stall during the pandemic, because it was difficult to get materials shipped and other issues came up.”
Despite the obstacles, the Grace Parish Center has finally been completed.
“It was a lot to get through,” Stan Haanio said. “But it’s incredibly rewarding to see the parish coming together and using the facility in so many different capacities.”
The pandemic also created hardship for Cookie Haanio’s ministry in the food pantry.
“When the pandemic started, we were about to shut down because we didn’t have enough supplies — our pantry was almost empty,” she said. “We ended up doing a monthly food drive to see if we could drive up supplies, and the parish really came through.”
The drive was so successful that it’s continued to this day.
“We still have a monthly food drive to make sure the pantry is always stocked to give to people in need in our wider community,” Cookie Haanio said.
The Haanios have found meaning in the time it’s taken to see their ministries and projects thrive, particularly through difficult times.
“Giving time, talent and treasure in service makes you feel like you have a true purpose,” Cookie Haanio said. “Every morning, you wake up knowing you can serve somehow, no matter what.”
For the couple, service is also an opportunity to encounter how God has uniquely called them to love him.
“You can serve in any way that is suited for you,” Stan Haanio said. “We both found opportunities that were for us. Other people can see that there is something for them, too.”
Finding the specific ways they’re called and able to serve not only deepens the relationship with Christ, but also with his church.
“Church is not just coming on Sundays and leaving it at the door when you go home,” Cookie says. “It’s supposed to be ingrained in our everyday life. Through His church, everything we do in service is truly for the Lord.”
The Haanios encourage those who are hesitant to try service opportunities at St. Michael to take the first step, listen to God for guidance and find joy in how much service brings parishioners closer together.
“Give Jesus a try,” Cookie Haanio said. “He’ll guide you to the right things.”
“There are so many people that give so much of their time and talent,” Stan Haanio said. “When people decide to serve, it just makes our parish stronger.”
If stewardship seems intimidating, try following the Haanios’ advice — look for one small place you can give the gift of your time. Your relationship with your community, your parish and God can only grow stronger from your willingness.