Marynor Pacleb embraces ministry at Maria Lanakila Church
By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
Those who don’t know much about stewardship might believe it’s all about how much money a person puts in the collection plate. But it’s so much more than that — it’s returning to God based on the gifts you’ve been given and giving our time, talent and treasure based on our love for others.
Marynor Pacleb, a parishioner at Maria Lanakila Church in Lahaina, Maui, admits she had a simple understanding of stewardship until she started learning more and joined the Maui Vicariate stewardship team.
“After joining the Stewardship Ministry and eventually becoming the chairperson, I had my eyes opened to the broader significance of stewardship,” she said. “I learned that it encompasses much more than just sharing one’s resources. Stewardship is selflessly serving others in love and experiencing genuine joy from that service.”
Pacleb is also on Maria Lanakila’s Stewardship Committee, which is responsible for the parish’s stewardship plan.
“Our focus is on creating enriching experiences that promote the spiritual growth of our parish community,” she said. “We actively encourage parish members to participate and engage more fully in parish activities, helping them to understand how they can utilize their time, talent, and treasure in meaningful ways.”
Pacleb said she enjoys working with the other Stewardship Committee members to organize special occasions at the parish, like celebrations for priests’ birthdays, anniversaries and more.
“Consider getting involved in your parish,” Pacleb urged. Extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, lectors and altar servers, among other positions, are all important to the Mass. There are so many ways to serve.
“Service is important because it reflects the essence of Christian life — love in action,” Pacleb said. “When we extend our hands to serve, we not only meet the needs of those around us but also realize our God-given potential and purpose.”
In December 2024, Maria Lanakila was rededicated and reopened — about 16 months after the devastating Lahaina wildfire. The church was miraculously spared, but the area surrounding it was largely destroyed.
“Following the Lahaina wildfire, our commitment to stewardship strengthened, driven by the resilience of our parish community,” Pacleb said. “We showed love and compassion, supporting our parishioners during challenging times. Members and volunteers worked diligently to assist displaced families, collaborating with the outreach ministry to effectively manage and distribute essential resources.”
Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua served as the temporary mother church, where daily Masses were concelebrated by priests from neighboring islands and the mainland.
“Their parish provided refuge, support and solace to the community,” Pacleb said.
With a heart for service — even committing her free time to work at the parish when needed — Pacleb encourages others to do the same. When she meets someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to serve, she has some advice and experience to share.
“I let them know that they are needed,” Pacleb said. “Their presence and talents matter and can make a difference. I tell them to assess their God-given talents and find areas where they can contribute, whether in hospitality, teaching, music or outreach. I advise them to pray for God’s guidance.”
Maria Lanakila holds a Mass on Aug. 8 each year to commemorate the devastating wildfire. With that day now more than two years in the past, Pacleb wants to look to the future of the parish.
“My parish is vibrant and thriving, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our ministry leaders and the active participation of our members, who generously share their time, talents and resources,” she said. “Although our members come from diverse backgrounds, we are united by the spirit of ohana.”
Pacleb is especially grateful to the priests at Maria Lanakila for all they do — listening, being present and walking alongside parishioners. The parish holds a special place in her heart, and she’s deeply thankful for her fellow parishioners as well.