By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
You’d need a long sheet of paper to list all the ways Don and Shirley David are involved at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Kailua-Kona. But for them, involvement has never been about keeping score or filling a resume — instead, it’s simply a response to faith and gratitude.
When the Davids moved to Kailua-Kona in 2004, they were newly retired and looking to make connections. Getting involved at St. Michael’s became a natural way to meet people, build community and place their God-given gifts at the service of the parish.
They appreciated that ministry opportunities were clearly identified in the bulletin. What began as a way to get to know their new home soon grew into a lifelong commitment to stewardship, hospitality and walking alongside others in faith.
“The week we closed on our home, St. Michael’s was holding a retreat, which we attended,” Shirley said. “It felt like a sign that we had found our spiritual home.”
They first got involved with the Friday food pantry.
“We began with the Friday food pantry distributions, which helped us learn about the community and meet like-minded parishioners,” Shirley said.
Don and Shirley each have their own areas of involvement, which have helped them grow in faith. One way they’ve grown together is by meeting with engaged couples to review the results of the couples’ FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) inventory as they prepare for marriage.
“Interviewing couples entering marriage gives us the opportunity to reflect on our 55 years together and offer insight,” Don said.
Shirley is involved with many ministries, from the Pastoral Council to Women of the Word to the Catholic Charities Hawaii Island Leadership Council.
“Being a faithful steward is deeply meaningful,” Shirley said. “Serving alongside clergy, staff and parishioners to make stewardship a way of life is rewarding. St. Michael’s is a model of synodality, encouraging participation and hospitality. It truly feels like home.”
Don is involved on the Finance Council and serves with the coffee and donuts ministry. Following extensive damage caused by the 2006 earthquake, he played a key role in parish fundraising and long-term planning efforts. Don also helped develop, promote and implement the Brick Garden project and co-led the parish’s annual golf tournament for years.
“Despite fundraising challenges during the 2008 economic downturn, parishioners stepped forward generously,” he said. “It was inspiring to see the community unite. Seeing people become more involved through the golf tournament and the Brick Garden project has been especially rewarding.”
In the community, Don coordinates the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, offering free tax preparation.
Being involved in the parish and community has made the Davids’ lives so much richer.
“We support each other, share ideas, proofread one another’s work and participate in each other’s ministries,” Shirley said. “Stewardship is something we live out together.”
When they can, Don and Shirley connect parishioners to ways they can become involved.
“Your talents are more valuable than you realize,” Don said. “Sometimes being ‘voluntold’ is the push that leads to great blessings.”
“As people become involved, they become part of the St. Michael’s family and grow less self-centered, recognizing and using God’s gifts,” Shirley added.
Don and Shirley truly love their parish and see the fruits of stewardship everywhere they look.
“People attend Mass and Eucharistic adoration more regularly, invite others back and form deeper community connections,” Shirley said. “Many remark on the vibrancy and youthfulness of the parish.”
The couple’s advice to everyone is to find a place where you fit in your parish. Survey your gifts and pray about how they can be used.
“You won’t be alone,” Shirley says. “You’ll find support, friendship and the right place to serve.”