St. Joseph School in Hilo celebrated five distinguished alumni March 13 during the community’s annual St. Joseph feast day Mass — graduates who answered the call to serve the church through the priesthood or permanent diaconate. The day’s events, which were held despite classes being canceled due to the powerful Kona low storm that swept across the state, included Mass and the dedication of a new mural titled “Shepherds Among Us.” Four of the five alumni who were honored paused for a photo with St. Joseph Church pastor Father Apolinario “Poli” Ty, pictured at far left. Starting at second from left: Father Larry Denis III (‘96), Maryknoll Father Clyde Phillips (‘76), Deacon Leroy Andrews (‘71) and Deacon Keoki Wood (‘78). Father Gordian Carvalho Jr. (‘67) was not able to attend. (Lisa Dahm / Hawaii Catholic Herald)