By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
At Sacred Heart Church in Honolulu, most people know Carmen Mae Fuertes Vierra simply as “Auntie Carmen.”
She is a familiar face around the parish — there early, often staying late, and stepping in wherever help is needed. For Vierra, that has just become part of daily life.
Vierra grew up on Kauai in a Methodist family with seven siblings. Her introduction to the Catholic Church came through her husband, who had a deep faith and had once considered the priesthood before entering the U.S. Air Force.
Vierra felt called to become Catholic and the two were married at Sacred Heart in 1967. After her husband passed away, she leaned more heavily on her faith. Daily Mass became part of her routine as she worked through her grief.
“That’s when I became more involved,” she says. “I started going to Mass every day, and the church really helped me through that time.”
Vierra began serving as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Over time, she took on other roles — as an altar server and usher, with the linen ministry and hospitality ministry, and assisting at bereavement Masses during the week. She also helps with counting the offertory.
“It is rewarding when I’m able to help at the church,” she says.
Vierra’s work with the Legion of Mary has meant the most to her. She joined in 2013 and has served in leadership while continuing apostolate work. She regularly visits the homebound in homes, hospitals and care facilities, bringing the Eucharist to those who cannot come to Mass.
“I can bring Jesus to them,” she says. “I remember one lady who was 104 years old. I would wake her up and offer her Jesus — she was so weak. I loved to watch her face light up after receiving Jesus.”
For the last four years, she has also helped with after-school care at Maryknoll School. She helps with homework, prays with the children and keeps an eye on them.
“They remember all of the little things,” she says. “Even when they get older, they still come and give me a hug. They still know their prayers.” Many of them still call her “Auntie Carmen.”
Vierra looks for simple ways to pass on the faith — encouraging kindness, teaching prayers and reminding the children to be grateful.
She also puts her sewing skills to use for the parish. She has been a seamstress since the eighth grade and, over the years, has helped repair vestments and take care of whatever needs attention.
“Whatever the church needs — I’m there,” she says.
Her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary has been a steady part of her life, especially through the Legion of Mary.
“Mary said yes,” Vierra says. “So, I try to also say yes.”
At Sacred Heart, that approach has made her someone people rely on — part of the parish ohana, someone who shows up and takes care of what needs to be done. Over the years, she has also become someone others look to for guidance — whether they are thinking about becoming Catholic or simply trying to get more involved in the parish.
“I would tell them to start with the daily rosary,” she says. “Focus on the mysteries and meditate on them. Not all ministries are for everybody — if something isn’t the right fit, try something else.”
For Vierra, prayer and service are not separate things. It is just how she lives. And at Sacred Heart Church, that is how her parish ohana knows her.