By Darlene J.M. Dela Cruz
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
A new cookbook published by the diocese’s eighth deacon formation class opens with this Scripture quote from 1 Corinthians 10:31. The verse sums up well the purpose behind this project — sharing food and faith for a good cause.
The book is titled “Favorite Recipes: Deacon Ohana Table of Plenty.” Proceeds from its sales will benefit the diocesan prison ministry’s “Star Light, Star Bright” program.
Star Light, Star Bright is an annual Christmas party that reunites inmates at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua with their children. The program relies completely on donations for gifts, food and airfare for neighbor island families traveling to the Oahu prison.
The wives of the deacon candidates, after getting involved with Star Light, Star Bright, were inspired to find another way to aid the diocesan prison ministry.
“Serving God comes in many forms and through many venues,” they wrote in the cookbook. “The journey of the deacon formation is an exciting one, filled with challenges and opportunities that stretch the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions.”
“The Star Light, Star Bright program gave us an opportunity to practice and share in the immense joy as families reunited where the flame of love reignited between parents and child.”
The cookbook fundraiser came together with recipe contributions from all over the diocese. Deacon candidates and their friends compiled dozens of family-favorite kitchen ideas in a charming, 100-plus page spiral-bound book sure to please Hawaii households during the holidays.
“Favorite Recipes: Deacon Ohana Table of Plenty” is divided into eight sections: appetizers and beverages; soups and salads; vegetables and side dishes; main dishes; breads and rolls; desserts; cookies and candy; “this and that.”
Appetizers in the cookbook include a hummus dip of garbanzo beans and spices, as well as a special poke recipe by the late Deacon Jerry Nunogawa.
Recipes under “soups and salads” include Filipino “arroz caldo,” Portuguese bean soup, Greek salad and the Island favorite somen salad.
Crispy baked potatoes, “killer” baked beans, roasted root vegetables and sweet potato souffle are highlighted in the “vegetables and side dishes” category.
Ideas for main dishes are diverse, from beef pate stew to Hungarian goulash, Mexican quinoa and different takes on shoyu chicken.
Hungry for dessert? The cookbook has you covered with recipes for “no-cook vanilla ice cream,” and a “two-minute Hawaiian pie.”
“Favorite Recipes: Deacon Ohana Table of Plenty” would make a great Christmas gift for family and friends.
Each book costs $15, plus $2 for shipping and handling. Send a check or money order to RCCH – Star Light, Star Bright Cookbook, c/o Deacon Formation Class Eight, 91-1116 Lanakoi Street, Kapolei, HI 96707.
To order the cookbook online, or to make a direct donation to the Star Light, Star Bright program, visit www.catholichawaii.org/starlight.
Star Light, Star Bright reunites inmates with children for one happy, festive day
The diocesan prison ministry is scheduled once again to reunite women inmates, children and their families at the annual Star Light, Star Bright party on Dec. 12.
This year marks the sixth time that the Christmas event will be held at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua.
Star Light, Star Bright was first established in 2000 for Christmas gift distribution and has grown into a festive celebration at the prison grounds with food and holiday activities. Since 2012, the program has provided transportation and lodging for neighbor island families to participate.
According to the diocesan prison ministry website, nearly 3,000 children have been served by Star Light, Star Bright since its inception.
Donations are needed for Christmas presents, care basket items, gift cards for holiday meals and funds to help with inter-island travel costs.
Contact Paulette Vernay at diocesan prison ministry for more information: 203-6722 or pvernay@rcchawaii.org.
—Darlene J.M. Dela Cruz
