CHURCH SOCIAL TIPS
The months of May and June are typically designated for ordinations in dioceses and archdioceses across the country. The Diocese of Honolulu celebrated the ordination of Father “Ace” Tui on May 21. We are called to pray for an increase in vocations daily. Earlier generations used to pray deeply for one of their children to receive the call to priesthood. Today, parents pray more for grandchildren!
One of the first Hawaii churches I worked with was Annunciation Parish on the Big Island. There, a young man by the name of Larry Denis III invited me to present a session on how to use social media to amplify the presence of the parish in the community, across the island and the mainland, too. Since our meeting, he has begun formation to become a priest. He is in my prayers daily as he moves through his seminary experience.
Father Stephen Macedo (left) and Father Lio Faletio (right) with seminarian Larry Denis. Denis says the two priests have been key mentors to him. (Courtesy photo)
Larry grew up on Hilo, receiving his sacraments at his home parish of St. Joseph. His call to the priesthood first surfaced during the Basic Christian Community Retreat for young adults on Oahu. It was during this retreat that he first met Father Konelio Faletoi and Father Stephen Macedo, both Big Island pastors, who would become mentors and role models to him.
He put aside the call to the priesthood to attend college and work in young adult ministry. After graduating he became a teacher. For 15 years the call lay dormant. Then one day in November 2017, he revealed to Father Steve that he was considering the permanent diaconate. The priest’s response was, “You are still single and have no children, you should discern the priesthood instead.”
Discernment for the priesthood requires a lot of prayers! Larry found the more he prayed, the clearer the call became, especially when praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Asking for the intercession of the Blessed Mother, who leads us to her son, was also essential.
Larry Denis, at center, with fellow St. Patrick seminarians. (Courtesy photo)
Larry was accepted into St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California, in fall 2019. He says so far the most difficult part of his formation has been what many of us have had to struggle with — the coronavirus pandemic.
“We were sent home when the pandemic started. Not being able to receive sacraments or attend class in person was really challenging,” he said. “However, I persevered with my prayer life and overcame it.”
When he first entered the seminary there were only three in his class. But relying on prayer, there are now eight. St. Joseph is the patron saint of their class.
While he is busy with his studies he continues to share his journey through social media. I watched him receive the ministries of lector and acolyte last November through a link he shared on his Facebook page. It was so weird to see him in a suit.
He also shared the experience of Thanksgiving at the seminary which caused me to pray for him to have strength to be away from his ohana.
“I really miss being with the people of Hawaii,” he said. “I am blessed to have so many people praying for me and my vocation. It is what keeps me going. So please do not stop!”
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic digital communications consultant based in California.
