Gwen DeCoito, wearing lei, was honored July 13 by St. Theresa Church’s stewardship pillars. From left: Danie Villena, Raquel Ford, Ron Cabalse, Joyce Cabalse, Fely Apostol, Roquita Kaisen, Melani Galloway, Linda Villena and DeCoito. To DeCoito’s left are Father Samuel Loterte, Baba McKeen, Joshua McKeen-Riedel and Robyn Riedel. (Courtesy St. Theresa Church)
Special to the Herald
The “stewardship pillars” of St. Theresa Church in Mountain View hosted a potluck luncheon last month acknowledging Gwen DeCoito and thanking her for six years of service as the East Hawaii Vicariate representative to the Diocese of Honolulu’s Stewardship Commission.
Before the luncheon, Father Samuel Loterte provided a reflection on the Gospel of Matthew on the mission of the Twelve Apostles, highlighting four groups: the disciples, the distracted, the seekers and the resistant.
Father Loterte emphasized that people ought to do their mission to reach out to these groups who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. He also emphasized the importance of stewardship on hospitality, prayer, formation and service.
Speaking to DeCoito, Father Loterte said, “Spirituality of stewardship is all about God’s love for us that is freely given … This is the spirituality that I have seen you live. It has become a blessing not only to you as a person but to your family, to your parish, to the diocese and to the church.
“You showed respect and gratitude as a steward. You will be missed.”
Gwen also addressed everyone in attendance, thanking them and expressing her gratitude that others “will carry on the spirituality of stewardship, support each other and support your pastors in embracing the spirituality of stewardship.”
