Volume 1, Issue 2 February 2000		Diocese of Honolulu, Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii
		SALT AND LIGHT
	Inside this Issue: Mahalo to Hawaiian Electric “Pray and Play” at Our Lady of Mount Carmel St. Anthony Parish—Kailua and Alzheimer’s Respite Care Helen Lee of St. Pius X—Manoa Announcements Links: OSM Home Catholic Hawaii Home May God bless us always	“Pray and Play” at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish — Waikane The Lord has truly blessed the Pray and Play program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish — Waikane. Pray and Play is an outreach program for pre-school age children and their parents. The children are taught the fundamentals of early childhood education such as letters, numbers, colors, and much more in a Christian environment. The Pray and Play program supports the family and strengthens community ties. The program targets struggling Hawaii families who cannot afford the cost of pre-school. It is the first parent run pre-school of its kind in a Hawaii Catholic Parish. The program runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 am till 11:30 am. In order for the children to attend, their parents must teach in the class room one morning a week. The parents find it rewarding and fun being such an integral part of their child’s education. Having Mommy in the class room once a week eases the child’s transition into school and helps them become better prepared for kindergarten. In the five months that Pray and Play has been in session, parents have seen their children flourish academically, socially, and spiritually. The family participants would especially like to thank Fr. Eugene Keusal and the parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for hosting the program. A special Mahalo to Fr. Eymard Mcguire, Carol Ignacio, and Sharon Chiarucci who helped to get the program started. Mahalo also to the Weinberg Kokua Committee who awarded a generous grant to fund the start up costs of the program. If you have a child between the ages of 3-5 and are interested in the program, please call Lynda Su’e (239-2836). Lynda is the “menehune” behind this miracle. Congratulations Lynda! May God continue to bless you with courage and strength.