Joy of Christ Press

Local outlets

Pauline Books & Media. 1143 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. www.pauline.org. 808-521-2731; Fax: 808-523-3685; Toll Free: 1-866-521-2731; honolulu@paulinemedia.com

The Cathedral Gallery. www.cathedralofourladyofpeace.com. 1184 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813.  Tel: (808)536-7036. Open: Mon thru Fri 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sat 4:30 – 6 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Religious goods, St. Damien & Blessed Marianne items and original contemporary artwork.

Na Hoa Laulima Gift Shop, Rehabilitation Hospital in the Pacific, 226 North Kuakini St., Honolulu, HI, 96817

Lilies of the Field, Gift Shop, Catholic Bookstore, 2050 Main St., Unit 1B, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793; 244-8030; liliesofthefield@hawaii.rr.com. Store owners: Natalie and David Diaz

Book review by Esther G.

Esther Gefroh’s book review of book Serving God Joyfully Right Here in Hawaii

It is a honor and a great pleasure to review Easter’s new book, Serving God Joyfully: Right Here in Hawaii. This book is a wonderful compilation of the best of Catholic Hawaii.

It seemed like only yesterday that Easter shared with me her brainstorm that resulted in this book. Her idea was formed in part to support our priests and to help the homeless here in the Aloha State. She wanted so much to use the proceeds from the book sale to go for their assistance.

She worked diligently and tirelessly right until the book was actually published. Her work involved contacting many, many people around the diocese of Honolulu. I am sure many times she must have asked herself “Is it worth it?” As her friend I can honestly say, “you bet it is was worth it, Easter!”

This book is a Chicken Soup for the Catholic Hawaiian Soul (if you pardon the much used adage and description for an inspiring anthology book).

If you are a resident here in this beautiful place we call home, and especially if you are a Catholic, this book is at many times, the healing balm you may need to bring you closer to our God.

For me personally, it touched my heart and soul many times when I was not expecting it to. Like most practicing/devout Catholics here in Hawaii, we more or less know or know of each other. After all, this is not a really big place. Being a Catholic in Hawaii means you are part of a special ohana. Well some of our ohana members shared their special stories for Easter and for us, the reader.

Easter gave me a copy of the book (almost right off the presses) on a Sunday afternoon. She showed me where she lovingly inscribed it for me. I could not wait to go inside and start reading the long-awaited for book.

Of course, I started off with the stories written by by friends or those of whose names I was very familiar with. I think the first story I read was Pat P’s story of her son who had contracted AIDS. She is a fellow parishioner and I was very familiar with her story and her sorrow. Another fellow parishioner’s story I read that afternoon was Steve Odo’s. His was a story of reversion I had known about and found inspiring because of the many Catholics Steve and his wife Caroline have helped come home. There were many other stories by some of the spiritual moms of priests, homeschooling moms, seminarians, a priest and other people who do a lot for the diocese’s spirituality whose stories I was also familiar with or had heard. But it is an entirely different experience to read their own words in print.

One story was by my friend Dottie M.. She shared memories of her father. Having lost my father seven months ago, this one was one that touched me the most. I know it was hard for Dottie to share her private and personal story because it was so precious to her but she felt compelled and prompted by the Holy Spirit to do just that.

That is another thing I found very moving. Not a single person who shared a story did so out of any vainglory or self-serving purpose. On the contrary, each and every story reflects the sincerity and humility in the hearts of these individuals, who simply love God and want to serve him faithfully and joyfully.

There were a few stories by people I did not know. Some of them really surprised me because they were sometimes stories that I could relate to personally. There was one dear lady who felt she did not have much to write about. She had always been a faithful Catholic and continues to serve the Lord in her daily life. I liked that. I am glad she shared her story.

An additional and personal reflection by Easter, follows each story. This personal touch by Easter, made this book even more special. She engages us and challenges us to really reflect on what the writer was trying to convey through each particular story.

Lastly, you can see clearly how Easter brought our community, our ohana, together. Many of us did our small part in helping Easter when she asked. I know Easter wanted us all to share in this moment with her and all the actual writers. She also tries to help Catholic apostolates, organization and Catholic businesses by listing them in the back of the book. She is an unselfish servant of God who lives her life joyfully right here in Hawaii!

Easter, you are a true blessing and inspiration to Catholics not only in Hawaii, but everywhere.

BTW, there is also a message by our dear bishop of Honolulu, Bishop Silva.

To order Easter’s new book, please visit Joy of Christ Press

Source: Esther Gefroh’s book review on A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

Comments of Richard H.

Comments of Richard Hughes

I’ll tell you like it is Easter, your book is AWESOME!! I knew it would be good (because of your Christian spirit!), but I didn’t know it would be so spiritually inspiring. Everything was outstanding, from the cover design by Esther Gefroh, the book design and production by Blaine Fergerstrom, to your extraordinary authorship and coordination through poems and “Easter’s Notes.”  You combined diverse writings to make Serving God Joyfully a small but worthy tribute to Almighty God, and that was not an easy task. (I’m reminded of St. Theresa of Lisieux, the “saint of the little way,” who believed that by doing little tasks to serve the Lord, one can play a part in changing the world — and she did!)

I have nearly finished reading Serving God Joyfully, and every time I pick up the book and begin to read, I am filled with divine joy! Others may have the same experience. By “divine joy,” I am speaking of that precious gift of joy one receives from the Holy Spirit, a gift I’m certain you have experienced many times (it’s evident in your writings, and it’s catching!).

I make a clear distinction between happiness and what I call divine joy. My experience is that happiness is fleeting, but divine joy is lasting — if we are willing to open up our heart to Jesus’ love and the gift of His joy. Divine joy is what the ancient historians and witnesses saw on the faces of early Christians who were being led to their death, in the Coliseum in Rome. As you know, such joy is there for everyone, through the Holy Spirit. (Jn 15:9-11)

Personal testimonies and witnessing (as found in Serving God Joyfully) inspire others and lead to divine joy. It may have taken courage for some of the writers to share their inner thoughts, as they did so well, and that reminds me of something that Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matt. 5:13-16, emphasis mine.) Serving God Joyfully allowed some of the faithful to “let their light shine,” which may inspire many faithful Christians to come forth and volunteer for ministries.

As you know, it is through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the charisms, that the Church is built up. When too many Catholic Christians disregard Jesus’ teachings, and do not let their light “shine before others” in a humble way, how may others be inspired? For many, the church may seem spiritless and not much more than a programmatic series of religious ceremonies. It is through known examples that the faithful are inspired to come forth and serve God through church ministries. When they learn what their fellow parishioners are doing, some will invariably be inspired to join ministries that serve the poor, needy and suffering in the name of Jesus Christ (we are a healing church!). Amen?

Several of the Serving God Joyfully stories were written by those who left the Catholic Church, and when they returned, they joined one or more ministries. Did you notice that their ministries seemed to serve as the “glue” that has kept them in the Catholic community?

What locals are saying

*S.C., Parishioner of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Post date: November 12

I wish you “oodles of success” with the special book that you so lovingly crafted. I am very proud of you!!

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*Debbie K., Nanakuli, Post date: November 10

I just want to thank you for everything that you have done and keep up the spreading of the “Good News”

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*Gary A., Kalihi, Post date: October 28

The book is really good. My wife and I have been reading your book. The stories are very inspirational and your comments add much to it. Don’t stop, Easter. Keep doing what you’re doing.

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*Terence K, Moiliilii, October 28

Aloha Easter, I find your book interesting and delightful… Regards to you all at home, Terry

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*Liane Aiona, Honolulu, October 27

After reading the wonderful testimonies in the book I felt the sincere love of all the people who wrote their stories. All have a testimony that God lives and he is good… I look forward to serving him continually. The book is very good!

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*Suzanne M. C., Nuuanu, October 27

Your overall comments were wonderful….. nice job. Good book.  Thank you so much.

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*France Morris, Pearl City, post date: October 23

What a nice book — GREAT job…  Thank you so much…  I enjoyed reading several of the stories already and I also like your comments/reflections after each story — nice touch!!!  Very professionally done — Congrats!

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*Teresa Fredericks, Makakilo, October 23

Easter’s book hits home.  I personally know several of the Catholics who gave their testimony, which makes the reading all the more sweeter.  And now I have memorized Rose Zabanal’s prayer that an Italian nun taught her (you’ll have to read it to find out).  Lovely book. Thank you Easter, my loving sister-in-Christ.

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*Esperanza De Leon, Eva Beach, October 22

Very insightful! I will buy one for my husband to read.

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*Janina Cortez,  Mililani, October 22

Just received your wonderful book.
…. Talk about a tearjerker! The stories are not only touching but the kind that you must let soak in to reflect on God’s goodness. What a wonderful book and so aptly titled.

What friends are saying

Rae Stabosz, Newark, Delaware, Sept. 12

Reading “Serving God Joyfully” by Easter Almuena. Personal epiphany! If I didn’t know Easter as a Pauline Cooperator, it wouldn’t be such an epiphany, though still cool. It is in the knowing of Easter online that I ken her unashamed expression of joy & hope. I am most comfortable expressing HORRORS in depth, & JOYS in… brief scattershot. Easter expresses joy in abundance. And without sentimentality. Win! (Facebook)

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Jack O.K., Philadelphia, August 19

It’s a good book! I like it; so does my mom!

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*Cora P., California, July 30

I lent it to my friend and she liked it so much. I probably wouldn’t have gotten it back if I didn’t ask for it, after two weeks.

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*Cora’s friend and officemate, California.

It is a very good book that is hard to put down!

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*Ghee S., Texas, July 23

I really enjoyed reading your book on the plane. Still halfway to go but it made me feel really good and blessed
knowing about these people’s different life stories but all united by the love and service with our Lord.

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*Bel L, Tustin, CA, May 19

 I’ve started reading your book and I’m impressed with how deeply rooted you’ve become. The stories are faith building…

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*Emmy P., Austin, Texas, May 13

Let me know how and where to order your very nice book. It is very inspiring. Congratulations! I love you and take care always!

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*Beverly O., Michigan, March 22, 2010

I love it! I love it very much! It is so nice that I can just pick out a story and read it. I am taking it home with me and proudly show it to my friends and tell them that I know the author.

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*Nancy Widener, Florida, Jan. 26, 2010: I LOVE your book!  They are all wonderful stories!  One of my favorites is “Just a Week Before” by John Fielding!  What a lovely story!  I can only rejoice at the homecoming this man had when he was face to face with Jesus!  You know, I was thinking that this could be a really good source for a group study!  I mean…your reflections are great for discussions and the questions you ask are challenging to my very core!  For instance, one of the questions you pose after the story “A Trusting Master and a Reluctant Servant” by Rose Balayan…….”Have you ever felt that God was calling you for a task you thought was so gigantic that you cringed and wished you didn’t have the nerve to listen to him in the first place?”  Now THAT is a loaded question!  For me, the answer is not one I’m proud of.  I so appreciate how you share about your own journey too.  Your book has helped me to see how anybody and anything can be used by God to give us a Servant’s Heart!  Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things all for the love of God!

Anyway….I love it!  I’m waiting for Volume II !!!!!

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*Marivic Lipton, Staten Island, NY: Thank you so much for sending me your book. I started reading it and it is beautiful.

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*Taos Wright, New Hampshire: I met you at St. Philomena’s Church a few days ago, and I purchased your book. I am enjoying reading it very much. Your notes and reflections and the stories are most inspirational. And are all food for thought. You have a great gift of the written word and of sharing your faith with others.

 It is a very good book! I enjoyed reading it very much!