The message was clear throughout sacred scripture. We are called to give to God first. Yet, how do we give “first fruits” in a society where we no longer bring our produce, our livestock or our fresh baked bread to the temple to be shared with the community? It is helpful to still think of our giving in terms of food. If God were coming to dinner at your house, would you serve Him the finest meat, your best recipes and your richest dessert? Or would you reheat leftover macaroni and cheese? If you wish to offer God “first fruits” or your very best, here is what you need to do. Make the check you write to God the first check you write every week or every month. Don’t wait to see what is leftover. Instead, give a planned and generous gift to God first and trust that what is left will be enough for your needs. When you put God first in your life in this very simple way, you will be serving Him as an honored guest in your heart. (excerpts reprinted with permission of Archdiocese of St. Louis)

Our Lady of Good Counsel School's May Day performance and luau are right around the corner! In Hawaii, May Day is known as Lei Day, and it is normally an event to celebrate Hawaiian culture. As a Catholic school, we are delighted to extend this event by recognizing May as the month to honor all mothers. The school will continue its annual tradition of honoring the patron saint of mothers, Mary, Mother of God!

Our Lady of Good Counsel School’s Summer School is back by popular demand! This program is open to all children en- tering Kindergarten through eighth grade. Classes have limited openings and are being filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The basic program includes Language Arts & Math enrichment and is 7:30-11:30 a.m. and the extended afternoon program is 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Morning care and after are available options. Visit olgchawaii.org for more details and the registration form. All courses are appropriate for all ages (entering K-8)

Minutes! Minutes! Minutes! How many commercials do we hear every day advertising “free minutes” or “endless minutes?” While the cell phone companies are making us all aware of every minute that we spend talking or texting, do we keep track of the minutes that we spend with God?

the story is told of a wise pastor who went to get a hair cut. The barber, who also happened to be a parishioner, took the opportunity to tell the pastor all the reasons why the barber was not going to complete his stewardship pledge card.

Our school is celebrating this joyous season as we are reminded of God’s power to turn sadness into joy. We continue to feel the support of community as we journey with Christ. In the past few months, our ohana was blessed by new and outstanding events, and we frequently received great news about student academic & character achievements! We express our warm gratitude for your prayers and support for your parish school.