St. Joseph Feast Day Mass Honors Alumni Who Answered the Call to Serve
March 16, 2026
On Friday, March 13, the St. Joseph School community gathered for a truly meaningful celebration of faith, vocation, and alumni fellowship during our annual St. Joseph Feast Day Mass. This year’s celebration held special significance as we honored five distinguished alumni who answered the call to serve the Church through the Priesthood and the Diaconate.
Honored during the Mass were:
Fr. Larry Dennis III ’96
Fr. Clyde Phillips ’76
Fr. Gordian Carvalho Sr. ’67
Dcn. Leroy Andrews ’61
Dcn. Keoki Wood ’78
In an unusual turn of events, St. Joseph School instruction was closed that day due to the Kona Low storm affecting Hawai‘i Island. Despite the severe weather, the celebration pressed on. Many alumni, families, and friends traveled from across the state to attend the Mass and the dedication of a new mural titled “Shepherds Among Us.” Their presence was a testament to the strong bonds and faith that unite the St. Joseph School community.
Among the distinguished alumni guests in attendance were Hawai‘i County Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, Attorney Ivan Lui-Kwan, and many others who returned to campus to celebrate this historic moment.
The day was filled with fellowship, laughter, and heartfelt reminiscing as alumni and community members shared stories of their time at St. Joseph School and reflected on the paths that led these men to lives of service within the Church. Adding a unique touch to the celebration, our student Podcast Club went live during the event, conducting interviews with several of our most distinguished alumni and capturing their reflections for the school community.
The inspiration for the Shepherds Among Us project began during the summer of 2025. While traveling across the country with his youngest daughter, Michaela — a member of the St. Joseph School Class of 2026 — our Athletic Director, Michael Costales, visited several college campuses including Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. During those visits, he was inspired by how these institutions proudly honor members of their communities who have answered a call to serve the Church.
During that trip, an important realization emerged: in the 157-year history of St. Joseph School, we had never formally recognized our alumni who have responded to the vocations of Priesthood and the Diaconate.
Upon returning to campus in August, Michael shared the idea with school leadership, and together we recognized the importance of creating a tribute to these faithful servants. From that conversation, the Shepherds Among Us project was born.
A dedicated team consisting of Michael Costales, Chrislyn Villena, Danie Villena, and Kimberly Arianoff began developing the project and working to bring the vision to life.
Our Junior Class of 2027 played a special role in this effort. Students volunteered their time and talents to design and paint the mural that now welcomes visitors at the entrance of our high school. The theme, “Shepherds Among Us,” beautifully reflects the spirit of service, leadership, and faith demonstrated by the men we honored that day.
When we reached out to alumni who had become priests and deacons, each responded with humility and deep gratitude. Their lives of ministry serve as powerful reminders of the mission and faith that continue to guide the St. Joseph School community.
Following the Feast Day Mass, the mural and commemorative plaques were formally unveiled. It is our hope that this tribute will serve as a lasting reminder to our students and visitors of the many ways St. Joseph School graduates continue to serve the Church and the wider world.
The Shepherds Among Us project is the result of shared vision, collaboration, and a deep respect for vocation. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped bring this meaningful tribute to fruition, and most especially to the men we honored.
Their witness reminds us that the call to serve can begin in the classrooms and hallways of St. Joseph School. It is our shared hope that in years to come this wall will fill with more alumni who answer the call to religious vocation.
Go Cardinals!