Terri Laureta

Terri Laureta traveled from topside Molokai in Hawaii to enter the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York (the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities). With an academic background in music with a concentration in church music and liturgy, she ministered in several Catholic churches as music director. She currently serves as music director at her residence, the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse. She is also a professional artist.

By this Author

A plate of pancit canton is pictured. On special days like Christmas, pancit was a favorite holiday dish that Terri Laureta's aunt would make, a savory combination of egg noodles, rice noodles, meat and vegetables. (Flickr/Joost Nusselder, BiteMyBun.com, CC BY 2.0 Deed)

A taste of Christmas in Hawaii, Filipino-style

My memories of Christmas in Hawaii are filled with love, heritage and the joy of sharing food and love.

hand bells and music on music stand

Hand bells, anyone?

Despite the assumption that every church music director knows how to direct a hand bell choir, I have evidence that this is erroneous, and I am living to tell the tale.

Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai, Hawaii (Wikimedia Commons/Aaronbernstein)

Moving salad, steep slopes and ancient stories: A jubilee trip home to Hawaii

After my 25th anniversary of religious profession, it was time to fly back to Hawaii and visit family and friends — bringing along Lee, one of my mainland friends in our religious community, to share the adventure.

As illustrated by Sr. Terri Laureta: "I braked every three seconds, jolting my frame, and causing near collisions with my companion."

Humor helps me cope with life changes

Shopping for food in a large market on Saturday requires nerves of steel. I could not walk well due to a foot condition, and I decided to drive a motorized cart. The question was: How do I operate it?

(Pixabay/Keith Johnston)

Play ball! How I learned my limitations in sports

Sports and I were not meant to live in the same world. While the sports-minded people were hailed for their athletic prowess, those who didn’t care for sports were considered "wimps." I was unquestionably a wimp.

A man eats a sandwich at a soup kitchen in this 2016 file photo. (CNS/Karen Pulfer Focht)

I hear the cry of the poor, and I cry with them

I didn't feel adequately prepared to serve the poor. I didn't think I had the training. Worst of all, I didn't want to serve the poor. Nevertheless, I proceeded to find out what I could do to help them.

(Terri Laureta)

High notes and low note from a church organist

Learning to play the organ brought challenges and stress, as well as humor and musical joy. Today I am happy to rest in the satisfaction that I am faithful only to what gifts God has given me.

 

(Flickr/Coastal Elite)

You don't need a television Christmas to celebrate Christ's birthday

Television depictions of snowy, glittery and cozy Christmas celebrations seem unattainable to those without the means or who live in warmer climates. While these traditions create memories, they're not what the holiday really means.