Gathering to focus on bereaved parents

The Joshua Neves Children’s Foundation is hosting “A Time to Remember” on Dec. 6 to help families who have lost a child find peace during the holiday season.

“Christmastime is just another reminder that I have one less present to buy, because my son isn’t here anymore,” Max Neves, president and co-founder of the foundation, said in a news release. He will speak on finding strength in the midst of the loss of his son, Joshua, who died from complications of the H1N1 flu virus in June 2009.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. at New Hope’s Lead Center, 290 Sand Island Access Road. Parking space is available, and there is street parking along Hoonee Place and Sand Island Access Road.

Families are asked to bring a photo ornament or homemade ornament in remembrance of their loved one to be placed on a Christmas tree.

Jason and Tracy Ah Mook Sang will share their story on the loss of their daughter, 15-year-old Makamae Ah Mook Sang, from alcohol poisoning in 2009, the release said.

For more information, call 292-2304, or email jncfoundation@gmail.com. Visit www.nevesfoundation.org.

The foundation provides support such as financial assistance, spiritual guidance and fellowship to families that have lost a child as well as those that have children battling a terminal or life-threatening illness.

Trees honor deceased hospice patients

St. Francis Hospice is presenting its 23rd annual “Light Up a Memory” Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2 and 9 in Nuuanu and Ewa Beach, respectively, to honor deceased patients of the hospice and others in the community.

The event is meant to bring together families who have lost loved ones and to offer encouragement and consolation to others, a news release said. Entertainment and refreshments will be available.

The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Sister Maureen Keleher Center at 24 Puiwa Road in Nuuanu and at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Maurice J. Sullivan Family Hospice Center at 91-2127 Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach.

Family members and friends are invited to place a laminated star in honor of a loved one on a Christmas tree at either location. The trees and stars will be on display throughout the holiday season.

Reservations and donations for stars may be made in advance, including the names of the person to be remembered on the star at the designated location. Send them to St. Francis Hospice, 2251 Mahalo St., Honolulu HI 96817. For information, call St. Francis Hospice at 595-7566.

Proceeds will be used to provide care for terminally ill patients, and bereavement support for families at St. Francis Hospice.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral to install new dean

The Rev. Walter B.A. Brownridge will be installed as the 20th dean of St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent.

The installation will be held during the 5:30 p.m. choral evensong service in the cathedral, at the corner of Beretania and Queen Emma streets. The community is welcome.   

Prior to his appointment to Hawaii, Brownridge served for five years as associate dean for community life at the School of Theology, Sewanee: the University of the South in Tennessee. Before that he served in the Diocese of Cape Town, South Africa, a news release said.

Before entering seminary to study for the Episcopal priesthood, Brownridge practiced law and worked in public policy for 10 years.