The triathlon fundraiser has truly been a success. Last Saturday approximately 30 triathletes joined me for the 39 mile triathlon. Some were relative beginners, and others were seasoned professionals. All of us had a great time, including the volunteers. The day was beautiful, complete with abundant sunshine and some nice winds to create some fun challenges.

The swim start of the rector's triathlon fundraiser for St. Mark's at Kaimana Beach.

Volunteers sit in style as they watch the bikes during the swim and the run.

The Rector finishes the cycle segment.

The swim was the most interesting part. We sent an excellent swimmer out into the ocean with a bright orange buoy. We were to swim out to her, and then back to shore. Because the current was strong, what was to be a 1.2 mile swim resulted in being about a 1.5 mile swim! Mother Earth also gave us some strong winds for the cycle. Heading out to Mokapu'u was a lot of work - coming back into town was like sitting in an easy chair. And it turns out that the run course I chose was fairly difficult. Many of the athletes chose to modify it, and they did half of the eight mile run. About ten of us stuck to the original plan, completing the full triathlon with a complete eight-mile run.

Thanks are due to our volunteers from St. Mark's who watched the bikes and provided support and encouragement to the hard-working athletes. St. Mark's also provided some nutrition. The post-event coconut water was a great idea! Thank you also to our trusty photographer. He was busy snapping photos as athletes began and ended each segment.

Over $13,000 has been pledged for our fundraiser, and over half of that amount has already been received. (Some of you will remember the St. Mark's Rummage Sales of the past which only netted an average of $4,500. They were a lot of work requiring many volunteer hours. This fundraiser has been delightfully simple for our church members.) If you have not turned in your contribution yet, please do so, indicating "triathlon" on the memo line of the check. The money is being used to support our various ministries at St. Mark's. If you have not pledged an amount, you may still do so.

This week we turn our attention to two more events which celebrate our church's life together. Tomorrow night we observe one of our patrons, Saint Mark. I am told that there are still a limited number of tickets available for the dinner which follows the high mass. If you are interested, it would be best to call the church early today. On Friday no one will be in the office during the day. The dinner is being catered by Cocina, and their food is delicious. You are invited to bring your favorite beverages. On Sunday we have our May Festival at high mass when we crown our Mary statues with lei. Do not forget to bring your lei and join in the festivities, as May is the month of Mary.

The season of Easter is a wonderful 50 days according to the liturgical calendar, but truth be told, the season of Easter is to be an entire way of life. May the celebrations of Easter continue each and every day for us.

Father Paul Lillie+