SHWAY wasn't always at St. Jude Catholic Church. A few years before Blessed Damien the Leper Naval Chapel at the former Barbers Point Naval Base closed down, a confirmation candidate named Keith Febrero wanted to start a Rosary Society as a confirmation project. After starting it, his mother took over. On January 1, 2001, his mother would have a stroke to the despair of many. Leading the Rosary Society that month in prayer, by the grace of God, through the Blessed Mother, she miraculously recovered. That same month, he transformed the Rosary Society into a prayer group for youth. For January 2001 to July 2002, dozedns of youth from retired military and civilian families would attend every Saturday. After the August 2002 closing of Blessed Damien Chapel, SHWAY would develop relations with youth and young adults from various parishes around the Diocese of Honolulu. It took root in Our Lady of Good Counsel Pearl City, St. Jude Kapolei, Resurrection of the Lord Waipio, and Saints Peter and Paul Honolulu, having youth participation from all over the island.
Today, SHWAY is still led by Keith Febrero. He currently is the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at St. Jude Kapolei, while being networked with various parish ministries that he had built ministerial relationships over the years. In response to the exponential growth of the ministry, a leadership of youth and young adults was formed, also known as the SHWAY CORPS. This team of leaders has become a vital part of the ministry, emphasizing a transcendence of weekly Rosary to a daily call to Heroic Sanctity by living ordinary lives in extraordinary ways.
SHWAY has formed various ministries at St. Jude Catholic Church. Some of these programs include weekly Bible Nights and Rosary Nights for youth (ages 13-18) and communities that tend to the needs of young adults (ages 18-35) leading youth and young adults to a deep love for the Mass. Eucharistic retreats were provided by the ministry. This had even inspired parents to get involved, paving the way for intergenerational ministry (Family Ministry).
First SHWAY Gathering of December 2000
