Tuesday within the Second Week of Advent (V50)
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(Nikolay 007 / Shutterstock.com)

[Immaculate Conception Church, Lihue (140th Anniversary Celebration)]

Some people live in the valley of depression for a very long time, and the closer they move toward the bottom, the less hope there seems to be that they can ever come up to the light. Some people live on the mountaintop of pride, thinking they are superior to others – and sometimes even superior to God, who is competition for them. The closer they move to the top, the more rarified the air becomes, and they begin to wonder why they are so lonely. Some people move along the paths of life and find that it has many twists and turns. Just when they think they are in lush and verdant pastures in their families or other relationships, they make a turn into the desert where they find discord or suspicion instead of the love they once felt.

These are the realities of life, and when things do not go our way, we can easily put on the garments of cynicism, negativity, and despair. We may find ourselves being even more isolated from others because these outward coverings do not attract people to us but subtly drive them away. Read more...

Immaculate Conception painting in Chiesa di San Agostino, Catania, Italy, by Antonio Licata, 1820. (Renata Sedmakova / Shutterstock.com)

By Jennifer Rector
Hawaii Catholic Herald

The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which commemorates Mary’s conception free of original sin, is traditionally observed on Dec. 8.

The second Sunday of Advent this year also falls on Dec. 8. In importance of liturgical observations, it ranks higher than the Immaculate Conception.

The overlap presented a scheduling conflict for dioceses and archdioceses across the United States: Should the Immaculate Conception obligation be moved to the next day, Dec. 9, or not be a mandatory observance this year?

In Hawaii, Bishop Larry Silva issued a decree Sept. 26 clarifying that the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception “is to be celebrated on Monday, December 9, 2024, as a holy day of obligation in the Diocese of Honolulu.” Read more...

(Ostanina Anna / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“This is how God loves to act: He does great things, starting from those small things, those freely-given ones. This logic of smallness and giving is so different from ours. We try to accumulate and increase what we have, but Jesus asks us to give, to diminish. We like to add, we like addition; Jesus likes subtraction, taking something away to give it to others. We want to multiply for ourselves; Jesus appreciates it when we share with others, when we share.” - Pope Francis Angelus Reflection on Giving and Sharing, 2021

Advent marks the beginning of a holiday season that often gets swept up in a frenzy of buying and receiving. But at its heart, this season invites us to focus on something much deeper: the beauty of giving and sharing in small significant ways. Pope Francis, in his reflections on the Gospel, reminds us that generosity isn’t measured by how much we give, but by the love with which we give it. In the Gospel story of the miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes, a young poor boy offers his humble food—five barley loaves and two fish. Jesus uses this small, freely given gift to feed thousands. Pope Francis points out that in the Gospel, instead of the word “multiply” to describe this miracle, we hear the words “to break,” “to give,” and “to distribute.” It’s an important lesson: God takes what little we are willing to give with love out of our shared need and multiplies it in ways beyond our imagination. This miracle is about the abundance available when we give and share freely even when it feels like we don’t have enough. Pope Francis reflects on how the Gospel calls all to "Give what little you have, your talents, your possessions, and make them available to Jesus and to your brothers and sisters in need. Do not be afraid—nothing will be lost, because if you share, God will multiply." Read more...

This year Bishop Larry Silva has scheduled eight early morning Misa de Gallo Masses and three evening Simbang Gabi Masses from December 16th through December 24th on Oahu and Kauai. All throughout the diocese are warmly welcomed to experience and become part of this great tradition. Please contact the parishes for more information.

Misa de Gallo

• Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5:00 am, St. Anthony, Kalihi
• Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5:00 am, St. John Apostle & Evangelist, Mililani
• Thursday, Dec. 19, 5:00 am, Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa
• Friday, Dec. 20, 5:00 am, Holy Cross, Kalaheo
• Saturday, Dec. 21, 5:00 am, St. Catherine, Kapaa
• Sunday, Dec. 22, 5:00 am, Immaculate Conception, Lihue
• Monday, Dec. 23, 5:30 am, St. Michael, Waialua
• Tuesday, Dec. 24, 4:30 am, St. Joseph, Waipahu

Simbang Gabi Mass

• Monday, Dec. 16, 7:00 pm, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ewa Beach
• Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:00 pm, St. Roch, Kahuku
• Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6:00 pm, St. Philomena, Honolulu

(Kara Gebhardt / Shutterstock.com)

From the Hawaii Catholic Herald

THIRD WEEK

The mother lights three candles. The prayer for the third week is:

Leader: Let us pray. We humbly beg you, O Lord, to listen to our prayers and, by the grace of your coming, bring light into our darkened minds. Through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

(Beskova Ekaterina / Shutterstock.com)

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.

• Advent Calendar for 2024
• Blessing of an Advent Wreath
• The "O Antiphons" of Advent
• Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene
• Commentary on the Proper Prayers of Advent from the Roman Missal
• Festival of Lessons and Carols
• Lectio Divina for Advent

Friday, December 13 - Sunday, December 15, 2024
St. Anthony Retreat Center, Honolulu

Basic Christian Community of Hawaii presents "Do Whatever He Tells You" an Advent Spiritual Retreat. When we are constantly on the go, there is not much time to think about the things that are truly important in life. At the wedding at Cana, the Blessed Mother says to the servants who are gathered in Jesus' presence, "do whatever He tells you." (John 2:5). On a BCCH retreat weekend, experience peace and solitude to hear God speak to your heart and renew your commitment to be a follower of Christ and to do His will.

This two-night advent retreat for adult men and women will led by spiritual directors, Very Reverend Msgr. Gary Secor of the Diocese of Honolulu, and Sr. Meristella Umdor, a Missionary Sister of Mary Help of Christians.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1072770267749.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.  - 2:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Waikane

Join this fundraising endeavor for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church's Christmas Country Craft and Farmers Market. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is small parish in Waikane, nestled amongst the Koolaus in the country. The fair will have farm vendors, arts and crafts, Hawaiian food, music and entertainment.

Flyer available HERE.

From the Office of the Bishop

All are invited to the ordination to the transitional diaconate of Preston-Jay Castro, to be celebrate at St. Joseph Church, Waipahu, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (the anticipated Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent). Please keep Deacon-elect Castro in your prayers.

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 6:45 p.m.
Ala Moana Beach Park (Ewa side), Honolulu

All are welcome to join the Summer Sunset Rosary and Potluck. The rosary and potluck will be held on the third Friday of each month through December at Ala Moana Beach Park. Sponsored by the Catholic Men's Fellowship of Hawaii & Knights of Columbus Council 5000. Questions? Please contact Ron Gochenouer at (808) 306-7502.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Honolulu

From the Office for Social Ministry

At Mary, Star of the Sea Church on Oahu, parishioners established their Ministry for Persons with Disabilities by welcoming persons with varying gifts and abilities to celebrate the “’Ohana Mass.” Ushers who are members of the Knights of Columbus offer a warm welcome and escort them to the designated pews where they were able to better participate in the Eucharist. After Mass, the community continues fellowship together through a potluck supper where all joyfully serve each other with nourishing food and aloha. These “‘Ohana Masses” and potluck fellowship normally take place on the fourth Saturday each month, 5:30 PM at Mary, Star of the Sea where all are welcomed to celebrate and share their gifts as one ‘Ohana.

Live stream available at Mary, Star of the Sea's YouTube Channel.

For more information, please call the parish office at (808) 734-0396 or email rafmendoza@rcchawaii.org.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, downtown Honolulu

The Red Mass has been a tradition since 1955 for government officials and the community to gather at the beginning of the Legislative Session to pray together.

Bishop Larry Silva will be the principal celebrant and this year will feature guest speaker Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, speaking on “Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Reflections on Servant Leadership.”

The general public is welcome to attend the Red Mass.

The Red Mass will also be livestreamed at https://honolulucathedral.org/live-stream

July 20-31, 2025 in the Philippines

Join Bishop Larry Silva for this special 12-day nativity pilgrimage to the Philippines. The tour will go through Malina, Ilo-Ilo, Cebu, Simala, Batangas, and Tagaytay. The trip includes round-trip airfare, airport taxes & fuel surcharges, land transportation, first-class hotels, daily mass, meals as per itinerary, and a medical protection plan. To learn more, visit travel.nativitypilgrimage.com/silva-philippines.

See the full brochure HERE.

Word of Life is a monthly resource from the USCCB's Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. Each month includes resources for print and are adaptable for digital efforts including Feature of the Month, Intercessions for Life, Bulletin Quotes, and Bulletin Art. Learn more at www.respectlife.org.

Available in English: PDF | Word

Saint Damasus I
c. 305–384
Memorial – December 11

ope Saint Damasus I, whom we honor today, was born at a time when the Church was experiencing the worst imperial persecution in the Roman Empire. In 303, two years before Damasus was born, the Emperor Diocletian initiated what came to be called the Great Persecution. Across the Empire there were widespread arrests, the destruction of churches and sacred texts, and the requirement for all citizens to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods. Those who refused were often imprisoned, tortured, and executed. The persecutions continued over the next nine years. Finally, in 313, Emperor Constantine the Great, the ruler of the Western Roman Empire, and Licinius, the Augustus of the Eastern Roman Empire, issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance to Christians. Saint Damasus was only seven years old when this new era of religious freedom began in the Roman Empire. Read more...

Juan Carreño de Miranda, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life

Support your local parish online! You can give directly to your parish on the Diocese of Honolulu's Offertory page at www.catholichawaii.org/offertory.

On behalf of the parishes in the Diocese of Honolulu, thank you for your gift of support. Mahalo nui loa!

There are many opportunities to view Mass via live stream from various churches in the Diocese of Honolulu.

OAHU

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, downtown Honolulu
Sundays at 10 AM
Weekdays at 12 PM, Saturdays at 12 PM and 5 PM
https://www.facebook.com/HonoluluCathedralBasilica/live
or https://honolulucathedral.org/

Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Kalihi
Sundays at 10:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/hicocathedral

Mystical Rose Oratory, Kaimuki
Sundays at 10 AM
https://www.facebook.com/mysticalroseoratoryHI/

Mary, Star of the Sea, Waialae-Kahala
Saturdays at 5:30 PM
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVaHZ63dLgyxEujc20LzkAw

Our Lady of Sorrows, Wahiawa
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/olswahiawa/live
or https://www.olswahiawa.org

Resurrection of the Lord, Waipio
Sundays at 9:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/ResurrectionHI/live

St. Augustine, Waikiki
Saturdays at 5 PM
https://www.facebook.com/StAugustineWaikiki

St. Joseph, Waipahu
Sundays at 10 AM, Weekdays at 6:30 AM, Saturdays at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/StJosephChurchWaipahu/

St. Pius X, Manoa
Sundays at 11 AM
Facebook: Diocese Of Honolulu Evangelization Taskforce

St. Rita, Nanakuli
Sundays at 9 AM
YouTube

St. Stephen, Nuuanu
Sundays at 10 AM
https://www.facebook.com/St-Stephens-Catholic-Church-Nuuanu-100906711581421/live
 

Resources to Prepare for Watching a Livestream Mass:

• "Creating a Sacred Home Environment for the Live-Stream Viewing of Mass"
• "Mass Texts"

DECEMBER

Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. John the Baptist, Kalihi, Dec 12

"Do Whatever He Tells You" Advent Spiritual Retreat, Dec 13-15

Our Lady of Mount Carmel's "Christmas in the Country," Dec 14

Deacon Ordination of Preston Castro, Dec 14

Simbang Gabi at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ewa Beach, Dec 16

Misa de Gallo at St. Anthony, Kalihi, Dec 17

Simbang Gabi at St. Roch, Kahuku, Dec 17

Misa de Gallo at St. John Apostle & Evangelist, Mililani, Dec 18

Simbang Gabi at St. Philomena, Honolulu, Dec 18

Misa de Gallo at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Dec 19

Misa de Gallo at Holy Cross, Kalaheo, Dec 20

Sunset Rosary & Potluck, Dec 20

Misa de Gallo at St. Catherine, Kapaa, Dec 21

Misa de Gallo at Immaculate Conception, Lihue, Dec 22

Misa de Gallo at St. Michael, Waialua, Dec 23

Christmas Eve Holiday, Dec 24

Misa de Gallo at St. Joseph, Waipahu, Dec 24

Christmas Midnight Mass, Dec 24

Christmas Day Holiday, Dec 25

Christmas Day Mass, Dec 25

‘Ohana Mass for December, Dec 28

New Year's Eve Holiday, Dec 31

JANUARY

New Year's Day Holiday, Jan 1

Mass with the Rite of Institution of Acolytes for Deacon Candidates, Cohort 11, Jan 12

Annual Red Mass, Jan 14

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday, Jan 20

March for Life Mass and St. Marianne Cope’s Feast Day, Jan 23

March for Life, Jan 24

Mass for Annual Conference of Catholic Educators, Jan 31

NEWS

For our most recent news, visit www.catholichawaii.org.

Bishop's Homily for the First Sunday in Advent

Former St. Jude Pastor Begins New Role Alongside Bishop

Embracing the Spirit of Giving and Sharing This Advent

Saint of the Week - Saint Francis Xavier

Restoring Communion from the Cup

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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