Tuesday within the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (V29)
Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter.

(godongphoto / Shutterstock.com)

[Community of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (at former Cathedral Academy)]

From time to time I have been with gatherings of evangelical Christians. This is not a Catholic church, but the people there are usually very committed to their faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, it turns out that many of them are Catholics, but they have decided not to go to Mass but instead to attend the services of the evangelical church. When I ask some of them why they made the decision to go to another church besides the Catholic Church, they usually answer that it is because they really feel closer to Jesus at these gatherings. They usually do not have any serious doctrinal disagreements, but they simply never saw Jesus as particularly alive and present in the Catholic Church. Read more...

Bishop Larry Silva celebrated Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace last Aug. 16 as the church marked its 181st dedication anniversary. He was joined by vicar general Msgr. Gary Secor, right; and from left, Deacon Joe Almuena, Father Jose Dias, Father Lazarus Anondee and Father Pascual Abaya. The cathedral basilica is currently undergoing major renovations. (Photo courtesy of Dann Ebina)

By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald

Two decades in, the job of guiding Hawaii’s Catholics hasn’t gotten any easier.

Bishop Larry Silva is as busy as ever — in fact, he won’t even be in town on July 21, the date 20 years ago of his ordination and installation as bishop of the Diocese of Honolulu.

Instead, he will be joining the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary in Iloilo, Philippines, as they mark their order’s founding 100 years ago.

It’s been a remarkable 20 years, ranging from the highs of overseeing two canonizations and dozens of priest and deacon ordinations to the lows of coping with school closures, natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more...

From the Hawaii Catholic Schools

KA HO‘OULU INNOVATION AWARDS
Offered by the Hawai‘I Catholic Schools Office and Chaminade University

The National Catholic Education Association has an Innovation in Catholic Education annual awards program to foster creativity and growth in Catholic schools nationwide. In 2020 Hawaii Catholic Schools and Chaminade University initiated a new award to recognize innovation by our grades preK-12 educators.

The Ka Ho‘oulu Hawai‘i Catholic Education Innovation Award focuses on ‘Innovation for Mission’. There are several themes that will define this program. Read more...

NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM HERE.

(Photo Courtesy of Diocesan Staff)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“We who live here in Hawaii are very blessed and privileged to be the heirs of the story of Saints Fr. Damien and Mother Marianne, who served the poorest and most needy among us.” - Bishop Larry Silva, “Following Footsteps” OSM YouTube Video

This month, word is spreading that the Diocese of Honolulu is preparing for a special milestone in 2027: the bicentennial anniversary of the Catholic faith’s arrival in Hawaii. It will be a very blessed time to celebrate 200 years of Witness to Jesus, including by following in the footsteps of saints Fr. Damien and Mother Marianne, two of the first Catholic missionaries responding to Christ’s call to share their faith in Hawaii. Read more...

Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Mary, Star of the Sea Church, Honolulu

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 “ʻOhana 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 “ʻOhana 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.

Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
St. Anthony Church, Wailuku

As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to rediscover the beauty of our faith by studying the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

You are invited to the Jubilee 2025 Day of Study on Maui – a special opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow alongside others seeking deeper understanding and renewed hope.

CLICK HERE to watch the promo video.

Why attend?
• Learn what the Jubilee Year is all about
• Deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith
• Be inspired to live as a Pilgrim of Hope
• Connect with others in our diocesan ʻohana

Whether you serve in a parish ministry or are simply hungry to grow in faith, this day is for you. REGISTER TODAY and invite friends, family members, your ministry or youth group, or fellow parishioners to come with you!

Cost: $20 for the day! (Optional box lunch add-on)
Register Here: https://mauidayofstudy.eventbrite.com

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Church, Pahoa

Clergy and couples are invited to attend a Living Sacred Sexuality workshop, to better understand and live the concepts of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Unlock passion, reignite conversation, and expand the meaing of marital intimacy. Don't just study Theology of the Body - live it!

Register by Sunday, August 3rd at WWMEBigIsland@gmail.com.
A $10 fee will be collected at the workshop.

For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/5629ztx7, email WWMEBigIsland@gmail.com, or text (808) 478-6071.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
via Zoom

Broken By Design: How Modern Law and Technology Are Tearing Children from Their Roots

Across America—and increasingly here in Hawaii—the family is under intense cultural and political pressure. From no-fault divorce to surrogacy markets and gender ideology, today’s trends often prioritize adult desires at the expense of children’s needs. In this eye-opening presentation, we’ll examine the powerful forces pulling apart the family, including the redefinition of marriage, the rise of the fertility industry, and emerging legal threats to parental rights.

Rooted in both faith and evidence, we’ll explore why children flourish best when raised by both their mother and father—and why this foundation matters in everything from education and reproductive technologies to modern family law. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to be a truly pro-child society—one that challenges adults to sacrifice for the sake of the next generation.

Visit www.hawaiifamilyforum.org/them-before-us-webinar to register for this webinar.

Flyer available HERE.

Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Kalihi Union Church, Honolulu

Helping your children graduate with their faith and values intact

Are you concerned that your children’s faith and values will be negatively impacted in a public school? You are not alone.

At this seminar parents, grandparents & ministry workers will discover:  A powerful way to teach children discernment in class; how to address a concern with a teacher in a gracious way; students’ religious liberties at school; how to teach children a biblical definition of tolerance and more!

Tickets are complimentary but you must register. For more information please visit www.gogateways.org/hawaii2025.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
St. John Apostle & Evangelist Church, Mililani

This professional development seminar is for public school educators and school leaders. It is not about “education theory.” You’ll learn practical ways to appropriately and lawfully include teaching about the Bible and Christianity as it relates to history, culture, and values across the curriculum.

You’ll also learn how the separation of church and state applies and does not apply in schools. You’ll receive the latest updates on federal and state religious liberty issues affecting students and teachers…and more!

Tickets are $25, register soon! For more information please visit www.gogateways.org/hawaii2025.

Flyer available HERE.

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Dennis Lock, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church, Honolulu, who died on July 15.  He is the brother of Father Bertram Lock, SS.CC., parochial vicar of St. Patrick Church, Honolulu. May he rest in peace!

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

Saint James the Apostle
First Century–c. 44
Feast - July 25

Among the Twelve Apostles were two named James: James, the son of Zebedee and James, the son of Alpheus. The former is traditionally called James the Greater, and the latter is traditionally called James the Lesser, perhaps because the former was taller than the latter, or more likely because of the greater importance James the Greater played in the Gospel narrative. James the Greater, whom we honor today, was the brother of John, the Gospel writer. Read more...

(Guido Reni, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Copyright © 2025 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!

JULY

'Ohana Mass, Jul 26

AUGUST

Maui Jubilee Day of Study, Aug 2

Mass of the Holy Spirit for Catholic School Educators, Aug 14

Hawaii State Admissions Day Holiday, Aug 15

50th Anniv. Mass for Vietnamese Catholic Community, Aug 15

Mass for the Deacon Summer Institute, Aug 16

Living Sacred Sexuality Workshop, Aug 16

Installation of Fr. Tui as Pastor of Sacred Heart, Punahou, Aug 16

Mass for 155th Anniv. of Our Lady of the Mount, Kalihi, Aug 17

Installation of Fr. Resinto as Pastor of St. Catherine, Kapaa, Aug 24

NEWS

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

A Priesthood Journey Filled with Twists and Turns

Following in the Footsteps of Hawaii’s Saints

Saint of the Week - Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

Members of Hawaii Catholic parishes may receive a subscription free through the Hawaii Catholic Herald Parish Plan.
Others: $28 Hawaii, $32 Mainland, $35 foreign.

Visit:  www.hawaiicatholicherald.com/subscriptions