Tuesday within the Fifth Week of Lent (V12)
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[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu (Mass with Scouts); Sacred Heart Church, Pahoa (Installation of Pastor)]

We have great pride and respect for St. Damien and St. Marianne, the two Hawaii saints who are now enjoying the glory of heaven. But what inspires us most about them is not the glory they are now enjoying, but the fact that they willingly buried themselves into sufferings, isolation, and hard work in order to make light the sufferings of others. They truly laid down their lives, died to themselves, and now we honor them as living forever among the saints in glory. They not only produced a rich harvest for the Lord during their lifetimes, but they continue to inspire others to lay down their lives so that others may live.

We need examples like them in order to realize that the radical self-negation and self-giving urged by Jesus does yield its rewards. Read more...

Parishioners filled the pews at St. Joseph Church in Waipahu during the 10 a.m. Mass March 3. (Celia K. Downes / Hawaii Catholic Herald)

By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald

While still far from its pre-pandemic level, Sunday Mass attendance in Hawaii has been slowly rising after plummeting in the first year that COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill.

Conducted every October, the statewide annual count of parishioners attending Saturday vigil and Sunday Masses averaged 34,748 in 2023 — a 9% increase over 2022, when attendance averaged 31,874. The 2023 count included figures from 66 churches, 21 missions and two ethnic communities.

During the tally, parish volunteers count every person in the pews — as accurately as they can, as the process is done manually — each weekend in October. The weekly figures are then added and divided over the total number of weekends in the month, resulting in an average. Read more...

(CRS Rice Bowl social media)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
- Philippians 2:7-8

This passage from St. Paul’s message to the Philippians about the Christ’s Incarnation is very profound especially during Holy Week when we are called to reflect on how Jesus willingly emptied himself for all humanity and how we might be able to follow his example of selfless love in service for others. During this final week of our Lenten journey, as we ponder the pascal mystery of Jesus’s sacrificial love, it can also be helpful to remember the saying: “Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” The Son of the God knew of the pain he would endure and still chose to suffer and die for our salvation. He not only accepted heavy crosses of excruciating agony through the crucifixion; but also embraced his suffering and that of the whole world and transformed his pain and suffering through total giving of self and unconditional love into redemption and hope for all.

The culmination of Lent in Holy Week’s focus on the Eucharistic celebration of the Passover and the Passion of Christ on the Cross helps us focus on how we can empty ourselves and embrace the cross to be transformed into the hope of the resurrection. The Lenten Rice Bowl program helps us keep in mind the countless men, women and children who today carry heavy crosses of their own in various forms of hunger, homelessness, and lack of security. Read more...

From the Hawaii Catholic Schools

Hawaii Catholic Schools and Chaminade University with the support of John C. and Mary Lou Brogan present The Golden Pine"apple" Awards for both Administrator and Teacher of the Year. Both awards recognize excellence in outstanding teachers/specialists and administrators within the Catholic Schools in the State of Hawaii. The recipients of the 2023-2024 school year's award will be announced at the Recognition Ceremony in May and will receive the Golden Pine”apple” trophy and a check for $1,000. Nominations are being accepted until the end of the March. For more details, click HERE for Teacher of the Year and click HERE for Administrator of the Year.

Flyer available HERE.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 5:45 p.m.
St. Ann Church, Kaneohe

Join the Knights of Columbus for the Silver Rose Prayer Service. Knights on Bikes will deliver the Silver Rose for a combined St. Joseph Icon and Silver Prayer Service. All are welcome!

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, March 23, 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.

Pope Francis has asked for support for the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land, where they are now less than 2% of the population. Your support is essential to help the Church minister in parishes, provide Catholic schools, and offer religious education. The Pontifical Good Friday Collection also helps to preserve the sacred shrines of Christianity, including in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, to name only a few.

The pandemic had hit Christians in the Holy Land particularly hard. Most of them depend on pilgrimages for work. The war made their situation even more dramatic. In these times of crisis, the collection is necessary to meet the basic needs of the People of God still living in this Land and to maintain a Christian presence where the Church was born.

When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you join with Catholics around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land. Please be generous!

For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, visit www.myfranciscan.org or www.custodia.org.

Sunday, March 31, 2024 at 6:15 a.m.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu

All are welcome to join the wider Christian community in celebrating Easter on Sunday, March 31, 6:15 AM at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu!

Come enjoy the sunrise from Pūowaina ("Hill of Sacrifice") and worship with music from the Royal Hawaiian Band and others, and a message by The Rev. David Nagler, Bishop of the Pacifica Synod ELCA.

Flyer available HERE.

Monday, April 1 & Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
The Brad Powell Theater, Honolulu

Experience an inspiring evening! See "November’s Song" presented by The Actors’ Group, a fundraiser for The Joseph Dutton Guild. Limited seating. Suggested donation: $75 per ticket includes a charcuterie bento.

"November’s Song" is a monologue about the life of St. Marianne who will be played by Stephanie Conching who has directed and participated in numbers productions locally.

Your generous support will help with the beatification and canonization of Servant of God, Joseph Dutton, Layman, who devoted 44 years of his life to serving those with Hansen’s disease alongside Saint Damien and Saint Marianne.

Reserve your tickets online at https://www.josephdutton.org/events-new

Flyer available HERE.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
St. Michael the Archangel Church, Kailua-Kona

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Papaiko

Francesca LaRosa, is a Catholic composer and singer-songwriter from Indianapolis. It is Francesca’s mission to help others grow in their faith by memorizing the sacred Word of God, as well as prayers and hymns, through music. Together with her husband David, she continues to compose USCCB and ICEL approved Psalms in multiple styles and languages every week, as well as create the best resources possible for music directors and cantors.

Friday, April 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
St. John Apostle & Evangelist Church, Mililani

Sarah Hart is one of the leading figures in contemporary Catholic music today and has been a singer, songwriter, retreat author, and keynote speaker for over twenty years. A Grammy-nominated songwriter (“Better Than an Hallelujah” as well as many others), her songs have been recorded by numerous recording artists, and have appeared in TV, movies, commercials, and theater. Her writing is visible in hymnals across the globe. To learn more about Sarah visit www.sarahhart.com.

General Admission tickets: $35. Purchase tickets at www.stjohnmililani.org.

Flyer available HERE.

Monday, June 3 - Friday, June 14, 2024
Mary, Star of Sea Early Learning Center, Honolulu

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to religious formation for children ages 3-12. The Level I course is the foundation course and prepares catechists to work with 3-6 year-old children. Level I course participants (Parts A and B) will receive certification from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Sessions held weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Optional materials making from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Printable Trifold Flyer available HERE. Register Online HERE.

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Brother Frank Anthony Gomes, SM who died on March 13, 2024, in Cupertino, California. He served in his religious profession for 64 years. May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Saint Patrick
c. 387– c. 460 or 493
Memorial – March 17

Patrick was born in Roman-ruled Britain to loving parents, perhaps as an only child. His father was a senator and a deacon, and his grandfather was a married priest. Despite his Christian upbringing and the clerical influences of his father and grandfather, Patrick struggled with his faith, stating later that when he was young he “did not know the true God.” This testimony, and the quotes to follow, come from his own hand, preserved in his Confessio, Saint Patrick’s short autobiographical confession about the workings of God’s grace in his life and ministry. Read more...

(Photo Credit: Sicarr, CC BY 2.0, 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.cathedralofourladyofpeace.com/LiveStream.html

Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Kalihi
Sundays at 10:30 AM
Mondays to Thursdays at 6:30 AM, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 AM
https://www.facebook.com/hicocathedral

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

Newman Center, Manoa
Sundays at 5 PM
https://www.facebook.com/NewmanHawaii/

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

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ewa Beach
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/olphparishewabeach

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

Our Lady of the Mount, Kalihi
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/olmkalihi/

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

St. Anthony, Kalihi
Sundays at 8:30 AM, Weekdays at 6:30 AM, Saturdays at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/saintanthony.kalihi

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

St. Elizabeth, Aiea
Sundays at 10 AM
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bh9hK77HA3nwfXpaoZgww

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. Michael, Waialua
Sundays at 11 AM, Wednesdays at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/stsmichaelpeterpaul
or https://stsmichaelpeterpaul.org

St. Rita, Nanakuli
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/stritananakuli/
or YouTube

St. Roch, Kahuku
Sundays at 7:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/KahukuHawaii

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

HAWAII

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Papaikoi & St. Anthony, Laupahoehoe
Sundays at 8 AM (St. Anthony, Laupahoehoe)
Sundays at 10 AM (Immaculate Heart of Mary, Papaikoi)
Saturdays at 5 PM (Immaculate Heart of Mary, Papaikoi)
https://www.facebook.com/Hamakua-Catholic-Community-110985457198038/

Our Lady of Lourdes, Honokaa
Sundays at 9 AM & 6:30 PM, Saturdays at 5:30 PM
https://www.facebook.com/ourladyoflourdeshonokaa
 

KAUAI

St. Catherine, Kapaa
Sundays at 9:30 AM, Mondays to Saturdays at 7 AM
https://www.kauaistcatherine.church
or https://www.facebook.com/stcatherinekauai
 

MAUI

Our Lady Queen of Angels, Kula
Daily at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/ourladyqueenofangels/

St. Joseph, Makawao
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Josephs-Church
 

Resources to Prepare for Watching a Livestream Mass:

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

MARCH

Maui Lenten Adoration, Benediction, and Reflection, Mar 20

Chrism Mass for the East and West Hawaii Vicariates, Mar 21

‘Ohana Mass, Mar 23

Mass for Passion (Palm) Sunday, Mar 24

Chrism Mass for Oahu-Molokai Vicariates, Mar 26

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Mar 28

Good Friday Holiday, Mar 29

Pontifical Good Friday Collection, Mar 29

Good Friday Morning Prayer, Mar 29

Good Friday Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, Mar 29

Holy Saturday Morning Prayer, Mar 30

The Easter Vigil, Mar 30

Mass for Easter Sunday, Mar 31

APRIL

"November's Song" Fundraiser for Joseph Dutton Guild, Apr 1-2

Francesca LaRosa at St. Michael, Kailua-Kona, Apr 2

Francesca LaRosa at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Papaiko, Apr 3

Bagels with Bishop at Maryknoll School, Honolulu, Apr 5

An Evening with Sarah Hart in Concert in Mililani, Apr 12

Bagels with Bishop at Sacred Hearts Academy, Apr 19

Bagels with Bishop at St. Louis School, Apr 19

Annual Mass for Clergy and Religious Jubilarians, Apr 20

Bagels with Bishop at Damien Memorial School, Apr 26

NEWS

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

Bishop's Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent

Men’s Ministry Offers Spiritual Support, Brotherhood

Lenten Reflection: Giving Freely Without Expecting a Return

CRS Rice Bowl Lenten Story of Hope: Week Three

Meatless Meals from Around the World - Indonesia

Nominate Favorite Teacher and Administrator for the Golden Pine"apple" Award

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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