Tuesday within the Second Week of Ordinary Time (V03)
Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter.

(Photo courtesy of Dann Ebina)

[Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Honolulu (Keynote Speaker: Ms. Connie Mitchell, President & CEO of Institute of Human Services)]

When my grandmother was dying of congestive heart failure, she spent several weeks in the hospital. Her condition meant that she was on a no-sodium diet, which she hated. The hospital staff was worried, because she would often refuse to eat this saltless food. But they did notice that when a family member was with her at mealtime, she would eat. In effect, our family served as the salt that she otherwise missed in her diet. We were, in a real sense, “the salt of the earth.”

January is Kalaupapa Month in the State of Hawaii, because of all the significant events that took place there in January. As you know, this is the tiny peninsula on the North side of Molokai where those who had been diagnosed with leprosy were exiled. It was the place where St. Damien and St. Marianne – whose relics we have here in this church – did their finest and most inspiring work. Read more...

(sergey kolesnikov / Shutterstock.com)

[St. John the Baptist Church, Kalihi (with Installation of Pastor), St. George Church, Waimanalo (Santo Niño Celebration)]

Despite the many beautiful images of sheep and lambs we are presented in the Scriptures, it needs to be said that very few people raise sheep as pets. Yes, the shepherd needs to lead them to green pastures where waters flow, but in the end, he will lead them to slaughter. Otherwise, he and his family will not eat. Sheep and lambs really do lay down their lives for us, giving us wool to keep us warm and to clothe us with dignity, but giving their own flesh for our nourishment.

When John the Baptist points out Jesus as the Lamb of God, this son of a priest knew very well that this was not simply an honorific title, but that this Lamb would literally lay down his life for us, even giving himself to us as food to nourish and strengthen us not only in this life, but in life everlasting. Read more...

By Celia K. Downes

St. Joseph Church in Waipahu will welcome a first-class relic of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, an apostle of Divine Mercy, next month as part of a weekend of events exploring and celebrating the Divine Mercy.

Bishop Larry Silva will celebrate the Mass on Friday, Feb. 6, at 6:30 p.m.; the homilist will be Father Kazimierz Chwalek of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception.

Father Chwalek, who is director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, was instrumental in obtaining the relic from St. Faustina’s community in Krakow, Poland, and is happy to bring it for public veneration by parishioners from St. Joseph and neighboring parishes. Read more...

(CGN089 / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“The way in which we learn to work together, with fraternity and sincere friendship, can give rise to something new, something that brings both the present and the future into focus.”
- Pope Leo XIV, Message to Extraordinary Consistory January, 7-8, 2026

On the day after the Epiphany, Pope Leo addressed the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals with a message of hope for a better future rooted in solidarity, in a world very torn by divisive conflict. He set the tone for the consistory and the year with a simple line: “I am here to listen.” Alluding to the Christmas mystery of Emmanuel, God’s dwelling with us, our Holy Father turned to the prophet Isaiah, reminding us that the Church exists to reflect Christ’s light in places where darkness still lingers: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” He invited the Church to live a faith that builds peace by embodying the light of Christ’s love, especially with the most vulnerable. Read more...

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Newman Center-Holy Spirit Parish, Honolulu

Join us for an hour of sacred music, scripture, and prayer in observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. All are welcome! Free parking is available at the former St. Francis School.

For more information, contact the Office of Worship at
alguerrero@rcchawaii.org or (808) 585-3342.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, January 24, 2026 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 p.m. 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.

We’d like to invite anyone interested in starting or leading small groups to participate in our upcoming Small Group Leader Training on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Thanks to a grant from the McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame, this training is free. The Huaka‘i Project itself is designed to support young adult small groups (ages 18–39) that will run under the project during its upcoming season.

That said, we also recognize that many parishes are discerning how to grow small-group ministry more broadly. For that reason, all are welcome to attend the training itself, regardless of age, if you are exploring small-group ministry in your parish.

To help clarify expectations, here are a few important distinctions:

If you are participating as part of the Huaka‘i Project:

• Small groups are specifically for young adults (ages 18–39)
• Groups are part of the Huaka‘i Project network
• Curriculum, formation framework, and ongoing support are provided

If your parish team attends the training only:

• Participants may be of any age
• Small groups formed in your parish would not be part of the Huaka‘i Project unless they are specifically young adult groups
• Your parish would need to select or develop your own curriculum (e.g., Ascension or other resources)
• Ongoing support after the training would not be available through the Huaka‘i Project, but is available more broadly through the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/oechawaii/huakai
Questions? Email Kainoa Fukumoto at kfukumoto@rcchawaii.org.

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
St. Anthony Retreat Center, Honolulu

Jesus recognized that even the most faithful disciples reach their limit. Rest is not a luxury—it is a command and a vital act of faith. BCCH's annual 1-day retreat "Come Aside and Rest Awhile" is designed to help you downshift from constant activity and find true restoration for your body, mind, and soul.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/basic-christian-community-of-hawaii-adult-spiritual-retreat-feb-7-2026-registration-1979300083832

Flyer available HERE.

Scholarships for Students in Hawaii Catholic Schools

Our Catholic schools provide a quality education to students from all ethnic, religious, and financial backgrounds. The Augustine Educational Foundation provides tuition scholarships to students with a financial need in our Hawaii Catholic Schools in grades K-12. Please take a moment and give the gift of education and make a difference in a student’s life.

Here are the ways you can make a gift:

Online: Visit augustinefoundation.org/donate

Check: Payable to Augustine Educational Foundation. Mail your check to Augustine Educational Foundation, 6301 Pali Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744. Please include your parish/island on the memo of your check for proper parish acknowledgement.

Last year, over $110,000 was generously donated to the Second Collection.

Your gift to our Second Collection goes to support tuition scholarships in your parish and/or vicariate for the 2026-2027 School Year.

For more information, please call (808) 203-6748 or visit www.augustinefoundation.org.

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
St. Joseph High School, Hilo

Join Us for Big Island Youth Day!

All middle school and high school youth are invited to Big Island Youth Day (BIYD) — a joyful day to rediscover your faith, grow in community, and encounter Christ in a fun, spirit-filled environment!

Bring your friends, your energy, and your heart — this is a great chance to deepen your relationship with God and connect with other Catholic youth from around the diocese.

Learn more and register: https://www.catholichawaii.org/oyyam/ym/biyd

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Bachelot Hall, Sacred Heart Church, Punahou

Join us for a joyful evening celebrating the stories, laughter, and beautiful spirit of our kūpuna at the Forever Young Kūpuna Prom. The evening will feature music, dancing, fellowship, and refreshments.

Flyer available HERE.

All are warmly invited to join talks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7–8 PM at St. John the Baptist Parish in Kalihi. These sessions share the Good News of Christ, who offers guidance and hope in the challenges of life, along with the gift of love and forgiveness. Through this program of Catholic formation in small parish communities, we can explore and deepen the richness of our baptism. For more information, please contact Dr. Anthony Ramos at 808-721-0557.

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Sister James Therese, CSJ who died on January 13, 2026. She was a Sister of St. Joseph for 78 years. Born and raised in Hawaii she spent decades teaching at our Catholic Schools including St. Theresa in Honolulu, Holy Trinity, and St. Anthony in Kailua. May she rest in peace. 

Condolences may be sent to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carodelet, 5311 Apo Drive, Honolulu, HI 96821

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 Fabian
Died 250
Memorial - January 20

It wasn’t until 313 that Christianity was legalized by the emperor, Constantine the Great. Up until that time, Christians were widely persecuted by various emperors trying to please their gods. Fabianus (Fabian) was born into this Roman culture, most likely around the year 200. Although we know nothing about his early life, we do know that he served as pope for fourteen years. Read more...

(Image: Giovanni di Paolo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Copyright © 2026 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!

JANUARY

Ecumenical Taizé Service, Jan 21

Mass for the Memorial of St. Marianne Cope, Jan 23

‘Ohana Mass for January, Jan 24

Mass for Annual Conference of Catholic Educators, Jan 30

FEBRUARY

BCCH Annual One-Day Spiritual Retreat, Feb 7

Presidents' Day Holiday, Feb 16

Big Island Youth Day, Feb 21

Kūpuna Prom "Forever Young," Feb 28

NEWS

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

Bishop's Homily for Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord

IHS Executive Director to Speak at Red Mass

2025: A Year of Hope, Growth and Faith

Listening, Light, and Love

Find Food Assistance Across Hawaiʻi

Saint of the Week - Hilary of Poitiers

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.
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