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February 17, 2026

Tuesday within the Sixth Week of Ordinary Time (V07)
Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter.

New Diocesan Annual Appeal Begins This Month

Children in the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Catholic Community prepare for their first holy Communion at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu. (Photo courtesy Dann Ebina)

By Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald

The Diocese of Honolulu’s new annual appeal officially gets underway this month, giving parishioners across the state an opportunity to invest in the future of the church.

The Hawaii Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal, “Sharing God’s Gifts,” begins the first weekend of Lent, Feb. 21-22, and runs through June 30. It will benefit diocesan ministries and services including youth and young adult evangelization and catechesis; hospital ministry; prison ministry; food and housing assistance; the Respect Life Office; and Catholic schools.

The annual appeal will also help the diocese meet current operational needs to support clergy retirement as well as vocations, including deacon and seminarian formation.

The goal for the CMAA is $1.5 million — the former annual appeal’s goal of $1.125 million plus $375,000 for clergy retirement and vocations. Read more...

Rest in Peace

Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Fr. Roland Pacudan, 69 years old. He was a priest of the Diocese of Honolulu. He passed away on February 16th. May he rest in peace!

A Church of Compassion and Care

(sweet_tomato / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“Let us raise our prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, asking her to assist all who suffer and are in need of compassion, consolation, and a listening ear.” - Pope Leo XIV, Message for World Day of the Sick, 2026

Each year on February 11, the Church marks the World Day of the Sick, a moment to remember those who are ill, those who care for them, and those who quietly carry physical, emotional, or spiritual burdens. It is fitting that this day is observed on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, when the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette with a message of hope and healing. Through these apparitions, Mary reminds us that the journey toward healing often begins with compassion.

Pope Leo XIV echoes this Marian spirit in his message for the 2026 World Day of the Sick, inviting the Church to become a place of tenderness and accompaniment. Reflecting on the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan, he reminds us how the Samaritan does something simple but very inspiring. He sees someone in need. He stops, draws near, cares, and accompanies. As Pope Leo writes, “Love is not passive; it goes out to meet the other.” Read more...

Women's Lenten Recollection "Behold the Lamb of God," Feb 20

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony Retreat Center, Honolulu

All women 18 years and above are invited to this Lenten Recollection "Behold the Lamb of God." Rsvp by February 17th. Questions? Please contact Sr. Ivy at (808) 845-0065 or sarc3351@gmail.com.

Flyer available HERE.

Big Island Youth Day, Feb 21

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

Marianist Lecture "Why Hope," Feb 22

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Chaminade University of Honolulu

Join the Marianist Lecture, "Why Hope: Claiming the Promise and the Responsibility" with Dr. Carolyn Woo, former president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services. Dr. Woo is a global leader in humanitarian service and ethical leadership.

Learn more at chaminade.edu/marianist-lecture

Flyer available HERE.

Huakaʻi Project Kickoff Night, Feb 24

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Ann Church, Kaneohe

Looking for something more this Lent? Join us at our Huakaʻi Project Kickoff Night (Feb 24 | 6:30 PM | St. Ann’s, Kāneʻohe) and get connected to a young adult small group. Walk through Lent with others, deepen your faith, and make a real difference together. More information: https://www.catholichawaii.org/huakai.

Flyer available HERE.

Kūpuna Prom "Forever Young," Feb 28

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.

Maui and Lanai Stewardship Day, Mar 7

Saturday, March 7, 2026
St. Theresa Catholic Church, Kihei

Join the Maui & Lanai Stewardship Day beginning with Mass with Fr. William Kunisch and followed by a morning program and fellowship. This year’s theme is “One Body, Many Gifts: Stewards of God’s Church”, and will welcome guest speakers Brandee Menino, CEO of Hope Services Hawaiʻi, and Fr. Konelio “Lio” Faletoi of St. Michael Church in Kailua-Kona.

This gathering is open to parishioners throughout Maui and Lanaʻi to encourage stewardship, faith formation, and engagement within our local Church.

Flyer available HERE.

Talks for Families, Adults, and Youth, Jan 20 - Mar 10

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.

BCCH Lenten Retreat "I Offer My Life," Mar 20-22

Friday, March 20 - Sunday, March 22, 2026
St. Anthony Retreat Center, Honolulu

What does it mean to truly hold nothing back? In the hustle of daily life, we often offer only pieces of ourselves—our time, our energy, our spare moments. But what happens when we offer the whole? Join us for a transformative weekend retreat, where we will explore the profound theme: "I Offer My Life." This is an invitation to pause, breathe, and surrender the burdens of control. Through quiet reflection, guided sessions, and shared community, we will explore what it means to live a life fully offered—in service, in love, and in faith.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1982864428884

Flyer available HERE.

Word of Life for February

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 of the Week

Saint Peter Damian
1007–1072
Memorial - February 18

Orphan, laborer, student, monk, hermit, priest, theologian, teacher, writer, poet, ascetic, penitent, prior, reformer, bishop, cardinal, saint…these are but a few words to describe today’s courageous saint.

Peter was the youngest child born into a poor but noble family in Ravenna, Italy. His parents died when he was young, so he went to live with one of his older brothers who mistreated him and forced him to labor as a swineherd. Eventually, another brother, a priest from Ravenna named Father Damian, took him in and provided him with an excellent education in which he greatly excelled. Peter was so grateful to his priest brother that he added his brother’s name to his own, making him Peter Damian. Read more...

Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life

Online Giving for Parishes

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!

Events and Previous Announcements

FEBRUARY

Big Island Youth Day, Feb 21

Marianist Lecture "Why Hope" with Dr. Carolyn Woo, Feb 22

Kūpuna Prom "Forever Young," Feb 28


NEWS

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

Bishop's Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jubilee Year’s End Raises Hope for the Future

A Church of Compassion and Care

Saint of the Week - Scholastica

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

Subscribe to the Hawaii Catholic Herald

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Others: $28 Hawaii, $32 Mainland, $35 foreign.

Visit:  www.hawaiicatholicherald.com/subscriptions