Tuesday within the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time (V40)
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Reflection by Most Reverend Michael T.T. Castori, SJ

As I flew out of Washington, D.C., earlier this week (where I attended the inauguration of Georgetown University’s new President Eduardo Penalver) and caught an aerial view of the nation’s monuments strung like pearls along the Potomac River, I could not help but make the connection between the monuments’ implicit call to civic responsibility and the treatment of “church and state” in the Scriptures for this Sunday, the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

On first hearing, it is odd to hear in the first reading from the prophet Isaiah the Lord saying to Cyrus, king of Persia, “I have called you by name.” After all, as we know from the story of Queen Esther, Persia could be quite hostile to the people of Israel.

Yet, in this instance, King Cyrus had shown kindness to the Jews, enabling them to rebuild the Temple after its destruction by the Babylonians. Therefore the Lord called this pagan king “by name,” bestowing favor on him and encouraging the people of Israel to regard him favorably as well.

From this it is clear that, although we tend to view as a modern question the notion of “church and state” (the question of how a community of faith relates to the larger, civic society in which the faithful live), it actually is as old as the inspiration and writing of the Bible itself. Read more...

Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, answered audience questions relayed by Malcolm Zara, executive director of EPIC Ministry, during an Oct. 3 meet-and-greet with young adults at Chaminade University of Honolulu that doubled as a podcast episode for EPIC Ministry. (Lisa Dahm / Hawaii Catholic Herald)

Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald

Meeting more than 100 young adults packed in a university conference room might make a person feel nervous, but not Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ.

He approached an hour of both rapid-fire and introspective questions posed to him Oct. 3 during a young adult meet-and-greet at Chaminade University of Honolulu with the kindness, candor and zeal of a person who genuinely enjoyed discussing all issues with Catholics in the 18-39 age group.

Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Chaminade University and EPIC Ministry, the event drew young adults from 40 parishes across all islands in the diocese to meet their new bishop and to engage in fellowship with other young Catholics. Read more...

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From the Office for Social Ministry

“May your Church be an open house, a safe space where everyone has a place—a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear.” - Pope Leo XIV’s October 2026 Prayer for Mental Health

As we pray for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery following his lung cancer surgery on Oct. 13, we remember the many people facing serious illnesses and the fear surrounding a diagnosis. Illness touches more than the body. It can unsettle our security, strain relationships, and leave us searching for hope. The Holy Father’s October prayer for mental health invites us to recognize the dignity of all people experiencing emotional and mental distress. Whether someone faces cancer, depression, a chronic condition, or another illness, each person deserves compassion, and a sense of belonging.

Pope Leo’s begins his prayer acknowledging the hidden wounds people carry: “God of life, You know the innermost depths of our hearts—the light and shadows within us, the silent wounds that sometimes no one sees.” How many people sitting beside us at Mass carry invisible wounds? Perhaps a teenager struggling with anxiety, a parent awaiting test results, a kūpuna experiencing loneliness, or a grieving family. Each of us sometimes needs help carrying a heavy burden. Here in Hawaiʻi, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, housing insecurity, and economic hardship have affected emotional and spiritual well-being. For families recovering from disaster, rebuilding a home is only part of healing. Grief and uncertainty can remain long after repairs are finished. Read more...

Saturday, October 24, 2026
St. Joseph Church & School, Waipahu

The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis invites catechists, parish ministers, Catholic educators, OCIA teams, liturgical ministers, and anyone seeking to deepen their Catholic faith to a day of formation centered on Sacred Scripture.

Participants can choose from nine courses exploring topics including biblical typology, the Gospel of Matthew, Marian typology, Scripture in the liturgy, women in the Bible, and more. No prior theological or biblical training is required.

Schedule:
7:00 AM Mass | 8:00 AM Check-in | 8:30 AM Welcome & Prayer
Sessions: 9:00 AM, 10:45 AM & 1:00 PM
Lunch on your own

Early Bird Registration through October 9: $12 per session or $36 for the full day
After October 9: $15 per session or $45 for the full day

Register: https://app.jotform.com/catholichawaii/oec

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, October 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.

Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Church, Punahou

Join us for a free workshop on Catholic Advanced Healthcare Planning and Directives, where we guide you through the essential steps of aligning your healthcare decisions with your Catholic faith. This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of Catholic teaching on end-of-life care, ethical considerations, and the importance of creating advanced directives that reflect your values.

RSVP online at www.hawaiifamilyforum.org/cahcd or email eandrade@rcchawaii.org.

Flyer available HERE.

Monday, November 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
King Street Cemetery, Honolulu

All are invited to join Bishop Michael for a special Mass in commemoration of All Souls’ Day at the King Street Catholic Cemetery on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 12:00 noon.

As we remember and pray for our beloved departed, let us gather in faith and hope, entrusting their souls to the loving mercy of God. This special celebration reminds us of our belief in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Families, friends, and all the faithful are warmly invited to participate in this beautiful tradition of prayer and remembrance of all the dead especially those pioneers of the faith.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

For more information, contact the Office of Worship: 808-585-3342

Flyer available HERE.

Monday, November 2, 2026 at 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Maui Support Center (at St. Anthony School), Wailuku

From Catholic Charities Hawai`i

Catholic Charities Hawai`i will be presenting a session on how to support people with memory loss or other dementia behaviors. This session will be held on Maui at our Resource Center located in Wailuku.

An IDEA! - learn how to support persons with memory loss or other dementia behaviors

Catholic Charities Hawaii will be offering a caregiver presentation called IDEA! in Wailuku at their Maui Support Center on Monday, November 2, 1 – 2:30 p.m.  If you are a caregiver or have a family or friend which maybe going through memory loss symptoms. 

The session will be conducted by Diane Terada and Judy Taketa who are both licensed social workers and well versed in this issue. 

IDEA! is a three-step approach: ID the behavior; Explore the meaning; and Adjust your response. The presentation is for:

• Family Caregivers, who take care of a kupuna who is having memory or other dementia symptoms.
• Other interested persons who may interact with kupuna with memory/dementia at their church, neighborhood, or other community setting.

The presentation will provide basic information and tips/strategies for caregivers and caring others to continue helping their kupuna relatives and friends.

To register for this FREE presentation, call 808-527-4777.

Flyer available HERE.

Saturday, November 7 - Sunday, November 8, 2026
St. Rita Church, Haiku

Do your early Christmas shopping and find Christmas gifts and decor, holiday clothing, plants, silent auction, baked goods, sushi, and more!

Flyer available HERE.

Friday, December 11 - Sunday, December 13, 2026
Kilauea Military Camp, Kilauea, Big Island

Step away this Advent for prayer, renewal, and fellowship with parish leaders and volunteers as we prepare our hearts with Mary to welcome Christ anew led by Pat Kane.

Learn more and register at https://app.jotform.com/catholichawaii/oec.

Flyer available HERE.

For two hundred years, the Catholic faith has taken root and flourished across these islands. Your gift to the Bicentennial sustains the celebrations by defraying the costs of speakers, venues, and events, so that we can better carry this mission into its third century.

Every contribution – of any size – will help us all to be better motivated and equipped to help write the next chapter of the Catholic faith in Hawai’i.

Give today at https://catholichawaii200.org/donate

Flyer available HERE.

The journey of a lifetime awaits. Save the Date!

In 2027, retrace the sacred roots of 200 years of Catholic faith in Hawaiʻi — from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the birthplace of St. Damien in Belgium. Join Bishop Emeritus Larry Silva, Bishop-Elect Fr. Michael T. T. Castori, SJ, and Fr. Lane Akiona, SS.CC., Provincial Superior, on a once-in-a-generation Heritage Pilgrimage to France & Belgium — a living celebration of Two Hundred Years of Faith. One Family. One Hawaiʻi. Contact Deacon Mike Browning to reserve your place on the interest list: mbrowning@rcchawaii.org. Pricing and registration available after January 1, 2027.

Learn more at https://catholichawaii200.org/#pilgrimage

Flyer available 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

Saints Simon and Jude
First Century
Memorial - October 28

Today, the Church honors Saints Simon and Jude, two of the Twelve Apostles chosen by our Lord. They were two of the first bishops through whom our Lord established His Church and from whom every bishop, priest, and deacon is a spiritual descendant.

Very little is known about these two Apostles, other than what is briefly mentioned about them in the New Testament, and even that is a little confusing. They are both listed among the Twelve whom Jesus names Apostles. Read more...

(Image credit: Federico Barocci, 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!

NEWS

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

Workshop Focuses on Family-First Formation of Kids’ Faith

School’s Name Change Honors St. Damien’s Legacy

Called to Care: The Church’s Ministry of Healing

Saint of the Week - Paul of the Cross

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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