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September 8, 2026 - Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
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Tuesday within the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time (V33)
Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter.
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Apostleship of the Sea-Hawaii Ministry: Encountering, Then Accompanying, ‘Strangers’
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A fishing vessel crew offloads fresh bigeye tuna in the early morning at the fish auction in Honolulu. (Photo courtesy of Deacon Marlowe Sabater)
By Deacon Marlowe Sabater
Hawaii Catholic Herald
“For I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). This verse from the Gospel of Matthew is at the core of the mission of the Apostleship of the Sea-Hawaii Ministry.
If you study the origin of the word “stranger,” it comes from Old French, “estrangier,” meaning “foreigner” or “outsider.” Indeed, during Jesus’ time, foreigners were considered outsiders to Jewish society and therefore deemed to be at the margins.
One of the modern-day “strangers” in our midst is the seafarer. Seafarers are those who spend countless hours working on the ocean: on cargo vessels, tankers, cruise ships and fishing vessels, in our case from our local longline fleet.
The majority of seafarers are foreign-born and therefore subject to issues related to migrant workers. Take our Hawaii longline fishermen working in the tuna industry, who are predominantly from the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia: They are legally working under contract with the owners of the longline vessels. However, current immigration policies do not grant them status; thus, they cannot go beyond the piers. Read more...
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Talk Story: Water, a Gift Without Borders
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(Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com)
From the Office for Social Ministry
“Lord of Life, you have given us the gift of water, source of fruitfulness, freshness, and hope. It quenches thirst, nourishes the earth, and heals wounds.” - Pope Leo XIV’s September 2026 Prayer Intention Video
Surrounded by the vast blue Pacific and the healing waters of Hawaiʻi, we are constantly reminded of the abundance of water in our midst. Morning and evening tropical rains and windward mauka showers are so familiar that we can easily take these quenching gifts for granted. That makes September an especially meaningful time to reflect on this precious resource.
In observance of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo XIV invites us to celebrate the Season of Creation, from September 1 through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology and the environment. This month, the Holy Father asks us to pray “for the care of water…that there be a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.”
Water also holds deep meaning in our Christian faith. Read more...
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Stand with Kaʻū Hawaii Storm Relief and Recovery Fund
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Stand with Kaʻū: Hawaii Storm Relief and Recovery Fund
Your gift provides direct humanitarian aid to families and communities impacted by Hurricane Lala and other tropical weather systems, helping provide food, clean water, power, communications, cleanup supplies, shelter and housing assistance, as well as other urgent assistance where it is needed most.
Please prayerfully consider making a gift to help our brothers and sisters recover and rebuild.
Flyer available HERE.
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Mass for Those Who Died by Suicide, Sep 15
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September 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
St. Theresa Church, Kihei
On average, one person dies by suicide every two days in Hawaii. They have often suffered in silence for years, but their tears were known to God.
Their family members and friends often grieve alone afraid to share what happened, but God hears every cry.
Join us as a community of faith to remember our loved ones, to lift them up in prayer, and to ask God for his healing and peace.
Flyer available HERE.
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All Parish Ministry Leaders Meeting, Sep 16
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Wednesday, September 16, 2026
St. Stephen Diocesan Center, Kaneohe
All parish ministry leaders are invited to come together on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for an opportunity to reconnect, receive important updates, share resources, and build community. Priests and leaders in faith formation, sacramental preparation/OCIA, stewardship, youth ministry, young adult ministry, and other catechetical ministries are encouraged to attend. Participate in person at St. Stephen Diocesan Center or via Zoom.
RSVP HERE. Flyer available HERE.
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Parents and Families at the Center of Faith Formation, Sep 26
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Saturday, Septemer 26, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
St. Elizabeth Church, Aiea
How can we better support parents and families as the primary faith formers of their children? Pastors, parish leaders, catechists, and families are invited to a practical workshop presented by Jayne Mondoy on Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Church in Aiea. Participants will discover practical ways to listen to families, strengthen faith in the home, and build a parish culture that supports parents in passing on the faith. Parish teams are especially encouraged to attend, but individuals are welcome!
Register today! Visit the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis registration page or contact oec@rcchawaii.org | 808-203-6747 for more information.
Register HERE. Flyer available HERE.
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ʻOhana Mass, Sep 26
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Saturday, September 26, 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.
Flyer available HERE.
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Young Adult Meet and Greeet with Bishop Castori, Oct 3
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Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Chaminade University
Join young adults from across the islands for an evening to meet and get to know our new bishop! Together, we’ll celebrate the Eucharist, enjoy pupus and fellowship, and sit down with Bishop Castori for a Q&A where we can ask him the fun questions, the important questions…and everything in between!
Have something you’ve always wanted to ask a bishop? Be sure to submit a question for Bishop Castori when you register!
Register and submit your questions HERE by September 30.
Flyer available HERE.
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Rachel's Vineyard Weekend Retreat, Oct 9-11
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Friday, October 9 - Sunday, October 11, 2026
(Arrival at 5:30pm on Friday / Departure on Sunday at 5:00pm)
If you or a friend are hurting from a past abortion and are searching for a confidential, non-judgmental, safe place of healing and support to express and reconcile painful emotions and begin the healing process, you've found the right place and are welcomed!
Both women and men are impacted by abortion and greatly benefit from the retreats. Singles, couples and family members of aborted children have come to Rachel's Vineyard for peace and inner healing. You are not alone.
Retreats are held at a private retreat center for 3 days and 2 nights. A retreat fee of $200.00 covers materials, accommodations, and daily meals/snacks. Space is limited. Need-based scholarships are available. Calls us today for personalized assistance!
To register, contact Lisa Shorba at (808) 490-4702 or email rvinhawaii@gmail.com.
Registrations are Strictly Confidential.
Visit the national website at: www.rachelsvineyard.org.
Flyer available HERE. Brochure available HERE.
A Ministry of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii’s Respect Life Office
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Celebrate 200 Years of Faith
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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.
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A Heritage Pilgrimage to France and Belgium, Oct 2027
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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.
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Word of Life for September
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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
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Saint of the Week
Saint Peter Claver
1581–1654
Memorial - September 9
Saint Peter Claver was born to devout, upper-class parents in Verdú, Catalonia, Spain. At age twenty, he entered the Jesuit novitiate. At the Jesuit college of Montesión on Mallorca, off the Spanish coast, Peter decided to become a missionary in the South American Spanish colonies. In 1610, he set sail for Cartagena, Colombia, a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade that had replaced enslavement of the indigenous people. Read more...
(Image credit: Mill 1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life
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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!
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Subscribe to the Hawaii Catholic Herald
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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
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