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September 22, 2026 - Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Tuesday within the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (V35)
Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter.

Bishop Castori Meets Pope Leo XIV

(CNS photo/Vatican Media. Photo used with permission.)

Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, S.J., had a special opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome on September 10th during the Course of Formation for New Bishops, informally known as “Baby Bishop School.”

After Pope Leo addressed the new bishops gathered for the formation course, Bishop Michael had a brief time to greet Pope Leo, bringing together Honolulu’s new shepherd and the Holy Father who appointed him to lead the Diocese of Honolulu.

Faith in Action After the Storm

Aerial view of storm-damaged pavement in Poipu, Kauai after Hurricane Lowell. (Tsunami Photgraphy / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“Your support today is a powerful reminder that our island communities do not face these challenges alone." Bishop Michael T.T. Castori SJappeal letter for Hawaii Storm Relief and Recovery Fund 2026

Sometimes it takes stormy weather to remind us how much we need one another. When Hurricane Lowell brought destructive winds, torrential rains and flooding across Hawaiʻi, we witnessed painfully familiar scenes: damaged homes, blocked roads, disrupted power and communications, displaced families, and communities wondering what would happen next.

But alongside those images, another story emerged —a story of resilient aloha in action.

Even before Hurricane Lowell arrived, diocesan personnel connected with Kaua‘i parish pastors to listen, understand their concerns and prepare together. A Zoom meeting helped share reliable information from trusted county and state partners. Generators and Starlink communication equipment were positioned where needed, while telephone calls and text messages established regular check-ins before, during and after the storm. That listening and sharing—walking together—is an example of synodality in practice. And it made a difference. Read more...

Young Adult Initiative’s Journey Continues

Participants in the Huaka‘i Project’s upcoming season attended a kickoff evening Aug. 27 at the EPIC Ministry community house in Ka-neohe. (Courtesy Ryan Fielding)

The Huaka‘i Project is thriving in its second year

By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald

he Diocese of Honolulu has been making a concerted effort to reach and engage a key demographic in the Catholic Church — young adults, defined as people between the ages of 18-39. Comprising a wide swath of vocations and life stages, young adults have come into the spotlight both locally and globally as Church leaders look to the future of the faith.

The Huaka‘i Project, a diocesan initiative that seeks to promote fellowship, faith formation and a commitment to service among young adults across Hawaii, has drawn hundreds of participants from dozens of parishes since it debuted last year. The team overseeing its objectives and strategies is optimistic about the results so far as it looks to the project’s future.

Kainoa Fukumoto, associate director of the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, said during a Huaka‘i Project leadership meeting Aug. 20 that participants’ service projects have impacted thousands of people so far, reflecting the project’s goal of urging young adults to “go beyond the walls of the churches (and) build relationships” outside the parameters of the program. Read more...

National Migration Week, September 20-27

Flyer available HERE.

Hawaii Storm Relief and Recovery Fund

The Diocese Office for Social Ministry wants to give thanks to God for the inspiring efforts of the Kauai parishes who were a vital part of their community’s collaboration before, during and after Hurricane Lowell. These parishes were also supported by the generous efforts of members of the diocese from all around Hawaii who were instrumental in getting generators and communication equipment to Kauai parishes so they could be distribution centers for food and other supplies, and safe places where the community could come together to pray and give thanks for Gods presence during these difficult moments, witnessing to Jesus and building the Kingdom. We also want to recognize the generous, compassionate coordination of relief and recovery efforts in Kauai County and their website with vital information about how the community can come together to care for each other, www.KauaiRecovers.org.

Contributions may be made via the QR code, online at hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org, or mailed to:

Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation
Storm Relief and Recovery
1184 Bishop St.
Honolulu, HI 96813

Flyer available HERE.

World Youth Day 2027 — Only 9 Spots Left!

Our diocesan pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea is nearly full. We now have just 9 spots remaining for young adults ages 18–35.

World Youth Day is an opportunity to encounter Christ, experience the universal Church, deepen your faith, and pilgrimage alongside young Catholics from around the world.

Learn more: catholichawaii.org/wyd

Parents and Families at the Center of Faith Formation, Sep 26

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.

ʻOhana Mass, Sep 26

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.

Young Adult Meet and Greeet with Bishop Castori, Oct 3

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.

Rachel's Vineyard Weekend Retreat, Oct 9-11

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

Marianist Lecture "AI and the Human Person," Oct 18

Sunday, October 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Chaminade University, Mystical Rose Oratory, Honolulu

Join the Marianist Lecture Timely Technology, Timeless Questions: AI and the Human Person with Kyle Ballarta & Louis Kim.

For more information, please visit https://chaminade.edu/marianist-lecture. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Flyer available HERE.

Celebrate 200 Years of Faith

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.

A Heritage Pilgrimage to France and Belgium, Oct 2027

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 for September

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

Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions, Martyrs
Died 1839–1867
Memorial - September 20

Catholicism gradually made its way into Korea over the centuries. While shamanism and Buddhism were popular Korean religious beliefs from 1392 to 1897, Confucianism was the main philosophical, ethical, and political system. In Confucianism, the king sat atop a clear hierarchy within the family and social structures. Ancestors were revered and ritually worshiped, and virtues were emphasized. Read more...

(Image credit: Judgefloro, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons) 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!

Previous Announcements

NEWS

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

Support of Hawaii’s Storm Relief and Recovery Fund

Bishop's Homily for the Mass of Thanksgiving for Maui Island

5 New Seminarians Begin Their Year of Preparation

Mensa Christi: Couples for Christ Weekend Retreat

Talk Story: Water, a Gift Without Borders

Saint of the Week - Our Lady of Sorrows

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

Subscribe to the Hawaii Catholic Herald

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