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December 28, 2021

(Christos Georghiou/Shutterstock.com)

Tuesday, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs  (V51)

Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter

Bishop's Homily for Christmas

(Olia Sequeira/Shutterstock.com)

[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu; Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Honolulu]

Starry skies and starry eyes.  Magic moments and majestic music.  Fear and trembling amidst fantasy and romance.  Multitudes of well-wishers and choirs of angels.  Yes, we reflect tonight on the wonder of – marriage.

Yes, marriage normally starts out that way.  There is such romantic fire between the couple that nothing else seems to matter, and whatever challenges may lie ahead are shrugged off because the man and woman can see nothing but their love and their desire to share it forever.  They prepare a magnificent feast so that family and friends can celebrate their undying love.  They dance into the night with great joy.  And they become one in body and soul.

But, we know, of course, that the romance soon melts away into routine; the fire is too intense to maintain for very long; the poetry and magic soon turn very mundane.  In a word, the honeymoon ends.  When faced with the daily routines of work and commuting, of child care and home maintenance, of disputes and discord, and of worry and boredom, the couple’s love can grow cold to the point of extinction, if they allow it to do so.  There is the threat of being attracted to other people or of having to care for one who is extremely ill.  This is why every so often a couple must deliberately renew the romance through a regular date night or by being sure to stop and check in with each other.  From time to time it helps to remember the romance, because the memory itself can rekindle the fire.
Read more...

Optional Collection for Philippine Typhoon Recovery

Typhoon Rai has devastated a vast area in the Philippines, and funds are need for humanitarian, rebuilding and recovery needs.  All parishes have the option of taking up a second collection for this cause within the next several weeks.  Proceeds can be sent to Catholic Relief Services, clearly marked as “SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR PHILIPPINE TYPHOON RECOVERY”.

How Kalaupapa is Celebrating Kalaupapa Month

Painted rocks in Kalaupapa, Molokai (HCH Photo: Anna Weaver)


By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald

Next month, January, will be the first to be observed as Kalaupapa Month in the State of Hawaii. In Kalaupapa itself, the community brought together the National Park Service, the Department of Health and Catholic church staff to plan a month of remembrances of significant Kalaupapa January dates with events casual, educational and solemn.

St. Damien’s birthday, Jan. 3, will be commemorated with ice cream and all the trimmings hosted by Sacred Hearts Father Patrick Killilea, pastor of Kalaupapa’s St. Francis Parish, in St. Francis Parish Hall, said Kalaupapa volunteer Sister Alicia Damien Lau, a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.

On Jan. 6, the community will conduct a prayer service at the settlement’s pier, said Sister Lau, to mark the day in 1840 that the first 12 citizens arrived for quarantine. The service will be followed by the three-mile walk to St. Philomena Church in Kalawao on the peninsula’s east side where the first Hansen’s disease community was established.
Read more...

Modeling the Holy Family through Caregiving

From the Office for Social Ministry

The fourth week of Advent heightens our anticipation for the culmination of Christmas. Tis the season to be jolly … but for many people spending the holidays with loved ones who are sick, elderly or have special needs, it can also be a trying time. Some caregivers are so busy taking care of others that they forget to care of themselves. Fortunately, St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai’i offers free monthly Caregiver Education and Wellness Classes to offer support and to encourage all families to “Live every Moment.” January classes will cover a variety of caregiving topics that include arts and crafts, exercise, kidney health, long-term care options, and social security benefits. To register, visit their website
Read more...

[The Office of Social Ministry would also like to share this beautiful letter from Pope Francis to married couples on the Feast of Holy Family (Dec. 26).]

"Follow Me" Retreat, Jan 8

St. Anthony Retreat Center invites individuals and groups to share the quiet atmosphere of Kalihi Valley. The Center is the largest Retreat facility in the State of Hawaii. We welcome all who desire a quiet place to spend time in prayer, reflection, and meditation.

This year, the Retreat Center has planned a series of one day retreats for all in our Catholic, Christian Community. The first retreat is FOLLOW ME, on January 8, 2022. Rev. Lane Akiona, ss.cc. and Rev. Tio Nuiliki, ss.cc. will conduct a day of spiritual reflection and discernment. The flyer gives details including date, times and registration.

Flyer available HERE.

Ministry with Families Leadership Formation, Jan 8 - Feb 12

The recently formed Diocesan Marriage and Family Life Ministry Task Force is proud to present Ministry with Families Leadership Formation, presented by Steve and Kathy Bierne of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Minsters. This training is meant for all whose ministry efforts impact families. 

The leadership formation course is an experiential learning process designed to be an introduction to ministry from a family perspective. This six-session training will be held on Saturdays January 8 through February 12, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. via Zoom and is meant for ALL Parish Staff, Ministry leaders, Catholic School faculty and staff as a way to learn how to incorporate a family perspective in all that we do.
Read More...

Learn more and register HERE.

Flyer available HERE.

Advocate Training, Jan 11 - Mar 16

Flyer available HERE.

Annual Red Mass, Jan 18

Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, downtown Honolulu

The Red Mass has been a tradition since 1955 for government officials and the community to gather at the beginning of the Legislative Session to pray together. Bishop Larry Silva will be the principal celebrant and this year will feature guest speaker Dr. Llewellyn Young, Superintendent of the Hawaii Catholic Schools, on “Hawaii Catholic Education: A Pandemic Story of Thriving and Not Just Surviving”

The Red Mass will also be livestreamed at www.hictv.com and honolulucathedral.org/live-stream.

Flyer available HERE.

Saint Marianne Cope Walk & Wellness Fair, Jan. 22

Saturday, Janauary 22, 2022 at 7:30 a.m.

Registration is now open for the 9th Annual Saint Marianne Cope Walk & Wellness Fair. Enjoy this virtual event on Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 a.m. from wherever you are!

All proceeds will support St. Francis Healthcare System’s diverse range of services, including hospice care, care coordination, caregiver support, transportation for seniors, preschool and adult day care. Together, we'll be helping create healthy communities here in Hawaii.

While there is no fee to register, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds to support our mission of creating healthy communities.

Learn more and register HERE.

Saint of the Week

Saint Sabinus of Spoleto and Companions

Died circa 303
Feast Day – December 30

An early martyr named Sabinus was claimed by several Italian cities. One tradition from the fifth or sixth century said Sabinus was a bishop arrested with two deacons, Marcellus and Exsuperantius, during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. The governor of Etruria had the deacons scourged and racked when they made confessions of faith; both died from the tortures. The governor had Sabinus’s hands cut off when he would not worship a statue of Jupiter; Sabinus was taken back to prison where he healed a blind boy, other prisoners, and even the governor, who with his family became Christians and martyrs. Sabinus reportedly was executed at Spoleto and buried near there.

For better viewing on Catholic Current, click HERE.

Synod of Bishops - Diocese of Honolulu Phase

From: Bishop Larry Silva
To: The Clergy, Religious and Faithful of the Diocese of Honolulu

Peace be with you!

Pope Francis has announced a Synod of Bishops, which is to take place in October 2023 in Rome. In preparation for that Synod, he has asked every diocese in the world to conduct its own consultation process between October 17, 2021 and February 2022. I therefore invite all in our diocese to carefully read this Request for Input and to respond as requested. The documents issued by the Vatican describe a rather complex process, and anyone who wants to read them can do so at Documento Preparatorio della XVI Assemblea Generale Ordinaria del Sinodo dei Vescovi (vatican.va) and For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission Vademecum for the Synod on Synodality (vatican.va). I have attempted to simplify the process to make it more effective in our diocese.

The Synod consultation process involves these steps:

1. Pray, using the Scripture readings provided.
2. Reflect on the readings, on the Synod questions, and most of all on the ONE KEY QUESTION being asked of everyone in our Diocese of Honolulu.
3. Have a discussion with ANY group on the ONE KEY QUESTION. (E.g. parish pastoral council, finance council, school board; Legion of Mary, Knights of Columbus, Filipino Catholic Clubs; households; neighbors; a small group from your parish; a small group at your workplace; attendees at youth sports; youth groups; young adult groups; senior groups; etc.) The objective is to be as inclusive as possible.
4. Collate responses in a brief summary and submit them to https://bit.ly/SynodResponses.
5. Repeat this consultation process with other people or groups, especially with those who are not a part of our normal parish groups. Read more...

Read the "Synod of Bishops - Diocese of Honolulu Phase" as a PDF

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!

Live-streaming Masses for the Diocese of Honolulu

There are many opportunities to view Mass via live stream from various churches in the Diocese of Honolulu.

OAHU

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, downtown Honolulu
Sundays at 10 AM
Weekdays at 12 PM, Saturdays at 12 PM and 5 PM
https://www.cathedralofourladyofpeace.com/LiveStream.html

Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Kalihi
Sundays at 10:30 AM
Mondays to Thursdays at 6:30 AM, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 AM
https://www.facebook.com/hicocathedral

Mystical Rose Oratory, Kaimuki
Sundays at 10 AM
https://www.facebook.com/mysticalroseoratoryHI/

Newman Center, Manoa
Sundays at 5 PM
https://www.facebook.com/NewmanHawaii/

Mary, Star of the Sea, Waialae-Kahala
Saturdays at 5:30 PM
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVaHZ63dLgyxEujc20LzkAw

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Pearl City
Weekdays at 6:30 AM, Saturday at 7 AM on Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/OLGCHI
Sundays at 8:30 AM on YouTube
(Other special parish/school events may be posted at the above links.)

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ewa Beach
Sundays at 9 AM
Weekdays at 8:15 AM, Saturdays at 7 AM and 5 PM
https://www.facebook.com/olphparishewabeach

Our Lady of Sorrows, Wahiawa
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/olswahiawa/live
or https://www.olswahiawa.org

Our Lady of the Mount, Kalihi
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/olmkalihi/

Resurrection of the Lord, Waipio
Sundays at 9:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/ResurrectionHI/live

Sacred Heart, Punahou
Sundays at 11 AM
https://www.facebook.com/sacredheartpunahou

St. Anthony, Kalihi
Sundays at 8:30 AM, Weekdays at 6:30 AM, Saturdays at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/saintanthony.kalihi

St. Augustine, Waikiki
Saturdays at 5 PM
https://www.facebook.com/StAugustineHawaii

St. Elizabeth, Aiea
Sundays at 10 AM
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_bh9hK77HA3nwfXpaoZgww

St. John Apostle and Evangelist, Mililani
Sundays at 11 AM
https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintJohnMililani

St. Joseph, Waipahu
Sundays at 10 AM, Weekdays at 6:30 AM, Saturdays at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/StJosephChurchWaipahu/

St. Pius X, Manoa
Sundays at 11 AM
Facebook: Diocese Of Honolulu Evangelization Taskforce

St. Michael, Waialua
Sundays at 11 AM, Wednesdays at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/stsmichaelpeterpaul
or https://stsmichaelpeterpaul.org

St. Rita, Nanakuli
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/stritananakuli/
or YouTube

St. Roch, Kahuku
Sundays at 7:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/KahukuHawaii

St. Stephen, Nuuanu
Sundays at 10 AM
https://www.facebook.com/St-Stephens-Catholic-Church-Nuuanu-100906711581421/live
 

HAWAII

Annunciation, Waimea
Saturdays at 5 PM
Sundays at 10 AM (at Ascension Mission Church, Puako)
https://www.facebook.com/bigislandcatholicchurch/

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Papaikoi & St. Anthony, Laupahoehoe
Sundays at 8 AM (St. Anthony, Laupahoehoe)
Sundays at 10 AM (Immaculate Heart of Mary, Papaikoi)
Saturdays at 5 PM (Immaculate Heart of Mary, Papaikoi)
https://www.facebook.com/Hamakua-Catholic-Community-110985457198038/

Our Lady of Lourdes, Honokaa
Sundays at 9 AM & 6:30 PM, Saturdays at 5:30 PM
https://www.facebook.com/ourladyoflourdeshonokaa
 

KAUAI

St. Catherine, Kapaa
Sundays at 9:30 AM, Mondays to Saturdays at 7 AM
https://www.kauaistcatherine.church
or https://www.facebook.com/stcatherinekauai
 

MAUI

Christ the King, Kahului
Sundays at 8 AM
https://www.facebook.com/ctkchurchmaui/

Maria Lanakila, Lahaina
Sundays at 7 AM, 8:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:30 PM
Mondays to Saturdays at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/marialanakila.church/

Our Lady Queen of Angels, Kula
Daily at 7 AM
https://www.facebook.com/ourladyqueenofangels/

St. Anthony, Wailuku
Sundays at 9:30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/stanthonymaui.org/live
https://www.youtube.com/stanthonymaui

St. Joseph, Makawao
Sundays at 9 AM
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Josephs-Church
 

Resources to Prepare for Watching a Livestream Mass:

Previous Announcements

JANUARY

"Follow Me" Retreat, Jan 8

Ministry with Families Leadership Formation, Jan 8 - Feb 12

Advocate Training - St. Michael the Archangel, Jan 11

Annual Red Mass, Jan 18

Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan 20

Advocate Training -  St. Anthony, Wailuku, Jan 20

Saint Marianne Cope Walk and Wellness Fair, Jan 22

Mass in Honor of St. Marianne Cope, Jan 22

Advocate Training -  St. Jude, Jan 26

NEWS

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

The latest updates regarding the Diocese's response to COVID-19 can be found at www.catholichawaii.org/covid19.

Bishop's Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Advent

Order of Malta Seeking Ill Persons to Take to Lourdes

Walking For Wellness -- In Honor Of Saint Marianne

Diocesan Guidelines for Speaker Approval

How to Order a Papal Blessing?

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