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January 13, 2026
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Tuesday within the First Week of Ordinary Time (V02)
Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter.
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Bishop's Homily for Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord
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(Halfpoint / Shutterstock.com)
[Our Lady of the Mount Church, Kalihi Valley (Santo Niño Celebration)]
When we are interacting with a baby – even if we are a university professor accustomed to speak in more exalted language – we usually use simple words, gestures, and even non-sensical sounds to communicate our love for the baby. The gestures are much more important than the words we use.
So it was when God became a man to sanctify us and free us from our sins. While Jesus certainly taught many profound lessons in words we could spend a lifetime contemplating, he knew that gestures were sometimes more important than words. His being born in a stable was one of those gestures that teaches us the value of humility, and his Baptism in the Jordan River, which we celebrate in a special way today, was another of those very important gestures in which Jesus communicated with us, his beloved children. Read more...
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IHS Executive Director to Speak at Red Mass
By Celia K. Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
The Diocese of Honolulu’s annual Red Mass returns this month on a new date and in a new location.
The liturgy that precedes the opening of the state legislative session is the church’s prayer to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance for the islands’ public servants. The Mass’ name comes from the color of the vestments worn during a Mass of the Holy Spirit.
All are welcome to attend this year’s Red Mass Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Kalihi. Bishop Larry Silva will be the main celebrant.
Those who cannot attend in person can watch a livestream of the Mass at honolulucathedral.org/redmass. Read more...
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2025: A Year of Hope, Growth and Faith
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Bishop Larry Silva delivered the homily during a celebration Mass May 2 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu marking his 50th jubilee of priestly ordination. (HCH file photo)
Compiled by Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald
2025 was a year of growth and celebration in the Diocese of Honolulu. New ministries and lay organizations gained footholds; a historic land sale agreement was finalized; and the Jubilee Year of Hope yielded many opportunities for catechesis, fellowship and growing in faith.
The diocese gained new priests and transitional deacons as it mourned the loss of other clergy, religious men and women, and laypersons who had an impact on the church. The worldwide church witnessed a papal transition with the death of Pope Francis and election of Pope Leo XIV.
Now the diocese looks ahead to 2027, when it marks 200 years since the arrival of Catholic missionaries in Hawaii. 2026 is a year of preparation, with much more in store. Read more...
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Listening, Light, and Love
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(CGN089 / Shutterstock.com)
From the Office for Social Ministry
“The way in which we learn to work together, with fraternity and sincere friendship, can give rise to something new, something that brings both the present and the future into focus.”
- Pope Leo XIV, Message to Extraordinary Consistory January, 7-8, 2026
On the day after the Epiphany, Pope Leo addressed the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals with a message of hope for a better future rooted in solidarity, in a world very torn by divisive conflict. He set the tone for the consistory and the year with a simple line: “I am here to listen.” Alluding to the Christmas mystery of Emmanuel, God’s dwelling with us, our Holy Father turned to the prophet Isaiah, reminding us that the Church exists to reflect Christ’s light in places where darkness still lingers: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” He invited the Church to live a faith that builds peace by embodying the light of Christ’s love, especially with the most vulnerable. Read more...
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Find Food Assistance Across Hawaiʻi
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(Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock.com)
From the Office for Social Ministry
Hawaiʻi Foodbank is committed to providing safe food access to everyone who needs it. You may be eligible for federally funded programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), or you may just need temporary food assistance until you get back on your feet. Additionally, other food pantries and food distribution sites remain open across the state. With more than 250 hunger relief partners across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, help is likely available in or near your neighborhood. Read more...
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Annual Red Mass, Jan 14
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Bishop Larry Silva blesses the leaders of Catholic Charities Hawaii and Catholic Charities Housing Development Corp. at the 2025 Red Mass. (Photo courtesy of the Hawaii Catholic Herald)
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, 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 celebrate the Mass and will also feature keynote speaker Connie Mitchell, executive director of the Institute for Human Services. Mitchell’s topic is “Radical Justice in Tumultuous Times.” Her talk will explore how each generation presents unique challenges to people of faith as they strive to heed God’s call to “do justice, while loving mercy and walking humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).
The general public is welcome to attend the Red Mass. Parking at the Co-Cathedral is free.
The Red Mass will also be livestreamed at honolulucathedral.org/redmass.
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Ecumenical Taizé Service, Jan 21
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Newman Center-Holy Spirit Parish, Honolulu
Join us for an hour of sacred music, scripture, and prayer in observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. All are welcome! Free parking is available at the former St. Francis School.
For more information, contact the Office of Worship at
alguerrero@rcchawaii.org or (808) 585-3342.
Flyer available HERE.
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Saint Marianne Cope Feast Day Celebration, Jan 23
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ʻOhana Mass, Jan 24
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Saturday, January 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.
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Kūpuna Prom "Forever Young," Feb 28
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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.
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Talks for Families, Adults, and Youth, Jan 20 - Mar 10
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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.
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Big Island Youth Day, Feb 21
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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
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Word of Life for January
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 Hilary of Poitiers
c. 315–367
Memorial - January 13
Born into a wealthy pagan family in Poitiers, France, Hilary was well educated in the classics. As he looked into his own soul, however, he knew that he did not exist for the sole purpose of seeking pleasure, enjoying leisure, obtaining wealth, or merely satisfying his fleshly desires. Hilary reasoned that the human soul did not exist simply to die. Instead, it must exist for something more, something eternal, something glorious. When his pagan culture did not suffice and philosophy fell short, Hilary finally found what he was searching for when he stumbled upon the Scriptures. Read more...
(Image: Pierre-Floréal Crémière, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Copyright © 2025 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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Events and Previous Announcements
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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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