Facebook icon Twitter icon Forward icon

September 1, 2026 - Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

Tuesday within the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time (V32)
Click on Web Version above for best viewing of this eNewsLetter.

Facing a ‘Long Journey’ of Recovery, Together

Kaalaiki Road, which passes by Naalehu Cemetery and Punalu‘u Bakery, was badly flooded during Hurricane Lala’s impact Aug. 15-16. The cemetery and bakery were both heavily damaged. (Lisa Dahm / Hawaii Catholic Herald)

By Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald

As Hurricane Lala barreled across the Hawaiian Islands Aug. 15-16, several Catholic organizations kept close watch over one of the hardest-hit areas — Hawaii island’s Kau district, home to Sacred Heart Church in Naalehu and Holy Rosary Church in Pahala.

When the storm fully set in Aug. 15, Father William “Pila” Tulua — pastor of the two parishes, the southernmost on Hawaii island — stayed in touch with members of the Knights of Columbus, EPIC Ministry and the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem.

Father Tulua, who is also the senior chaplain for the Order of St. Lazarus, sent photos and provided an account of the devastation in the Kau district as it unfolded — until he ran out of power.

“During the hurricane, we were on the phone with him (Father Tulua) and texting with him and seeing his pictures and the last thing we heard from him was, ‘It’s getting bad.’ Then he dropped off, which was very scary,” said Steve Brock, leader of the order’s Hawaii cadre and chief marshal in the order’s national office, known as the Grand Priory of America. Read more...

Bishop's Homily for Commemorative Mass for Sacred Hearts School, Lahaina

A class of Sacred Hearts School students at Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua after the school relocated temporarily after a wildfire destroyed much of Lahaina town on Aug. 8 and 9, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Brian Perry)

Homily of the Most Reverend Michael T.T. Castori, SJ
[Sacred Hearts Mission Church, Kapalua]

Twenty days after the destructive wildfires of August 2023, tents were erected at Kapalua, at the Sacred Hearts Mission Church, and classes resumed at Sacred Hearts School. Since learning of this remarkable fact, I have asked, “But how is that possible?” Less than three weeks after such devastation and destruction, in the midst of such loss, how could school possibly have resumed?

The answer to this question is the same, regardless of the angle from which it is asked, and you, the community of this blessed school and of Lahaina, you know the answer better than I: Classes resumed — Sacred Hearts School has persevered — because of the love of God embodied in his people. Read more...

Living Aloha, Welcoming All

(lucas_moore / Shutterstock.com)

From the Office for Social Ministry

“For this 112th World Day, the theme, ‘Even just one of these children,’ draws our attention to the minors directly involved in the experience of migration and flight, to the care owed to them, and to the Lord’s promise that ‘whoever receives one such child in my name receives me’” (Mark 9:37). - Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Migration in the news can often seem like a story of statistics. Millions of people around the world have been forced to flee their homes because of natural disasters, poverty, wars, violence and other crises. Pope Leo XIV urges us to look beyond the numbers and focus our gaze on the faces and stories of migrants persons, and the most vulnerable among them—the children. According to United Nations data, roughly two out of every five migrant refugees are children. Many have been separated from their families. “Their dignity,” our Holy Father writes, “is trampled upon in countless ways.”

But Pope Leo also points us toward hope and ask us to really see the person before us. He emphasizes the Gospel tells us each and every person matters. Onefrightened child at a border matters. One refugee child beginning school in an unfamiliar language matters. One child separated from a parent matters. One young person carrying memories of violence matters. Why? Because, as Pope Leo reminds us “every child, every human being, possesses an infinite dignity.” Each is created in the image of God. Read more...

Stand with Kaʻū Hawaii Storm Relief and Recovery Fund

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.

First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sep 4

Friday, September 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Church, Waipahu

Join St. Joseph Church for an evening of prayer, reparation, and Eucharistic adoration as we honor the Sacred heart of Jesus and seek His mercy for our families, parish, community, and world.

Flyer available HERE.

All Parish Ministry Leaders Meeting, Sep 16

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 HEREFlyer available HERE.

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

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

Saint Gregory the Great
c. 540–604
Memorial - September 3

Saint Gregory the Great was born in the city of Rome into an aristocratic family whose members filled political and religious offices. Gregory’s father was a senator and later became the Prefect of Rome, similar to the role of mayor. His mother, Silvia, was a virtuous woman who was later recognized as a saint, as were two of his aunts. Thus, Gregory’s influential, wealthy, and saintly family provided him with a stellar education and nurtured him in the Catholic faith from a young age. Read more...

(Image credit: Jusepe de Ribera, Public domain, 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.

Reflection: On the Journey of Life as Christ’s Disciples

Living Aloha, Welcoming All

Finding Hope at Lanakila

Celebrating 200 Years of Catholic Education in Hawaii

Saint of the Week - Bartholomew the Apostle

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