Na ke aloha o ke Akua ma loko o Iesu Kristo, e aloha iā ʻoukou ā pau!

We begin 2023, yet again, in a complicated and uncertain time. The economy is shaky, there is war in Europe and threats to peace in Asia, a pandemic continues, and our national government seems to be unsteady. This year is beginning like so many other years in human history. What does reality mean for us who know God in Jesus Christ. READ MORE

A former Priest of the Diocese of Hawaiʻi, the Reverend Joseph H. Pummill, died in California on December 26, 2022, at age 96. While in this Diocese, he served as the Rector of St. Markʻs Church, Honolulu, from 1960 to 1969; Assistant to the Rector of St. Clement’s Church, Honolulu, and Campus Minister from 1974 to 1977; and Vicar of the Episcopal Church on West Kauaʻi from 1977 to 1979. His time in the Diocese included experimental ministries to the community. After leaving Hawai'i in 1979, he held various positions in the Diocese of California. Though he continued to reside in California after retiring, he returned to the Islands for visits and the occasional short-term ministry opportunity.

ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOD, to whom there is never any prayer made without hope of mercy, be merciful to the soul of your faithful servant, Joseph, being departed from this world in the confession of your Holy Name that he and all the departed may be welcomed into the company of thy saints, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May our brother, Joseph, rest in peace. Amen.

The Diocese's Annual Clergy Retreat was held at Camp Mokulē'ia, January 8-11, 2023, led by Brother Randy Greve from the Order of Holy Cross. Enjoy these photos taken by the Rev. Bruce DeGooyer who captured the beauty and camaraderie of the event.

In addition, several internal changes have been made with familiar faces. The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i (the official name for our Diocese) is pleased to announce:

New Employees of TECH:

TECH Employee in Transition:

The Diocese's annual Chrism Mass and Spring Training will be taking place on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. The Chrism Mass will also include a renewal of both baptismal and clergy vows. More information will be coming out soon.

It's that time of year when churches need to file their 2022 Parochial Reports, and online filing is now open on the General Convention Parochial Report webpage HERE. Deadline is March 1. The webpage also includes both video and written instructions. If you have any questions, email Rae Costa.

This is a reminder that Safeguarding training is mandatory for all clergy, employees, and most volunteers. This includes all paid employees, members of diocesan commissions/committees, youth group leaders and directors, Sunday school volunteers and directors, choir directors, acolyte leaders, lay eucharistic ministers and visitors, vestry members, worship leaders, anyone going into someone’s home in any role related to the church, regular church volunteers, etc.

Please read The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i Safeguarding Policy and the Diocesan Safe-Church Training Webpage. This training needs to be renewed every three years. Please complete your training if you haven’t done so in the past three years. Contact your Parish Administator or priest for more information, or if you have questions, email Denise Esposito.

The latest installment in the Retired Clergy Families Talk Story Project is now posted on the Diocesan website HERE. In this month's posting, the Rev. Richard Shields shares his journey to ordained life. The Talk Story Project is a (growing) collection of stories from Diocesan-related retired clergy, spouses, and widows. Stay tuned for updates!

It's not too late for all high school youth currently in grades 9-12 to be a part of the Hawai'i delegation and experience the energy and excitement of the triennial Episcopal Youth Event being held at the University of Maryland, July 4-8, 2023. The Hawai'i delegation plans to stay a few more days to perform community service in the areas nearby Washington, DC.

EYE is the Episcopal Church's second largest event (surpassed only by General Convention), that brings together well over 1,000 youth to worship, fellowship, learn, and create bonds with their peers from around the globe. Guest speakers, workshops, energized worship, and prayerful moments, are offered to help explore and deepen their faith, no matter where they are in their journey. To learn more and submit an application, visit the Episcopal Church's EYE23 webpage HERE, or visit the Diocese's EYE23 page HERE. There are also links to pictures, videos, and reflections by the youth from previous EYEs.

The application deadline has been extended to Friday, January 13, 2023. If you still need more time to get your form in, email Sybil Nishioka.

All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to attend the Diocese's first youth retreat since the pandemic began nearly 3 years ago! Join in on the fun and action ziplining, paddle boarding, playing games, making new friends, and getting a fresh start with God and our community.

The retreat takes place at Camp Mokule'ia, February 3-5, and will be led by special guest speaker and worship leader Easton Davis from the Diocese of Georgia. Scholarships are available, including air travel for neighbor island youth. Email Lynea (the Camp's Assistant Director) to take advantage of scholarship opportunities. For more information, download the Diocesan Youth Retreat flyer HERE. Youth and chaperones can register using the QR Code on the flyer or click HERE.

In a special Epiphany message from the Bishop that went out on January 6, 2023, we shared a photo of the folks at The Cathedral and Diocesan Support Center taking part in the "chalking of the doors" of the Memorial Building. Now you can view a video of the blessing and chalking by clicking on the image at left. It's a growing practice of an old tradition that churches and families are taking up! Learn more about this Epiphany blessing HERE.(Photos/video by S. Nishioka)

The Bishop was with Epiphany Episcopal Church in Honolulu, on Saturday, January 7, 2023, for “The Renewal of Ministry with the Welcoming of a New Rector” service. The Rev. Christopher Bridges has been serving as the “Priest-in-Charge” for the past three years. Having been elected Rector by the Vestry with the support of the Bishop, Chris was formally instituted as Rector on Saturday. (Contributed photo)

The Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center (PJRC) has been organizing a very special service of remembrance and solidarity each year, in honor of Queen Lili'uokalani, who, even after the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, strongly believed in reconciliation and nonviolence. People and leaders of all faiths come together for this powerful service of reconciliation called Ho'okuikahi.

After a two-year absence due to COVID, the PJRC is pleased to announce the return of Ho'okuikahi on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. This year's event will take place at the First United Methodist Church, 1020 S. Beretania St. in Honolulu, beginning at 6:30 PM. For more information, view the letter to the Bishop, event flyer and Senate Resolution HERE, or contact the Rev. Kaleo Patterson.

Wallyhouse, the successful outreach program stationed at St. Elizabeth's in Honolulu, welcomes Brother Damien Joseph (second from left) and the new House Manager, Eric Scotton (second from right). They are joined by Lovely, Jinna, and new volunteer Maurice. (Photo from the St. Elizabeth newsletter)

'Iolani School in Honolulu is seeking a full-time Chaplain Curate for a two-year period. Housing is provided. The full job description can be viewed HERE. Apply direct with the school through their online portal HERE.

All Saints' Episcopal Church in Kapa'a will be hosting an organ concert featuring John W. W. Sherer, on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The concert is free (donations welcome). For more information, visit the event webpage HERE.

Trinity By-the-Sea Episcopal Church invites you to a Celebration of a New Ministry of the Installation of their Vicar, the Rev. John A. Hau'oli Tomoso, on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 9:00 AM. Clergy are invited to vest - red stoles. A reception and lunch to follow. RSVP by Friday, January 13, 2023, by email or call (808) 879-0161.

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church invites you to a Celebration of a New Ministry with their Rector, the Rev. Moki Hino, on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Clergy are invited to vest - red stoles. Potluck to follow - please bring a dish to share. Email or call (808) 244-4656.

[January 6, 2023] Dioceses and parishes across The Episcopal Church will honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the holiday weekend of his birthday, Jan. 14-16, with services and other events both in-person and online. READ MORE

St. Andrew's Priory Merit Scholarship - St. Andrew's Priory is now accepting applications for their Merit Scholarship, which is a half tuition award for new and current students entering grades 6, 7, and 9 in the 2023-24 school year. Deadline to apply is February 15, 2023. For more information view the postcard HERE, or visit their website HERE.