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March 13, 2025

This issue's header photo was taken at The Cathedral of St. Andrew on Sunday, March 2, during a special Choral Evensong event, honoring King Kamehameha V and the laying of the cornerstone, followed by the installation of the Cathedral's Dean, the Very Rev. Heather Patton-Graham (who is pictured at far left). Read all about this momentous occasion under the Featured Articles section further below. (Photo: Marco Garcia Photography).

Second Sunday in Lent

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE BISHOP'S CORNER

The Bishop will be traveling and out of the office for most of March.

Be sure to stay informed with the Bishop's latest messages by clicking on the button shown. All video messages also appear on the Dioceseʻs YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

FEATURE STORIES

Cathedral Celebration Marks Historic Times and Future of Hope

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, during a special Festive Choral Evensong event, The Cathedral of St. Andrew honored King Kamehameha V on the anniversary of the laying of the Cathedral cornerstone. The service included the installation of its Dean, the Very Rev. Heather Patton-Graham. It was a momentous occasion, honoring the vision of King Kamehameha IV and his wife, Queen Emma, who established the Anglican Church in Hawai'i. It was a time of hope for the church back then, and on this day, the hope continues with its new Dean, as she leads during tumultuous times. READ FULL ARTICLE

Vision to Fruition: St. John the Baptist's Successful Collaboration

Last month, St. John the Baptist Episcopal in Māʻili, blessed the opening of their new Thrift Shop during the Bishop's Visitation. The Thrift Shop was a vision in the works for a while, but it wasn't until a special collaboration between two priests brought it to fruition. During last year's Clergy Retreat at Camp Mokulē'ia, St. John's Vicar, the Rev. Jazzy Bostock, found herself in conversation the Rev. Karen Swanson. "I was bemoaning that there were so many tasks for me to do, and I often wish that there was some help!" said Jazzy. READ FULL ARTICLE

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities.

This Saturday! Celebration of Life for Linda Kuʻualoha Akana Sproat


A celebration of the life and work of Linda Ku‘ualoha Akana Sproat will be held at Christ Memorial Church in Kīlauea on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Visitation is from 9:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM, and a celebration to follow at 3049 Kaohe Road in Kalihiwai. Linda died on January 6, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. The last living founding member of Christ Memorial Episcopal Church on Kaua'i, Linda joins a list of remarkable lay women in the Diocese, recognized for her tireless work in the community, state, national and international levels, and was especially active with the Anglican Indigenous Peoples' Committee.

Deadline to register is this Saturday, March 15!

Insight Space and Licensed Lay Ministries Training

In case you missed it, read the special announcement HERE for the next session of Insight Space and Licensed Lay Ministries Training that begins on Saturday, March 22. Insight Space is a four-month program designed to support individuals discerning a call to ordained ministry as well as those seeking to serve as licensed lay ministers. To register, click HERE.

Deadline has been moved up!

Register now to secure your preferred workshop!

ANNUAL CHRISM MASS & SPRING TRAINING:

Turning Our Hearts, Minds & Hands to the 'Aina

Join us for the Diocese's Annual Chrism Mass & Spring Training event being held at The Cathedral of St. Andrew on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The day will begin at 9:00 AM with the Chrism Mass and Eucharist, that will include the Renewal of Clergy Vows and Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Spring Training follows, hosted by the Diocese's new Huli team, a collaborative effort involving three Diocesan ministries: Kahuaola (formerly the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Task Force), the Racial Reconciliation Task Force, and the Native Hawaiian Ministry Committee. This dynamic group will be offering events and activities throughout 2025 with a focus on "turning our hearts, minds and hands to the 'aina." Join them on this transformative journey to huli and carry on this important call and responsibility in the Diocese and world. Click on the buttons below to learn more or to register now.


Hurry! Registration deadline is now Thursday, March 20!

Scholarships and covered interisland airfare for two from each neighbor island church are available.

Ho'imi Pono Trainings are Underway! Sign Up Now!

The Diocese's Racial Reconciliation Task Force is thrilled to kick off our training sessions for churches using the Ho’imi Pono curriculum. A big mahalo to Holy Nativity, Good Samaritan, and St. Augustine's (pictured), for their engagement with the training! We have additional sessions lined up and are eager to schedule more dates. The training is engaging and packed with valuable information on presenting the curriculum. Keep in mind that this foundational course focusing on sharing our story and the essence of effective communication. In addition to leaders and potential facilitators, community members are warmly welcomed to join the training. To reserve your date, please reach out to Mary Carpenter by email HERE or call (808) 221-4367. Click on the buttons to learn more:

What does Ho'imi Pono Mean?
Overview of Ho'imi Pono

Coming Up! Second Immigration Rights Meeting

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, over 100 faith leaders, immigrants, community activists and lawyers came together at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu, to learn about the legal landscape involving undocumented people in America, and to discuss a faith response to the current war on the undocumented. This group plans to gather regularly to continue to learn how to respond, to assist green card holders with moving toward citizenship, and to live out God’s command that we care for the stranger and the migrant.


The next gathering will be held at St. Elizabeth's (720 N. King Street, Honolulu) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be shared on Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83953148485


SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE: Leading the charge is the Rev. David Gierlach of the Diocese's newly revitalized Social Justice Task Force, as requested by the Bishop a few weeks ago. Fr. David was the Rector of St. Elizabeth's for many years until his retirement last year. If you are interested in joining the Social Justice Task Force and efforts like these immigration gatherings, please email HERE, or call Fr. David at (808) 673-8930.

Retired Clergy Families:

The Talk Story Project - Part 3 of the Aulenbach Story

The latest installment in the Retired Clergy Families Talk Story Project is now posted on the Diocesan website HERE. In this posting, the Rev. Bil Aulenbach shares Part 3 of his stories and recollections. Part 1 and 2 were posted in 2021, and this is a continuing segment of his writings. The Talk Story Project is a (growing) collection of stories from Diocesan-related retired clergy, spouses, widows and their families.

Your Lenten Journey

Lent is underway and It's not too late to sign up for resources, daily devotions, and even take part in a fun game to learn about the Saints of the Church's Calendar, all to help guide you through this time of preparation and reflection. The buttons below will take you to previously announced sites.

What's Happening at Camp Mokulē'ia

Click on the blocks for more info and to register!

DIOCESAN YOUTH RETREAT

April 11-13

EPISCOPAL 'OHANA STAY-CAY

May 2-4

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

(From June 15)

Summer Camp Counselors Needed!


We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic employees and dedicated volunteers who share our passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you have a knack for leadership, a love for the outdoors, or simply want to make a difference in the lives of young campers, we welcome your unique talents and perspectives. Together, we can create a place of rest, recreation, and renewal. CLICK HERE NOW!

2025 LIT (Leadership Training) Retreat Recap


We kicked off this two part leadership weekend with 8 amazing high schoolers. They learned the tools necessary to help others feel valued, appreciated, and a part of the team! By the end of the weekend all 8 youth were able to facilitate an activity and offer reflection questions to guide the group in bonding. We are all looking forward to the Diocesan Youth Retreat which is the second part of their leadership program! Where our amazing LITs will help lead activities and small group discussion with the youth at the DYM!

2025 GRANTS AVAILABLE: CARBON REDUCTION ASSISTANCE GRANT (CRAG) - The Diocese announces the Carbon Reduction Assistance Grant, funds to help with your Carbon Reduction projects. Projects that are likely to be supported: alternative energy source projects (solar, carbon offsets), energy audits, energy efficient appliances and light bulb retrofits, safe building tear down and removal. The Task Force would also entertain other ideas that would result in carbon reduction or energy efficiency. The following is the structure and criteria for the program:


A. Congregation submits request of up to $800 to Kahuaola with the following information

  1. Budget for project
  2. Narrative about how project will reduce energy use/reduce carbon
  3. Timeline for project


B. Review by CC&EJ Task Force

  1. Congregation is in good standing with diocese and has a Green Team or has named an Environmental Coordinator as contact person
  2. Proposal has clear funding request and demonstrates how the funds will be used to reduce carbon/energy use
  3. Timeline is reasonable so that funds will be used in 2025 budget year.


All project proposals should be sent to the Revs. Jenn Latham and Bree Lloyd HERE.

2025 - SPRING TRAINING: April 5 - Save the date! More info to come

2025 - DIOCESAN YOUTH RETREAT - April 11-13, Camp Mokulē'ia

2025 - CLERGY CONFERENCE: August 25-27 (Tentative)

2025 - CONVENTION 57 (Education Day & Annual Meeting): October 24-25 - Save the date!

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

Coming Up! Regional Confirmation, Reception, Baptism & Reaffirmation

There will be a regional Adult Baptism / Confirmation / Reception / Reaffirmation on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 6:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Easter Vigil. If you have anyone prepared for Adult Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation, please fill out the online form HERE by Friday, April 4, at 5:00 PM, with anyone from your congregation who will be participating.


All participants should plan to arrive by 5:15 PM for a walk-through of the service and to meet with the Bishop prior to the service.

 

For those not on O'ahu, and would like to schedule something on your island, or if you would like to try to arrange for one of your members to attend this event on O'ahu, please contact Nani Carroll HERE.

The Cathedral of St. Andrew: 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813

www.cathedralhawaii.org

COMING UP:

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025

PARISH OF ST. CLEMENT

1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu

SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2025

SOLDIER'S CHAPEL

Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa

IN THE NEWS:

Holy Apostles: Neighborhood Place of Puna opens new Coordination Center


Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Hilo has joined hands with Neighborhood Place of Puna (NPP), offering space in their Parish Hall for their work in the community, beginning on March 17. NPP is a nonprofit organization offering support and resources to families and individuals on Hawai'i Island. Holy Apostles will serve as a "drop-in site" with trained staff available to provide application assistance, phone and computer access, and free Wi-Fi. To read the article, click on the image shown. Deacon Alberta Buller and the Rev. Katlin McCallister are pictured in the photo from left.

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)


LAY POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

The Episcopal Church & Beyond...

Presiding bishop affirms support for church planters as they worry about future of network, grants

[March 11, 2025] The Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas is in the early stages of forming a new worshiping community in Sterling Ranch, Colorado. It would seem to be an ideal location – a rapidly growing suburb of Denver with a high concentration of young families. Grubaugh Thomas says she couldn’t hope to do it alone. READ MORE

Photo:ENS, Grubaugh

MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM

THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:

Reminders (Previously Announced)

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR NOW BEING ACCEPTED - It's that time of year when applications for two Diocesan student scholarship opportunities are made available for the 2025-2026 school year. They are:


  • The Bishop's Scholarship Fund
  • The Chang Clergy Children's Scholarship Fund


Deadline for submission is Friday, April 4, 2024, at 4:00 PM. For more information and to download the application packet, visit the Diocesan website HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Nani Carroll, Executive Assistant to the Bishop, by email HERE or call her at (808) 536-7776, x 302.

REGISTER NOW! THE ASSOCIATION FOR EPISCOPAL DEACONS (AED) will be holding their triennial conference, Ignite Change, in San Antonio, Texas, June 5-8, 2025. The keynote speaker will be Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, and will feature over 30 guest speakers leading a variety of workshops. For more information and to register, click HERE.

Required Safe Church Training - This is a reminder that Safe Church training is mandatory for all clergy, employees, vestry members, and most volunteers. 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. Contact your church's Safe Church Administator or priest for more information, or if you have questions, email Nani Carroll.

Do you have a question? Contact us at (800) 536-7776

The Diocesan Support Center (DSC) staff is ready to help answer your questions. Some of the most common topics are listed along with the person to contact. Click on the linked name to send an email.

BISHOP (meeting with): Nani (ext. 302)

Annual Meeting: Rae (ext. 326)

Archives: Rae (ext. 326)

Budget/Finance: Jasmi (ext. 307)

Communications/News/Website: Sybil

Congregational Membership: Sandy (ext. 309)

TECH Portfolio/Investments: Jasmi (ext. 307)

Hiring/Human Resources: Rae (ext. 326)

Monthly Statement: Cammy (ext. 306)

Ordination/Licensed Ministries: Nani (ext. 302)

Payroll: Jasmi (ext. 307)

Property (Contracts, Insurance, Agreements): Rae (ext. 326)

Safe Church: Nani (ext. 302)

Stewardship: Sandy (ext. 309)

Supply/Visiting Clergy: Nani (ext. 302)

Worship/Sacraments: Sandy (ext. 309)

Don't forget to visit our FORMS & DOCUMENTS page on the Diocesan website HERE.

Catch up on articles you may have missed below!

Visit the Diocesan News Website for past articles and Special Announcements

More Quick Links:

Contact Information
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776