February 26, 2026

This issue's header photo was taken at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua during the Bishop's Visitation on Sunday, February 22, 2026. He is pictured with Bea and the families of two newly Confirmed, Iain Gregory (fourth from left) and Pamela Zoller, second from right. More pictures can be viewed under the Bishop's Corner further below. (Contributed photos)

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.

IN THIS ISSUE:

FEATURE STORIES:

A Taste of Ho'imi Pono

Annual Founder's Day Chapel at 'Iolani School

REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:

Bishop's Corner - Visitation at Emmanuel
Bishop Search & Transition - Continued prayers for discernment
Growing in Grace - Mutual Ministry: Forming the Church for the Work of All the Baptized
Kahuaola - Funding Opportunity: The EmPOWER Grant
Island Happenings - At the Cathedral: Regional Confirmation Coming Up; Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday Around the Diocese

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:

RIP: Shirley Haines Cannon and Charlotte Holmes
Annual Chrism Mass & Spring Training: A Time of Discernment - It's not too late! Registration is staying open!
Apply Now: Student Scholarships for 2026-2027 School Year
Coming Up at Camp Mokulēʻia: Diocesan Youth Retreat, Easter Stay-Cay/Sunrise Service, Mother's Day Lunch
Retired Clergy Families: Part 5 of the Rev. Bil Aulenbach Story
Hui Baibala - Ala Hou: The Seven Sundays of Lent & Easter
Coming Up: O'ahu Highlight - Eucharistic Minister/Eucharistic Visitor Training; see what's happening around the Diocese!

THE BISHOP'S CORNER

Visitation at Emmanuel

Here are more photos from the Bishop's Visitation to Emmanuel Episcopal Church on February 22: Pictured above from left, the Bishop with the Rev. David Gierlach, Vicar, the confirmands with their sponsors; Bishop lays hands on Pamela Zoller. Below, the newly confirmed, Iain Gregory and Pamela Zoller with the Bishop; well wishers and fellowship! Congratulations to all! (Contributed photos)

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

A Taste of Ho'imi Pono

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Diocesan Support Center staff was treated to "a taste" of the Diocese's Ho'imi Pono Anti-Racism training, which was developed by the Racial Reconciliation Task Force (RRTF). About half of their team was on hand to lead a crash course on the curriculum that took years to fine tune and implement. Several congregations in the Diocese have already taken part in this important and timely training that helps open the channels of communication and foster healing where conflict and divisions may exist. Although this session was an abbreviated overview, it still involved deep introspection, self-awareness, role playing, activity, singing, and prayer... lots of it! For this staff person, there were several eye-opening "aha" moments, and I can imagine how much more there is to gain going through the full course. 10 out of 10! All congregations should consider training their leaders to implement this program! For more information, contact Mary Carpenter HERE or call 808-221-4367.

(Pictured in the group shot from left are: Mary Carpenter (RRTF), the Rev. Cn. Andrew Arakawa (who was on the original team), Jasmi Regmi, Kaori Matsumoto, Kalani Holokai, the Rev. Brian Rallison, Bea Fitzpatrick (RRTF), Nani Carroll, the Rev. Cn. Sandy Graham, Laura La Gassa (RRTF), Sybil Nishioka, Rae Costa, Joseph Eppink (RRTF), Cammy Liu, and Bishop Bob. Pictured above from left, the trainers, Mary, Bea and Laura; Joseph Eppink doing what he does so well--play music! Canon Sandy and Kalani singing, Mary Caprpenter leading an activity. - Contributed photos)

Annual Founder's Day Chapel at 'Iolani School

[February 6, 2026, 'Iolani School Facebook page] The annual Founders’ Day Chapel, honoring the legacy of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, was held this morning concurrently in two locations. Lower School students gathered in St. Alban’s Chapel. Upper School students congregated in the Lower Gym, along with members of the Royal Societies, who made offerings of ho‘okupu. Monday is the heavenly birthday of King Kamehameha IV, born Alexander ʻIolani Liholiho on February 9, 1834. He was the ruling monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i from January 11, 1855, until his death on November 30, 1863, at the age of 29. Along with his wife, Queen Emma, Kamehameha IV was the royal patron who brought the Church of England to Hawai‘i in 1862. Shortly thereafter, Anglican clergy established schools on O‘ahu and Maui. A few years later, one of those schools for boys remained and was renamed ‘Iolani College.

(Images are screenshots from a video on the 'Iolani School Facebook page. Click HERE to view this short but beautiful reel.)

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

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

Please continue to pray for the Search Committee as we further our discernment, the Transitions committee as they prepare to welcome the candidates, and the newly elected delegates who will vote with clergy in May. Stay informed about the status and related events on the Bishop Transition webpage HERE.

RIP: Shirley Haines Cannon and Charlotte Holmes

We share the sad news of the death of two clergy spouses:

Shirley Haines Cannon, wife of the Rev. Charles "Chuck" Cannon, died on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Point Roberts, WA. There will be a memorial service at Lighthouse Park in Point Roberts sometime in the Summer.

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, Shirley Haines Cannon, being departed from this world in the confession of your Holy Name that she and all the departed may be welcomed into the company of thy saints, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mrs. Charlotte Holmes, the wife of the late Rev. John Holmes, died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Hilo. There are no plans for services at this time.

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, Charlotte Holmes, being departed from this world in the confession of your Holy Name that she and all the departed may be welcomed into the company of thy saints, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

It's not too late! Registration is staying open!

Annual Chrism Mass & Spring Training:

A Time of Discernment

Our annual Chrism Mass and Spring Training event at The Cathedral of St. Andrew is this Saturday, February 28, and we are keeping registration open for those who missed the deadline. For those registering at the door, please plan to arrive by 8:30 a.m. This year's theme is "A Time of Discernment" as the people of the Diocese and all of God's people are facing crossroads. Delegates to convention are urged to attend, as we prepare for the election of a new bishop. In case you missed the latest special announcement with event details, click HERE to read it now, or visit the event webpage HERE or scan the QR code. To register now, click HERE. We also have available the Chrism Mass bulletin which can be downloaded HERE.

Deadline to apply is March 20, 2026!

Student Scholarships for 2026-2027 School Year

Applications for two diocesan student scholarship opportunities are being accepted for the 2026-2027 school year. They are:

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

Application packets are due in the Office of the Bishop by Friday, March 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m. For more information and to download the complete application packet with the Bishop's letter, eligibility, and application, click HERE or 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.

Coming Up at Camp Mokulēʻia

Big events are coming up at Camp Mokulēʻia! Visit their website HERE (or scan the QR code) to learn more and register today!

APRIL 10 - 12, 2026 DIOCESAN YOUTH RETREAT

Calling all youth in grades 6-12 for a fabulous weekend of fun and fellowship!

APRIL 3-5

EASTER STAY-CAY

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

SUNDAY, MAY 11

MOTHER'S DAY LUNCH

Retired Clergy Families: Part 5 of the Rev. Bil 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 posts Part 5, his final chapter in the Talk Story project. The Talk Story Project is a (growing) collection of stories from Diocesan-related retired clergy, spouses, widows and their families.

Hui Baibala - Ala Hou: The Seven Sundays of Lent & Easter

Dr. Kahu Kaleo Patterson shares a great Hawaiian language resource on the Seven Sundays of Lent and Easter, featuring the Gospel Lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary; in Hawaiian and English, with selected Hawaiian words and definitions, to inspire homiletic and hermeneutic reflection, and study of the Hawaiian language.

Mahalo to the Project Hui Baibala working group for assisting with this Hawaiian Language resource: Monika Jost, Mahealani Kepa, Jill Coryell, Steve Costa, Mary Carpenter, John Hau’oli Tomoso, Kent Kaahanui, Kaleo Patterson.

This Kalema - Ala Hou 2026 is dedicated to Dr. Kahu Haaheo Guanson who left with a band of angels on December 14, 2025. She was a very active Hui Baibala Team member and led many Bible studies in Hawai'i’s prisons. This resource is being made available to all clergy and lay, and to all the incarcerated men and women in the Hawai'i Department of Public Safety, and in particular, Halawa Correctional, Waiawa Correctional, Women’s Community, and the Federal Detention Center of Honolulu.

Download Kalema-Ala Hou

Also for your continuing Lenten Journey...

As you continue on your Lenten journey, you can still access resources and daily devotions to guide you through this time of preparation and reflection. The buttons below will take you to sites including The Episcopal Church's main resource site that includes a host of different offerings! We also include the annual Lent Madness challenge, a fun way to learn about The Episcopal Church’s Calendar of Saints in a game to determine "Who will win the Golden Halo?" Our very own Queen Emma almost won the title several years ago!

Mutual Ministry: Forming the Church for the Work of All the Baptized

By the Rev. Canon Andrew J. Arakawa, Canon for Ministry Formation

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak via Zoom with Emily Meeks from Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS). Emily serves with the Mutual Ministry Initiative (MMi) in VTS’s Lifelong Learning Department and has been gathering data on formation programs across the wider Church. I was grateful for the chance to share about the Waiolaihuiʻia Center for Ministry and to reflect together on the development of Mutual Ministry models in our denomination.

Since VTS’s Lifelong Learning Department received a Lilly Endowment “Pathways for Tomorrow” grant in 2022 to launch MMi, I have been energized by the possibilities that shared ministry models hold for strengthening congregations and deepening our discipleship as followers of Christ.

Mutual Ministry invites us to reimagine the Church, not as a place where ministry is delivered to people, but as a community where ministry is shared among all the baptized. The ministry settings awaiting today’s leaders are increasingly diverse. READ MORE

Funding Opportunity: The EmPOWER Grant

High energy prices, perhaps now more than ever, mean reducing your electricity costs could be crucial to keeping your small business or nonprofit open here in Hawai'i. An EmPOWER grant could help with just that as you continue to navigate the challenges of today’s economy. Find out how your business, nonprofit, or restaurant could benefit from a grant today HERE.

OPPORTUNITIES

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector - Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, Hilo, Big Island
Part-time Vicar - Grace Episcopal Church, Ho'olehua, Moloka'i
Full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector - St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, Honolulu, O'ahu

LAY POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Part-time Church Office Administrator - Lutheran Church of Honolulu, O'ahu (Note: The Episcopal Church and ELCA are in a relationship of full communion.)

Annual Chrism Mass & Spring Training: Saturday, February 28 - Cathedral of St. Andrew
Diocesan Youth Day: Saturday, March 7 - St. Columba's, Hawaii Island
Ke Aloha Kākou Candidate Meet-and-Greets: April 23-26, all islands! More info HERE.
SPECIAL MEETING OF CONVENTION TO ELECT THE 6TH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I: Saturday, May 16 - 'Iolani School

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

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

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

Coming Up! Regional Confirmation Event

There will be a regional Adult Baptism / Confirmation / Reception / Reaffirmation on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at The Cathedral of St. Andrew, during the Easter Vigil. ALL CHURCHES: If you have anyone prepared for Adult Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation, please take note: Fill out the online form HERE by Friday, March 22 at 4:00 p.m. with anyone from your congregation who will be participating. Participants should plan to arrive by 5:30 p.m. for a walk-through of the service and to meet with the Bishop. Contact Nani Carroll HERE if you have any questions.

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

www.cathedralhawaii.org

SHROVE TUESDAY & ASH WEDNESDAY

AROUND THE DIOCESE...

COMING UP!

O'ahu Highlight:

Eucharistic Minister/Eucharistic Visitor Training

The Gifts of God for the People of God +++ Nā Makana a ke Akua no ka Po‘e o ke Akua

Gather at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Queen Emma Square for Eucharistic Minister and Visitor Training:

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026

10:30 A.M. - 12:00 noon

All needing training or license renewal are welcome! Please register by emailing the Cathedral Office: office@cathedralhawaii.org

TOMORROW! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu

Does your church have an upcoming event you'd like posted? Send your graphics to Diocesan Communications HERE.

THIS SATURDAY! FEBRUARY 28

Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Hwy., Honolulu, O'ahu

TUESDAY, MARCH 1

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

St. Columba's, 43-1425 Hauola Rd, Pa‘auilo, Hawai'i Island

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

St. Michaell & All Angels, 4364 Hardy St., Lihue, Kaua'i

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Hawai'i Island

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

(Online via Zoom)

Shared by Holy Apostles, Hilo, Hawai'i Island

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

St. Columba's, 43-1425 Hauola Rd, Pa‘auilo, Hawai'i Island

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH MARCH 25

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu

ONGOING THURSDAYS

St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Hawai'i Island

ONGOING FIRST SATURDAYS

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu

The Episcopal Church & Beyond...

Reminders (Previously Announced)

Church of the Holy Apostles in Hilo is now receiving names for a full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector. Interested persons can visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information and to download the church profile. The deadline for receiving names is Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Ho'imi Pono Training for your Congregation! Ready to schedule Anti-Racism training for your church leadership, clergy, vestry, and Bishop's Committee? Contact Mary Carpenter HERE or call 808-221-4367

The Episcopal Church Survey on Household and Relationship Diversity - All Episcopalians are invited to complete a 15- to 20-minute survey offered by the Task Force to Study Household and Relationship Diversity and designed to help the church better understand and support all its members. Participants are encouraged to learn more and complete the survey by March 1. CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY NOW.

Registration is now open for the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Leadership Retreat taking place in Seattle, Washington, April 15-17, 2026. Based in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia in cooperation with the Church’s Asiamerica Ministries, this retreat offers a sacred space for clergy and lay leaders of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage to explore AANHPI history, worship together, and translate collective stories into advocacy for migrant communities.For more information and to register, click HERE.

Applications Open for 2026-2027 Episcopal Service Year for Young Adults - Young adults interested in a transformative outreach experience in the U.S. or abroad are encouraged to apply for unique opportunities with the Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) and Young Adult Service Corps (YASC). Apply online 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.