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This issue's header photo was taken at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Honolulu on Sunday, March 15, during the Bishop's Visitation. He was given a special job of blessing some cuddly ragdolls that are a part of a project of the Sunday School. Read more about it in the Bishop's Corner further below. (Contributed photo)

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

"Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

FEATURE STORIES:

Historic Flooding Wreaks Havoc Across the Diocese

Reporting on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:

• Bishop's Corner - House of Bishops Meeting, Visitation at St. Elizabeth's, Letter from Polynesia
• Bishop Search & Transition - Final Slate of Three Candidates for the Sixth Bishop
• Growing in Grace - Rethinking Formation for the Church We Have
• Kahuaola - Episcopal Creation Care Gathering Network
• Island Happenings - At the Cathedral

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:

• Special Meeting of Convention to Elect the Sixth Bishop - Registration is now open!
• St. Christopher's Receiving Names for Priest-in-Charge/Rector
• Holy Week & Easter Services Around the Diocese with Palm Sunday & Holy Week Special Worship Opportunities
• Deadline for Bishops' Scholarships: March 31
• Storymakers - Time to renew subscriptions or sign up!
• Retired Clergy Families Talk Story - Joanne Coon
• Coming Up: O'ahu Highlight - Christian Nationalism Presentation at Emmanuel; see what's happening around the Diocese!

The Bishop escaped a few days of the horrific storms in Hawai'i, to attend the House of Bishops meeting at Camp Allen Conference Center in the Diocese of Texas, March 17-23, 2026. He joined over 120 bishops and bishops-elect from around the world, focusing on the challenges and opportunities the Church is facing, including theological education and partnerships across the globe.

"One of the things I did was to lead the House of Bishops in a guided conversation about Holy Communion norms and issues of dioceses with a priest shortage to serve small congregations," said the Bishop. He is pictured at right during his presentation.

Read all about the important topics, work, and discussions that took place during the House of Bishops meeting:

• A pastoral word to The Episcopal Church from the March 2026 gathering of the House of Bishops
• Training Episcopal priests for ministry is central topic at House of Bishops’ weeklong meeting

The Bishop visited St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and despite the weather, a great group was in attendance. Pictured below from left are the Rev. Imelda Padasdao, the Bishop, Ronald San Augustin, who was received into the Episcopal Church, and presented by Faye Marino and the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham.

"The Bishop blessed the handmade ragdolls that are made with donated materials out of funds collected by the Sunday School," said Canon Sandy, "after they are blessed, they are ready to be given to anyone 'in need of a friend.'"

Below center, blessed ragdolls are ready to go to their new owners while the Bishop Celebrates the Eucharist, and at right, Bea Fitzpatrick joins the clergy for a group shot.

History of the Ragdolls

Canon Sandy shared the picture at right (circa 2016) from Sue Yap that shows the first batch of ragdolls made and blessed with Mary Page Jones, Bishop Bob Jones, Jamie Chock and Jamie's mom, Akiu Chock, who was one of many who stitched the ragdolls!

 (Contributed photos)

Historic Flooding Wreaks Havoc Across the Diocese

During the month of March, two back-to-back low pressure Kona storm systems wreaked havoc across the Hawaiian Island chain, causing some of the worst flooding the state has seen in decades. The first storm hit during the second week of March with weather stations on all islands reporting record-breaking rainfall daily. Torrential rains compounded with powerful wind gusts caused widespread destruction, especially in communities located near steams and run-off areas. After days of rain, saturated grounds and swollen streams had reached their limits turning roadways and fields into raging rivers, uprooting trees and leaving a trail of flooded vehicles. Thankfully, there have been no deaths reported.

During the second storm system a few days later, areas on the north shore of O'ahu were evacuated due to the threat of a dam breach. Our own Camp Mokulēʻia, had already incurred heavy damage from the first storm including the loss of 10 trees and their zipline. Darrell Whitaker, Executive Director of the Camp, and his family, remained on site in the Lodge along with Libby Langford, the Food Services Director. They kept the generator going and a watchful eye on the property. One night at 3:00 a.m., Darrell reported that the entire camp grounds were flooded, knee-deep in most places, but it was during daylight when they could assess the damage. An ironwood tree had crushed a staffer's car, the already soft sandy soil left giant sink holes jeopardizing the seawall. There was structural damage to bathrooms, yurts, tentalos, and camp sites were washed out, including taking one of the tentalos into the ocean. (In case you missed it, a special announcement went out yesterday, March 25, with updates and ways to help support the camp by volunteering or making donations. Click HERE to view it.)

Rae Costa, Operations Manager, sent out an email to all churches with links for resources and information for filing claims. While churches clean up and assess damages, please keep all those affected by the flood in your prayers. The recovery and clean-up statewide will be a monumental task.

For those seeking assistance or those wishing to make donations, comprehensive lists can be found on the websites for Hawaii Public Radio (HERE) and Honolulu Magazine (HERE). On O'ahu, While many of our churches are actively involved in feeding programs, St. Stephen's has partnered up with the Hawai'i Foodbank and a number of sites to provide flood relief and free food. The latest listing is shown below, but visit the St. Stephen's website HERE for the most current information.



(Contributed photos)

In case you missed the March 23 Special Announcement:

FINAL SLATE OF THREE CANDIDATES FOR THE SIXTH BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I

With the close of the Nomination by Petition period, the Standing Committee is pleased to announce that the Rev. Elizabeth “Libby” Berman, Rector of the Church of the Holy Nativity, Honolulu, has successfully petitioned into nomination. Rev. Libby’s petition came as a result of her personal and community discernment.

She now joins the two candidates previously announced by the Search Committee — the Rev. Andrew Arakawa and the Rev. Timothy Yanni — forming the final slate of three candidates for the Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi. Please visit the Bishop Search & Transition webpage HERE for more information about all three candidates on the final slate.

The Rev. Canon Andrew J. Arakawa

Lower School Chaplain, 'Iolani School, Honolulu, HI

The Rev. Elizabeth "Libby" Berman

Rector, Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, Honolulu, H

The Rev. Timothy J. Yanni

Rector, The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Phoenix, AZ

Important Schedule Updates to the Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greets - Register by April 16!

From April 23 - 26, 2026, folks will have a chance to meet and engage directly with the candidates for the Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, through Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greets taking place around the Diocese. You may attend in person or participate from home through livestreams and/or Zoom being offered at all sites.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The dates and times for the gatherings have changed over the past few weeks, so be sure you are aware of the latest and most accurate schedule that can be found on the Search webpage HERE. Earlier announcements likely have an outdated schedule. If you had already registered by Wednesday, March 25, you should have received a confirmation email from Alofa Carpenter, the Search & Transition Administrative Assistant. If you are unsure about your status, or would like to change a site you already registered for, or have any questions about the Search and related activities, please contact Alofa through this link HERE.

Please continue to pray for the Diocese: PRAYER FOR THE SEARCH FOR OUR NEXT BISHOP

Registration is open:

Join ‘Lift Up Your Hearts:

A Palm Sunday Vigil’ with

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

March 29, 8 p.m. (EST, 3:00 p.m. HST)

Join Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe for an online vigil the evening of Palm Sunday to pray for the continued conversion of our hearts and for God’s blessing on our witness during Holy Week. The service will include a reflection from Bishop Rowe, special music, and readings by Episcopalians from all nine provinces of the church. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Deadline coming up: March 31, 2026!

Bishops' Scholarships for 2026-2027 School Year

The latest installment in the Retired Clergy Families Talk Story Project is now posted on the Diocesan website HERE. In this posting, Deborah Hall, daughter of Joanne Coon and the Rev. David Coon, shares the eulogy she gave at her mother's funeral. The Talk Story Project is a (growing) collection of stories from Diocesan-related retired clergy, spouses, widows and their families.

A recent article in The Living Church reported that the House of Bishops and seminary leaders spent extended time reflecting on the future of theological education across our church at their retreat at Camp Allen, Texas. Their conversations named a shared reality: the world in which our leaders are formed has changed, and so must the ways we prepare them. They spoke of the need for closer collaboration between bishops, seminaries, and diocesan programs as we raise up leaders for many contexts, not just one imagined “standard” parish.

Across the Episcopal Church, bishops and seminary leaders are naming a clear shift: the future of theological education cannot rest solely on traditional, residential seminary models. Instead, the emerging picture looks more like a network of seminaries, diocesan schools, and local programs that together form leaders for many contexts, not just one. That vision resonates deeply with life and ministry here in Hawaiʻi. READ MORE

Episcopal Creation Care Gathering Network

Have you heard about the Episcopal Church's Creation Care Gathering Network? They hold monthly Zoom gatherings "featuring mentors and leaders on Creation Care and the intersections of evangelism, discipleship, and justice." They will also be holding their second annual in-person gathering on September 23-26, 2026, in London, Ohio. Click HERE to learn more about this great ministry, and plan to attend the September gathering!

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)



• Full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector - St. Christoper's Episcopal Church, Kailua, O'ahu
• 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.)

• Diocesan Youth Retreat: April 10-12 - Camp Mokulēʻia
• Camp Mokulēʻia Summer Camp Open House: Sunday, April 12
• 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 More info HERE.

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

Slipper Drive Continues

For Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani Middle School continues through the Season of Lent. Collection bins in the Cathedral.

Regional Confirmation Event

Saturday, April 4, 2026

6:30 p.m. during the Easter Vigil

Sunday Movies at the Cathedral!

Sunday, April 12, 2026

12:00 Noon

Von Holt Room, Snacks provided

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

www.cathedralhawaii.org

COMING UP!

THIS SATURDAY! MARCH 28

Hālau Wa'a, 91-1122 Kama'aha Loop, Kapolei, O'ahu

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

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

POSTPONED! TBA

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 17-18

St. John's, 8992 Kula Hwy, Kula, Maui

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu

ONGOING THURSDAYS

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

ONGOING FIRST SUNDAYS

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

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

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

MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM

THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:

• Episcopal delegates, leaders reflect on 70th UN Commission on the Status of Women (3/24/26)
• Supreme Court hears case supported by Episcopal leaders challenging US asylum policies (3/24/26)
• Hawai‘i diocese calls for prayers after rainstorms, floods devastate O‘ahu’s North Shore (3/23/26)

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

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.

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)