e-newsletter Tuesday Christmas Weekday (V: 01) The Most Holy Name of Jesus (optional memorial) January 03, 2012

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1 Diocese of Honolulu e-newsletter Tuesday Christmas Weekday (V: 01) The Most Holy Name of Jesus (optional memorial) January 03, 2012 [All articles and pictures may be copied and used in parish/school bulletins and newsletters.] 1

2 In this Issue: New Events/Announcements Holy Father s Prayer Intentions for January 2012 Word of Life Intercessions for Life January 8, 2012 Rest in Peace View Ordination Video & Photos at hictv.com Celebrate Life, Family and Religious Freedom! HCCRS JANUARY 2012 EVENTS St. John Vianney 2 nd Annual Breakfast with the Bishop Fill These Hearts: God, Sex and The Universal Longing Director of Campus Ministry needed at Chaminade Holy Name Society Sponsors Pro-Life Luncheon, Feb. 11, 2012 EJ Resinto s Seminarian Blog Walking Daily with Jesus Previous Events/Announcements Molokai Parishes to join Central Oahu Vicariate Civil Unions sanctioned by State on January 1, 2012 Catholic Relief Services Special Report: Philippines National Vocation Awareness Week January 9-14, 2012 Opportunities to Keep Our Faith Alive in Latin America and Among Black and Indian Missions Rest in Peace Sr. Kathleen Marie Shields, CSJ January Webinar: Eight Ways to Keep Your RCIA Process from Dying Proclaiming the Theology of the Body: A Seminar for Clergy Pope Benedict XVI Approves Canonization of Blessed Marianne Sainthood for Blessed Marianne Cope March for Life Hawaii, Jan. 22, 2012 Start Planning Now for 2013 World Youth Day in Brazil LIFE ISSUES FORUM On Conscience Rights: There Oughta Be a Law Jerry Correa to Succeed Sr. Agnelle Ching as CEO of St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii Key Dates for our Priests Key Dates for our Permanent Deacons ephoto Holy Father s Prayer Intentions for January 2012 From the Vatican General Intention: Victims of Natural Disasters. That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives. Missionary Intention: Dedication to Peace. That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will. 2

3 Word of Life Intercessions for Life January 8, 2012 Submitted by Deacon Walter Yoshimitsu, Chancellor January 8, 2012 The Epiphany of the Lord For all who support abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, the death penalty or other destruction of human life; that the light of our Christian witness will guide them to the Lo9rd of Life and Truth; We pray to the Lord: Bulletin Brief A society is truly human when without reservations it protects and respects the dignity of every person from conception until the moment of his or her natural death. However, should it decide to get rid of its members in the greatest need of protection, it would be behaving in a profoundly inhuman and also distorted manner with regard to the equality obvious to every person of good will of the dignity of all people, in all stages of life. ~Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Hon. Reinhard Schweppe, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Holy See, November 7, Rest in Peace From the Office of the Bishop The Diocese of Honolulu and the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of Perpetual Adoration (SSCC) mourn the passing of Sr. Seraphina Maziliauskaite and the mother of Sr. Helene Wood, Ruby Leialoha Richard Wood, on Thursday, December 29, 2011; both were 104 years old. Sr. Seraphina Maziliauskaite ( ) came to Hawaii in 1937 and was the last of the missionary sisters from Lithuania. She taught at several island schools until her retirement in Services for Sr. Seraphina will take place as follows: Date: Monday, January 9, 2012 Location: Malia O Ka Malu Convent, th Ave., Honolulu, HI Mass: 11:30 a.m. followed by burial at Hawaiian Memorial Cemetery Ruby Leialoha Richard Wood ( ) is the mother of Sr. Helene Wood, recently retired Office of Worship director. Ruby Wood was also a long time educator in Hawaii having taught at Kalihi Waena and Ala Wai Elementary. Services for Ruby Wood will take place as follows: Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Location: St. Patrick, th Ave., Honolulu, HI Viewing : 9:00 10:30 a.m.; Rosary: 10:30 a.m. Eulogy: 11:00 a.m.; Mass: 11:15 a.m. followed by burial at Diamond Head Memorial Park. Condolences for both Sr. Seraphina and Ruby Wood can be sent to Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, Malia O Ka Malu Community, th Ave., Honolulu, HI

4 View Ordination Video & Photos at hictv.com From Fr. Peter Dumag, Vocations Director Anthony Wayne Rapozo was ordained by Bishop Larry Silva on Friday, December 30, Video and photos of the ordination are now available for viewing and downloading at: For the video: For the photos: Please pass this on to your parish communities, especially those discerning the ordained ministry and the consecrated life. Celebrate Life, Family and Religious Freedom! Submitted by the Hawaii Catholic Conference, Hawaii Family Forum and Respect Life Office Throughout our history, America (and especially our island home of Hawai i) has been a land defined by aloha, religious faith and freedom. Religious freedom is our first and most fundamental, God-given right deemed so precious that our Founding Fathers enshrined it in the U.S. Constitution. Our founding fathers called this the "first freedom!" To that end, the Hawaii Catholic Conference, Hawaii Family Forum and the diocesan Respect Life Office have partnered to bring civil rights leader Dr. Alveda King (niece of Dr. Martin Luther King) to Hawaii to Celebrate Life, Family & Religious Freedom. This event, that also features former Lt. Governor James Duke Aiona and Hawaiian community leader Colette Machado, is taking place on January 11, 2011, from 6:30 9:00 p.m., at the Koolau Ballrooms and Conference Center. So why is religious freedom under attack in Hawaii today and what difference will attending this dinner make? For decades, radical anti-christian groups have been on a mission in Hawai i to eliminate any public expression of our faith and heritage. By influencing our local government, filing lawsuits, and spreading the myth of the so-called separation of church and state, this opposition has been successful at forcing its agenda on the people of Hawai i. The speakers will address why these targeted attacks on religious freedom are more serious and widespread than you may realize. In courtrooms and schoolrooms, offices and shops, public buildings and even churches across our state those who believe in God are increasingly threatened, punished, and silenced. In a previous letter, Bishop Silva emphasized that it is our obligation to protect the right to life and we must continue to join our voices in opposition to...assault on...life and to urge others to do so as well. This evening will be an educational opportunity for all who attend to step up to protect life, family and our religious freedom. We truly believe that this event will energize the community by reinforcing the first freedom enshrined in our constitution. We are asking parishes, religious congregations, associations and organizations to sponsor a table for $ Please invite ten leaders from your community. The flyer with detailed information can be viewed at 4

5 To purchase a table, please contact Eva Andrade at (808) or info@hawaiifamilyforum.org. Although time is short, we hope your parish will be represented at this event which we believe will energize the community by reinforcing the first freedom that is enshrined in our constitution. HCCRS JANUARY 2012 EVENTS Submitted by Rita Guinaugh, Hawaii Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services Tuesday, January 3, Healing Mass, Waipahu The Most Holy Name of Jesus A name that is a joyful cry from the heart, that is music to the ear and honey in the mouth. (St. Anthony) Healing Mass Location: St. Joseph Church, Waipahu Sponsored by: St. Joseph Prayer Group Time: 6:00pm Praise & Worship; 6:30pm Mass Presider: Fr. Gregorio Honorio, Jr., MS For more information, contact Belinda Galinato, at <belindagalinato@rocketmail.com> HCCRS Workshops There will be no Workshop at the Hing s home in January 2012 in continued respect for the Andrade Ohana. Please keep them in your prayers. (God, give us Grace.) The next workshop will be Saturday, February 4, For more information contact Flo Andrade <andradej001@hawaii.rr.com> No Healing Mass, Mililani There will be NO Healing Mass at St. John s in January 2012 because of the priests retreat. For more information, contact Inday Ramos at <iramos@zelinskyco.com> Holy Spirit Gathering Praise & Worship Night Date: Friday, January 27, 2012 Place: Aliamanu Military Reserve Chapel (AMR) Time: 7:00 PM For more information, contact HCCRS Chair, James Andrade <jamesandrade59@yahoo.com> Next STATEWIDE HCCRS Meeting - February 5 Date: Sunday, February, 5 Place: St. Stephen Diocesan Center Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm (Neighbor Island representatives will be reimbursed for air travel.) For directions and entry information, contact HCCRS Chair, James Andrade, or jamesandrade59@yahoo.com SAVE THE DATES: 45 th Anniversary of the National Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference Let us pray with one heart together with Mary in the Upper Room Pennsylvania Convention Center June 1 3, 2012, National Charismatic Leaders' & Ministries' Conference Receive the Holy Spirit, Proclaim the Gospel & Live out the New Evangelization Dates: November 2-4, 2012 Location: San Antonio, Texas HCCRS Website Coordinator: Contact Dominic Olaso with any corrections or changes to website: <godchaser808@yahoo.com> Many, many blessings to you and to all whom you serve! 5

6 St. John Vianney 2 nd Annual Breakfast with the Bishop Submitted by Gary Wiseman, Chairman, St. John Vianney Breakfast with the Bishop Committee The community of St. John Vianney Parish invites you and your family to attend our second annual Breakfast with the Bishop. This year's event will be held after each Mass on January 22, 2012 at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 12:00 noon in the church's Parish Hall. The Most Reverend Bishop Larry Silva will attend each breakfast and speak for a few minutes on the value of a Catholic education and the special needs of our parish schools. Our entire parish community will make this a very special and elegant event, serving a delicious breakfast buffet, with delightful music and wonderful entertainment by our students and faculty. The net proceeds raised from this event will be used for tuition assistance for students to attend our school. Thanks to the tremendous response last year, we raised over $15,000 for families to keep their children at St. John Vianney Parish School. With your support we hope to exceed last year goal. Please print the form below to order tickets. Simply choose which Breakfast you wish to attend, attach a check payable to St. John Vianney Parish School, then return both to the address below. We will hold your tickets at the door. Everyone at St. John Vianney parish and school is looking forward to seeing you there. Gary Wiseman, Chairman, Breakfast with the Bishop Committee Lindsey Lee, Student Council President Name: Circle which breakfast Qty Price Amount Adult Tickets 8 AM 10 AM Noon X $20 = Student Tickets 8 AM 10 AM Noon X $12 = Extra donation to help support the school (Optional) = St. John Vianney Parish School 940 Keolu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii (808) Total 6

7 Fill These Hearts: God, Sex and The Universal Longing Submitted by Lisa Gomes, Director, Youth & Young Adult Ministry Aloha! InHim Ministries is excited to invite you to Mamiya Theater on January 28, 2012 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. for an event called Fill These Hearts: God, Sex and The Universal Longing, with renowned author and speaker Christopher West. This is an evening of beauty and reflection on the Theology of the Body, with live performance and visual art, including music by Mike Mangione and the Union. Through philosophical reflection, humor and our everyday experiences, Christopher West will unpack the message of the Theology of the Body in a language and application that anyone can appreciate. It will be a journey into the beauty and truth of this message and how it illuminates life's deepest questions. If you've always wanted to know the "whys" behind the "whats" of church teaching on sexuality, Fill These Hearts is for you. If you are familiar with Theology of the Body workshops, you will be thrilled to take in this new artistic presentation of JP II's beautiful message. Think of inviting that "one friend," co-worker or family member that you want to share it with! Tickets are free and are available at filltheseheartshawaii.eventbrite.com. Don't miss it! God bless you, Mark (Marcos) Brackins InHim Ministries (808) Director of Campus Ministry needed at Chaminade Submitted by Lucille Streeter, Director of Personnel for Chaminade University of Honolulu Chaminade University of Honolulu is seeking a Director of Campus Ministry. This is a ten-month, full-time position. The Director of Campus Ministry oversees a wide variety of activities and events on the campus and supervises three staff assistants and several student workers. Minimum qualifications require a master s degree in Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry or a related field, as well as experience working with young adults. The candidate must be a practicing Roman Catholic. Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, work and service. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade encourages the development of moral character and personal competencies, and the commitment to build a just and peaceful society. Culturally diverse in population, Chaminade University strives to serve the Hawaii community and its Pacific Island neighbors. Applicants should submit a cover letter, detailed resume, related work experience, and contact information for at least three professional references no later than February 3, Please send all applications via to HR@chaminade.edu or to Chaminade University, Personnel Services, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI Chaminade University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 7

8 Holy Name Society Sponsors Pro-Life Luncheon, Feb. 11, 2012 Submitted by Joseph A. Shorba, Secretary, Holy Name Society of Oahu Every year the Holy Name Society sponsors a Pro-life Luncheon to help the Pregnancy Problem Center in Aiea, which offers free pregnancy testing and counseling to women regardless of race, religion or ethnic origin. This year s luncheon will again be at Tree Tops Restaurant at 3737 Manoa Road on Saturday the 11 th of February with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. for a donation of $25 per person. To commemorate 100 years of Holy Name in Hawaii, the featured speaker this year will be the Most Rev. Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, who will also celebrate a Centennial Mass at Saint Pius X church at 10 a.m. prior to the luncheon. Since seating is limited, it is necessary to get a head count of those who will be attending the mass and/or the luncheon. So, please, indicate how many tickets you would like and make your check payable to Holy Name Society and mail it to Holy Name Society of Oahu, 956-A Lei Road, Honolulu, HI 96817, and your tickets will be mailed to you. Remember, EVERY TICKET HELPS SAVE A BABY S LIFE, and what you do for a baby, you do for the Christ Child. Happy Birthday, Jesus, and Happy New Year. Previous Events/Announcements Molokai Parishes to join Central Oahu Vicariate From the Office of the Bishop Bishop Larry Silva decreed a transfer of St. Damien of Molokai Parish and St. Francis Parish, Kalaupapa, from the Maui Vicariate to the Central Oahu Vicariate, effective January 1, Civil Unions sanctioned by State on January 1, 2012 From Bishop Larry Silva On January 1, 2012, Civil Unions will be sanctioned by the State of Hawaii. I simply want to remind you that no priest or deacon is authorized to preside over a civil union ceremony, whether for a same-sex couple or a heterosexual couple. If a heterosexual couple who has entered a civil union requests sacramental marriage in the Catholic Church, the civil union does not replace a civil marriage. After appropriate preparation, the couple will have to apply for a civil marriage license and present it to you so that you may legitimately witness the marriage on behalf of both the State 8

9 and the Church. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Diocesan Office of Canonical Affairs. Catholic Relief Services Special Report: Philippines Submitted by Iwie Tamashiro, Diocesan Director, Catholic Relief Services As we rejoice in the miracle birth of the Christ child, we are mindful that many of our brothers and sisters round the world are struggling with calamity all around. As you may have seen by the news reports, Tropical Storm Sendong (aka tropical storm Washi) hit Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Friday, December 16, Cagyan de Oro and Iligan City were especially impacted by severe flash flooding. The government and U.N. reports in all, 640,000 people have been affected by the disaster. The current number of dead is estimated at more than 650 and over 800 people are missing. Tens of thousands have been made homeless. The CRS representative in the Philippines has reported that CRS is partnering with the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro to find how we can help those in greatest need. We ve seen that people in the flood s path need basic household goods like water jugs, cooking utensils and soap. Water is most important over the next few days. The government has distributed food to some people, but they don t have water or pots to cook a meal, he said. Click here to read the report issued by CRS on December 20 th Click here to download prayers and petitions, As the international relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, CRS mission is rooted in the Catholic faith and their operations serve people based solely on need, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity. Parishes desiring to take up a second collection for disaster relief in the Philippines, as is the procedure, please have parishioners make checks payable to the parish. Parishes are then asked to send one check PAYABLE TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE STATE OF HAWAII to Marvin Choy in the Diocesan Finance office. He will send one check on behalf of our Diocese to Catholic Relief Services, earmarked for disaster relief in the Philippines. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Iwie Tamashiro at (808) or itamashiro@rcchawaii.org. Thank you for holding up the people of the Philippines in your prayers as recovery efforts continue. EJ Resinto s Seminarian Blog Walking Daily with Jesus From Fr. Peter Dumag, Vocations Director Are you curious about becoming a priest? Now you can join seminarian, EJ Resinto, on his journey toward priesthood. Follow his blog at 9

10 National Vocation Awareness Week January 9-14, 2012 From Fr. Peter Dumag, Vocations Director The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, January God calls us all to live our faith and seek out our vocation to become a deacon, priest, and religious sister, married or single person. Perhaps God is calling you to the priesthood or consecrated life. Will you have the courage to follow your heart? We are all called to love and serve Him and one another. As we continue to walk in the light of Christ and to serve our Lord with our whole heart, mind and soul, may we be filled with the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and seek to forgive all who have hurt us. National Vocation Awareness Week is a time for reflection. During the week of January 9th-14th, we encourage all Catholics to: Take time to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Reflect on our own vocation and strengthen our personal relationship with Christ. Educate our young people about the importance of silent prayer and taking the time to truly Listen to God's voice in our hearts. Please feel free to download these files for your classroom use. Resources for National Vocation Awareness Week nvaw_english(2012a).pdf Contact Fr. Dumag at manao@rcchawaii.org if you have any questions. Mahalo. Opportunities to Keep Our Faith Alive in Latin America and Among Black and Indian Missions Submitted by Deacon Walter Yoshimitsu, Chancellor Bishop Larry Silva has approved the following second collections for January 21 and 22, 2012: Church in Latin America (CLA) Parish resources can be found at: The National Black and Indian Mission Collection Since 1884, proceeds from the Black and Indian Missions Collection (BIM) are distributed as grants to dioceses supporting and strengthening evangelization programs, which would otherwise be in danger of disappearing among the Black, American Indian, Eskimo, and Aleute communities of the United States. The BIM collection is taken up in most parishes on the first weekend in Lent. For more information please visit the website... or call (202) for more information. 10

11 Rest in Peace Sr. Kathleen Marie Shields, CSJ From the Office of the Bishop Sr. Kathleen Marie Shields, CSJ, who was Director of Religious Education in the Diocese of Honolulu for a number of years, died peacefully on the evening of December 22, 2011 in St. Paul Minnesota where she has been in retirement. A wake was held December 28th at the Provincial House for the Sisters of St. Joseph followed by a funeral Mass and burial at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Paul. Services in the Diocese of Honolulu are as follows for Saturday, January 14, 2012: Memorial Service 9:45 a.m. Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa for those who wish to share their stories and memories of Sr. Kathleen. Memorial Mass 10:30 a.m., Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Bishop Larry Silva to be the main celebrant. All donations in memory of Sr. Kathleen Marie Shields will go to the Religious Education Outreach of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Condolences may be sent to Sr. Kathleen s closest relatives: Mrs. Peg Leach 508 Humboldt Avenue #302 St. Paul, MN James B. Shields Alta Terra Avenue Laguna Niguel, CA Sr. Kathleen was an excellent Catholic educator and leader who tirelessly worked to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Here in Hawaii she was known throughout the Diocese of Honolulu as an energetic advocate for quality religious education and an innovator in many ways. She worked very collaboratively with the leadership of our Diocese and its parishes to further the mission of Catholic education in our parishes and was a very encouraging and affirming person. Her leadership and teaching helped to form many people who continue to minister in the Church today. Bishop Larry Silva and the entire Diocese of Honolulu express its condolences to the family of Sr. Kathleen and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and its promise of prayers. We know that God has given her the reward of her goodness and dedicated service. January Webinar: Eight Ways to Keep Your RCIA Process from Dying Submitted by Sharon Chiarucci, Office for Parish Resources Join Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal for a one-hour online workshop to explore the reason you need to create a sense of urgency on your team. Discover the eight-stage process for keeping your team vibrant. We'll discuss these issues: Why RCIA teams fail and members burn out What is required to keep teams thriving How to lead your team to true conversion and growth What could be in store for your team in the new year Presenters: Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal 11 Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012 Time: 2:00p to 3:00p Eastern Standard Time Price: $15.00 (or $37.50 for your whole team of three or more!)

12 Proclaiming the Theology of the Body: A Seminar for Clergy Submitted by the Office of Clergy 12

13 Pope Benedict XVI Approves Canonization of Blessed Marianne Submitted by the Office of the Bishop STATEMENT BY THE MOST REVEREND LARRY SILVA, BISHOP OF HONOLULU We are hungry for the work. We do not fear any disease. As we give thanks to God that our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has declared his intention to enroll Blessed Marianne Cope, a Sister of St. Francis, among the saints of heaven, we continue to be inspired by these noteworthy quotes from Mother Marianne herself. Her sainthood is meant to inspire us all to hunger, as she did, for the work of serving the poorest among us in the most trying of circumstances. Her impending canonization will give us courage to face the severe social and physical diseases that eat away at our society. We are twice blessed in Hawaii with the recent canonization of St. Damien and now with the canonization of this woman of great intelligence, dedication and love. May her legacy in health care, education and spiritual nourishment of the soul move us to work without fear for all that needs to be done to bring the love of Christ Jesus to others! We in Hawaii join the entire world in giving thanks to God for this soon-to-be saint! Sainthood for Blessed Marianne Cope Submitted by Sister Lorraine Wesolowski, Executive Director, Congregation Communications Syracuse, N.Y., December 19, Today Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Blessed Marianne Cope a saint. This follows a December 6 ruling by the Vatican s Congregation for the Causes for Saints that a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Marianne Cope was an inexplicable medical recovery. Earlier this year, both the medical board and theologians at the Vatican ruled unanimously that the second miracle was due to the intercession of Blessed Marianne. A date for the canonization ceremony is yet to be determined. Marianne Cope, a sister of St. Francis, entered religious life in 1862 in Syracuse, N.Y. For a period of time she ministered as teacher and principal in several schools in New York State. She participated in the establishment of two of the first hospitals in the central New York area, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica (1866) and St. Joseph s Hospital in Syracuse (1869). These two hospitals were among the first 50 general hospitals in the entire U.S. and continue operating today. In 1883, Mother Marianne was the only one out of 50 religious leaders to respond positively to an emissary from Hawaii with a request for Catholic sisters to provide health care on the Hawaiian Islands, especially to patients with Hansen s disease (leprosy). For more than 30 years, Mother Marianne ministered to these patients at Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii and promised her sisters that none of them would ever contract the disease. To this day, no sister has. Her compassionate care has earned her the affectionate title of beloved mother of outcasts. Timeline The Vatican Medical Board, theologians and cardinals and bishops at the Congregation for the Cause of Saints unanimously affirm Mother Marianne s heroic virtue and Mother Marianne becomes Venerable Marianne Cope The Vatican Medical Board rules unanimously that a miracle case is an inexplicable medical recovery. Theologians rule unanimously that the miracle was due to the intercession of Venerable Marianne Cope. 13

14 The Congregation for the Causes of Saints affirms Mother Marianne for beatification. Pope John Paul II affirms the miracle case, allowing Mother Marianne to be eligible to be declared blessed Mother Marianne Cope is proclaimed Blessed during a ceremony at St. Peter s in Rome The Vatican Medical Board rules unanimously that a second miracle case is an inexplicable medical recovery. Theologians rule unanimously that the miracle was due to the intercession of Blessed Marianne Cope. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints affirms Blessed Marianne for canonization. Pope Benedict XVI proclaims Blessed Marianne a saint Mother Marianne Cope will be canonized a saint. The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, who claim Mother Marianne as one of their own, is a congregation of 496 vowed women religious whose Franciscan spirit motivates them to continue God s work and respond to God s people wherever there is a need. Together, the sisters serve in three countries and 14 U.S. states/territories. March for Life Hawaii, Jan. 22, 2012 From Elina Simon, Executive Assistant to the Vicar General 14

15 Start Planning Now for 2013 World Youth Day in Brazil Submitted by Lisa Gomes, Director, Youth and Young Adult Ministry 15

16 LIFE ISSUES FORUM On Conscience Rights: There Oughta Be a Law Submitted by the Respect Life Office I used to think we were a nation committed to freedom of conscience. Heck, I used to think we had a body of law effectively defending that freedom. After the events of the past few months, I m not so sure. Consider: - The California Department of Managed Health Care has insisted that Catholic health care systems in the state may not provide health coverage to their employees unless they include abortion. When the systems invoked federal conscience laws forbidding such coercion, state officials basically laughed and said those laws would never be enforced against them. - Twelve nurses have sued a state-run medical center in New Jersey that tried to force them to assist in abortions against their moral and religious convictions. The hospital has replied that the nurses don t even have a right to sue in court, because federal conscience laws on abortion don t explicitly give them that right. - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that soon almost all private health plans in the United States must cover a full range of sterilization and contraceptives, including drugs that can cause an early abortion, whether the people purchasing the plans want to buy that coverage or not. The Department issued a religious exemption from the mandate that protects no individuals, and does not even cover most Catholic institutions. - This same Department recently denied a grant proposal from the U.S. bishops department of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) to implement a federal program serving victims of human trafficking. At a December 1st congressional hearing, it was revealed that MRS consistently received the highest acclaim from government reviewers for running this program in an exemplary manner for the last five years and that its latest proposal received far better scores from HHS s career professionals than most competitors. Nevertheless, political appointees at HHS, including a close advisor to Secretary Sebelius, gave the grant to three other organizations, including two groups with such low scores that the in-house experts recommended they be rejected. The officials reason? The Catholic entities couldn t guarantee that every female trafficking victim would be referred only to health care providers who help provide the full range of ob/gyn services such as elective abortions. Despite longstanding federal laws that forbid the government to discriminate against providers who don t take part in abortion, the HHS officials testified that they were told by their attorneys they were obeying all applicable laws. Add one detail and you will see the whole picture: As interpreted by the Obama administration, victims of discrimination can defend their rights under current conscience laws only by appealing to HHS the same department that is actively suppressing pro-life Americans rights of conscience in these last two examples. See why the perpetrators in the first two examples aren t afraid of the law? 16

17 There is a solution. The Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA) would close loopholes in current law and provide clear support for victims right to sue in court. The House of Representatives has included the text of ANDA in its draft Labor/HHS appropriations bill, expected to be one of the last bills passed at the end of this year but pro-abortion members in House and Senate are trying to block it. You can tell them what you think about that by visiting the site of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment ( and acting on its latest alert on conscience rights. Who knows? You may help preserve your own local doctor s or hospital s right to provide care. (Mr. Doerflinger is Associate Director of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. You can learn more about the bishops pro-life activities at Jerry Correa to Succeed Sr. Agnelle Ching as CEO of St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii Submitted by Nathan Hokama, Strategic Communication Solutions, LLC St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii s Leadership Succession Plan to be implemented in January 2012 As part of St. Francis Healthcare System s leadership succession plan, Sister Agnelle Ching, who has served in executive roles at St. Francis Healthcare System for a total of 14 years, will retire as chief executive officer of St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii effective January 1, Jerry J. Correa, Jr., who currently serves as chief operating officer, will be promoted to president and chief executive officer of the multi-faceted health care system that currently specializes in non-hospital-related care. Although Sister Agnelle will retire as CEO, the Sisters of St. Francis do not retire in the traditional sense. She will remain active in ministry and take on a new role as chief sponsorship officer for St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii. She will oversee Mission Services, The St. Francis International Center for Healthcare Ethics, Spiritual Services, and other programs. When I approached Jerry four years ago about the eventuality of a layperson assuming the CEO role in the future, I was fully confident he would maintain the highest standards of excellence and care, and more importantly, uphold and continue the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Agnelle said. A Mass and Missioning Ceremony with Post-Liturgy program will be held on the evening of January 23, 2012 to coincide with the Feast Day of Blessed Marianne Cope, who founded the Franciscan Sisters healthcare ministry in the Islands in Blessed Marianne, who was recently approved for canonization, came to the Islands in response to a plea from King DavidKalakaua and Queen Kapiolani to care for those with Hansen s disease. 17

18 The board of directors for Syracuse, New York-based Partnership of Franciscan Ministries, which oversees ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, and the local St. Francis Healthcare System board of directors both unanimously, approved the transition. From Fr. Manny Hewe, Vicar for Clergy Key Dates for our Priests: January 8-13, 2012: Sunday 8p.m. Friday St. Stephen Diocesan Center. Priests Retreat. Fr. Dennis D. McManus will direct the retreat. Fr. McManus is the theologian of the Archdiocese of New York. January 19, 2012: Thursday 9a.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. Red Mass. January 30, 2012: Monday 10a.m. 3p.m., St. Stephen Diocesan Center. Proclaiming the Theology of the Body: A Seminar for Clergy March 15, 2012: Thursday 9a.m. 1p.m., SSDC Auditorium. Workshop: Marriage & Family (lunch included). May 7-11, 2012: Monday 3p.m. Friday 12p.m. Turtle Bay Resort. Annual Convocation: Mandatory. July 12, 2012: Tuesday 9a.m. 3p.m. St. Louis High School. Priest Summer Gathering (lunch included). September 12, 2012: Wednesday 9a.m. 1p.m., SSDC Auditorium. Workshop: Internet Porn. Speaker is Msgr. Ed Arsenault from St. Luke. (Lunch included). May 13-17, 2013: Monday 3p.m. Friday 12p.m. Place is not yet determined. Annual Convocation: Mandatory. Available Spiritual Directors for Priests and Deacons: Roland Bunda, SM rolbunda@aol.com John Klobuka, SM - john.klobuka@chaminade.edu Paul Minchak, OFM Cap. plminchak@aol.com Michael Owens - mjo57lbe@mac.com Ken Templin, SM ktemplin@netserve05.chaminade.edu Paul Zaconne, SS.CC. pczac@aol.com Gus Coe autin.j.coe@us.army.mil Br. John Campbell, SM jhpcsm@gmail.com 18

19 Fr. Joseph Sullivan is a 58 yr old priest in good standing with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane WA. Fr. Joe is pastor of five parishes one of which is a Native American tribe and works with their spirituality in the Catholic Church. He is currently living in Newport, WA and is willing to offer a few weeks a year for fill in. If you can use his service please contact Fr. Joe through this address: materdei@catholic.org. ***The Upper Room Crisis Hotline is to provide 24/7/365 telephone hotline services for Roman Catholic priests, deacons and vowed religious brothers. The services provided are counseling, information and referral, suicide prevention/crisis intervention, and reassurance calls to the elderly *** Key Dates for our Permanent Deacons: January 30, 2012: Monday 10a.m. 3p.m., St. Stephen Diocesan Center. Proclaiming the Theology of the Body: A Seminar for Clergy March 15, 2012: Thursday 9a.m. 1p.m., SSDC Auditorium. Workshop: Marriage & Family (lunch included). July 27-29, 2012: St. Ann s Church, Kaneohe. Deacon Summer Gathering September 12, 2012: Wednesday 9a.m. 1p.m., SSDC Auditorium. Workshop: Internet Porn. Speaker is Msgr. Ed Arsenault from St. Luke. (Lunch included). ephoto: Submitted by Darlene Cachola, Office of Clergy December 30, 2011: Ordination of Anthony Rapozo, Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa. 19

20 e-newsletter is published every Tuesday for the benefit of the parish and diocesan communities of the Diocese of Honolulu. Article submissions are due no later than Monday, 10:00 a.m. For article guidelines and submissions, please contact Elina Simon ). 20