Celebrating our Faith during COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to affect our communities and parishes as we are still unable to congregate in our churches. Though unconventional, we can still celebrate our faith, and continue to support our local parishes.

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1184 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 585-3300 Fax: (808) 521-8428
Roman Catholics

Roman Catholic Church in the state of hawaii

Diocese of Honolulu

Witness to Jesus

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Diocese of Honolulu Response to the Coronavirus

MAY 22, 2020 UPDATE: "While each parish will have somewhat different ways of implementing the Guidelines presented below, we ask your patience and cooperation. Yes, these are bothersome requirements, but they are necessary for the continuing health and safety of all during this global pandemic."  - Bishop Larry Silva 

1. Catholic churches, missions, chapels and oratories in Hawaii will reopen for public worship the weekend of May 30/31, Pentecost Sunday. During this coming week, parishes and hospitality ministers will be prepared to assist people in following these Guidelines.  

2. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is extended through June 30, 2020. This will allow those who are not comfortable attending Mass at this time to stay away with a clear conscience. Masses will continue to be live-streamed, at least from some locations. Log-in information can be found at www.catholichawaii.org. Before June 30, we will evaluate whether or not to extend the dispensation longer.

3. As an act of charity, anyone who is sick, who is particularly vulnerable to infection, or is in a high-risk group should not attend Mass at this time. (Read More)

 

MAY 15, 2020 UPDATE: “We have been working with government officials to see that we can reopen our churches as soon as possible, with social distancing, controlled numbers of attendees, masks, and sanitizing protocols. While I know Mayor Caldwell is trying to be diligent about the health of our community, and am happy to see restrictions for gatherings for worship are going to be eased, the 'in vehicle' services, especially with the prohibition of distributing anything, simply is not what is needed for Catholic worship. At the heart of our service, the Eucharist, is receiving Holy Communion, and people have been longing for this communion with the Lord. Having people 'attend' a service from their vehicles when they are prohibited from receiving Communion is of little value to us. People would be much more comfortable viewing a live-stream from home if they could not receive Communion. We are working toward responsibly getting people back into church, so that they can receive Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist. I hope that, just as restaurants are soon to be open with proper protocols, we will be able to open our churches VERY SOON to celebrate in a way that respects our own religious practices.”

 - Bishop Larry Silva’s response to Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s “CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU EMERGENCY ORDER NO. 2020-11 (COVID-19 [Novel Coronavirus])” issued on May 13,2020

 

MAY 1, 2020 UPDATE: "As you know, Governor Ige has extended the order of stay-at-home lockdown until May 31 to continue the mitigation of the effects of the virus and stop its spread. After consultation with my staff and the Presbyteral Council, I am extending the directives promulgated in my last memorandum dated March 27, 2020. The extension of the Directives will go into effect immediately and until May 31, 2020. Therefore, I am dispensing all Catholics in the Diocese of Honolulu from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass through May 31, 2020."  - Bishop Larry Silva (Read More)

 

MARCH 27, 2020 UPDATE: "Parish churches, chapels, oratories, centers, and missions are to be closed to the public through April 30, 2020, or until further notice...All liturgical and sacramental celebrations from now through April 30 are canceled, including those during Holy Week, the Paschal Triduum, and Easter Sunday.  The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays is dispensed through April 30, 2020." - Bishop Larry Silva (Read More)

 

NOTE: Bishop Silva wishes to clarify that his memo dated March 27, 2020 ordering the closing of all churches, does not apply to food pantries or food distribution activities, since these are essential services provided to those in need. Governor Ige’s stay-at-home order allows the exemption for those going to buy food, so it should also apply to those who are receiving necessary food from food pantries. HOWEVER, all workers at the food pantries must have procedures that still allow proper social distancing and the safety of workers and clients. Each location should have procedures to ensure these safeguards are in place.

 

Livestream Masses:
Livestream Mass schedule and resources

 

The information below provides guidance in response to the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check this page regularly for updates.

 

Office of the Bishop

 

Office of Worship

CONTACT:
Deacon Modesto R. Cordero, Director
mcordero@rcchawaii.org
(808) 585-3342

 

Faith Formation

CONTACT:
Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy
Director, Office of Religious Education
jmondoy@rcchawaii.org
(808) 203-6745

Lisa Gomes
Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
lgomes@rcchawaii.org
(808) 203-6743

 

Hawaii Catholic Schools

 

Recommended Resources

Hawaii Department of Health

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention