Celebrating our Faith during COVID-19

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Diocese of Honolulu Response to the Coronavirus

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

 

Updates

OCTOBER 26, 2020 UPDATE:

"Since mid-March through October 31, 2020 I have issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I am hereby extending that dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation through December 31, 2020. As I do so, however, I urge everyone who is able to return to Mass, without undue risks to their health or the health of others, to do so."  - Bishop Larry Silva 
(Read More)

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 UPDATE:

Please see the following clarifications in response to concerns from our latest “Update on COVID-19 Protocols” (dated September 23, 2020).

  1. Wearing of mask or mask/face shields: - In response to the Office of the Governor’s “13th Proclamation related to the COVID-19 Emergency” (dated September 22, 2020): “All persons must wear face coverings in compliance with county orders, rules and directives.”  Our diocesan directive stands as promulgated in our latest MEMO: “Face coverings (masks or mask/face shields) will be worn at ALL times by ALL who participate at the Mass during the liturgical celebration. For those ministers with respiratory issues the use of a face shield instead of a face mask is highly recommended.

  2. Singing at Mass:  Our latest directive reads: “Singing is now allowed by using ONE instrumentalist and ONE cantor ONLY (both need to wear a face covering at all times). The congregation should not sing at this time. The use of wind instruments is still prohibited.”

    1. UPDATE: The use of other “non-wind” instruments (e.g. guitars, violins, drums, piano, organ, etc.) are allowed to be used simultaneously.

    2. A distance of 10 feet between the cantor and the congregation needs to be observed as much as possible.

    3. The use of instrumental music continues to be the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED choice during any liturgical celebration.  This will help with avoiding congregational singing.  Most of the Mass part responses could be recited.  The congregation could be invited to use the time to meditate when the cantor is singing (e.g., Entrance, Offertory, Communion and Leavetaking hymns).   

    4. UPDATE: As much as possible we should avoid the use of an entire choir in our neighbor islands (e.g. Kauai, Maui, Big Island) at this time.  If the parish is using a choir they need to follow the rules for indoor singing as directed by the state [“Any person(s) singing shall maintain physical distancing of at least ten (10) feet from any other person(s) while singing. Members of the same performing group singing may be closer than ten (10) feet together while performing, provided the group consists of less than ten (10) persons.  To the extent reasonable and practicable, a physical barrier (e.g., plexiglass) of sufficient size to mitigate the spread of  COVID-19 shall separate any person(s) singing from any other person(s), but not including members of the same performing group.]  For the island of Oahu ONE cantor only rule still stands.

  3. Funeral Mass: The 10 people rule applies for wakes, prayer services and burials at Funeral Homes and cemeteries.  Funeral Masses in church should follow the same protocols as our regular Masses.

 

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 UPDATE:

Today, the City and County of Honolulu presented new protocols for Tier 1 implementation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MEMO HERE presents updated directives and reminders, approved by Bishop Larry Silva, that impact all Catholic churches, chapels, oratories, centers, and missions in the diocese of Honolulu, including all islands.

 

SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 UPDATE:

Oahu’s Mayor Kirk Caldwell extended the “Second Stay at Home/Work From Home” order through September 24, 2020. The General Directives and Liturgical Guidelines promulgated in the August 26 MEMO from Bishop Larry Silva will continue in effect until then for the island of Oahu (ONLY).

 

AUGUST 26, 2020 UPDATE:

"As you know, Mayor Kirk Caldwell of the City and County of Honolulu, is concerned – as we all are – about the spike in COVID-19 cases on Oahu, and he has issued new restrictive orders that go into effect on Thursday, August 27 at 12:01 a.m. Houses of worship may still hold in-person services, and we are grateful we are still able to celebrate the Eucharist together. However, given the increased risks, it is all the more important that we follow the directives below. No one is obliged to attend Mass at this time, so if you feel strongly that we should not have in-person worship, you are encouraged to stay home and join us on live-stream."  - Bishop Larry Silva 
(Read More)

 

AUGUST 10, 2020 UPDATE:

EXTENSION OF DISPENSATION FROM SUNDAY MASS OBLIGATION: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, Bishop Larry Silva extends the dispensation of all the people of the Diocese of Honolulu and all visitors to the Diocese of Honolulu from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass through October 31, 2020. All who are able to attend Sunday Mass without putting themselves or others at serious risk of infection are encouraged to do so, but are not obliged to do so.

 

JUNE 15, 2020 UPDATE:

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, Bishop Larry Silva extends the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass to all the people of the Diocese of Honolulu and all visitors to the Diocese of Honolulu through August 31, 2020. All who are able to attend Sunday Mass without putting themselves or others at serious risk of infection, are encouraged to do so, but are not obliged to do so.

 

JUNE 12, 2020 UPDATE:

Guidelines for Parish Ministries - Guidelines for opening parish ministries

 

MAY 26, 2020 UPDATE:

Please visit our "Faithful and Safe" page (https://www.catholichawaii.org/faithfulandsafe) for videos and information that the Diocese of Honolulu has prepared to help with a safe and smooth reopening of our churches on the weekend of Pentecost (May 30/31).

 

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)


OLDER UPDATES

 

 

Resources

Livestream Masses - Livestream Mass schedule and resources

Faithful and Safe - Videos and information that the Diocese of Honolulu has prepared to help with a safe and smooth reopening of our churches

Guidelines for Parish Ministries - Guidelines for opening parish ministries

Individual Parish Reopening Protocols - Protocols and other information regarding reopening individual parishes

 

 

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

 

Office for Social Ministry

Latest Links for Social Ministry Covid-19 Response

CONTACT:
Fr. Robert Stark
Director, Office for Social Ministry - OSM
rstark@rcchawaii.org
(808) 203-6734

Iwie Tamashiro
Director, Parish Social Ministry - OSM
itamashiro@rcchawaii.org
(808) 203-6702

 

Hawaii Catholic Schools

 

Recommended Resources

 

Hawaii Department of Health

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention