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Matthew 25 in Action: Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi

July 10, 2026

(Image courtesy of Catholic Charities Hawaii)

From Catholic Charities Hawaii

As we celebrate the 200-year anniversary of the Catholic Church in Hawaiʻi, we also honor the enduring legacy of service carried forward by Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, the social arm of the Church since 1947.

In the Gospel of Matthew 25, Jesus calls us to recognize Him in the hungry, the homeless, the stranger, the sick, and the vulnerable—reminding us that “whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.” This is not just a message to reflect on; it is a call to action rooted in compassion, dignity, and justice.

Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi lives out this Gospel mandate every day through its mission to serve and advocate for all people in need, regardless of faith or background, guided by the values of dignity, compassion, social justice, and excellence.

We bring Matthew 25 to life through a wide range of services that respond directly to the needs of our community:

• “I was hungry… I was thirsty.” We provide emergency financial assistance for food, rent, and utilities—helping individuals and families meet their most basic needs.
• “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Through immigration and citizenship services, we help immigrants and refugees navigate complex systems, reunite families, and build new lives with dignity.
• “I was homeless and you gave me shelter.” Our housing programs—including prevention, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent placement—help thousands move toward stability and self-sufficiency.
• “I was sick and you cared for me.” Our mental health and behavioral health services support healing, strengthen relationships, and promote overall well-being.
• “I was vulnerable and you supported me.” We empower families and youth through parenting education, foster care, and counseling services that build resilience in times of crisis.
• “I was elderly and you honored me.” Our senior services help kūpuna remain healthy, independent, and connected through case management, housing support, and community programs.
• “I needed hope.” We serve veterans, individuals facing unemployment, and those impacted by trauma with job training, financial counseling, and pathways to self-reliance.
• “I needed guidance and someone to walk with me.” Our helplines and referral services connect thousands each year to critical resources—ensuring no one faces hardship alone.

Rooted in Matthew 25, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi sees Christ in each person we serve and responds with compassion in action. Through holistic programs that address immediate needs while fostering long-term stability, we help individuals and families not only survive—but thrive.

Guided by aloha, dignity, and social justice, we continue to transform lives and strengthen our community—living the Gospel call each day: “whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.”