A Letter from our Pastor:

Dear Beloved Parishioners,

The last two weeks have seen our world turned upside down. The spread of COVID-19 and the necessary steps taken to fight its spread have led our parish and diocese to make some difficult decisions about how we practice our faith.

The thought of not being able to attend Mass to receive the Precious Body and Blood of our Lord as a result of the coro-navirus pandemic is devastating. What’s more, with the cancellation of parish activities, this crisis will prevent us from enjoying our usual connection with members of the faith community.

Right now, it may seem challenging to remain a faithful steward. We may even question our faith and wonder how to find God during these turbulent times. Where do we turn?

During this very difficult time, I encourage you to turn to the Church’s treasury of prayer. Take time each day to read the daily Scripture readings they can be found at USCCB.org, and then by selecting the date on the calendar on the home page. You can also use the many rich resources of our Faith to engage in spiritual reflections each day as an individual and with your family. This can include simple prayers like an Our Father and Hail Mary a few times a day, as well as praying the Rosary, the Liturgy of the Hours, and Stations of the Cross, among others. Many resources for these are easily found online. Also, it is important to remember that although we cannot physically attend Mass, Sunday remains a holy day, and I encourage you to pray. I also urge you to participate in prayer by way of televised or live-streamed Mass one option for viewing daily Mass online can be found at www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass. I also encourage you to make a spiritual communion, which can be found at the end of this message.

During this time, we must also find ways to use our talents to serve God. Right now may not be the time for you to serve others in the parish or local community, but you can use your talents to serve your family and those who are closest to you. Something as simple as calling to check on family and friends or even doing a video call can go a long way. Finally, we must remain good stewards of our treasure. All of the changes taking place are impacting our parish families in different ways. Some of you may have even lost your job or have seen a reduction in work hours and pay as a result of this crisis. But despite our hardships, and although we may not be able to currently bring our gifts to the altar, we still must faithfully try our best to return a portion of our treasure to God however He is calling you to do so. No matter the situation, God always remains faithful to us. Remember that everything God gives us is a gift, and the way in which we share our gifts with God and our neighbor is ultimately how we give Him glory.

I will continue to pray for you and our entire parish family during this difficult time. I also plan to regularly communicate with all of you via our website and email with additional information and resources. As always, you can reach me via email, twatanabe@rcchawaii.org or by calling the parish office (808-879-4844).

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Terrence Watanabe

An Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.