New Diocesan Pastoral Council members with Bishop Larry Silva: From left, Cynthia Miller, Jody Montel, Brother Thomas Spring, Lana Vargas, Bishop Silva and Father Konelio Faletoi. (Photo courtesy of Judy Cabanting)
The Diocesan Pastoral Council, Bishop Larry Silva’s 16-member, mostly-lay advisory group, welcomed five new members at its fall meeting, Sept. 13-14.
The new members are Lana Vargas representing Leeward Oahu, Cynthia Miller representing West Big Island, Jody Montel representing East Big Island, Marianist Brother Thomas Spring, representing religious congregations of men, and Father Konelio Faletoi representing the presbyteral council, the bishop’s priest consultors.
The group reported on the activities planned for the conclusion of the Year of Faith in November, the challenges of school enrollment and funding and young adult ministry.
Council member Dominican Sister Malia Dominica Wong introduced a book she co-wrote with Franciscan Sister Davilyn Ah Chick about St. Marianne Cope entitled “A Walk with Saint Marianne Cope of Molokai.”
Betty Coda and David and Sarah Herrmann of the diocese’s Marriage and Family Forum spoke about a proposed diocesan Office of Marriage and Family which they promoted as a steady and consistent way to enrich family life in Hawaii.
The council also discussed the Catholics Returning Home program, which invites lapsed Catholics back to church, and the efficacy of the diocese’s priest transition process, which helps foreign and mainland priests assimilate to local ministry.
The council’s next meeting is Jan. 31-Feb. 1.