Island priests will be taking a break from ministry duties May 18-22 to gather at Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of Oahu for the diocese’s annual Priests’ Convocation.
According to the diocesan Office of Clergy, about 117 priests are expected to take part. Bishop Larry Silva will join them for a few days of rest, fellowship and discussions.
The convocation schedule includes daily Mass and prayer services at the Kahuku resort. Diocesan staffers are also scheduled to give presentations on topics such as comprehensive youth ministry, email use, and stewardship/pastoral planning.
Unique to this year’s convocation is a program of interactive discussions called “Cultivating Unity.” This program was developed by the National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy and the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).
The Office of Clergy’s brochure describes Cultivating Unity as “a transformational process engaging the entire diocesan presbyterate with its bishop in frank and faith-centered dialogue leading to a common rededication to priestly ministry.”
Father Stephen Fichter, former interim executive director of CARA and Trish Sullivan Vanni, publisher for the parish market at Liturgical Press, will serve as program facilitators.
As part of Cultivating Unity, priests were asked to fill out a confidential questionnaire last September and attend “listening sessions” conducted on each island by Father Fichter in January. Findings from the surveys and meetings, and next steps to address pastoral priorities, will be discussed at the convocation.
The convocation at Turtle Bay is scheduled to end around noon on May 22. Clergy will gather again that evening at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Kalihi-Palama for the priestly ordination of Nicholas Brown.
Although most Hawaii priests will be away from parish work May 18-22, diocesan vicar for clergy Father Manny Hewe said one priest has been assigned in each of the diocese’s nine vicariates to cover for emergencies that week. These are usually retired priests, who are not required to go to the convocation.
Attendance for all other clergy is mandatory.
Parishes usually conduct Communion services presided by a deacon or lay person during the week of the convocation.