A Q&A by the Office of Catholic Cemeteries — Diocese of Honolulu.
When the Diocese of Honolulu contracted with cemetery experts Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services (CFCS), a ministry from the Diocese of Oakland, the first step was to hire someone experienced and proven in sales, marketing, customer service and team building. Most of all, this person needed to be local, someone who knew the unique culture and people of Hawaii.
And so, in 2020, out of more than 40 applicants, Duane Pavao was hired as Hawaii Catholic Cemeteries’ first Director of Cemeteries. This position is tasked with leading the effort to collaborate with parishioners to build columbaria (places with niches where cremated remains are stored) in our parishes across the state. Hawaii Catholic Cemeteries, the name CFCS will be using in Hawaii, will report to the newly formed Office of Catholic Cemeteries — Diocese of Honolulu.
Working closely with his team in Oakland, Pavao’s immediate goals are to educate parishioners and pastors about the blessings that a columbarium brings to a parish, and coordinate the first builds on Oahu, set to be completed in 2022.
Duane Pavao
Welcome to the team, Duane. Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Hilo. I attended St. Joseph School until the 10th grade, and was an altar boy at St. Joseph Church. I attended the University of Hawaii in Hilo and Manoa on golf scholarships and coached the UH-Manoa golf team for several years until entering the financial service industry. I am married with one son and live in Honolulu.
What thoughts went through your mind when you first came across the job post for this position?
I was interested in using my 25 years of financial services sales to assist the Honolulu diocese and Catholic parishioners of Hawaii.
What of your skills and experience will ultimately help our effort succeed, as we essentially build this ministry from the ground up?
Working with clients on their insurance and estate planning concerns for many years involved having uncomfortable conversations about topics that no one wants to think about. However, it is very rewarding when clients and their families can have peace of mind after preparing for these uncomfortable but inevitable situations.
In your training since being hired, what has been the most interesting thing you’ve learned about the afterlife care industry?
Specifically to this ministry, learning about the Rite of Christian Funerals was very interesting. Learning of the importance of the Mass was something I was not totally familiar with even though I have been a Catholic most of my life.
Bishop Larry Silva’s vision is to create a parish-based, carefully managed columbarium program, where multiple generations of local families could be laid to rest together at their places of worship. What has the response been from those to whom you’ve outreached? Are they excited about bishop’s vision?
The response has been very positive and excitement for this opportunity to have a place on sacred ground for loved ones to be laid to rest is definitely obvious.
What are some of the apprehensions people have? What is your response to these concerns?
The biggest apprehension from parishioners I have met with has been regarding the upkeep of the sites. When they are informed about the decision the diocese has made together with Hawaii Catholic Cemeteries to earmark a portion of all sales for a “perpetual care fund,” they are comfortable with that and their apprehension is eased.
What is the most asked question you’ve gotten about columbaria?
Many parishioners ask about what each project will look like when completed. Fortunately, each parish has the ability to work with us to create a space that is unique and appropriate to each location.
What are your immediate and long-term goals for Hawaii Catholic Cemeteries?
Our immediate goal is to continue to educate Catholics regarding the Rite of Christian Funerals and help each family with this uncomfortable task of planning for the passing of loved ones. Long term I would love to see each parish in Hawaii with a unique and reverent columbarium location that serves the needs of the parishioners and fulfills Bishop Larry’s vision.
