The Hawaii Catholic Schools staff, from left: compliance specialist Mona Ishihara, school accounting manager Deacon Raffy Mendoza, administrative assistant Jesica Kapika, Superintendent Llewellyn Young and Associate Superintendent Mandy Thronas-Brown. (Courtesy Hawaii Catholic Schools)
E na haumana, na ohana, na kumu, na limahana, a me na hoa aloha o na kula Katolika o Hawaii — Aloha mai kakou!
Welcome back to a brand-new school year! With a grateful heart and renewed spirit, I greet you as we begin the 2025-2026 academic year in our Hawaii Catholic Schools. Whether you are returning or just joining our ohana for the first time, I extend my warmest aloha and deepest mahalo for being a part of this beautiful and sacred mission of Catholic education in our islands.
As the warmth of summer gives way to the hopeful promise of fall, we are reminded of the words of the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jer 29:11). This verse reminds us that our journey together in faith and learning is grounded in divine purpose. Each of our schools is more than a campus — it is a ministry, a vital extension of the mission of the Catholic Church, nurturing minds, shaping hearts and forming disciples.
Rooted in faith, growing in grace
At the heart of all we do is Christ. This year, let us recommit ourselves to living out our Catholic identity not just in word, but in action. Our schools must continue to be places where the Gospel is not only taught, but lived — where students encounter Jesus daily through prayer, sacramental life, service and a genuine culture of aloha.
Our kuleana (responsibility) as Catholic educators, parents and mentors is to guide our keiki in becoming not only academically successful, but spiritually grounded. The education of the whole student — intellectually, emotionally, physically and, most importantly, spiritually — remains our core mission. We do this not as an institution, but as a community bound by love and mission.
Let us never forget that the most important curriculum we teach is one of discipleship: leading our students to know, love, and serve God and neighbor. In our classrooms, on our fields, in our chapels and in our daily interactions, we must continue to evangelize — to proclaim the love of Christ with courage, compassion and humility.
Catholic schools as ministries of the church
One of the most critical shifts in mindset we must fully embrace this year is to see and operate our schools as ministries of the church — not merely private educational institutions. This means that everything we do is ordered toward the salvation of souls and the building up of the Kingdom of God. As ministries, our schools serve as evangelizing communities, forming servant-leaders who will transform society through faith, reason and moral integrity.
Our schools are not just about surviving — they are called to thrive. That means moving beyond maintenance and into mission. It means innovation rooted in tradition, excellence driven by purpose and formation fueled by the Spirit. It means that every student matters, every educator is a minister and every parent is a partner in mission.
To this end, we will continue to invest in professional development for our teachers and leaders, strengthen Catholic identity at every level of school life and pursue strategic initiatives that support long-term sustainability, growth and excellence. But most of all, we will pray together, work together and believe together.
Nurturing a Hawaiian Catholic identity
In Hawaii, we are blessed with a rich and unique cultural heritage that deeply shapes our approach to faith and education. The values of aloha, pono, kuleana, laulima and malama are not only Hawaiian values — they are Gospel values.
Our Catholic faith, when lived fully in Hawaii, must honor and integrate the wisdom of our host culture. Let us continue to ensure our schools are places where olelo Hawaii is heard, where Hawaiian values are embodied and where our students come to know that being Catholic and being Hawaiian are beautifully compatible.
In our commitment to educating the whole student, let us provide space for cultural formation — teaching our keiki not only who they are in God’s eyes, but also who they are in the rich lineage of their kupuna. Our students must know that they are part of a greater story — a moolelo of faith, family, place and purpose.
Strengthening our Catholic ohana
The vitality of our Catholic schools rests upon the strength of our ohana. To our faculty and staff, I offer my sincere gratitude. You are not just teachers — you are catechists, culture bearers, mentors and witnesses. Your dedication is the reason our schools are beacons of light across our islands.
To our parents and guardians, you are the first and most important teachers of your children. Mahalo for choosing Catholic education and for the many sacrifices you make to ensure your child grows in faith and knowledge. Your trust in our schools is a sacred gift.
To our students — you are the heartbeat of our mission. You are loved by God, cherished by your community, and called to greatness. This year, I challenge you to embrace your education with joy, to pursue truth with integrity and to grow in holiness and courage.
Let us also keep in our prayers all our priests, religious and our bishop, whose pastoral support and sacramental presence animate our schools with grace. Their partnership is essential, and their witness is inspiring.
Looking forward in hope
As we move forward this year, let us do so with unity, purpose and faith. We are building something beautiful in Hawaii — Catholic schools that are vibrant, faith-filled, academically excellent, culturally rooted and mission-driven.
Let us continue to be bold in our evangelization, compassionate in our care, excellent in our instruction and unwavering in our identity. Let us continue to draw from the wellspring of Catholic tradition while listening attentively to the needs of today’s students and families.
We do not walk this journey alone. Ke Akua is with us. Our Blessed Mother walks beside us. The saints intercede for us. And we, as one Catholic school ohana, walk hand in hand, committed to the mission of Jesus Christ.
May the Holy Spirit bless our efforts this year with wisdom, peace and perseverance. May we continue to be instruments of God’s grace in the lives of our students and in the wider community.
With profound aloha and in the peace of Christ,
Dr. Llewellyn Young
Superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools