Office for Social Ministry
“Before any distinction of charisms and ministries, we are all equal in dignity as members of the people of God through baptism.” (Pope Leo XIV, Holy Week 2026)
Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus message during Holy Week reminds us that as a faith family, we belong to one church — one ohana under God. He especially recognizes the lay community as an essential part of the church’s mission, just as the late Pope Francis often reminded us: “Lay people are, put simply, the vast majority of the people of God. The minority — ordained ministers — are at their service.”
Drawing from the vision of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Leo continues in that same spirit, saying: “Lay men and women are particularly called to carry Christ’s presence to all spheres of life.” Through baptism, each Christian shares in the work of witnessing to Jesus — not just in church, but in daily life, at home, at work, in our communities. Our faith is something we are called to live and share everywhere.
On April 2, during his first chrism Mass as bishop of Rome, Pope Leo recalled Jesus’ inspirational ministry on Earth as “reaching out beyond our comfort zones.” Just as Jesus had to leave his home of familiarity and comfort in Nazareth to preach the Gospel in Galilee and beyond, “likewise, he will call others to set out, to take risks, so that no place becomes a prison, no identity a hiding place.”
As we continue as an Easter people, the Holy Father invites us to rediscover who we are as a missionary church — called to live our faith in the world at all times, especially in moments of challenge and suffering.
Here in Hawaii, that message feels especially meaningful as we prepare to mark the bicentennial of Catholic missionaries in these islands. These missionaries did more than arrive and preach. They accompanied, listening, learning and walking alongside the people of these islands. Over time, relationships formed, trust grew and communities were strengthened in ways that still shape us today.
In his Holy Thursday homily, Pope Leo described this mission not as a program or project, but as a way of being — “the sharing of life, selfless service … dialogue and respect.” He even added something that feels especially relevant in our multicultural home: “To be hosts, in fact, we must learn to be guests ourselves.”
That ministry of accompaniment is something we continue to see throughout our islands today. Catholic parishioners across Hawaii, together with members of other faith communities, stepped forward to help those affected by last month’s devastating flooding caused by consecutive Kona low storms, described as among the worst many communities have experienced in years.
Food banks partnered with parish pantries to organize emergency distributions, ensuring that families had access to food and essential supplies. These were not just acts of charity — they were acts of solidarity, expressions of a shared commitment to care for one another.
On Oahu, parishioners worked alongside local organizations to support residents in the Waialua area. On Hawaii island, parishes collaborated with community groups to extend relief to those most impacted. Catholic Charities Hawaii is mobilizing its resources across the islands, accompanying families as they began the long and often difficult journey of recovery.
Much of this work has been quiet and unseen — volunteers organizing supplies, answering calls, checking on neighbors and offering a steady presence in uncertain times. Yet this is precisely what Pope Leo describes as the heart of missionary discipleship: faithful accompaniment, everyday acts of love.
There is also a deeper truth revealed in these efforts. The church’s mission is not carried out by a few, but by many. As the Holy Father reminds us, it is not “a heroic adventure reserved for a few,” but the shared witness of a body with many members. In the response to the floods, we see this body alive — diverse, united and committed to the common good.
For all of us, this moment becomes an invitation. Some are called to volunteer — to pack food, distribute supplies or assist in recovery efforts and rebuilding initiatives. Others are able to support financially. Still others offer prayers, encouragement or simply the gift of presence to those who are struggling.
Each response matters and is a way of living out our baptismal call.
There are concrete ways to continue this response. Relief and recovery ministries and community organizations remain in need of support. Relief and recovery funds have been established to assist the resilience of all affected. Just as importantly, there is an ongoing need for compassionate accompanying — for the willingness to see, to listen and to walk with those who are hurting.
As we reflect on Pope Leo’s words, we are reminded that the missionary church is found in our midst. It is a community helping families in need, the volunteer serving a meal, the neighbor reaching out in kindness. It is the quiet, faithful, compassionate presence of Christ in the world.
In this Easter season, with the promise of Christ’s resurrection, may we open our hearts to be shaped by the amazing saving grace of the paschal mystery. May we be an accompanying missionary church that is present in the places of greatest need, that listens and loves in action. And in doing so, may we all help bring light and hope in Hawaii — one small act of compassion at a time.
Mahalo,
Your friends in the Office for Social Ministry
How to help flood victims across the diocese
In response to disastrous flooding across Hawaii, parishioners are partnering with food banks and trusted organizations to host emergency food and supplies distributions. These community-led distributions are specifically intended for residents impacted by recent flooding.
For additional information or to find more food resources for flood victims in Hawaii, please check the Hawaii Foodbank’s website at www.hawaiifoodbank.org or call (808) 836-3600.
On Oahu, St. Michael Church in Waialua is working with the Knights of Columbus and EPIC Ministry (a lay association for young adults) to help people in the Waialua area. To volunteer help, please call (808) 637-4040 or (808) 223-3249.
On Hawaii island, Hope Services Hawaii is coordinating with parishes and community organizations doing disaster relief and recovery. For more information, please call (808) 935-3050.
To find out how Catholic Charities Hawaii is helping flood victims, please call the following: (808) 521-4357 on Oahu, (808) 873-4673 on Maui and (808) 241-4673 on Kauai.
For donations specifically to help Hawaii’s Catholic parishes and school communities which were impacted, the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation has established a flood relief and recovery fund. Please visit www.hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org. Mahalo.