By Lisa Dahm
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Catholics from across the state recently had the opportunity to learn more about their faith and how they can share it with others thanks to a new program that harkens back to a popular catechetical initiative from decades ago.
The new program, the Diocesan Formation Institute, comprised six days of instruction at Damien Memorial School on a variety of topics, from the Bible to liturgical music to the Eucharist to stewardship.
From June 21-26, roughly 50-60 participants visited the Kalihi campus for two-hour morning and/or evening sessions, totaling 10 hours of instruction on each topic.
Kainoa Fukumoto, assistant director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, said the institute is similar to the Summer Catechetical Institute, also hosted by Damien Memorial School, that Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Kathleen Marie Shields coordinated in the ‘90s and early 2000s.
“One of the feedbacks we often hear from pastors and ministry leaders is not only the desire for more in-person formation opportunities, but to have an institute such as this so that participants have the opportunity to go much deeper into any subject matter,” Fukumoto said. “Instead of spending only an hour or two on a particular topic, the institute allows participants to do a ‘deep dive’ into the topic with 10 hours of dedicated time to this course.”
According to Lisa Gomes, director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, the idea for the institute first arose after a Jubilee Year Day of Study last year.
The office’s feedback surveys revealed a deep hunger for adult faith formation and catechesis — people genuinely desired opportunities to gather in person to learn, grow and share their faith with others.
“The Diocesan Formation Institute is our response to that need — providing a space where people can deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, build relationships with others and be equipped to live and share their faith more fully,” Gomes said.
Topics were suggested primarily based on courses that could lead to an eventual ministry formation certification, which is still taking shape, according to Gomes. However, presenters had the freedom to choose and develop topics based on their expertise and interest.
For example, Deacon Keith Galang of St. Joseph Church in Waipahu taught a class at the institute titled “Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery.” A catechist since 1978, he sought to create a class that delved deeper into the Paschal Mystery on two levels: the sacramental level involving our senses, and a deeper conceptual level that transcends space and time.
The institute attracted a variety of attendees from across the diocese.
Lea Pitoy, from St. Theresa Parish in Mountain View, Hawaii island, flew in for the week and stayed at St. Stephen Diocesan Center in Kaneohe.
“It was just an incredible week,” she said. “It was beyond my expectations.”
She took both morning and evening classes. She took Deacon Galang’s class in the morning and an evening class with Father Dario Rinaldi, whose class was “Catechetical Accompaniment Practicum.”
“For me, what really stood out and captured these five days was that true essence of prayerful knowledge, God’s truth and to not be afraid to share and speak openly and freely about our faith and our triune God,” she said.
Justin Agustin, the director of liturgical worship at St. Joseph Church in Waipahu, said in his class, “More Than Music: Understanding the Role of the Liturgical Musician,” his goal was to teach people the difference between a musician and a liturgical musician — one entertains and one deepens the Mass.
“The focus is really to give God the glory and to make his people holy,” Agustin said. “And it’s not just for music, but generally anyone that’s serving in the ministry or any parishioner that’s there in the church, in the Mass, that’s your main purpose.”
Elisa Hammer, a parishioner at St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church in Mililani, took two classes — one with Dallas Carter, “Introduction to Evangelization and Mission,” and Father Rinaldi’s course.
“Father Dario (is) a very thorough person,” she said. “I think the format was perfect.”
She also enjoyed Carter’s class and said he gave real examples of how to reach both youth and adults, such as online games to make learning interactive.
Pam Falasco, director of religious education at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Pearl City, also attended Father Rinaldi’s class.
“I think the institute is for anyone — from someone who is a first-time catechist to a seasoned catechist,” Falasco said. “It was a total renewal.”
Timothy Lapitan, a parishioner at St. Philomena Church in Honolulu, said last year was his first year as youth leader in his parish, and he wanted to improve his skills.
“I saw an opportunity to learn,” said Lapitan, who also took Father Rinaldi’s course and appreciated how he emphasized that “a catechist is not necessarily bound to the classroom. Being a Catholic requires a consistent prayer life and treating your neighbor how you would like to be treated — with love, kindness and decency.”
Fukumoto said his goal for the institute was to help people grow as disciples of Jesus.
“I hope attendees left with a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith and a renewed excitement about living and sharing it in their parishes, schools, homes and communities,” Fukumoto said.
Above: Sacred Hearts Father Clyde Guerreiro’s students listened intently during his class on the Bible. (Celia K. Downes / Hawaii Catholic Herald)