Bicentennial Planning Committee
Special to the Herald
For years, the Annual Conference for Catholic Educators, or ACCE, has been a gathering for the teachers and administrators who form young hearts and minds in Hawaii’s Catholic schools. In the bicentennial year, that gathering opens its doors wider than ever before.
Next year’s ACCE, “Forming Disciples Together,” will take place Jan. 28-30 and will welcome not only Catholic school educators but also parish catechists, youth and young adult ministers, liturgical ministers, clergy and others who share in the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis.
It is a fitting expansion for a year that marks 200 years of Catholic faith in Hawaii (1827-2027). What began as a professional development conference for educators has become, for this milestone year, an invitation to everyone who shares in the Church’s mission of evangelizing — in the classroom, in the parish, and in the home.
Registration for the ACCE is open now; the cost is $60 per person for those who register by Nov. 13. Full details and the registration link can be found at catholichawaii200.org/acce-2027.
At the heart of the conference is a simple but important recognition: Forming disciples is not the responsibility of any one ministry. It is a mission we share as the Church.
Whether teaching in a classroom, preparing children for the sacraments, accompanying young people, engaging families or serving in parish ministry, each of us has a role in helping others encounter Jesus Christ, grow in faith and live as his disciples.
Through prayer, engaging presentations, practical workshops and opportunities for fellowship, participants will be invited to deepen their own relationship with Christ while gaining new insights and tools to strengthen their ministry.
This year’s expanded conference is the fruit of a partnership between the Hawaii Catholic Schools office and the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. Together, they have created an opportunity for those serving in Catholic schools and parishes to learn from one another, share experiences and grow together in their common mission.
“ACCE 2027 is especially meaningful as we celebrate 200 years of Catholic faith in Hawaii. Over three days, we’ll deepen our faith and our professional practice, and leave inspired to share the spirit of aloha with generations to come,” said Mandy Thronas-Brown, HCS associated superintendent.
“One of the things we hope participants will recognize is that we are all part of the same mission,” said Lisa Gomes, director of the OEC. “Whether we serve in a Catholic school, parish religious education program, youth ministry or another area of parish life, we are called to help others encounter Christ and grow as his disciples.
“This conference gives us an opportunity to come together, be renewed in our own faith, and discover new ways to share that faith with others. As we celebrate 200 years of Catholicism in Hawaii, we also need to ask ourselves how we will carry that mission forward.”
Schedule of events
The conference begins Jan. 28 with Mass at 5 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu. Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, will celebrate the liturgy which will include recognition of Catholic school educators for their years of service, as well as the presentation of religious emblem awards to young Scouts by the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.
EPIC Ministry also will present its young adult of the year award and the EPIC Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the Church.
This year’s keynote will be delivered by Steven F. Cheeseman, president and chief executive officer of the National Catholic Educational Association.
Conference sessions and presentations will be held Jan. 29-30 at Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimuki. They will explore the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis, offering inspiration and practical tools for forming disciples in our schools, parishes and communities.
Jan. 29 will feature “A Night of Worship” starting at 6 p.m. (location to be announced). The evening of live music, prayer and fellowship is open to the wider Catholic community, including those who are not registered for the daytime conference.
While the celebration takes place, Sacred Hearts Academy’s auditorium will host a screening of “Cabrini,” which tells the story of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen to be canonized and the patron saint of immigrants.
Set in New York City in 1889, the film follows the Italian missionary who, against overwhelming obstacles, devoted her life to impoverished immigrant children and families, challenging injustice and building a lasting legacy of education, healthcare and hope.
As we celebrate 200 years of Catholic faith in Hawaii, “Forming Disciples Together” is more than an opportunity for professional development. It is an invitation to renew our own faith, strengthen our ministries and recognize the important role each of us plays in the life and mission of the Church.
Whether you are a Catholic school teacher, parish catechist, youth minister, ministry leader or someone who desires to grow in faith and better share it with others, there is a place for you at this gathering.