CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
By Deacon Tom Adams
Special to the Herald
Sometimes circumstances come together to ignite a special moment. Not too long ago, as we drove along the Kona Coast, we saw little explosions of light on the backdrop of the Kohala Mountains. It was early morning. The clouds shrouded the mountain peaks. The sun was above the clouds illuminating the rugged brown and green slopes. We quickly figured out that the flashes of light was sunlight reflecting off the windmills at the wind farm.
What came from that experience was the vision that, all across our Islands, in parishes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, homes, at work, on the athletic fields, and in many other places, we reflected God’s glory like little explosions of light. Every time we witnessed to Jesus we expressed the glory and goodness of God!
This really hit home at a recently completed meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. One of the highlights of the meeting are the reports from the representatives of each vicariate. Through these reports we witness the glory of God reflected throughout our Islands. We hear about a church vibrant and alive with the faithful acting as stewards of the Gospel in the sharing of their time, talent and treasure. The exchange of information and ideas energizes and animates council members to achieve greater heights in their own vicariates.
The whole process is inspiring. The beautiful element in this approach is the vicariate representative. People from diverse backgrounds and communities are working with our bishop to make the Catholic Church in Hawaii more spirited and more dynamic, with a positive impact on our society and culture. Every thought presented and idea offered is respected. The dialogue that results gives the council the opportunity to grow and expand the idea. Quality solutions result, demonstrating that we are stronger as a community than as individuals.
The representatives’ contributions allow the bishop to place his finger on the pulse of the diocese. The bishop sees the challenges that face our parishes as well as the victories and the amazing activities occurring throughout the diocese. Through these images, he works with the council to create a vision to share with entire diocese. Someone once said “If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there.” We are not on just any road. We are on the road to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his message of salvation to the world around us.
The bishop is steering the vehicle, but he is using the Diocesan Pastoral Council and other diocesan groups to navigate a sometimes thorny landscape. The council was instrumental in the discussion of “Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation in Their Original Order.” More recently, it offered input to the bishop on the Diocesan Pastoral Plan “Stewards of the Gospel,” and will assist in its implementation.
This is important work. We are fortunate to have committed volunteers offering their gifts and talents to this prayerful effort. The board is made up of a youth and young adult representative, a priest, a deacon, a male religious representative, a female religious representative, and nine vicariate representatives.
Jesus told us many times, “Do not be afraid.” If given the opportunity, do not be afraid to serve on the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Your idea might be that explosion of light that will have an eternal impact on the lives of many. Do not be afraid to answer God’s call.
Deacon Tom Adams is the chairman of the Diocesan Pastoral Council.
