Deacon Clarence and Violet DeCaires
By Christian Salehi
Special to the Herald
Thirty-five years ago, on June 15, 1987, Bishop Joseph Ferrario ordained Clarence DeCaires Jr. after five years of formation as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Honolulu. For the last 35 years, he has served in Kailua, Oahu, first at St. Anthony Parish and more recently at St. John Vianney Parish.
Not only did he assist at Mass, his ministry included guiding those in RCIA; sitting on parish councils; presiding over marriages and baptisms; giving blessings; and fulfilling many other essential tasks. His homilies connected Scripture to everyday life.
Within the diocese, Deacon DeCaires worked as the chairman of the Deacon Council, as the diocesan representative on the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, as the diocese’s director of permanent deacons, and as a member of the National Association of Diaconate Directors.
When he was ordained, Deacon DeCaires was no stranger to helping the Honolulu community. He joined the Honolulu Police Department in 1968 where he worked as a patrol officer and with specialized units. After some time, he found his niche in internal affairs. He reflected on his time as an officer and how it has helped him as a person.
“I got to see the dirt in the world,” said the deacon, “and how I could be a benefit.”
He spoke about how being a police officer helped him in his role as a deacon.
“My first specialized assignment was with traffic fatalities … and that prepared me for dealing with death and dealing with the [family and friends] of those who were killed.”
Deacon DeCaires first considered the diaconate at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Pearl City during the baptism of his daughter. During the baptism, which was performed by a deacon, many noticed that there were no others who shared in the deacon’s ministry. Family and friends suggested to the young Clarence that he should become a deacon. He at first thought himself unworthy of such a position. When he finally said yes to God’s call, it coincided with the news that he and his wife, Violet, were expecting their third child.
He considers Vi his greatest partner. Without her, Deacon DeCaires could not perform the many duties in his ministry. For instance, the Diocese of Honolulu once tasked him to meet with deacons from other islands and to get their insights on what it meant to be a “holistic person.” Oftentimes, Vi could connect with the wives of deacons and retrieve a deeper understanding, which would aid in Deacon DeCaires’ mission. He said that she as a spouse and supporter of a member of the clergy, who was also a police officer, sacrificed much.
“She gives me strength,” Deacon DeCaires said, “even on the altar.”
Although he is retiring, this is not the last we will see of Deacon DeCaires. He has retired with full faculties, meaning he can still act as a deacon with the permission of a parish’s pastor. He plans to continue his position in the chaplain corps in the Honolulu Police Department, of which he has been a member since 2008.
In the St. John Vianney bulletin, he wrote, “My decision is to renew my sacrament of Matrimony and take my proper seat next to my wife Vi who has supported me throughout these years.”
Deacon Clarence and Vi, we appreciate all that you have done. May your work inspire people to serve others. You have touched countless lives with your vocations to both God and the community.
Christian Salehi is an active youth parishioner of St. John Vianney Parish in Kailua.
