Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Richard Doerflinger: Death without dignity in D.C.

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A MORE HUMAN SOCIETY Recent partisan impasses in Congress raise the question: Can the two parties agree on anything? One issue they should agree on may come up this spring, as appropriations bills for the next fiscal year are debated. The Council of the District of Columbia and the mayor have approved a law allowing […]

Father Eugene Hemrick: Science isn’t always glamorous

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Some consider it miraculous, some fear it and still others wish it never existed. The “it” is science that can create awesome wonders and produce fearful results. Thanks to science, our lifespan is longer, crippling pain has been reduced and we are better protected against deadly diseases. On the other hand, science has created the […]

Father Kenneth Doyle: Priest, monsignor: What’s the difference?

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QUESTION CORNER Q: Could you explain for me the difference (if any) between “priest” and “monsignor”? Under what circumstances is a priest given the title of “monsignor”? (Burke, Virginia) A: ”Monsignor” is a title bestowed on a priest who has distinguished himself by exceptional service to the church. It is a title granted by the […]

Father Kenneth Doyle: What’s the church’s position on the transgendered?

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QUESTION CORNER Q: There has been a lot in the news lately about people who identify with the gender opposite the one listed on their birth certificate. Some take hormones of the opposite sex; some even have surgery to “change” their sex. What is the Catholic Church’s position on such transgender people? Is it OK […]

Father Eugene Hemrick: Is there no respect these days?

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Is a new age of disrespect upon us? Are we experiencing growing impertinence, insolence and contempt? This leads us to ask what exactly respect is. Our best answer can be found in the transfiguration of Christ. To escape the crowds, Christ, Peter, James and John ascend a mountain in search of peace and quiet. Once […]