Facing the future together By Lisa DahmHawaii Catholic Herald Dona Clamucha considers herself blessed. Her father, Daniel Pires, was the first parishioner inurned in St. Ann Church’s columbarium after it was blessed in 2022. Now, Clamucha — the Kaneohe parish’s receptionist — often takes time during her lunch breaks to visit the engraved niche containing […]
Columbaria at local houses of worship put at risk with pending legislation
A bill that allowed Hawaii Catholic churches and other houses of worship to build and maintain columbaria, or cremation niches, on their property, is being challenged in the state legislature. On Jan. 31, diocesan finance officer Lisa Sakamoto sent out an email alert that House Bill 646 would repeal a previously passed 2020 bill “that […]
Questions for Duane Pavao, Director of Cemeteries, Hawaii Catholic Cemeteries
A Q&A by the Office of Catholic Cemeteries — Diocese of Honolulu. When the Diocese of Honolulu contracted with cemetery experts Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services (CFCS), a ministry from the Diocese of Oakland, the first step was to hire someone experienced and proven in sales, marketing, customer service and team building. Most of all, […]
Deacon Keith Cabiles: Celebrating ohana in life and death
RESTING IN PEACE The beloved and comforting concept of “ohana” (family) is deep-rooted in the hearts and minds of the people of Hawaii. We thrive on our love for our immediate and extended families, which often include dear friends. In turn, we flourish and are nurtured by the love our families have for us. We […]