Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Use of COVID-19 vaccines morally acceptable, say bishops

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By Julie Asher Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — While confusion has arisen in recent days in the media over “the moral permissibility” of using the COVID-19 vaccines just announced by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna, it is not “immoral to be vaccinated with them,” the chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ doctrine and pro-life committees said Nov. […]

Because of pandemic, no pilgrims at basilica for Guadalupe feast this year

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By David Agren Catholic News Service MEXICO CITY — Mexican church and civic officials have canceled public feast celebrations for Mexico’s patroness at her shrine in Mexico City due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration normally attracts 10 million pilgrims to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the world’s most-visited Marian shrine. At a […]

Office of Worship helps parishes prepare for Christmas crowds

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By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald Christmas is coming. This holiday year, traditionally high church attendance will collide with pandemic-imposed social distancing. The diocesan Office of Worship is offering suggestions on how to deal with that. On Oct. 30, Deacon Modesto Cordero, director of the Office of Worship, sent out his latest in his series […]

Photo: Open house, virtually

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Lori Carlos, director of admission of Maryknoll School, Honolulu, spoke with prospective families online, during the K-12 school’s first of two live virtual open houses Oct. 25. The event showcased Maryknoll’s academics, emphasis on Catholic values and close-knit community. It’s second open house took place Nov. 8. (Photo courtesy of Maryknoll School)  

Bishop Silva extends dispensation from Mass obligation to year’s end

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However, he is encouraging Catholics to go to church for Advent and Christmas if it is safe to do so By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald Bishop Larry Silva has extended his dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation from Nov. 1 until the end of the calendar […]

Teen helps even more at her small parish after pandemic offers opportunities

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By Anna Weaver Hawaii Catholic Herald Castle High Schooler Serenity Lau has always been active at her small parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Waikane on Oahu’s eastern shore. The 16-year-old started altar serving at age 7, sang in the youth choir including as a cantor, and helps her grandparents, Diane and Colin […]

Parish pick-up party shows no lockdown of catechetical spirit

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By Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy Special to the Herald In recent articles, I’ve shared examples of the wonderfully creative ways our parishes have risen to the challenge of evangelizing and catechizing during the coronavirus pandemic. From their careful in-person preparation for the sacraments to creating virtual lessons that engage parent and child, parish catechetical leaders operate on […]