By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald As the Diocese of Honolulu’s chief finance officer, Lisa Sakamoto knows how much Hawaii’s parishes are hurting economically because of the coronavirus pandemic. Closed churches mean empty offertory baskets. But her counsel to them does not involve cash-raising schemes or creative fundraisers. It’s more fundamental. The “worst hardship” caused […]
The diocesan savings and loan: A revolving fund seeks to manage church money in the best way possible for the benefit of Isle parishes and schools
The new St. Damien Church on Molokai. Upgrades to the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa. A rectory for St. Rita Church in Nanakuli. These parish building projects and dozens of others have been made possible through financial support from the Parish and School Revolving Fund. Though many parishioners have not heard of this diocesan system of […]
Offertory protections: All Hawaii parishes will be audited soon for compliance with proper collection procedures
Surprise audits are coming to the Islands’ 66 parishes in an effort by the diocese to ensure that money collected from Mass offertories is being handled securely. According to diocesan finance officer Lisa Sakamoto, representatives from the local firm Acuity will visit each parish “soon” (the diocese is not divulging the schedule) to observe the […]
A comprehensive diocesan response to clergy sexual abuse
In light of the clergy sexual abuse scandals that rocked the Catholic Church in recent decades, dioceses across the U.S. have taken great measures to protect their parishioners from further harm. They also have reached out to victims of past abuse to help them heal from their emotional, spiritual and physical pain. The Diocese of […]
Taking care of business: the bishop’s financial advisers guide him through the world of money
Annual budgets, audits, investments, real estate holdings. This may seem like the list of responsibilities of a high-powered executive or business broker. It is, however, also a glimpse of the many fiscal tasks that a bishop has to manage as the leader of a diocese. While local Catholics are familiar with Bishop Larry Silva’s role […]
Clergy pension fund inadequate to support next wave of retirees
Father Gary Colton is enjoying his retirement. Since he officially stepped down from active pastoral duty last July, the Maui-based priest has remained involved in local Catholic boards, celebrated Mass at various churches and given spiritual assistance on pilgrimages and retreats. After 44 years as a diocesan parish priest, Father Colton, 70, is making the […]