(Photo by Matt Brown)

The Cathedral Hosts Special Service of Baptism, Confirmation & Reception

[Chronicle, July 24, 2020]  On Saturday, July 11, 2020, The Cathedral of St. Andrew hosted a magnificent gathering of our newest brothers and sisters in Christ.  There was no fanfare, no promotion, no singing, no hugs (except between family members). Usually a time of great outward celebration, the COVID-19 pandemic made sure to put a lid on things, and keep everyone mindful about how we interact with each other during these times.  But the pandemic could not stop 19 faithful people from being welcomed into the house of God, through Baptism, Confirmation, and Reception.  

Five worship communities were involved, but because of social distancing  and group restrictions, seating was limited and reserved only for those in the ceremony and their immediate family. Everyone donned facemasks, practiced social distancing, and observed all safety protocols. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick was coordinated from head to toe with matching red palaka stole and facemask. He had an added layer of protection with a face shield made by 'Iolani School, trimmed in red.

The Rev. Alison Dingley was deeply moved by what she witnessed. "I have been thinking a lot about what God is up to in the midst of the pandemic and our awakening consciousness of the racial and economic injustices we participate in," said Mtr. Alison in an email. "I have become more and more convinced that the Episcopal Church is particularly called at this time to let our light shine. In the face of fear, we bear witness to a faith which has persevered through centuries of hard times, times of plague, famine, war and despair. I do believe that the Baptisms and Confirmations we celebrated demonstrate that we are responding to God's call in this time to play our part in furthering the Jesus Movement."

​Below and at right, we share photos and reflections from some of the priests and the newly confirmed. There may have not been outward signs of celebration, but there were certainly lots of celebrating within; hearts filled with the love of our Lord.

Welcome to The Episcopal Church

​Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ:
Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his
resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

​​Halau Waʻa, Episcopal
Howard Earl Kimokeo Bode IV (Haoa)
Alexus Kealanaokeaohoumaikalani Delary
Alyssa Mariko Kanani Shimomura
Tristen Daniel Shimomura
Arwyn Teresa St. John

St. John the Baptist, Maʻili
Kahiau Aimoku Lonomakua Akiona-Ching
Aiza Lynn Kaleiohanaka’ulaniokamamalu Lai-Mokiao

​St. Luke’s, Nuʻuanu
Wanda Adeleaide Adams

​St. Timothy’s, Aiea
Luc Christophe Giusto
Abigail Anne Parcon Kiyosaki

St. Stephen’s, Wahiawa
Bernadine Candelario
Gordon Lum
Gheil Ann Malinay
Larry Ortiz
Aaron Pascua
Adam Pascua
Lele Patterson
Ben Pulsifer
Kristina Rabang

2 Baptisms, 9 Confirmations, 8 Receptions

Youth driven...

"These kids are awesome examples of their commitment to Christ, the Church, and our community. I am proud to have been a part of their process." - The Rev. Mark Haworth, Halau Waʻa Episcopal

Pictured above are youth from Halau Wa'a Episcopal being presented for confirmation.  The Rev. Mark Haworth led joint confirmation classes for nine youth from West O'ahu, including a couple from St. Timothy's in Aiea.

​"I am indebted to Mark Haworth for bringing it together with Halau Wa’a youth and working to do some spiritual leadership development and mentoring," said Fr. Dan Leatherman, the Priest-in-Charge at St. Timothy's.  "This is certainly one way that churches can work together to lift up leaders and offer spiritual formation for young people. Mark invited me to participate as much as possible and though I wasn’t able to help much in this go-round, it nonetheless lays a foundation for continued partnership between these two faith communities."

For Fr. Mark, who enjoys the dynamic of in-person gatherings, COVID-19 presented a huge challenge.  The group preparing for confirmation was newly formed when the pandemic shut everything down. They explored online options and despite the setback, things worked out remarkably well.  

​"We met every week via Zoom from the beginning of February, right through to the week of the confirmation itself," shared Fr. Mark. "These kids are awesome examples of their commitment to Christ, the Church, and our community. I am proud to have been a part of their process."

The group bonded during the weekly online classes, and Fr. Mark is excited about the future. "This group wants to continue together, creating a newly established West Side Youth Group Wa'a for the whole West Side!" said Mark. "They are making plans now for their weekly meetings. This is a group with a mission to stay together, to pray together, and to play together! We are looking forward to supporting them for years to come."

"It wasn’t a matter of 'my' confirmation class versus 'his' confirmation class. By combining our youth, it made for a richer experience and more meaningful spiritual growth.  Together, but in different ways, we are raising up leaders for this present church and not some distant future. ​​" - The Rev. Daniel Leatherman, St. Timothy's

Coming home...

The following is a reflection by Wanda Adams, a member of St. Luke's in Honolulu, who was confirmed.

​I am Maui born and raised, a retired daily newspaper journalist and food writer who now teaches nutrition through a federal program for disadvantaged families, married, with cats. Being Portuguese, I was raised Roman Catholic and will always love everything they gave me, particularly an excellent parochial school education. But I find my theology and my social conscience line up with the Episcopalian/Anglican tradition much more neatly.....

I’m tempted, when asked why I’ve become an Episcopalian (anathema in my Roman Catholic girlhood in the 1950s) to give the flip answer: “It was the kneelers.” Six months ago, when my friend, the Rev. Alison Dingley, walked me into St. Luke’s Episcopal in Nu’uanu, after 50 years of seeking God in many other places and ways, my eyes fell to the folded-up kneelers, and then ahead, to the chalice, paten, and pall, ready on the altar. I’d come home.

I had, without realizing it, missed the sacraments keenly and especially the moments after receiving the Eucharist, kneeling, face in hands, in silent and grace-filled communion with the One who loves me, and whom I, at last, dare to simply love.

Within weeks, I was in love, too, my with fellow parishioners: with our early morning Revive gatherings, with our after-service lunches, with our church’s stands on issues I care about, with the familiar music and architecture, and with the inspiring words of our "PB," Michael Curry, to whose writings our pastor the Rev. Raymond Woo, guided me.

I have been baptized more than once (yes, I know this is not theologically correct) but Confirmation seemed to offer something I wanted: “an outward and visible sign” of my love for and commitment to God and this new family. I am so grateful.

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"I have been privileged to share this part of Wanda Adams' journey and to have joined in welcoming her to her true spiritual home in the Episcopal Church and at St. Luke's." - The Rev. Alison Dingley, Retired Clergy Chaplain

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Many thanks to Matt Brown, Alison Dingley, Ann Hansen, Tonya Lowrey, Moi, Kaleo Patterson and Ray Woo for the photos.
S. Nishioka, Editor