2025-Spring Training

2025 CHRISM MASS & SPRING TRAINING: REVERENCE & PASSION

"It was a truly meaningful day filled with faith, reflection, and fellowship." ~ Anonymous respondent

[April 24, 2025] The Diocese of Hawai'i held its annual Chrism Mass and Spring Training event on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. For the Diocesan Support Center (DSC) team, this year's event was a trial run for a number of new registration and check-in procedures for future events. Name tags were color-coded (including the lanyards), and scratch tickets revealing the event's swag choice are being considered as a way to keep certain information secure for upcoming elections. Even the process for check-in, which may have seemed "over-the-top" for this sort of event, was really a test for future annual meetings and elections. Organizers were appreciative of everyone's cooperation and understanding. (Pictured below from left, the Haworth's, the Rev. Mark and wife Jill, checked folks in and directed them to the next station; Norma Chun was in charge of the scratch cards and distributing the event "swag" that was revealed; The Rev. Canon Sandy Graham was the last station in the check-in process.)

Although churches are usually busy during this time of year in preparation for Holy Week and Easter, no one could have predicted that a nationwide (and even worldwide) organization of rallies and demonstrations would take place on the same day, likely affecting the attendance numbers that were a bit lower than previous years. The "Hands Off!" rallies, that took place at over 1,400 sites across the United States, were held at prominent locations like government buildings and busy intersections, as folks took to the streets to protest the new administration's actions and sweeping policy changes. With the Cathedral located so close to our State Capitol building, hundreds began gathering hours before the rally's noon start time, and last minute arrangements were made to keep the Cathedral's parking lot restricted until our attendees were checked in. A record number of cancellations came in during the week before the event, along with no-shows on the day of that included attendees "disappearing" shortly after lunch.

"No one could have anticipated the demonstration at the Capitol conflicted with the afternoon session, but many of us felt it was important to be there, which detracted from afternoon attendance." ~ The Rev. Carol Arney

Yet despite the distractions, the reverence of our Chrism Mass and the passion of our Spring Training speakers were on full display. Smiles and camaraderie were also abundant as folks arrived bright and early from near and far, gathering under the Aloha tent for fellowship and snacks.

"It was also very timely to be walking to Honolulu Hale from Saint Andrews through the protest of the “hands off” hands off our government -hands off our Social Security -hands off our finances - hands off our bodies. God have mercy on all of us. I truly am working on myself to promote more peace in my life that I might share that peace (of Christ Jesus) with others." ~ Anonymous respondent

CHRISM MASS

"The Chrism Mass was a deeply moving and sacred experience. Witnessing the blessing of the holy oils and the renewal of priestly promises was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me of the strength and beauty of our shared faith and the vital role our clergy play in serving the people of God. The liturgy was reverent and well celebrated, with music that lifted the heart and homilies that spoke to the soul. The unity among the priests and the faithful gathered was palpable—it truly felt like one Body in Christ. It was a powerful reminder of the sacred traditions that continue to sustain the Church. Thank you to all who made it possible." ~ Anonymous respondent

The day began with the Chrism Mass with nearly 90 in attendance, over two dozen of whom were clergy. Chrism Mass is a very special service that has almost always been held during Lent in this Diocese. With a dressed down worship space, lending itself to the sacredness of the moment, clergy and lay renewed their vows, and the Bishop blessed the holy oils used in services and sacraments.

With flawless voice, the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham sang A Litany for the Mission of the Church as clergy processed in. Although there was no formal choir, the incredible voices of those worshiping filled the sanctuary, echoing with grace and perfection. Our clergy and members can sing!

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick's sermon was not only timely, but a message especially for this day where hundreds were out in peaceful protest. With a nation divided and tensions seeping into our homes and churches, he expressed the need for understanding and compassion now more than ever, and to be careful that we do not villainize specific people, but to address and right the actions for equality and justice.

"Always one of my favorite services of the year. Great to see familiar and new faces." ~ Roth Puahala

"A wonderful occasion. Mahalo to Bishop Bob for the words." ~ The Rev. Christopher Golding

"I have great respect for Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick, and what he preached." ~ Anonymous respondent

"Appreciate the liturgy and music choices -- how awesome to sing!" ~ Anonymous respondent

"I enjoyed the service, the Scriptures, the music and the communion. I liked being in communion with
others from various congregations." ~ Sandra Shawhan

SPRING TRAINING: HULI KA LIMA I LALO

"What I learned during the 2025 Hawaii Diocese's Annual Chrism Mass & Spring Training has truly impacted me. The deep connection between faith, culture, and community—so beautifully expressed in both plenary sessions— reminded me that living our faith must be an embodied, everyday act rooted in both tradition and compassion." ~ Anonymous respondent

Immediately following the Chrism Mass, folks headed to Tenney Theater for Spring Training, hosted by the Diocese's new Huli team, a collaborative effort involving three Diocesan ministries: Kahuaola (formerly the Creation Care and Environmental Justice Task Force), the Ho'imi Pono Racial Reconciliation Task Force, and the Native Hawaiian Ministry Committee. The team was awarded a Creation Care Grant from The Episcopal Church and named their year-long project Huli, which means to turn, to change. It is also the part of the kalo that is replanted. It symbolizes our important and sacred responsibility to care for the life of these islands. The guest speakers and workshops were led by those filled with a passion for their work which was reflected in their heartfelt words and actions. Each are experts in their respective fields that fit the theme of this Spring Training event perfectly, with topics in each of the three diocesan ministries involved with Huli. (Pictured above with guest speaker Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner at center and Bishop Bob, are the leaders of the Huli team, the Revs. Jazzy Bostock, Brianna Lloyd, and Jenn Latham.)

"Creation care is not just an environmental issue—it’s a spiritual one. I’m grateful this diocese is taking it seriously, and I look forward to being part of that ongoing journey." Anonymous respondent

"Hearing from Dr. Jonathan Osorio, Meleanna Aluli Meyer, and Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner has encouraged me to reflect more intentionally on my own role within the Church and how I can support healing, inclusion, and deeper spiritual growth in my community. As a result, I feel called to be more actively engaged—whether that’s through mentorship, service, or simply being more present and attentive to the stories and needs of others around me. I’ll also continue seeking ways to honor both the sacred traditions of the Church and the cultural wisdom of our local communities." ~ Anonymous respondent

Plenary 1: Mālama ʻĀina with Dr. Jonathan Kay Kamakawiwoʻole Osorio

Leading off Spring Training was Dr. Jonothan Osorio, Dean of Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. He received his PhD. in History from the University of Hawaiʻi. At Kamakakūokalani, he has developed and taught classes in history, literature, law as culture, music as historical texts, and research methodologies for and from indigenous peoples. Dr. Osorio is also a gifted composer and a Hawaiian music recording artist since 1975, so it was no surprise that he opened the session with song. His session was recorded and is available for viewing here. The recording is prefaced with an introduction of the Huli team and their plans for the rest of the year.

"I appreciated the vulnerability of Dr. Osorio. I learned that being authentic to your story is essential to the work of environmental spirituality and stewardship. I will continue to be inspired, and continue working to be a part of projects that protect and nurture the 'āina." ~ The Rev. Christopher Golding

"I enjoyed all the sessions I attended . I feel like Professor Jon Osorio was perfect with his music and his
message." ~ Sandra Shawhan

"I thought Dr. Osorio's talk was timely and an important call for the church to keep doing the work of the church, and in fact, to step into the "gaps" that will be made by the changes in government." ~ The Rev. Jenn Latham

Mid-day Workshops

After lunch, three workshops were offered, including one held off-site at Honolulu Hale, a quick 10-minute walk away. Spring Training organizers could never have imagined that nationwide rallies would be planned for the same day from noon to 2:00 p.m. Folks trying to make their way to Honolulu Hale had some maneuvering to do with the throngs of people lining up along Beretania Street fronting the State Capitol building and Washington Place. We lost a number of folks to the rally, but some returned before the end of the second closing plenary.

Back at the Cathedral, the Rev. Jenn Latham was leading a forum on climate change in Tenney Theater, and artist Jodi Endicott and her guest, Tadia Rice, were presenting in the Von Holt room. Each workshop is covered further below.

"This wasn’t just an event—it was a spark. And I intend to carry that light forward." ~ Anonymous respondent

"I had the privilege of attending Plenary I with Dr. Jonathan Osorio and Umeke La‘au with Meleanna Aluli Meyer. Their insights into culture, identity, and the spiritual connections to land and heritage were powerful and thought-provoking. It was a beautiful reminder that our faith lives not only in the church but also in the stories, songs, and sacred spaces that surround us." ~ Anonymous respondent

Workshop (Off-site): Touring Umeke Lāʻau with Meleanna Aluli Meyer

Meleanna Aluli Meyer is a life-long advocate for culture and the arts and has spent her career as a practicing artist, arts educator, documentary filmmaker, arts and social justice advocate and creative visionary in community. She is the recipient of numerous awards, exhibiting her work throughout Hawai'i and the world. Spring Training participants attending her workshop were in for a treat with a personalized tour of her latest project, Umeke Lāʻau, a large-scale sculptural calabash that has been on display at Honolulu Hale through May 4. Spanning 22 feet in diameter, ʻUmeke Lāʻau serves as a gathering space for meaningful conversations, cultural exchange, and healing through art. The sculpture was commissioned by HT25, a multi-site exhibition of contemporary art from Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, and beyond. Click HERE to read about the history of this incredible project.

"I truly am grateful that I was able to go to the Honolulu Hale with Meleana. I learned that the creation of this gorgeous piece of interactive artwork in such a beautiful and historic space, AND the collaboration to build it, is very intentional and thoughtful. Could hearing the truth of the 38,000 names who signed the document that was disregarded regarding the United States takeover, become healing, or is it just a somber reflection of days and times that are not progressing, changing, and honoring indigenous peoples? At any rate, I was honored to be present there where I was invited to enter in and share." ~ Anonymous respondent

Workshop: Climate Change Forum with the Rev. Jenn Latham

From our own Creation Care ministry team, Kahuaola, the Rev. Jenn Latham presented Wai and our Baptismal Covenant, adapted from The Episcopal Church's curriculum, Love God Love God's World. She started with a Guiding Scripture based on John 7:37-38, and a Hawaiian Prayer by Kahu Wendell Kalanikapuaenui Silva. She then presented a video called The Waters of Pu'uloa, that talks about the area we know as Pearl Harbor, and how this once lush and beautiful place has become so polluted. (The video can be viewed on PBS HERE.) Following the video, folks broke into groups to discuss questions pertaining to the video and the sacredness of "wai" (water). Rev. Jenn's workshop was recorded and can be viewed below, along with her slide presentation.

"I was glad (in my forum) to hear so many people talking about ways they were caring for wai, and how much they knew about their watersheds and the problems we are facing in our islands. I am inspired to connect with all the churches to try to rally Green Teams together to learn from each other." ~ The Rev. Jenn Latham

Workshop: Art for a Healthier Environment and Global Society with Jodi Endicott

Jodi Endicott is an artist and environmental advocate who collects discarded items (trash) and marine debris, and turns these materials into sculptures of animals most affected by our human pollution. She shows the impact of our “plastic cocoon” and how we are treating ourselves, each other, and our world. Endicott earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture at the University of Hawai'i Manoa, and her works have been presented in solo or group exhibitions in museums and galleries in the United States, Japan, Khatmandu and Korea. Endicott came a day earlier to set up her remarkable sculptures in The Cathedral's Davies Hall, where folks could enjoy her artwork during lunch. Joining her for Spring Training was Tadia Rice, who produced the mini-documentary shown about Endicott called A Grim Ocean Tale. Rice is also a staunch advocate for incarcerated women, and is on the Ethics Commission for the City and County of Honolulu. We share some clips of their presentation in the short video below. Click HERE to view the video A Grim Ocean Tale.

"Jodi Endicott's art and her point of view as expressed through art has me looking at the world slightly
nuanced -- I am grateful!" ~ Anonymous respondent

Closing Plenary 2: Hōkūleʻa: Moananuiākea: A Voyage for Oceans, A Voyage for Earth with Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner

Closing out Spring Training was a presentation by Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner, Executive Director and Captain of the Kanehunamoku Voyaging Academy, who has been sharing her love of sailing and traditional Hawaiian wayfinding for over 30 years. Because she was just returning from a sailing journey earlier that morning, her plenary session had to be switched to the closing session. If she was feeling any fatigue, it was well hidden by her energy and enthusiasm; her passion evident. In 1999, Bonnie was a crew member of the Hawaiian voyaging canoe, Makaliʻi. In this epic voyage, E Mau - Sailing the Master Home, Bonnie sailed and learned from grand master navigator, Mau Piailug and master navigator Shorty Bertelmann. After completing the 3,600 mile, three-month voyage from Hawaiʻi to Saipan, she helped to open Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School and launched the waʻa, Kanehunamoku, a 29 ft. coastal sailing canoe, to share and teach voyaging culture and practice in 2002. In 2014, Bonnie was a crew member aboard Hōkūle'a for leg two of the worldwide voyage and sailed from Rarotonga to Samoa. In 2019, Bonnie was again on board the Makaliʻi in another special voyage to Nihoa and Mokumanamana, two isolated islands in the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument. In her presentation, Bonnie shared the history and lessons she learned during those long voyages, and the reliance on nature, animals and stars. Her presentation was recorded and is shown here.

"Plenary II with Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner was equally impactful. Her heartfelt sharing and grounded wisdom
brought a strong sense of purpose and community to the gathering. Her message was both challenging and encouraging—a true call to deeper service." ~ Anonymous respondent

"The second plenary with Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner helped me understand more about Hawaiian voyaging,
and the interconnectedness of all." ~ The Rev. Jenn Latham

"Hōkūleʻa session was awesome! Having the perspective of one of the participants -- I learned so much!" ~ Anonymous respondent

"Overall, the event was thoughtfully planned and spiritually enriching. What worked well was the strong sense of community, the variety of speakers and topics, and the integration of faith and culture throughout the day. The Chrism Mass was especially moving, and the plenary sessions offered deep insight and inspiration." ~ Anonymous respondent

Mahalo from participants...

"The heart and purpose of the event shone through. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. It was a blessing to be part of it."

"Mahalo to everyone who made this day possible. The Chrism Mass, the plenary sessions, and the entire experience were a rich blessing. I’m grateful to have been part of it."

"Thank you for a wonderful chrism mass and spring training. I am very very grateful to have participated."

Reporting: Sybil Nishioka, Communications Specialist and Editor
Unless otherwise noted, all photos and videos by Sybil Nishioka