This article appeared in the ​Episcopal Parish of St. James, St. Columba's, and Beach Mass e-newsletter, dated September 4, 2026:

A Joyful Day at St. Columba’s!
Ordination to the Priesthood: Catherine McPherson-Tampos

[September 24, 2026]  What a joyful day we shared on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as the Rev. Cathy McPherson-Tampos was ordained to the priesthood at St. Columba’s!

​A huge mahalo to our St. Columba’s congregation for their extraordinary hospitality. So many people worked to prepare the church and grounds for the ordination and then provided an incredible reception afterward. You welcomed Cathy, her family and friends, clergy, and guests with such generosity and aloha. It was St. Columba’s at its very best!

The day also brought together people from the four congregations that have helped form and support Cathy on her journey to the priesthood: her sponsoring parish, Church of the Holy Apostles in Hilo; St. Columba’s; St. James’; and her current parish, St. Augustine’s in Kapaʻau, where Cathy will now serve as Curate.

Cathy is a bi-vocational priest, meaning she serves as a priest while continuing her full-time vocation as Assistant Principal at Nā‘ālehu School. That ministry has taken on particular importance following the tremendous damage the school suffered during Hurricane Lala.

As Bishop Fitzpatrick reminded us in his sermon, Cathy is called to be a priest in community, serving alongside people in their joys and struggles and making Christ’s love and mercy present among those in need.

Cathy, St. James' parish ʻohana rejoices with you! We give thanks for your call, your perseverance, and your generous “yes” to God. And again, a huge mahalo nui loa to our St. Columba’s congregation and to everyone who helped make this beautiful day possible!

Congratulations to the Rev. Catherine McPherson-Tampos!

(Click on images for larger views:)

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick

The Rev. Jennifer Masada & the Rev. Deacon Lani Bowman

The Rev. Katlin McAllister

The Rev. Suzanne Kobayashi and the Rev. Deacon Mary Margaret Smith

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(Contributed photos)