2026 Chrism Mass & Spring Training: Sanctity & Discernment
[March 26, 2026] The Diocese's annual Chrism Mass and Spring Training event took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. This year's event was especially poignant as it is the last one with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick Celebrating and hosting as Bishop Diocesan. Even the theme, "A Time of Discernment," is connected to the upcoming election for the next Bishop of the Diocese of Hawai'i taking place in May.
Folks gathered bright and early under the Aloha Tent next to the Cathedral, checking in and socializing as Diocesan Support Center (DSC) staff and volunteers greeted everyone. For the past year, the DSC has been testing out different methods of checking in, scanning QR codes and utilizing color-coded nametags that have been working well. As always, diocesan gatherings are a great time for catching up with friends and associates or making new ones, with lots of hugs and handshakes going around.
Chrism Mass
At 9:00 a.m. folks were shephered into the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass with well over 100 in attendance, with over 40 of whom were clergy. Chrism Mass has usually been held during Lent so that churches will have a supply of oils before Holy Week, and this year's service came a bit earlier than usual with Holy Week beginning on March 29.
The sacredness of the service was enhanced by the beautiful voices that filled the Cathedral and a dressed down sanctuary reflecting a season of repentence, self-denial, and introspection. Archdeacon Steve Costa sounded the pū, followed by the procession of clergy that ended with the Bishop.
Spring Training: A Time of Discernment
Anonymous
Mass - It was a very contemplative holy time to reflect on the meaning of our baptismal promises and how we are called to heal the world with our everyday actions.
Wonderful, look forward to this every year. To be together with clergy and lay from all over the state is a way for us to catch up with each other.
Solemn. The Holy Spirit worked
Wonderfully moving service.
Excellent, thank you!
The Mass was beautiful.
Beautiful and meaningful. Wonderful message by Bishop Bob.
Beautiful ceremony. I appreciate the use of both English and Olelo Hawaiian
Everything about the program was very good.
It is always impressive to see a full complement of clergy and choir within the confines of the Cathedral. Being a traditionalist at heart, I fondly remember the days when all the clergy were vested the same way. The optics added dignity to the ceremony and signified a kind of unity within the whole. With all the variety of dress today, it feels a bit too casual and a little kapakahi (you did ask for my comments).
I have attended the Chrism Mass of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. Yes, all the clergy wore stoles of the same design. The Romans conduct their Chrism Mass a little differently. Lay representatives from each church or mission bring their own containers of oil and present them to the Bishop for blessing. This allows the laity from parishes and missions across the diocese to actively participate in the ceremony. That way the Chrism Mass is not so clergy-centric and helps to emphasize all of us as one body in Christ. Lay participation is not just limited to the presenters. It seems that parishioners from all the churches are also in the pews which makes for a full cathedral.
training - I am wondering how I can incorporate more of the Hoʻoponopono vocabulary into my weekly announcements before service as we continue our journey in Lent and also how to tie it in with our upcoming Hoʻimi trainings that are coming up in June on Big Island.
Plenary I - liked the breakout groups discussing the questions - opened things to consider more perspectives as we move forward. Plenary II - liked having actual "names" for the bias we encounter so frequently. Plenary III - loved learning more about Hawaiian tradition, especially for reconciliation between parties.
I liked how Bishop Carol Gallagher spoke from her indigenous viewpoint which connected with our indigenous island one. I also liked Anne Kitch's training on the various forms of bias (I didn't know there were so many). Nahoa gave a good talk on ho'oponopono/reconciliation. All this was related to the Bishop's transition which is on everyone's mind.
I appreciate the wisdom of the bishop who came to us on Zoom, I had a great small group, and came away with a deeper understanding of this diocese and how we look at finding a new bishop.
I really enjoyed the session on bias. It was very thought provoking, especially during these divisive times.
Excellent contextual thinking as we continue this transitional journey. Bishop Gallagher offered hope, Rev. Kitsch offered valuable insights about discernment and bias, and Kahu Nahoa presented a helpful resource for conflict resolution. All important aspects of this process.
I thought all the sessions were excellent. The first two related more to the discernment process at hand. However, I found Father Nahoa’s presentation equally interesting. His explanation of ho’oponopono as a native Hawaiian method of conflict resolution was very informative. The handouts from the first two sessions were very useful. I especially liked the handout on the different types of bias. Someone really thought that one through. The reflections at the end of each described bias provided practical advice on how that particular bias impacts the discernment process and how that problem should be addressed.
All of the topics were wonderful. I picked the bias . Based on my working experiences I can picture the reality that we can’t control bias. With the knowledge shared it enlightened us to be strong. Have faith all the time.
Anne Kitch was most helpful in the anti bias seminar. It made me realize how important it is to catch oneself in being biased and turn your thinking around.
Misc - It would amazing if there were a Lenten RETREAT opportunity that had Hawaiian values that included Hoʻoponopono and malama aina at Camp Mokuleia. It would amazing to have quiet reflective time along with ancient practice of healing and confession.
Would love to learn more about the Hawaiian traditions relating to sustainability and conservation.
Grateful to the entire DSC staff for all their hard work! Mahalo!
Joanne Mahuka - this is the second chrism mass I have attended. a renewal of vows for all of us. the service isn't somber. I always enjoy the rousing responses and singing. I am an alternate to convention this year and was glad to participate in these sessions in case I need to step in as delegate. I feel better prepared.
Howard Wilson II - i truly Love the entire experience of being @ St. Andrew’s! i Loved both the lecture on Bias and How our belief systems interfere with The discernment from God! Continue to educate the Laypersons & the Clergy on what is leadership!
Solah - Palaroan - It is always a wonderful feeling to be with the clergy of Hawaii and to be blessed by the Bishop especially as this is Bishop Bob's last service before retirement. learning all the "biases" and that we should be open minded and most importantly, malama pono of the mana.
Chris Golding - Excellent sessions for the Bishop's transition.
Hauoli Tomoso - Discernment includes being reconciled and thinking clearly about that which is ahead of one’s self. We have to be culturally competent in all that we do in our Diocese
