Under the directive from the Diocese of Honolulu

St. Joseph Church has set up an egiving program to allow  parishioners and guests an easier way to give.  It will also allow the donors to: 1. Give from anywhere using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 2. No need to find a check or stop by the ATM.  3. Use your Checking/Savings Account or your Debit/Credit Card. 4. Schedule gifts to occur automatically.    Click on the give now link or on your phone using my parish app.   “All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God.”   Deuteronomy 16:17

Online donations may be made at any time from the comfort of your own home or any place with internet access. Online donations are credited to your tax statement for the end of the year (except when made anonymously)and you can change your account preferences and donation amounts at any time.

Who Do You Say That Jesus Is?

 Who is Jesus for you - and what difference does he make in your life? Many in Israel recognized Jesus as a mighty man of God, even comparing him with the greatest of the prophets. Peter, always quick to respond whenever Jesus spoke, professed that Jesus was truly the "Christ of God" - "the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter, but only God. Through the "eyes of faith" Peter discovered who Jesus truly was. Peter recognized that Jesus was much more than a great teacher, prophet, and miracle worker. Peter was the first apostle to publicly declare that Jesus was the Anointed One, consecrated by the Father and sent into the world to redeem a fallen human race enslaved to sin and cut off from eternal life with God (Luke 9:20, Acts 2:14-36). The word for "Christ" in Greek is a translation of the Hebrew word for "Messiah" - both words literally mean the Anointed One.

Suicide Prevention

Beginning this month, many advocacy groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and theSuicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) are asking for your support to help raise awareness and hope for those suffering from depression and suicidal tendencies during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities (NCPD) also reminds us that “good pastoral practice demands that the family members and other survivors of suicide be treated with the utmost compassion and care.” Suicide is often stigmatized as dark and “taboo”, but is nevertheless, an important subject that needs to be brought to the light. As the 2nd leading cause of death in the nation for young people ages 10-24, we must all do our part as a faith community to address the underlying issues that cause this alarming statistic. During this pandemic, many people are experiencing mental health issues or trouble coping with COVID-19 challenges and other life traumas; and it is not uncommon for some to turn to a parish priest for help. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) affirms that faith communities are a natural and appropriate setting to assist in suicide prevention. Spiritual beliefs and practices tend to increase a sense of hope and purpose in people's lives, so we encourage all parishes to pitch  in by providing more opportunities to develop positive relationships and offer support during difficult times. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2283): “We should not despair the eternal salvation of persons who have  in by providing more opportunities to develop positive relationships and offer support during difficult times. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2283): “We should not despair the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.” When a failed attempt occurs, the National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities (NCPD) recommends “great care and love can be offered by family, friends, and professionals to assure the person is loved and can find help in coping with the source of their pain.” Other recourses can be found on the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers website, which has produced two important resources by Ave Maria Press: •Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders •When a Loved One Dies by Suicide: Comfort, Hope and Healing for Grieving Catholics Both books may be purchased online at this link. Let’s all do our part to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the struggles of those around us. Maybe it’s that one interaction with a person in need that could just save a life. For more information or to seek help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.