Road Map demographics

The coverage of the Catholic Church in the national media does not always do justice to the vibrancy of our church in our communities. There is value in reviewing some basic information that provides the context within which the Diocese of Honolulu “Road Map for Pastoral, Program, and Facility Needs 2008-2013” was developed.

The Catholic Church in Hawaii is growing. And this growth will require of the diocese more staff, programs and facilities, including priests, lay leaders, social programs, churches and schools.

Approximately 20 percent of Hawaii’s population identify themselves as Catholics and are served by a state-wide diocese. The Diocese of Honolulu encompasses 66 parishes, 26 active missions, and two shrines. These parishes and missions are organized into nine vicariates. There are two on the Big Island, one on Kauai and one that encompasses Maui, Molokai and Lanai. On Oahu, the number of vicariates was recently increased from four to five as a result of the huge population growth that has taken place in Leeward Oahu and is projected for that region.

In 2000, the total Hawaii state population, including military and their dependents, was estimated at about 1,224,700. The state population is expected to grow to about 1,334,600 by 2010; 1,489,650 by 2020; and 1,630,450 by 2030. This means that, over the next 20-plus years, Hawaii’s population is expected to increase by about 400,000 persons or 33 percent. In general, this population growth will be spread throughout the state, with most of it in the more rapidly urbanizing areas of the diocese.

On Oahu, population growth will be largely in the Leeward Vicariate and the new Central Oahu Vicariate. For example, population in the area served by the Leeward Vicariate is expected to increase by more than 100 percent by 2030. On Maui, the growth in population will be mainly in the St. Anthony, Christ the King, St. Theresa, and Maria Lanakila parishes. In the East Hawaii Vicariate, most growth will be in the parishes of St. Joseph, St. Theresa, Sacred Heart and Malia Puka O Kalani. In the West Hawaii Vicariate, the Annunciation and St. Michael parishes will likely experience the most growth. On Kauai, the largest growth will probably be in the Immaculate Conception, St. Raphael and Holy Cross parishes. Across the state, these are the areas where the need for priests, programs and facilities will be greatest.

The vicariates and parishes of our diocese are currently served by some 100 priests. The total number of priests (including retirees, those assigned to diocesan or other ministries, members of religious orders in ministry, priests from other dioceses serving in Hawaii, and military chaplains) is 157. Also, 61 active or retired deacons assist the diocese and parishes with pastoral duties. Members of 25 men’s and women’s religious congregations serve the Catholic Church in Hawaii.

Thirty-three Catholic schools serve the parishes of the diocese, including 25 preschool/kindergarten/elementary/middle schools, seven high schools, and one university. Nearly 11,500 young people are enrolled in preschools and K-12 Catholic schools; the majority of Catholic youth enroll in public or other private schools.

The diocese makes pastoral services available to numerous hospitals and nursing and care facilities in Hawaii. Military personnel and their families in Hawaii (estimated in 2006 at more than 97,000) are served in large part by military chaplains posted to military installations.

The appendix included in the Road Map document provides information about parish location, parish and diocesan schools, and the names and locations of missions and shrines. This information is available at www.catholichawaii .org by clicking on “Road Map” and then on “The Diocesan Plan (Full Document).”

Ours is a large and vibrant diocese. Part of witnessing to Jesus is knowing and sharing information about who we are, where we serve, and why our future is bright.