Frequently Asked Questions
1. “What is S.H.W.A.Y.?”
S.H.W.A.Y., Saints Helping With Adults and Youth, is a Catholic Organization and Prayer Group in the Diocese of Honolulu and a Parish Association of the Faithful based at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church Honolulu. S.H.W.A.Y. is NOT A YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY.
2. "How do I become a member of S.H.W.A.Y.?"
All are welcome to become members through participation in households and in our special events. It's our hope that as members become more involved in S.H.W.A.Y., they will also be more engaged with ministry at their own parish.
To become a member of S.H.W.A.Y., one should:
3. “Isn’t S.H.W.A.Y. a youth and young adult ministry?”
S.H.W.A.Y. is NOT a youth and young adult ministry. It is a family prayer group that has spiritual, social and service activities for the entire family.
4. “What are examples of activities within S.H.W.A.Y.?”
Every First Saturday of the Month, families who are members of S.H.W.A.Y. gather and participate in 1st Saturday devotion (Our Lady of Fatima Message) prayers followed by potluck and a featured speaker. Attendees of 1st Saturday are invited to attend households, participate in novenas and attend other faith sharing gathering that include discussions of various topics of the Catholic Faith. S.H.W.A.Y. activities encourages its members to be active in their parish by bringing its members to a better understanding of the Eucharist, fostering a love for prayer especially in the Rosary and encouraging Catholics around the Diocese of Honolulu to pray together regardless of parish or vicariate affiliation.
5. “I am not a member of the parish that the Family Rosary is based and I am currently a parishioner elsewhere. Does this mean I can’t become a member of the Family Rosary Movement S.H.W.A.Y.?”
You do not have to be a member of the Parish the Family Rosary Movement is based at in order to be a member.
6. “I am a registered and an active parishioner at another parish. Do I need to obtain permission from my parish priest in order to be a member of S.H.W.A.Y?”
People don’t need permission from their pastors to join S.H.W.A.Y. or any other association, club or organization, unless the organization is condemned by the Church, such as the Masons. The Masons have been condemned by the Catholic Church.
7. "Isn’t S.H.W.A.Y activities covered by the liability insurance of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawai’i?"
Since S.H.W.A.Y has been approved as a Parish Association (its website is linked on www.catholichawaii.org), all its activities are covered as long as it meets on property civilly owned by the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawai’i and its off-site activities utilize the appropriate forms, its leaders follow proper safe environment policies and the pastor gives his approval from parish where the event is taking place at or associated with.
S.H.W.A.Y., Saints Helping With Adults and Youth, is a Catholic Organization and Prayer Group in the Diocese of Honolulu and a Parish Association of the Faithful based at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church Honolulu. S.H.W.A.Y. is NOT A YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY.
2. "How do I become a member of S.H.W.A.Y.?"
All are welcome to become members through participation in households and in our special events. It's our hope that as members become more involved in S.H.W.A.Y., they will also be more engaged with ministry at their own parish.
To become a member of S.H.W.A.Y., one should:
- Attend 1st Saturday Devotion every month or commit to participate in 1st Saturday Devotion at least privately.
- Submit prayer intention & covenant slip. Other forms may apply.
- Attend a S.H.W.A.Y. activities monthly, such as households and weekly rosaries gatherings led by household leaders (refer to calendar).
- Be in active ministry at a Catholic Parish.
3. “Isn’t S.H.W.A.Y. a youth and young adult ministry?”
S.H.W.A.Y. is NOT a youth and young adult ministry. It is a family prayer group that has spiritual, social and service activities for the entire family.
4. “What are examples of activities within S.H.W.A.Y.?”
Every First Saturday of the Month, families who are members of S.H.W.A.Y. gather and participate in 1st Saturday devotion (Our Lady of Fatima Message) prayers followed by potluck and a featured speaker. Attendees of 1st Saturday are invited to attend households, participate in novenas and attend other faith sharing gathering that include discussions of various topics of the Catholic Faith. S.H.W.A.Y. activities encourages its members to be active in their parish by bringing its members to a better understanding of the Eucharist, fostering a love for prayer especially in the Rosary and encouraging Catholics around the Diocese of Honolulu to pray together regardless of parish or vicariate affiliation.
5. “I am not a member of the parish that the Family Rosary is based and I am currently a parishioner elsewhere. Does this mean I can’t become a member of the Family Rosary Movement S.H.W.A.Y.?”
You do not have to be a member of the Parish the Family Rosary Movement is based at in order to be a member.
6. “I am a registered and an active parishioner at another parish. Do I need to obtain permission from my parish priest in order to be a member of S.H.W.A.Y?”
People don’t need permission from their pastors to join S.H.W.A.Y. or any other association, club or organization, unless the organization is condemned by the Church, such as the Masons. The Masons have been condemned by the Catholic Church.
7. "Isn’t S.H.W.A.Y activities covered by the liability insurance of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawai’i?"
Since S.H.W.A.Y has been approved as a Parish Association (its website is linked on www.catholichawaii.org), all its activities are covered as long as it meets on property civilly owned by the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawai’i and its off-site activities utilize the appropriate forms, its leaders follow proper safe environment policies and the pastor gives his approval from parish where the event is taking place at or associated with.