BISHOP'S MESSAGES

Beginning in June, the Bishop's Wednesday Bible Study video messages will no longer appear on this page, but on his new Bible Study page HERE.

Latest Messages:

October 26, 2020- The Bishop's Convention Address
October 19, 2020 - The Bishop shares his Convention Sermon
SPECIAL MESSAGE: CONFLICT & BONHOEFFER
October 7, 2020
​My dear Siblings in Christ,

We live in anxious times. I have received emails from folk that I do not know, about the upcoming election. Frankly, I have replied to all that I do not personally know and explicitly asked them to not send their personal opinions to me regardless of their perspective or position on issues or candidates. One person responded with ire and vitriolic castigation for depriving him of his right to free speech. He noted that in all the churches and denominations that he had sent his missive, I was the first to ask to be removed from his mailing list. I suspect that others just ignored him. He did agree to remove my name with a summary judgement of my soul and my Diocese. To be honest, I just don’t want to hear from outside my Diocese or the Episcopal Church. I did, however, say a prayer for the gentleman. 

Now, I am hearing from clergy and lay members of the Diocese. Some are upset with President Trump and the way he has handled the COVID-19 crisis in the nation and most recently in the White House itself. Others are fearful to say that they support the President because of the response from their fellow Episcopalians. Many of us are fatigued by the words of anger and lack of respect. There is worry about the future. Life is weighed down by “stay at home orders,” wearing masks, social distancing, illness, and fear of the pandemic and its consequences both physically and economically.  READ MORE
SPECIAL MESSAGE: THE PRESIDENT & COVID-19
October 2, 2020
TO: The Diocese of Hawaiʻi and the Episcopal Church in Micronesia

With the news that President and Mrs. Trump have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, I urge all congregations to remember them and all others throughout the world who have tested positive, and especially those who have fallen gravely ill, during the Prayers in the worship services of our churches (in the private prayers of all Episcopalians). 

Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We also should continue our prayers for medical staffs, scientists and others who care for those infected, and the most vulnerable, and are working to end this pandemic in a safe and effective manner.

Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for effective treatments and vaccines. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We must also remember the over 200,000 citizens of the United States (including those individuals related to Episcopal churches in Hawaiʻi and Micronesia) and over 1,000,000 world-wide who have died due to COVID-19 related complications.

Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And be sure to pray for the families and friends of those who have died.

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
​
My dear siblings in Christ Jesus, please stay safe: Wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and sanitize your environment.

Your brother in Christ Jesus,

Bob+

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
Bishop Diocesan 
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

Bishop-in-Charge
The Episcopal Church in Micronesia
September 28, 2020 - The Bishop addresses the divisive climate in our nation today and reflects on the writings of Augustine.
September 21, 2020 - The Bishop reflects on Philippians 4:4-7; a reminder to faithfully do our part during the pandemic and that all will be well.
September 14, 2020 - The Bishop shares a note of thanks and encouragement to all in the Diocese, especially as we continue to navigate life through a pandemic.
September 7, 2020 - The Bishop shares the sermon he delivered at The Cathedral of St. Andrew this past Sunday, addressing how we live in this broken world.
August 31, 2020 - The Bishop talks about the challenges and crises in our changing world and how to find peace through our faith.
SPECIAL MESSAGE: PRAYING FOR OUR WORLD IN CRISIS
August 28,2020
The Bishop shares an important message as we deal with a world in crisis over the pandemic, natural disasters and the violence of racism. ​
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: EMERGENCY ORDER
August 25, 2020
​Because of the most recent “Emergency Order” from the Governor and Mayor of Honolulu, the Diocesan Support Center will be closed effective Wednesday, August 26, at 4:30 PM. The staff will be working from home and available through email. We hope to return to the office in September when the current “stay at home” order is lifted.
Mahalo,
+Bob

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
Bishop Diocesan
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi
August 24, 2020 - The Bishop shares a reflection on Psalm 93 in light of the history of the Islands and racism.
THANKING OUR CLERGY
August 21, 2020
​Aloha my dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

I have a request for all lay members of Episcopal churches in Hawaiʻi and Micronesia: Please tell your priest thank you. Drop them a note or an email. The pandemic has been complicated and harmful for all of us. Most clergy really do love people. We like to talk and be with people. The pandemic has pushed is into virtual worship and endless Zoom gatherings. I’m not sure some clergy are really taking their day off. Many have certainly decided to forgo vacations. A note of thanks would be appreciated.

To the Wardens and members of Vestries/Bishop’s Committees, please ensure that your clergy are taking their day off each week without answering emails or text messages. It would be wise for them to take some vacation time (even a staycation without calls and email).

I deeply appreciate that the clergy of this Diocese (and the Convocation in Micronesia) have stepped up during a difficult time. As the pandemic ebbs and flows, we have had to be all the more adaptable. We all look forward to 2021 with a vaccine and/or effective treatments making COVID-19 inconsequential. Until then, we must care for one another. Please tell your priests and deacons how much you care for them.

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders in your Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are called to any office and ministry for your people, and especially the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Hawaiʻi and the Episcopal Church in Micronesia; and so fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Aloha ma o Iesu Kristo, ko makou Haku,

+Bob

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick,
Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
Bishop-in-Charge of the Episcopal Church in Micronesia
August 17, 2020 - The Bishop asks the question "Why?" as he reflects on our faith and the reasons we worship.
August 10, 2020 - The Bishop ponders Scripture to help us during these difficult times.
SPECIAL MESSAGE ON IN-PERSON WORSHIP
August 5, 2020
​My dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

I have had several restless nights recently. The climb in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations – especially on Oʻahu and, to a lesser degree, on Maui – have me worried. I listened to the Mayor of Honolulu and health officials yesterday. I have read and reread the Orders from the Counties.

How can we best care for God’s people and witness to the community in this time of pandemic? I think we are at a point that the churches in the different Counties need to respond in different ways. READ MORE
August 3, 2020 - The Bishop addresses "politics" in religion in this timely and important reminder of how we live out our faith.
July 27, 2020 - The Bishop talks about Lectio Divina Prayer and the five steps to practice it.
SPECIAL MESSAGE: HURRICANE DOUGLAS
July 25, 2020
Aloha my dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

With the approach of Hurricane Douglas, I know everyone in the Diocese is preparing "just in case." Be assured of my prayers, and the support of the Diocesan Support Center Staff for our churches and parishioners.  

I have asked the Clergy and Wardens to keep me informed of the needs of our parishioners and the impact on our local communities in addition to any damage to church property. 

I also know that some congregations and individual Episcopalians will be reaching out to the houseless and those who are homebound in this time of need. All is more complicated because of the COVID Pandemic. Thank you for your ministry. 

Please stay safe! In this difficult time, please wear your mask, try to maintain social distancing, and wash your hands as often as you can. 

For a prayer, I have modified this one from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer for our time and place:

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech thee, of thy great goodness, to restrain those immoderate rains and winds, that doth afflict these Islands from time to time. And we pray thee to send us such seasonable weather, that the earth may, in due time, yield her increase for our use and benefit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Sent with my hope and prayer for the safety of everyone,

+Bob

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi
Monday, July 20, 2020 - The Bishop shares the sermon he delivered at the St. Andrew's Priory Baccalaureate on Friday, July 17, 2020.
July 13, 2020 - For his weekly Monday message, the Bishop shares the sermon he gave at the Ordination of Stephen McPeek on July 11, 2020.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP:
WORSHIP & COVID CONCERNS
July 11, 2020
Aloha,

I have received requests from two diocesan leaders that I deeply respect asking me to consider closing public worship in the entire Diocese.  They are rightly concerned about the recent local spike in positive COVID-19 tests. After today’s report of 42 new positive COVID-19 tests in the Islands, I too am deeply concerned. 

As of right now (Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 2:30 PM), I’m not convinced that it is necessary to stop public worship in all of our congregations.  This is especially true if a congregation has adequate space and airflow (ideally meeting outside), and is closely following the guidelines/recommendations in the Diocesan Customary in the time of Pandemic (the 2nd edition will be coming soon and the guidelines will even be more explicit).  Many of our congregations have good plans in place and are being diligent in practice.  At this time, please follow the path of caution.  Everyone needs to be masked [in a cloth mask and not a face shield alone (as of now)].  During in-person worship, please no hymn singing and no congregational responses.  READ MORE
July 6, 2020 - The Bishop shares insightful words from Father Kenneth Bray and Archbishop William Temple.
June 29, 2020 - In today’s weekly message, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick talks about shame and guilt, and references the book Shame and Grace: Healing the Shame We Don't Deserve by Lewis B. Smedes (HarperCollins, 1993).
June 22, 2020 - In today’s message, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick talks about symbols and faith, referring to the book The Dynamics of Faith by Paul Tillich.
June 15, 2020 - In today’s message, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick reflects on the meaning of the “Common Good” as Christians, in light of Micah 6:8 and 1 Peter 2:10, and the pitfalls of individualism.  He also recommends two biographies of 20th century Episcopalians: The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins  by Kristen Downey (Anchor Books, 2009) and A Christian and a Democrat: A Religious Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt by John F. Woolverton with James D. Bratt (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2019).
To view more of the Bishop's video messages, visit the Diocesan YouTube channel:
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The Rt. Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick

Past Messages

Earlier messages can be found on the archive page:

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