Come Serve in Hawaii Short Term

COME SERVE IN HAWAIʻI SHORT-TERM

The Diocese of Hawai‘i regularly has positions for which there is a need for a priest to serve for a short period of time. These are not “typical” interim positions.

The short-term positions that are available can last for several weeks to several months, with the length of time determined by the availability of the priest and the preference of the congregation. We have had clergy from other dioceses who are on sabbatical serve in a congregation that was in transition. We have also had retired clergy come and serve for several months, in some cases with the intention to return regularly.

Clergy serving 3 months or more will become an employee of that congregation. Please click HERE to see the Supply and Visiting Clergy Policy under the Clergy Compensation section.

Currently three churches in the Diocese are offering the possibility of a short-term stay. Note that they are in remote, rural areas. Also, please note that they may be booked well into the future.

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Kilauea (Island of Kaua'i): Our Clergy -in-residence provides for us on a short-term basis (approximately 12 weeks): Celebrating and preaching at two Sunday services; a weekly teaching; and sacramental/pastoral care when needed. In exchange, clergy receives round-trip airfare to Kaua`i; use of a beautiful furnished condo in Princeville, one the leading destination resorts; use of an automobile; and a small stipend. It is a wonderful opportunity for retired bishops and priests, or anyone on sabbatical. We are currently taking applications for the following 12 week time periods in the new Church year: November 29, 2020 - February 14, 202l; February 21-April 25, 2021; May 2-July 25, 2021; August 1-October 10, 2021; and one 6 week period: October 17-November 21, 2021. Please CLICK HERE to send resume and time period of interest to: Rebecca Hullum, Bishop's Warden.
The Episcopal Church on West Kaua‘i (ECWK): The westernmost Episcopal church in the United States, consisting of two chapels, St. Paul’s (8:00am service) in Kekaha and St. John’s (10:00am service) in ‘Ele'ele. ECWK is serving as a "sabbatical site" in which a priest offers Sunday services and emergency pastoral care in exchange for living in a furnished vicarage, which was recently refurbished, and having a vehicle to drive. This ministry began in January 2012. ECWK prefers that priests stay for at least two months.
St. Jude's Episcopal Mission, Ocean View, Big Island (Island of Hawai'i): The southernmost Episcopal church in the United States. St. Jude's offers a new, furnished vicarage that can sleep 2 to 4 people in exchange for Sunday supply. The church also provides a car, and someone from the congregation will meet you at either the Kona airport (1.5 hours) or the Hilo airport (2.5 hours) and transport you to the church. This ministry opportunity began in February 2013. Please click HERE to view St. Jude's short-term ministry brochure.

For more general information about transition in the Diocese of Hawai‘i, please see the Transition Ministry page.

Questions?

Please contact Denise Esposito, Executive Assistant to Bishop Fitzpatrick.

Instructions

First, please contact the church directly for additional information about the short-term ministry opportunity, availability, and suitability.

Kauai:
The Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i (ECWK) 808.335.5533

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church
Ms. Rebecca Hullum

Big Island:
St. Jude's Episcopal Mission
Ms. Cordelia Burt

Please note: Once you have agreed with the church on suitable dates, please follow the below instructions for applying for short-term permission in Hawai'i.

Applying for Short-Term Permission

Once you've made initial arrangements with the congregation to be available on a short-term basis, you must request permission from Bishop Fitzpatrick to serve in the Diocese of Hawai'i.

To do so, please send the following documents to Denise Esposito:

A completed Application Form (download and complete);
A completed background check (download the authorization form.
A letter of good standing from the Bishop of the Diocese where you are canonically resident (addressed to Bishop Fitzpatrick);
Certification that you have completed your Diocese's Safe Church requirements, or their equivalents.