Diocesan Formation Institute 2026

A week-long Catholic formation experience featuring expert presenters, practical workshops, and spiritual enrichment.
About this Event

The Diocese of Honolulu is excited to launch the inaugural Diocesan Formation Institute, a week-long opportunity for Catholics to deepen their faith, grow in knowledge, and become more effective disciples of Jesus Christ.

Whether you serve in ministry, are discerning a greater role in your parish, or simply desire to learn more about the Catholic faith, the Institute offers practical and engaging formation led by experienced clergy, religious, educators, and ministry leaders from across the islands.

Participants may choose from a variety of courses covering topics such as:

• Sacred Scripture
• Catholic Beliefs and Morality
• Evangelization and Mission
• Liturgy and Sacraments
• Eucharistic Theology
• Catechetical Ministry
• Stewardship and Discipleship
• Youth and Young Adult Ministry
• Church History and Spirituality

Courses are designed for adults of all backgrounds and levels of experience. No prior theological training is required.

Schedule

Evening Sessions
Sunday, June 21 – Thursday, June 25
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Morning Sessions
Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Participants may register for morning sessions, evening sessions, or both.

Huaka'i Project Training

The Huaka'i Project is funded through a grant from the McGrath Institute. Because of this, training for their small group program is offered free of charge.

Location

Damien Memorial School
1401 Houghtailing Street
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817

Who Should Attend?

• Catechists and faith formation leaders
• Parish ministry volunteers
• Youth and young adult ministers
• Catholic school educators
• RCIA/OCIA team members
• Liturgical ministers
• Anyone seeking to deepen their Catholic faith

Join Catholics from across Hawaiʻi for a week of learning, prayer, fellowship, and formation as we grow together as missionary disciples in service to the Church and the world.

"Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope." — 1 Peter 3:15

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Check-in / Registration
🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Sessions (Monday, June 22 - Friday, June 26)

Info: See the Morning Sessions and Presenters tab above for more details.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch

Info: Lunch available to purchase in the cafeteria.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Afternoon Special Sessions

Info: Optional three-hour enrichment courses featuring various topics each day.

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-in / Registration
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Evening Sessions (Sunday, June 21 - Thursday, June 25)

Info: See the Evening Sessions and Presenters tab above for more details.

Morning Sessions

🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"Accompaniment and Pastoral Care"
Host: Rhea Quemado

Info: Learn how to accompany others with compassion, empathy, and Christ-centered care. This course develops practical skills in listening, pastoral presence, and spiritual support, preparing participants to walk alongside individuals and families through the joys, challenges, and transitions of life with sensitivity and hope.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"The Bible: An Overview of Sacred Scripture"
Host: Fr. Clyde Guerreiro, ss.cc.

Info: Gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word through an introduction to the structure, history, and major themes of Sacred Scripture. This course traces God’s plan of salvation from the Old Testament to the New Testament, helping participants appreciate the unity of the Bible and equipping them to use Scripture more confidently in personal prayer, faith formation, and pastoral ministry.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"Catechetical Accompaniment Practicum"
Host: Fr. Dario Rinaldi

Info: Discover the vocation of the catechist as a guide, mentor, and witness of faith. This practical course explores the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of catechetical ministry, equipping participants to accompany others on their journey with Christ, foster authentic Catholic identity, and form disciples who can live and share their faith in today’s world.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery"
Host: Dcn. Keith Galang

Info: Deepen your understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life. This course explores how the Holy Mass makes present the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, and examines the Church’s teaching on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"Introduction to Catholic Morality"
Host: Chrislyn Villena

Info: Explore the Church’s vision for living a faithful and virtuous Christian life. This course examines the foundations of Catholic moral teaching, the formation of conscience, and the role of virtue in moral decision-making. Participants will learn how to apply the Gospel and the Church’s teachings to everyday life as disciples of Jesus Christ.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"More Than Music: Understanding the Role of the Liturgical Musician"
Host: Justin Agustin

Info: Explore the sacred ministry of music within the Church’s liturgy. This course examines the theological, pastoral, and practical responsibilities of liturgical musicians, helping participants understand how music serves prayer, supports the assembly’s participation, and enhances the celebration of the sacred mysteries.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"Small Group Masterclass: Building Communities of Faith, Formation, & Mission"
Host: Malcolm Zara

Info: **FREE WORKSHOP** This workshop introduces participants to the principles and practices of healthy Catholic small group ministry. Using The Huakaʻi Project as a practical case study, participants will learn how to build groups that are structured yet relational, spiritually formative, service-oriented, and mission-driven. The course will move from vision and theology to practical implementation, giving participants tools to design, facilitate, and sustain small group communities in their own ministry contexts.

Evening Sessions

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Accompaniment and Pastoral Care"
Host: Rhea Quemado

Info: Learn how to accompany others with compassion, empathy, and Christ-centered care. This course develops practical skills in listening, pastoral presence, and spiritual support, preparing participants to walk alongside individuals and families through the joys, challenges, and transitions of life with sensitivity and hope.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Catechetical Accompaniment Practicum"
Host: Fr. Dario Rinaldi

Info: Discover the vocation of the catechist as a guide, mentor, and witness of faith. This practical course explores the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of catechetical ministry, equipping participants to accompany others on their journey with Christ, foster authentic Catholic identity, and form disciples who can live and share their faith in today’s world.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery"
Host: Dcn. Keith Galang

Info: Deepen your understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life. This course explores how the Holy Mass makes present the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, and examines the Church’s teaching on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Foundations of Catechetical Ministry"
Host: Sr. Anne Clare De Costa, ss.cc.

Info: Prepare for the vital ministry of catechesis by developing the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation needed to form disciples of Jesus Christ. This course introduces the theological, pastoral, and practical dimensions of catechetical ministry, including Church teaching, effective methods of faith formation, spiritual growth, and leadership skills for fostering engaging and welcoming learning environments. Participants will be equipped to share the faith with confidence and accompany others in their journey of discipleship.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Introduction to Evangelization and Mission"
Host: Dallas Carter

Info: Discover the Church’s call to share the Gospel and make disciples. This course explores the foundations of evangelization, the missionary identity of every baptized Christian, and practical ways to accompany others toward a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ in everyday life.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Living the Sacramental Life: Encountering Christ through the 7 Sacraments"
Host: Anthony Selvanathan

Info: Discover how Christ continues to encounter, heal, and strengthen His people through the seven sacraments. This course explores the biblical foundations, theological meaning, and practical significance of each sacrament, helping participants deepen their appreciation for God’s grace at work throughout every stage of life. From Baptism to Holy Orders, participants will learn how the sacraments shape Christian identity, nourish discipleship, and empower believers to live their faith more fully in the world.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"More Than Music: Understanding the Role of the Liturgical Musician"
Host: Justin Agustin

Info: Explore the sacred ministry of music within the Church’s liturgy. This course examines the theological, pastoral, and practical responsibilities of liturgical musicians, helping participants understand how music serves prayer, supports the assembly’s participation, and enhances the celebration of the sacred mysteries.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Small Group Masterclass: Building Communities of Faith, Formation, & Mission"
Host: Malcolm Zara

Info: **FREE WORKSHOP** This workshop introduces participants to the principles and practices of healthy Catholic small group ministry. Using The Huakaʻi Project as a practical case study, participants will learn how to build groups that are structured yet relational, spiritually formative, service-oriented, and mission-driven. The course will move from vision and theology to practical implementation, giving participants tools to design, facilitate, and sustain small group communities in their own ministry contexts.

🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
"Vatican II and the Church Today: Rediscovering the Vision of Lumen Gentium"
Host: Fr. Alfred Omar Guerrero

Info: This course provides an accessible introduction to Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. Participants will explore key themes including the Church as the People of God, the universal call to holiness, the role of the laity, the Church’s mission in the modern world, and the growing emphasis on communion and synodality. Learn how Vatican II continues to shape the life, mission, and identity of the Church today.

Afternoon Specials

🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
MONDAY - "Ke Aloha ʻEukalikia: Hawaiian Culture and the Love of the Eucharist"
Host: Karen Ululani Victor

Info: This three-hour course explores the deep points of resonance between Hawaiian culture and the Catholic faith, with special attention to ke aloha ʻEukalikia—the love of the Eucharist. Participants will reflect on how the Gospel purifies, elevates, and fulfills culture, and how Hawaiian values such as aloha, ʻōlelo, ʻohana, food, hospitality, and reverence for kūpuna can reveal the self-sacrificing love of Christ and enrich the life of the Church in Hawaiʻi.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
WEDNESDAY - "Stewardship: A Way of Life, A Spirituality of Gratitude"
Host: Fr. Lio Faletoi

Info: Discover stewardship as more than a program; it is a way of life rooted in gratitude and discipleship. This special three-hour course explores the spiritual foundations of stewardship, inviting participants to recognize all gifts as coming from God and to respond through generous sharing of their time, talent, and treasure in service to the Church and the world.

Presenters
Fr. Alfred Omar Guerrero ("Vatican II and the Church Today")
Host: Fr. Alfred Omar Guerrero

Info: Fr. Alfred Omar Guerrero is a priest of the Diocese of Honolulu. He serves as Director of the Office of Worship and Director of the Office of Vocations. Since 2019, he has taught theology courses as an adjunct faculty member for Chaminade University’s Master of Pastoral Theology Program and the Diocese of Honolulu’s Diaconate Formation Program. His academic interests include liturgy, ecclesiology, and Church history.

Sr. Anne Clare De Costa, ss.cc. ("Foundations of Catechetical Ministry")
Host: Sr. Anne Clare De Costa, ss.cc.

Info: Sr. Anne Clare DeCosta, SS.CC. has devoted more than 57 years to Catholic education and faith formation in the Diocese of Honolulu. Her ministry has included serving as Vice President and Director of Education at Saint Patrick School, Administrator of Saint Anthony Retreat Center, Parish Director of Education at Saint Ann Church and School, and teacher at Sacred Hearts Convent and Sacred Hearts Academy. She is also a co-founder of the Teaching Academy.

Sr. Anne Clare is a Master Catechist and has received certification in Leadership Teaching in Catechetics, Models of Teaching, and Cognitive Coaching. Drawing on decades of experience as an educator, administrator, and faith formation leader, she is dedicated to forming catechists and helping others grow in their knowledge of the Catholic faith and their ability to share it with others.

Anthony Selvanathan ("Living the Sacramental Life")
Host: Anthony Selvanathan

Info: Born and raised in Honolulu, Anthony Selvanathan holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu, as well as a master’s degree in theology and a master of business administration, both from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. At his home parish, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, he serves in pastoral ministry and also as an episcopal master of ceremonies for the Diocese of Honolulu.

Chrislyn Villena ("Intro to Catholic Morality")
Host: Chrislyn Villena

Info: Chrislyn A. Villena is a Catholic educator, campus minister, and school leader at St. Joseph School in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. As Dean of Faculty, she helps strengthen Catholic identity, student formation, and the school’s mission of Respect, Reverence, and Responsibility. She has developed courses in theology, humanities, behavioral science, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and college and career planning. Her leadership has expanded opportunities through student council, media programs, yearbook, film production, podcasting, and athletics, where she serves as Assistant Athletic Director. As a member of the Executive Marketing Team, she helps communicate the school’s mission and impact.

Chrislyn also serves as President of the Board of Directors for EPIC Ministry Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit partner of the Diocese of Honolulu. With nearly 25 years of parish ministry experience, she has developed family catechesis programs and supported youth, young adults, and sacramental formation.

Fr. Clyde Guerreiro, ss.cc. ("The Bible: An Overview of Sacred Scripture")
Host: Fr. Clyde Guerreiro, ss.cc.

Info: Fr. Clyde Guerreiro, ss.cc., has been a priest for more than 50 years with the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.). Throughout his priestly ministry, he has served in a variety of roles as both Pastor and Parochial Vicar in parishes across Oʻahu, Topside Molokaʻi, and Kauaʻi. He also had the privilege of serving as pastor of the English-speaking Catholic community in the Kingdom of Tonga.

A grateful product of Catholic education, Fr. Clyde is an alumnus of Saint Joseph School, Sacred Hearts Seminary, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Catholic Theological Union.

Dallas Carter ("Intro to Evangelization and Catechesis")
Host: Dallas Carter

Info: Dallas Carter is a husband, father of six, Catholic school administrator, Catholic apologist, national speaker, and catechist for the Diocese of Honolulu. He currently serves as Director of Admissions at Saint Louis School in Honolulu and previously served as Principal of St. Michael School in Waialua, President of EPIC Ministry, and a director of Life is Sacred.

Dallas earned a degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master’s degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu. His work has been featured through EWTN, Relevant Radio, Catholic News Agency, the National Catholic Register, The New York Times, and other media outlets.

A Native Hawaiian Catholic, Dallas is passionate about sharing and defending the teachings of the Catholic Church while helping others encounter Christ through faith, culture, and authentic discipleship.

Fr. Dario Rinaldi ("Practicum: Catechetical Accompaniment")
Host: Fr. Dario Rinaldi

Info: Fr. Dario Rinaldi is a priest of the Diocese of Honolulu who grew up on the island of Maui. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Mount Angel Seminary, where he began his priestly formation, before attending St. Patrick's Seminary and University, where he earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a Master of Divinity. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2022 and currently resides at Holy Family Church in Honolulu, where he serves as pastor and head of school. Fr. Dario specializes in in-depth catechesis and has led classes in Sacred Scripture and liturgical participation at his parish. He also gives parish retreats on various spiritual traditions, with a particular interest in the monastic tradition and patristic theology.

Justin Agustin ("More Than Music")
Host: Justin Agustin

Info: Justin Agustin is a dedicated liturgical musician serving at St. Joseph Church in Waipahu and St. Jude Church in Kapolei. He also assists parishes throughout Hawaiʻi by providing music ministry for funeral Masses, weddings, and special liturgical celebrations.

As Director of Worship at St. Joseph Church, Justin oversees liturgical ministries and coordinates parish liturgies. He is also a Master Catechist with the Adult Faith Formation Ministry, helping adults deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.

Justin is an active leader in the Knights of Columbus, serving at the council, assembly, and state levels. In his free time, he enjoys photography, social media storytelling, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Through his ministry and leadership, Justin strives to inspire others to grow closer to Christ and serve their communities with faith, hope, and love.

Dcn. Keith Galang ("Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery")
Host: Dcn. Keith Galang

Info: Deacon Keith Galang is a lifelong Catholic whose faith journey has been deeply rooted in the Church in Hawaiʻi. He was baptized at St. Joseph Church in Waipahu and was ordained to the diaconate at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Theresa.

A catechist since 1978, Deacon Keith has served the Church through religious education and faith formation for more than four decades. He has taught second-grade catechesis, high school sacramental preparation, and, since 2009, Adult Faith Formation.

Deacon Keith is the father of four children, grandfather of three grandchildren, and the widower of the late Bernadette Galang. A devoted adorer of the Most Blessed Sacrament, he is passionate about helping others deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, formation, and service.

Fr. Lio Faletoi ("Stewardship: A Way of Life")
Host: Fr. Lio Faletoi

Info: Fr. Konelio "Lio" Faletoi was born and raised on a Central Oʻahu pineapple plantation in a close-knit Catholic family. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from St. Joseph Seminary College in Mountain View, California, and a Master of Divinity from St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Honolulu over 30 years ago, Fr. Lio has served in a variety of pastoral assignments, including overseeing the construction and dedication of two churches.

He currently serves as the diocesan Director of Stewardship, Vicar for the West Hawaiʻi Vicariate, and pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church and its three mission churches. Known for his commitment to servant leadership and parish renewal, Fr. Lio has guided his parish in embracing stewardship spirituality, fostering a culture of intentional discipleship through the sharing of time, talent, and treasure.

Malcolm Zara ("Huaka'i Project: Small Group Masterclass")
Host: Malcolm Zara

Info: Malcolm Zara serves as the Executive Director of EPIC Ministry, a Catholic nonprofit and Lay Association of the Faithful in the Diocese of Honolulu dedicated to forming young adults through fellowship, discipleship, worship, evangelization, and service. Through EPIC, Malcolm helps develop leaders, coordinate ministry initiatives, and create spaces where young adults can encounter Christ, build authentic community, and live their faith with purpose. He is also a key contributor to The Huakaʻi Project, a collaborative diocesan small group initiative developed with EPIC Ministry and the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis to form young adults through faith-sharing communities, catechesis, and service rooted in the Corporal Works of Mercy. His work with Huakaʻi includes host training, curriculum development, leadership coaching, parish collaboration, and program evaluation. Malcolm is passionate about practical, mission-driven ministry models that help the Church accompany young adults

Rhea Quemado ("Accompaniment and Pastoral Care")
Host: Rhea Quemado

Info: Rhea Quemado is a dedicated leader in pastoral ministry, theology, education, and leadership development. She holds a Master’s in Pastoral Theology from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Bachelor’s in International Business from Hawaii Pacific University. With over a decade of experience, Rhea has served as a project manager, program developer, campus minister, theology teacher, and department head. She has led retreats, ministry programs, and leadership formation while expanding outreach through collaboration and social media. Currently a high school Theology teacher, Rhea is passionate about discipleship, servant leadership, and intentional formation, inspiring others through faith and service.