Forming Disciples Together: A Conference for Catholic School Educators and Parish Catechetical Ministers
Forming Disciples Together
A Conference for Catholic School Educators
and Parish Catechetical Ministers
This conference brings together Catholic school educators, parish catechetical leaders, youth ministers, liturgical ministers, and volunteers who are engaged in forming disciples across our Diocese. Whether you serve in a classroom, parish program, or ministry setting, this gathering is an opportunity to be renewed, equipped, and inspired for the work of evangelization and catechesis.
The Hawaiʻi Catholic Schools Office and the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis are partnering to present a landmark event unlike any previously held in the Diocese of Honolulu.
As part of the Diocese of Honolulu's Bicentennial Celebration (1827–2027), this special three-day gathering will bring together Catholic educators, clergy, religious, parish staff, catechists, liturgical ministers, and lay leaders from across the Hawaiian Islands. Rooted in the Annual Conference for Catholic Educators (ACCE), the event will be expanded in this anniversary year to celebrate the many ways the Church forms disciples and proclaims the Gospel throughout Hawaiʻi.
For the first time in its history, the conference will welcome members of the broader Catholic community to participate in a weekend of prayer, formation, fellowship, and celebration. More than 600 Catholic educators will gather alongside parish leaders, ministry volunteers, and the faithful to reflect on the Church's rich history, deepen their understanding of the faith, and prepare for the mission that lies ahead.
Together, these three days will honor the generations of missionaries, educators, clergy, religious, catechists, and lay leaders who have shaped the Catholic Church in Hawaiʻi over the past 200 years. As we celebrate this Bicentennial milestone, participants will be invited to renew their commitment to forming disciples, witnessing to Jesus Christ, and building God's Kingdom for future generations.
Opening night, conference formation, and a night of worship in one clear schedule.
Opening Night
Honolulu, HI 96817
Conference Day & A Night of Worship
Honolulu, HI 96816
Meet our keynote speaker.
We are honored to welcome Steven F. Cheeseman, Ed.D. as keynote speaker for the Opening Night celebration, helping frame the mission, legacy, and future of Catholic education for this landmark gathering.
Steven F. Cheeseman, Ed.D., is the NCEA President/CEO. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Cheeseman served as the superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT, since 2016. He has also served as the interim executive director of the Seton Collaborative in the same diocese. Prior to his tenure in Connecticut, Dr. Cheeseman was associate superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY, and a teacher/administrator at both the elementary and secondary levels. He has also been an adjunct professor at St. Joseph College in Patchogue, NY, and from 2009 to the present has been an adjunct professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Education.
Holding NY State Certification as a school district administrator and a teacher, Dr. Cheeseman earned a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Professional Diploma before earning a Doctorate in Education Leadership & Technology from Dowling College in Oakdale, NY. Dr. Cheeseman has received numerous education awards and recently received the Benemerenti Medal, which is a Pontifical honor. He and his wife, Danielle, have three adult children.
A Night of Worship
A Night of Worship — January 29, 2027
A Night of Worship, Music & Fellowship
Whether you're part of the conference or simply part of our community, you are invited. Come as you are — bring your family, your neighbors, your parish — and spend an evening lifting your voices together in praise.
This is a night of live music, joyful fellowship, and Spirit-filled worship open to all ages and all walks of faith. No conference registration required. Just come ready to celebrate.
Join attendees of the conference and our larger community of all ages for A Night of Worship featuring music, entertainment, food, and fellowship. All are welcomed — from the kūpuna to the youngest in our communities.
Come. Kōkua. Celebrate Together. 200 Years in the Making.
Be part of something historic. Your presence and your service are a gift to this community.
Be A Bicentennial Celebration Volunteer!
We need enthusiastic, warm, and welcoming volunteers from our parishes, schools, and communities. Whether you help with check-in, hospitality, worship support, or logistics — your service is a ministry. Join us in making this gathering one that our Diocese will remember for generations.
Help Welcome Our Diocese-Wide Community
Volunteer support helps create a warm, organized, and prayerful experience for guests, families, educators, ministers, and parish communities. Sign up to serve and our team will follow up with available roles, schedules, and next steps as the event approaches.