Annual Conference for Catholic Educators, Catechetical Ministers and the Faithful
Forming Disciples Together
A Conference for Catholic Educators,
Catechetical Ministers and the Faithful
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.
Mass, Recognition, And Fellowship
The gathering begins with prayer, milestone educator recognition, awards, keynote, dinner, and celebration.
Formation And Professional Development
Educators, clergy, historians, and community leaders will share sessions on mission, catechesis, and the future of Catholic education.
Praise & Worship Experience
A wider public-facing event designed to engage families, youth, and parish communities through music and prayer.
Continuing The Mission
The weekend closes with reflection, formation, and renewed commitment to the next generation in faith, knowledge, and service.
Hawai'i Catholic School Office teams up with the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis for a landmark event that is a first of its kind!
As part of the Diocese of Honolulu's Bicentennial Celebration (1827–2027), Hawaiʻi Catholic Schools will host a landmark three-day gathering during the Annual Conference for Catholic Educators in January 2027. This special event will celebrate the enduring mission of Catholic education in Hawaiʻi while honoring the generations of educators, missionaries, clergy, and community leaders who have shaped the Diocese over the past two centuries.
For the first time in its history, this conference will expand beyond its traditional format to welcome members of the broader Catholic community. More than 600 Catholic educators from across the Hawaiian Islands will gather alongside clergy, catechists, parish leaders, and members of the faithful for a weekend of prayer, recognition, formation, and celebration.
Together, these three days will highlight the vital role Catholic educators have played in forming generations of students and strengthening communities across the islands.
Learn More About the Conference
Prayer, recognition, formation, and celebration across three landmark days.
Opening Night
Honolulu, HI 96817
Conference and Community Day
Honolulu, HI 96816
Continuing The Mission
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.
Praise & Worship Concert
Praise & Worship Concert — January 29, 2027
A Night of Music, Fellowship & Faith
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 Praise & Worship concert 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.