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Supporting Cancer Patients

September 27, 2021

From the Office for Social Ministry

Caring for the sick is a basic tenet from the Cathechism of the Catholic Church: “The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. She believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies.”  (CCC, 1509.)

Healing is more than just a physical act; it can be emotional, psychological, and even prayerful. That’s why several parishes in our Diocese have organized Cancer Support Ministries in hopes of reaching out to patients struggling with the disease. More than 62,000 Hawaii residents are cancer survivors. According to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, breast cancer is the leading type among women, while prostate cancer is most common for men. Many feel isolated, hopeless or afraid when first diagnosed. Their families and loved ones are also affected and may need extra special care from their surrounding communities. Support groups in parishes, such as Holy Trinity in East Oahu, provide monthly sessions with patients and their caregivers to pray, share and support one another on their cancer journeys.

Other organizations, such as Hawaii Pacific Health, also offer virtual sessions online. CANCER CARE is a 4-part webinar series to be held in October and November.  If you or someone you know is coping with cancer, please share the following dates. For more information or to register, click here.

Sessions are all free of charge.  Here’s the schedule:

• Part One: BREAST CANCER (Thurs., October 7 at 5:30-6:30 PM)
• Part Two: CERVICAL CANCER (Thurs., October 21 at 5:30-6:30 PM)
• Part Three: PROSTATE CANCER (Thurs., November 4 at 5:30-6:30 PM)
• Part Four: LUNG CANCER (Thurs., November 18 at 5:30-6:30 PM)