Hawaii’s permanent deacons are inviting their mainland and Canadian brothers next year to an inter-island conference … a convention cruise … a tropical floating symposium. Whatever you want to call it, it sounds like fun.

Bishop Larry Silva and the deacons of the Diocese of Honolulu will host the Pacific Catholic Diaconate Conference (PCDC) on board the Norwegian Cruise Lines’ The Pride of America, Oct. 25-Nov. 1, 2008, as it travels between four islands.

The opportunity is designed to bring permanent deacons and their families together for inspiration, spirituality and community building in the setting of the natural beauty of the 50th state.

The serious part of the program includes such discussions of topics like social justice and outreach, immigration, diversity, multiculturalism, marriage enrichment within the diaconate, and the spiritual and psychological development of the deacon.

Daytime diversions include stops on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

The convention will include daily liturgies, general sessions by major speakers and evening discussions.

The speakers include deacon Dr. Ray R. Noll, retired professor of theology and church history at the University of San Francisco, and Blessed Sacrament Father John Keenan, a practicing psychologist who resides at St. Ann Parish in Kaneohe.

The last time U.S. deacons held a national convention was in 2004 in Baltimore.

The conference is open to all U.S. and Canadian deacons.

The cost of the cruise includes meals and lodging at a price far more reasonable, planners say, than a Waikiki hotel stay. Prices have been kept low to allow more deacons and families to participate. Information on costs, conference registration, the agenda and cruise reservations are available at www.deaconshawaii.org.

Participants are encouraged to book early as prices may increase next year.

Members of the local conference coordinating committee are Ernie Carlbom, Ron and Kathy Choo, Margaret Miner, Tom Miyashiro, Richard and Ann Port, George Thorp and Andy Gerakas. More are expected to join.

The deacons are raising funds for the project by selling banana and chocolate loaves and Zippy’s chili. The first phase of the fundraiser is Nov. 5-25.