The message delivered at the annual Diocese of Honolulu’s Red Mass, held on the eve of opening day at the Legislature, stressed stepping up collaboration in providing affordable housing for Hawaii’s most vulnerable residents.

Individuals representing government offices, as well as those tied to private and nonprofit groups and the faith community, should be working together on the issue of homelessness and the challenge of providing more affordable housing, said the Rev. Robert Stark, director of the Catholic diocese’s Office for Social Ministry.

Stark’s appeal was directed at 22 state legislators and at least 25 officials from federal and city levels of government who attended the Red Mass held Tuesday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace downtown. House Speaker Joe Souki, Senate President Donna Mercado Kim and Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. were among the attendees. Gov. Neil Abercrombie attended only the pre-Mass breakfast.

A Roman Catholic tradition, the Red Mass is named for the color of the vestments worn at such services around the world.

Stark told those who gathered Tuesday that when faced with "seemingly unattainable or unfeasible tasks," such as putting an end to homelessness, "if we are connected and collaborating with God, all is possible."

He referred to the work of Hawaii’s two saints in making a difference in the lives of people afflicted with leprosy.

"The proof is right here," he said. "Saints Damien and Marianne of Molokai … dedicated their lives (to) those considered even more outcast than the souls who sleep on our sidewalks today."

Their compassion inspired collaboration among government, hospitals, businesses and faith communities to do the impossible, Stark said.

"We are invited to follow in their footsteps in a mission of mercy today, to put our faith in action."

In 2011 the diocese launched a plan to develop partnerships in alignment with the state’s strategy to end homelessness. On Hawaii island, for example, Habitat for Humanity, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and a consortium of 16 churches and community organizations constructed five houses in 10 days for low-income families.

In another effort involving conflict resolution between tenants and private landlords, Catholic Charities Hawai’i and HOPE Services Hawaii have worked with landlords over the past three years to open up affordable housing units to 2,000 needy people, Stark said.

Stark urged lawmakers to provide $1.5 million to continue the city’s Housing First initiative and to appropriate $100 million to the state’s Rental Housing Trust Fund for at least 600 new units of affordable rentals.

"The Red Mass is very important for our community because we gather as people of faith to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon our governor, legislators and public officials," Bishop Larry Silva told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.