Why end the services?

"The crowd didn't warrant it," said the Rev. Tom Gross, diocesan administrator for the Catholic church here.

For example, last Saturday's vigil Mass was attended by about seven residents and a handful of tourists, according to the parish priest.

The mission church is part of what is called a "cluster" of churches, where one priest oversees several facilities. In this case, the Rev. Sydney Fernandes celebrated Mass at St. Joachim at 6 p.m. Saturdays, but only after finishing the 4 p.m. Saturday Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Waikane, about 10 miles down Kamehameha Highway. On Sunday, he'd then go from the 7:30 a.m. Mass at St. Roch's in Kahuku to the 10 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel — another 18 miles or a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.

"A priest needs a helicopter," he said, laughing. "Father Damien had a horse, I have a car."

Heavier traffic also has taken its toll: In July, the priest's car was sideswiped, an event that left him shaken.

While the regular weekly Mass might be stopping, the church and adjacent buildings will continue to be used for church activities, Fernandes said.

"In this way, St. Joachim will continue to function as a contributing center of Catholic life," Fernandes said, quoting from a note he wrote from the church bulletin.

Other activities will be allowed by the parish on a case-by-case basis, he said.

Some parishioners have been disappointed in the move.

"People miss the convenience," Fernandes admitted, but added: "People drive all the way to Kane'ohe and Ala Moana (to go to the mall). When it comes to church, they want it on a platter. Perhaps there must be some sacrifices."

Mass attendance had fallen since the Sunday morning Mass was switched for a Saturday night, said Lashway.