Dear Friends in Christ,
As the wildfires continue to rage across western Oregon and elsewhere, we keep foremost in our prayers all who have lost their lives, loved ones, homes, belongings, or businesses and all who have been impacted. Don’t miss Archbishop Sample’s statement above. See also the information below, including Confirmation 2021 memo & request form, suicide webinar, and upcoming prayer initiatives for parishes. There is also an announcement about the newly formed Office of Mission Advancement at the Pastoral Center.
Archbishop Sample
Archbishop Sample will be meeting with the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council this Saturday, Sept. 12. Please keep their discussions about the evangelizing mission of the Church in prayer.
The Archbishop met with his priests on Tuesday. He spoke of the importance of keeping life, justice & peace efforts as a priority. Catholic Social Teaching remains one of the best kept secrets of the Church. He has made a concerted effort to speak about some of the key issues of the day, including racism and the ongoing protests. The Archbishop spoke a word of heartfelt concern for the well being of each of the priests during these stressful and unprecedented times. He pledged his prayer and support and reminded them that in the end, we rely on Jesus: “We have nowhere to go but on our knees.”
Livestream Schedule
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Fridays at 6 p.m. – “Chapel Chat” LIVE
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Previous Chapel Chats: Eucharist, Evangelization, Protests, Racism
- PLEASE NOTE: Mass at the Cathedral with the Archbishop will not be livestreamed this Sunday, Sept. 13.
Wildfires
We continue to pray for all those affected by the wildfires in Oregon. May the Lord grant relief. The Catholic Sentinel published an article yesterday and updated it this morning with information about our parishes and the impact of the wildfires. Check it out HERE.
Suicide Webinar – Sept. 14
How to accompany those who are thinking of and those who remain after someone completes suicide. Suicide Webinar Series presented by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Please join this important webinar series held on the second Monday of each month at 4:00 pm Pacific Time. For more information and to register, please click HERE.
Catechetical Sunday – Sept. 20
This year, the Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday on September 20, 2020. The theme is “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.” For resources and more information from the USCCB in English, click this LINK. For Spanish, click HERE.
Prayer Initiatives & Events for Parishes
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Sept. 11 – Starts Tomorrow! 54 Day Rosary Novena from Sept 11-Nov 3rd (election day). The rosary is a powerful weapon to intercede for an end to the wildfires, peace in Portland and western Oregon, an end to the pandemic, and the conversion of our nation.
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Sept. 24 – National Day of Prayer and Fasting inspired by Abraham Lincoln. The Archdiocese of Portland will participate in this day of prayer and fasting. Make sure your parish gets the word. More info HERE.
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Oct. 3 – Rosary Bowl: www.rosarybowlnw.org.
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Oct. 17 – SAVE THE DATE! – Prayer for Peace in our Cities and Towns. Archbishop Sample encourages each parish to pray the rosary at 11am on Sat., Oct. 17. He will lead a Eucharistic procession and will pray the rosary at 11am on this day in Portland. More information to come.
Office of Mission Advancement
See announcement about the newly formed department HERE.
Respect Life Letter
“Be intentional about living the Gospel of Life by surrounding people with Hope.” A LETTER to priests from Fr. Matt Libra, Associate Director of Respect Life Activities
NEW Teen Confirmation Prep Opportunity
In these COVID times, this Fall the Archdiocese is connecting parishes who need assistance to restart Confirmation ministry. Parrhesia Catholic is a local apostolate that will train leaders how to run a small group, offer retreat support, and connect weekly for leader training to help accompany students as they explore and deepen their faith. Program registration closes Sept. 25th. Get started HERE
Next Mailing: Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Every grace in Christ,
Todd Cooper
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
Key Pastoral Resources
REMINDERS
Hispanic Ministry Office Update
As Deacon Felix Garcia departs for work in parish ministry, Kelsey Bell will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Hispanic Ministry Office. Please see letter for full details here: Spanish / English
Child Protection Training
Election Year Resources
Reopening Resources
