Updates: COVID-19 Update — September 24, 2020

September 24, 2020

COVID-19 Update

I am the Good Shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.

John 10:14

Dear Friends in Christ,

Please see the updates and reminders below.

On a personal note, I wanted to update you on Kathie’s situation. Her oncologist reviewed her brain scan with us this morning. Unfortunately, the cancer has spread to a number of new places in the brain. Kathie has discontinued her chemotherapy treatment and is being placed on Hospice. We are sad, but not surprised, and we are trusting in the Good Lord’s providence. The doctor told her that out of the thousands of patients he has treated over the years, Kathie has had the best attitude, been the most cheerful, positive and pleasant through it all. Indeed, she has borne her sufferings with great grace. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Archbishop Sample

Archbishop Sample met with his priests on Tuesday via videoconference. He shared about his pastoral visit to southern Oregon to be with those impacted by the wildfires. He assured the people there of the love and support of all of us throughout the Archdiocese, through prayer, solidarity and material and financial gifts. The pictures in the news don’t do justice to the devastation and suffering experienced by the people there. The Hispanic community and those of lower income were disproportionately impacted because of where the wildfires swept through. Sacred Heart in Medford alone has 136 parish families who lost homes. They were the hardest hit. Our Lady of the Mountain in Ashland and Shepherd of the Valley, Central Point were impacted, but not as severely. There are no low income housing options available in the area for people who were displaced. There were lots of tears as people met with the Archbishop after he celebrated several regularly scheduled Masses, but there was also hope to rebuild and a spirit of resiliency. The Archbishop also visited Molalla. The area was not as impacted, but everyone there seems to know someone who lost a home. Archbishop Sample will visit Estacada this weekend.

Visit this diocesan webpage to view the Archbishop’s Homily at Sacred Heart Parish in Medford.

Livestream Schedule

Fridays at 6 p.m. – “Chapel Chat” LIVE
Sundays at 11 a.m. – Mass at the Cathedral

USDA Food Box Program Update

The Food Box Team at the Archdiocese of Portland is continuing to work with suppliers in hopes of providing food boxes during Phase 3 of the USDA program. Several parishes in Washington County are preparing to work with Produce Alliance to continue distributing food. Details are not finalized, but chances seem good that the program can continue. For parishes in other counties in western Oregon, the Archdiocese has been in contact with Sysco, and it sounds hopeful that food boxes could be available in Phase 3 to a number of the parishes and locations that had been distributing previously. We will keep you posted.

Wildfire Relief Fund & Appeal

Thank you for your continued generosity! There is still great need to help those who have lost homes, businesses and neighbors. Parishes are asked to participate in this ongoing appeal to support the communities impacted by the wildfires. Please make checks payable to Archdiocese of Portland and record Wildfire Relief Fund in the Memo. All checks should be sent to: The Archdiocese of Portland, Wildfire Relief Fund, P.O. Box 15149 Portland, OR 97293. Questions? Please contact Carmen Gaston, Director of Mission Advancement at cgaston@archdpdx.org or 503-233-8332. Individuals can give HERE. Please share this link.

REMINDERS

Today! Nationwide Day of Prayer & Fasting – It’s not too late to participate. Make a sacrifice or take some extra time to pray this evening for conversion of hearts to God and peace in our land. More info here: USCCB Memo.
Sept. 27 is the World Day for Migrants & Refugees – The Vatican has designated Sunday, September 27 as the World Day for Migrants and Refugees. The 2020 theme chosen by Pope Francis is: “Forced like Jesus Christ to Flee.” It focuses on the plight of internally displaced persons. For the USCCB memo, a beautiful statement and more, CLICK HERE. For additional resources, USCCB and info, JFI.
Sept. 27 is also Priesthood Sunday –Please pray for our priests who have been working tirelessly to meet our spiritual needs during these difficult times. More info: SPANISH; ENGLISH.
FREE Online Training for Evangelization: For more information and to get registered click HERE. Sun. Sept. 27 – Essentials of Alpha Sun. Oct. 4 – Small Group Ministry 101
FACTS Newsletter – September Edition

COVID-19 Mailing Changes

Starting Oct. 1, the COVID-19 mailings will be replaced by more general communications through the new Office of Mission Advancement. The new mailings will have a different format, but will continue to include helpful information for your work and ministry. Any critical COVID-19 updates will be sent via Special Mailings. Less critical COVID-19 information may be sent in a special section of the newly formatted mailings. The COVID-19 Response Team assembled by Archbishop Sample continues to meet regularly and will remain available for your questions and concerns until the pandemic has resolved. If you have any questions about the changes or input about the mailings, please send a note to: news@archdpdx.org. Thank you!

Final COVID-19 Style Mailing: Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Blessings in Christ,

Todd Cooper

COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair

REMINDERS

Oct. 3 – Rosary Bowl: www.rosarybowlnw.org.

Oct. 4 – Respect Life Sunday

Oct. 15 – Due: 2021 Confirmation Request FORM

Oct. 17 – Prayers for Peace for Portland. More info to come.

Key Pastoral Resources