Dear Friends in Christ,
Today is the first day of fall! Hard to believe summer is over. As the season changes, we will be making some changes in how we communicate with you through these electronic mailings. Please see the important notice below. Find also new information on the wildfires, good news on the USDA Food Box Program, and other events and activities. Thanks to all for generously contributing to the Wildfire Relief Fund. Don’t forget that this Thursday is a nationwide day of fasting and prayer. See details on this and more below.
Update on Kathie’s Health – Thanks to everyone who has been praying for Kathie and asking about her health. I wish I had better news to report, but Kathie’s health has declined the last couple weeks, and we are somewhat concerned. She had a brain scan on Sunday afternoon, and we will meet with her oncologist to review the results on Thursday. Please continue to keep Kathie and all those battling cancer in your prayers. Many, many thanks for your outpouring of love, prayers and support. Your goodness, and the grace and mercy of the Lord have sustained us.
Archbishop Sample
Archbishop Sample visited southern Oregon and other areas affected by the wildfires to bring a message of love and caring for the people and communities impacted. On Sunday, the Archbishop celebrated Masses at Sacred Heart in Medford, Shepherd of the Valley in Central Point, and Our Lady of the Mountain in Ashland. Yesterday, he celebrated Masses at St. James in Molalla and St. Paul in Silverton. Visit this diocesan webpage to view the Archbishop’s Homily at Sacred Heart Parish in Medford.
Livestream Schedule
Important Notice – COVID-19 Mailing Changes
The COVID-19 mailings began as a communication tool to help pastors and staff stay informed and manage the coronavirus crisis. Although the pandemic is ongoing, critical updates on public directives and diocesan policies have lessened dramatically. Starting October 1, the new Office of Mission Advancement will organize and send general communications to you. 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!
USDA Food Box Program Update - Attn: Washington County Parishes
On Friday, Sept 18, Pacific Coast Fruit (PCF) was informed by the USDA that they did NOT receive the award for Phase 3 of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. This was a surprise and disappointment for PCF and all of us. The good news is that two national suppliers were awarded the Phase 3 contract for specific counties in Oregon, and the Archdiocesan Food Box Team has reached out to the awarded suppliers to offer our parish distribution network. Produce Alliance has a USDA contract to provide food boxes in Washington County. Organizers have told us that truckloads of food boxes will be available for distribution at our Washington County parish distribution sites starting next week (perhaps even earlier). Two, simple application forms for Phase 3 must be completed by distribution site parishes prior to distribution. Minimum order of food boxes per distribution site is about 1200 (one truckload). More details and contact information for orders to come. We will be contacting the individual parishes in Washington County beginning tonight. For parishes outside of Washington County, know that we are trying to connect with suppliers to your areas. Thanks again to everyone who has participated and will continue to participate in this much needed program!
Update! Wildfire Relief Fund & Appeal
THANK YOU! A big thank you to all of the individuals and parishes who have donated money to support those who have been ravaged by the wildfires in Oregon. Already, more than $50,000 has been collected and much of that distributed to assist families in need! Thank you for your generosity and for standing in solidarity with 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.
Sept. 24 – Nationwide Day of Prayer & Fasting
Don’t Forget! This Thursday is the nationwide day of prayer & fasting. Archbishop Sample asks all of the faithful to participate in this national effort. See USCCB Memo.
Sept. 27 – 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 – Priesthood Sunday
September 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.
Online Training to help restart Evangelization:
As parishes get back to ministry (virtual and in person), many are starting with the Kerygma for sacramental prep and formation given Church’s current reality. The Pastoral Ministries Department is partnering with Parrahesia Catholic to help provide free online training for ministry leaders:
Sun. Sept. 27 – Essentials of Alpha
Sun. Oct. 4 – Small Group Ministry 101
For more information and to get registered click HERE.
Statement Against Federal Executions
This week, two federal executions are scheduled. Please see STATEMENT of U.S. Bishop chairmen.
FACTS Newsletter
Next Mailing: Thursday, Sept. 24.
Every grace and peace in Christ,
Todd Cooper
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
REMINDERS
October – Month of the Rosary & Respect Life Respect Life info & resources HERE.
October Ministry Resources HERE.
Oct. 4 – Respect Life Sunday
Oct. 17 – Prayers for Peace for Portland. More info to come.
Key Pastoral Resources
Election Year Resources
Reopening Resources
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Updated Protocols for Masses ENG / SPAN
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FAQ’s on Mass & faith gatherings: August 25 MEMO
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Face coverings required in churches: August 25 MEMO
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Readiness Checklist – Use with above Plan
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Use of Satellite Sites for Mass: MEMO
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Holy Communion to the Homebound MEMO (Aug. 5)
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“Helpful Reminders” poster ENG/SPA for churches.
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Archdiocesan web resources: HERE.
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Information about Contract Tracing - HERE.
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Protocol for COVID-19 exposure at Mass: HERE
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FlockNote Mass Sign-Up, Tracking - How it works.
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CDC guidelines for faith communities
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Guidance for Faith-Based Gatherings in Phase II Counties: OHA FAQ HERE
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Phase Two Reopening Memo ENGLISH and SPANISH
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Guidelines for Returning to the Workplace - Find materials from OHA HERE
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CDC Guidelines for Daily Life
