Dear Friends in Christ,
Many thanks for all the good work you are doing to serve God’s people in western Oregon. Our aim is to support you. Your patience and understanding are most appreciated as we work together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are streamlining our communications, and this email is now going out to a much broader list that includes all clergy in the Archdiocese, religious superiors, Pastoral Center staff, school principals and business managers. Let us continue to keep each other in prayer.
The Governor’s “Stay at Home” order has mandated that every individual in Oregon must stay at home “to the maximum extent possible.” Only essential trips outside the home should be made. Only essential businesses and services will remain open. While parish and other offices will be closed to the public, churches, where possible, will remain open during specified hours as places for individual prayer. Essential sacramental and other services will continue to be provided while observing strictly the social distancing requirements (see Liturgical Considerations attachment for additional guidance). Pastoral and other personnel are expected to do everything possible to serve people remotely. The efforts on the part of all to overcome challenges has been extraordinary.
Archdiocese of Portland Website – COVID-19
The Archdiocese of Portland website is being updated so all COVID-19 communications, directives and resources can be accessed directly from the home page. Check out what we have so far at:
www.archdpdx.org
.
Virtual Support Team
Our Pastoral Center Virtual Support Team is happy to help locations serve their people remotely. Please contact:
dpm@archdpdx.org
or 503-233-8395.
Additional Memos and Resources
For critical liturgical information and other helpful resources please check below.
Live Prayer Opportunities with Archbishop Sample:
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
– LIVE at Noon, Archbishop Sample will lead the “Our Father” in union with Pope Francis’ call for all Christians around the world to pray the “Our Father.” Immediately following, the Archbishop will lead the Rosary to mark the Solemnity of the Annunciation:
www.facebook.com/archdpdx
Friday, March 27, 2020 —
LIVE at 6:00 PM, Archbishop Sample will lead evening prayer and offer a special message from his personal chapel:
Once again, thank you for your generous service.
In the peace of Christ and the loving arms of our Blessed Mother,
Todd Cooper
Director of Special Ministries of the Archbishop
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
P.S. Pope Francis will lead a broadcast prayer service and offer a special blessing to the people of Rome and the world (“Urbi et Orbi”) this Friday, March 27 at 10:00 AM (PT).
