Dear Friends in Christ,
Please see below for election year resources, youth ministry tips, relief efforts and more. I hope the week finishes well. Enjoy the upcoming Labor Day Weekend!
St. Gregory the Great, pray for us!
Archbishop Sample
Yesterday, the Archbishop met with his area vicars. He had a wonderful, Pastoral Visit to the Albany/Corvallis Vicariate that included good conversations with the priests and town hall style meetings at six parishes. Area vicars shared about their vicariates. Parishes with schools reported the tremendous amount of work and preparation administrators and staff have done to be ready for kids this year. Many parishes are adopting a hybrid model that includes limited in person learning along with online learning. As summer concludes, parish activities are ramping up. The Archbishop has scheduled a meeting with the African American Catholic Community of Oregon to discuss racial inequity.
Livestream Schedule
Catholic Masses & COVID-19 – So Far, So Good
So far, Catholic Parishes around the country have avoided outbreaks by following safety protocols at Masses. See Article HERE. Thanks to all for the good work! Keep it up!
Click the above heading for ideas and recommendations for those ministering to teens for the 20-21 school year.
Pope Francis said: “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way”. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.” Let’s respond to this call by seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit on how we evangelize our young people.
Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Campaign invites Catholics to model civility and love for neighbor throughout the remainder of this election year. They launched and initiative called Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate which asks Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do the same. Civilize It Toolkit HERE.
MORE - Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
U.S. Bishops publication in English and Spanish HERE. New introduction HERE. Link to more, excellent resources HERE.
USCCB Faithful Citizenship Videos:
- Catholics Participate in Public Life
- Catholics Protect Human Life and Dignity
- Catholics Promote the Common Good
- Catholics Love their Neighbors
Investment Performance Update
Click HERE for the update.
Please Help Relief Efforts
See the LETTER from Archbishop Gomez, USCCB President, announcing a voluntary collection for the recovery from Hurricane Laura and the California wildfires. Archbishop Gomez also includes a letter from Bishop Provost of Lake Charles, detailing the destruction in his diocese.
Latest Seminarian Encouragement Video
Next Mailing: Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.
In the peace of Christ,
Todd Cooper
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
Key Pastoral Resources
REMINDERS
Updated Protocols for Masses
USCCB Labor Day Statement
Child Protection Training
Divine Worship Newsletter
Rosary Bowl 2020, Oct. 3
Reopening Resources
