Dear Friends in Christ,
We continue to implore the Lord’s mercy. May all the tragedies and hardships we are enduring turn our hearts to Christ, who alone can save us. Please see below for the Archbishop’s video message on the wildfires as well as brief reports from many of the vicariates impacted by the wildfires. The Archdiocese has set up a Wildfire Relief Fund to assist the parishes and people most impacted by the wildfires.
See also helpful links to other wildfire and pastoral resources below.
Archbishop Sample
“My brothers and sisters, this is a time for us to be particularly close to one another and particularly close to those who have suffered so much. We are one in Christ and when one member of the body suffers, we all suffer together.”
Archbishop’s Video Message on the Wildfires:
Archbishop Sample met with his Presbyteral Council today at St. Anthony Parish in Tigard. They discussed the wildfires and how the Church can best assist with relief efforts. They also discussed the pastoral implications of the pandemic and how the Church can best support its people through her evangelizing mission. Archbishop Sample highly recommends reading and prayerfully considering a letter approved by Pope Francis and published by Cardinal Sarah: Let us Return to the Eucharist with Joy!
Livestream Schedule
Wildfires
Updated report on the Southern Oregon Vicariate: The vicariate now estimates that up to 2700 homes were lost in the towns of Phoenix and Talent. Sacred Heart in Medford confirms that 120 parish families are now homeless. Here is a link to follow local news in the area: https://www.kdrv.com/
Vicariate Reports – A number of the other vicariates provided informal reports on how their areas have been impacted. See REPORTS here.
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Protect Yourself From Ash – Property and Risk Management provides a helpful EPA FACTSHEET.
Wildfire Relief Fund & Appeal
The Archdiocese of Portland has established a Wildfire Relief Fund to help parishes and people impacted by the devastating wildfires in western Oregon. Collected funds will be distributed to parishes in need, especially those directly assisting people who have lost homes, been displaced and otherwise impacted by the fires.
All parishes are asked to participate in this Appeal to support the parishes and communities impacted by the wildfires. Please make checks payable to Archdiocese of Portland and record Wildfire Relief Fund in Memo. All checks should be sent to: The Archdiocese of Portland, Wildfire Relief Fund, P.O. Box 15149 Portland, OR 97293. If you have any questions, please contact Carmen Gaston, Director of Mission Advancement at cgaston@archdpdx.org or 503-233-8332. Please assist our parishes, neighbors, and friends affected by this devastating season of wildfires. Individuals can give HERE. Feel free to forward this link.
Oregon Wildfire Resources
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also has resources for those in officially designated disaster areas. The President and the Governor have declared a disaster area in parts of Oregon so people there who are affected by the wildfires can get assistance. The general website is www.fema.gov. The Western Wildfires section is HERE (scroll down). These resources may lessen the burden on parishes and help extend aid from other sources to the parishioners and people affected.
Don’t Forget!
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Sept. 20 is Catechetical Sunday – Link from the USCCB for the Commissioning of Catechists: LINK. The Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday on September 20, 2020. Theme: “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.” For resources and more information from the USCCB: English, HERE; Spanish, HERE.
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Sept. 24 is the Nationwide Day of Prayer & Fasting –Archbishop Sample asks all of the faithful to participate in this national day of prayer and fasting. See USCCB memo and more details.
Priesthood Sunday – Sept. 27
During these challenging times, many of our priests have been tirelessly working to meet the spiritual needs of their parishioners as best as they can. As we approach Priesthood Sunday on September 27, let us support our priests with prayer so they may be strengthened in the ministry God has entrusted to their care. Consider praying for your parish priest and all the priests of the archdiocese this Priesthood Sunday: SPANISH; ENGLISH.
October is Respect Life Month
In addition to being the traditional month of the Rosary, October is also Respect Life Month. All of us have seen tragedies in 2020 throughout western Oregon. In the midst of it all, the Church proclaims the immeasurable value of every person from conception to natural death. Parishes, schools and other Catholic ministries are invited to band together this October to "understand, value and become engaged with supporting the God-given dignity of every person — which naturally leads to protecting the gift of every person's life" through our Respect Life Program. It kicks off on Respect Life Sunday, which this year is Oct. 4. For more information and resources, click HERE.
October 2020 – Ministry Resources
For other ministry resources, Click HERE.
Next Mailing: Tuesday, Sept. 22.
In the peace and mercy of Christ,
Todd Cooper
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
Key Pastoral Resources
REMINDERS
Theology of the Body “Parent School”
The Theology of the Body School is a virtual school led by, and composed of parents across the Archdiocese of Portland who teach their own children about the purpose and gift of life through the lens of Saint John Paul II's teachings on the Theology of the Body (TOB). The goal of TOB is to teach about the gift, purpose, and challenges of human sexuality. Find out more at TOB Parent School.
Oct. 17 – Prayers for Peace for Portland. More info to come.
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
