Dear Friends in Christ,
Blessings! Yes, the Lord is with us always. May we, likewise, be there for others.
Archbishop Sample
Yesterday, the Archbishop met via Zoom with his Vicars. In view of public discussions about re-opening Oregon, the Archbishop has initiated discussions about how to restore the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Eucharist to the faithful while continuing to comply with the Governor’s directives. The Archbishop desires unity and consistency in pastoral practice in western Oregon as well as fairness.
Re-consecration of U.S. to B.V.M.
In a letter sent yesterday to U.S. bishops, Archbishop Gomez, President of the USCCB said: “Every year, the Church seeks the special intercession of the Mother of God during the month of May. This year we seek the assistance of Our Lady all the more earnestly as we face together the effects of the global pandemic.” Inspired by the bishops of Canada, the U.S. bishops will be re-consecrating the U.S. to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title, Mary, Mother of the Church, on Friday, May 1 at Noon (PT). Archbishop Sample will participate. Please mark your calendars. More details on how you can participate coming soon. In the meantime, see this
ANNOUNCEMENT
and today’s
PRESS RELEASE
.
Take Action! Ethical COVID-19 Vaccine
To advocate with the USCCB for a COVID-19 vaccine that is not developed using aborted fetal cell lines:
Take Action!
Recording: Today’s Parish Pastoral Webinar
A big thank you to over 200 clergy and parish leaders who joined us for today's Parish Pastoral Webinar –
"Rethinking the NEW normal"
.
If you were unable to attend, the recording is
HERE
.
Charitable Giving
Congress made changes to the tax laws which may change how and when people decide to donate to their church. The CARES Act has several charitable tax provisions to encourage giving. These include:
- A new deduction, up to $300, for charitable donors who do not itemize when filing their tax returns.
- An increase in the deduction limit up to 100% (previously capped at 60%) of a donor's annual income for cash gifts.
The Office of Stewardship and Development created a webpage and one-page brief explaining these new tax law changes, available
HERE
. Parishes are welcome to use this content to educate and inform their parishioners.
Sincerely in Christ,
Todd Cooper
Director of Special Ministries of the Archbishop
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
REMINDERS
Date Nights – Let your marriage BE LIGHT!
5 part marriage refresh & renewal series. Starts
Sunday, April 26 at 5 PM
and continues for 5 sessions.
Spanish Date Nights coming.
For more information and to register
click HERE
.
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