Dear Friends in Christ,
We celebrate the special feast of Our Lady of Fatima today. Archbishop Sample recently renewed the consecration of the Archdiocese of Portland to the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Fatima. The Blessed Mother has taken wonderful care of western Oregon during this crisis, and we continue to seek her powerful intercession.
Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
Feed the Hungry!
Beginning next week, we need Catholic parishes, agencies and individuals to help distribute 60-70,000 boxes of food to people who are hungry. The number of food boxes to be distributed will swell to over 90,000 per week thanks to a grant from the USDA and our partnership with Pacific Coast Fruit Company. This will be a massive operation. Please stay tuned for how you and your parish can help.
More Parishes Reopening this Weekend
These resources should be helpful:
- Readiness Checklist – Use with Plan for Reopening Masses.
- Cleaning Supplies Available! If you need cleaning supplies, use this ORDER FORM. It’s been pointed out that the prices listed here are quite expensive compared to local wholesaler or retailers, but if you can’t find supplies, this is a good option.
- Check our Webpage: For the latest resources: CLICK HERE.
Media Requests of Priests
Please refer requests for media interviews related to the reopening of parishes to the Archdiocese of Portland’s Communications Director, David Renshaw:
drenshaw@archdpdx.org
. Thank you!
Collecting Names for Mass Sign-ups
& Contact Tracing Clarification
Parish sign-up lists are primarily to facilitate sign-ups. Secondarily, they help the parish contact people in the event of a potential exposure at Mass. The lists are intended for internal use by the parish & must be maintained. A parish can ask the people who may have been exposed, to contact the county or other health officials on their own. A parish will follow guidelines put forth by health officials regarding potential exposure. The parish may be asked by public health officials for the contact information, and there may be a requirement to give it for contact tracing. Therefore, anyone not comfortable with public officials potentially being given their name and contact information should refrain at this time from signing up and attending Mass. The Sunday obligation remains lifted.
Pen Pal – Adults in Custody
OFFICE OF PRISON MINISTRY LETTER WRITING PROGRAM
As you may know, the prisons are in lockdown. No volunteers are permitted in the facilities. Paradoxically, this may be an opportunity to discern a call to respond to Jesus’ summons to visit the imprisoned. Perform this corporal work of mercy by becoming a pen pal to someone in corrections. For further introductory information, click
HERE
. To request the guidelines and an application, please email:
prisonministry@archdpdx.org
Blazing the Trail –
Weekly Podcast
Blazing the Trail
is an Archdiocesan weekly podcast dedicated to sharing the truth of Jesus Christ, who brings us lasting joy and real peace. Each week, we explore this mission of evangelization from different perspectives and invite listeners to pray about how the Lord might be calling them – even in the midst of this current pandemic - to bring the Good News into their homes, parishes and schools. The Soundcloud channel is
HERE
. The video collection can be found
HERE
.
Virtual Prayer Vigil - Support Law Enforcement
Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 10 – 11 AM
Times of crisis are important times to turn to faith, and the power and unity of collective prayer is much needed. As an expression of sincere appreciation for all the courageous work of officers and law enforcement professionals during the current pandemic, the Portland OneCOP Initiative and the national “Supporting the Blue” campaign request the honor of your participation at a virtual prayer service.
Archbishop Sample will deliver the
Prayer for the families of first responders
in support of and encouragement for officers locally and throughout our country. Portland area and other law enforcement professionals will be present. All are invited to join in prayer for those on the frontlines protecting and serving our communities. Please join via Zoom video, Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 10 – 11 AM: Link to the event can be found
HERE
.
Health Tips from Oregon Health Authority
TIPS
for staying healthy.
***
Sincerely in Christ,
Todd Cooper
Director of Special Ministries of the Archbishop
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
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