Dear Friends in Christ,
Be sure to check out all the headlines in today’s mailing. Important news and announcements are included, especially regarding expanded reopening and the use of satellite sites for Mass. There is also an important clarification regarding sign-ups for Masses. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Congratulations to Miriam and Skyla, who became consecrated virgins in the Archdiocese of Portland on Sunday at the hands of the Archbishop. They are a true gift to the local Church. Thank you for saying “yes,” ladies!
Thanks to all for the anniversary wishes for Kathie and I. We had a wonderful day on Sunday, complete with reminiscing about our wedding day and a bottle of red wine with our scrumptious, Lebanese take-out dinner. The good Lord served up a beautiful day for us.
Archbishop Sample
The Archbishop met with his priests via videoconference yesterday. Today, he met by Zoom with his area vicars. Both meetings went well. The Archbishop reminded his priests that “no one trained us to be crisis managers,” and “we are all doing the best we can.” “The Lord is with us, and we must rely on him.” He encouraged them to lean on the Lord, like John leaned on the Lord’s heart at the Last Supper.
Use of Satellite Sites for Mass Approved
Use of satellite sites on the same parish campus to increase Mass attendance (in groups of 25 or less) has been approved by Archbishop Sample. Pastors may begin implementing this strategy as soon as this weekend (May 30/31). This approach conforms with the law in all counties, and prior to approval it was presented to county and state government officials for their comment. Priests will be sent instructions on the use of satellite sites this evening. These instructions will be published more broadly later. Use of satellite sites is left to the sole discretion of the pastor/administrator. It is not expected or required, but simply an option that can be used.
Reopening - Limited Expansion
Up until now, our reopening efforts have focused primarily on Holy Mass and reception of the Eucharist and the sacraments. With reopening expanding, other parish gatherings and activities can begin to take place – provided there is no more than 25 and physical distancing, sanitizing and other protocols and guidelines are carefully followed. At the discretion of the pastor, parish life can begin to “ramp up” again, so long as it remains within the current restrictions. This is true for all parishes in all counties in western Oregon. If your parish is in a county that will soon enter “Phase Two” of reopening, additional instructions from the Pastoral Center will be coming soon.
Clarification on Collecting Names for Mass Sign-ups
Parish sign-up lists are intended to facilitate sign-ups in an equitable manner within the 25-person limit now in place. They also provide a means of contact in the event of a potential exposure at Mass. The lists are intended for internal use by the parish and must be maintained. A parish will follow the guidelines put forth by health officials regarding potential exposure. In the event of an exposure or a confirmed COVID-19 infection, parish staff will contact persons who may have been exposed. A parish may be asked by public health officials for the contact information for the purposes of 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.
Reopening Resources
Wellness Resources for Clergy, Religious & Lay Ministers
From the St. John Vianney Center in PA, here are some online resources for clergy and lay ministers – coping skills and support during the quarantine:
RESOURCES
. Check out their website:
https://www.sjvcenter.org/
Prepare for Pentecost
I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food
The Food, Family, Faith program continues to be a tremendous success. Last week, one of our parishes gave out 500 food boxes in 15 minutes! Another handed out 600 boxes in 22 minutes! The need is great. Check out our website for participating parishes and weekly distribution schedules
HERE
. A big THANK YOU to all the parishes and organization that have worked so hard to participate in this beautiful work of mercy.
Pope to Lead Rosary LIVE Saturday Morning
On Saturday, May 30 at 8:30 AM (PDT) Pope Francis will lead a rosary in the Vatican Gardens to Invoke Mary’s aid in this pandemic and entrust all humanity to the Lord. The Marian celebration will be broadcast live worldwide. More information to come. See Vatican News
ARTICLE
.
Annual Priest Retreat June 1-5
Bishop Liam Cary will lead the virtual retreat. Priests were sent information earlier today. More info and links will be sent to priests by next Monday morning. Let’s keep our priests in prayer, especially next week!
Diaconate Ordination – June 13
With praise and thanksgiving to almighty God, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon cordially invites you to join via livestream the ordination of Anthony Robert Galati to the Sacred Order of Deacon, through the Laying on of Hands and Invocation of the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Sample at the Cathedral. Plan to join the livestream on Saturday, June 13, at 11 AM. Link will be sent in future mailing.
Enjoy the rest of the week!
In Christ and our Blessed Mother,
Todd Cooper
Director of Special Ministries of the Archbishop
COVID-19 Pastoral Center Response, Core Team Chair
REMINDERS
Sacrament of Confirmation Memo
The Office of Divine Worship prepared a
MEMO
for pastors with info about Confirmation for 2020.
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