'Shaken to the core'

Portland Archbishop Alexander Sample today issued a letter to western Oregon Catholics in which he expresses shock, anger and discouragement over revelations of clergy sex abuse in other parts of the country. “I have been shaken to the core of my soul over them,” Archbishop Sample wrote in the five-page letter, which includes a call for renewed care of victims, reinvigorated prayer life among priests and an outside lay-run investigative body. Archbishop Sample also said that bishops should be held to the same standards as priests.
Faith communities called on to help in homeless crisis

Catholic Charities of Oregon hopes several Catholic parishes will step forward early to take part in a new Portland-area program that allows churches to host homeless car campers in their parking lots.
Bringing joy to the masses

It’s contagious. It’s attractive. It’s as sought after as it is rare. It’s joy. It’s not a smile or a huge laugh. It’s more internal than that. And for evangelizers everywhere, it is key to bringing people into communion with Christ.
‘Tangible examples of holiness’ at O’Hara

A contingent from the communion of saints annually gathers in a pocket of Eugene. Some have braces, others ponytails. PVC pipes and props are important to these holy souls. But most of all, they want to share their story and fervent love of God.
WATCH: Spiritual fruit

CORNELIUS — Some 40 teens gather around Father Jeff Meeuwsen in the shade of a large tree marking the entrance to a blueberry farm here in late July. The priest leads them in prayer and then he and the other adults disperse umbrellas, sunscreen and buckets for picking.

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Local

'Shaken to the core'

Portland Archbishop Alexander Sample today issued a letter to western Oregon Catholics in which he expresses shock, anger and discouragement over revelations of clergy sex abuse in other parts of the country. “I have been shaken to the core of my soul over them,” Archbishop Sample wrote in the five-page letter, which includes a call for renewed care of victims, reinvigorated prayer life among priests and an outside lay-run investigative body. Archbishop Sample also said that bishops should be held to the same standards as priests.
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Faith communities called on to help in homeless crisis

Catholic Charities of Oregon hopes several Catholic parishes will step forward early to take part in a new Portland-area program that allows churches to host homeless car campers in their parking lots. READ MORE>>

Parish and School

Parish walks for a cure

Members of Sacred Heart Parish in Southeast Portland came out and walked the Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma Walk July 14 in honor and support of parishioner Maria Rivelli, who has the disease.

Pope Francis and Vatican

Pope: Victims' outcry more powerful than efforts to silence them

VATICAN CITY — "No effort must be spared" to prevent future cases of clerical sexual abuse and "to prevent the possibility of their being covered up," Pope Francis said in a letter addressed "to the people of God."

Living Faith

Bringing joy to the masses

It’s contagious. It’s attractive. It’s as sought after as it is rare. It’s joy. It’s not a smile or a huge laugh. It’s more internal than that. And for evangelizers everywhere, it is key to bringing people into communion with Christ.

Nation and World

Priests' group says it's 'sad, angry, frustrated' by abuse scandals

WASHINGTON — The Association of U.S. Catholic Priests said its members are "sad ... angry ... frustrated" over continued reports involving fellow priests and a lack of accountability by bishops.

Arts and Entertainment

Sultans, commanders come to life in battles important to Catholics

Michael Greaney ties political, social and psychological factors into his riveting history of Turkish military incursions into Europe. After opening with the 11th-century's Battle of Manzikert in Anatolia, the author spends the rest of the book examining military clashes in eastern Europe and the Mediterranean during the Ottoman's zenith from 1462 to 1621.

Viewpoints

Dangerous lies

In 2010, Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner, who served in the White House under Ronald Reagan and both Bush presidents, wrote a book, “The City of Man,” about Christianity and politics. Christians, they wrote, best influence public policy by speaking and acting with grace and truth.

The migrant's companion

“People say they don’t like immigrants but I always ask, ‘Who cleans your house? Who washes your dishes in restaurants? Who takes care of your elders?’” says Dagoberto Morales. “People allow immigrants into the most intimate parts of their lives. Then they say they don’t want them?”

Lady Hill Winery

It’s a place to talk soil pH, medieval architecture, pasture health, Renaissance polyphony, grape cluster tightness and papal encyclicals — even before sipping an entire glass of pinot noir.

Liberated by downsizing

Downsizing was hard, but it made them feel liberated.

Benedictine women’s spiritual work alive and well

Corpus Christi 2018

During Mass and procession in downtown Portland June 3, Catholics make their eucharistic faith public.

Archbishop Sample's Column

The Church must be a counter witness

Most Rev. Alexander Sample

Many people, including myself, have come to a point where we are seriously limiting our viewing of cable news television. The divisive rhetoric, the vitriol and the lack of respect and kindness people are showing to one another these days is sad and depressing. Where has civility gone?