Abbot Peter Eberle speaks at Mount Angel

Mount Angel Abbey’s 2019 lecture series, “The Crucifixion and the Christian Life,” offers its second of four presentations on Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Mount Angel Abbey Library, St. Benedict. Benedictine Abbot Peter Eberle, O.S.B., former abbot of Mount Angel Abbey (1988-1997) will give all the presentations. Abbot Peter has also served as the abbot president of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation. On Feb. 9 he will speak on Why the Cross: An Inquiry.
The church and alternative health techniques

It’s difficult to find absolute, black-or-white, yes-or-no answers on whether Catholics should try alternative and complementary health care methods.
Gratefulness: The real secret to good health and happiness

After researching how gratefulness can improve our physical, spiritual and mental health — and make us happier in the process — Servite Sister Barbara Kennedy began to keep a gratitude journal. Each day she writes down three words or phrases that indicate specific things, people or events for which she’s grateful. “I try never to repeat myself,” she said. “If it’s a bad day and everything seems to have gone wrong, I can still find much to be grateful for, such as toothpaste or laundry soap.”
LIFE: St. John Bosco: Patron Saint of Laborers

Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. Unemployment, underemployment, and unjust wages deprive people of the ability to provide for themselves and their family. Such structures offend against the dignity of person.
Thunderstruck by the Passion

MEDFORD — Murray La Hue tried twice to become a Catholic and decamped in exasperation. “This is hogwash,” he told himself.

The third time went differently.
LIFE: The Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord

Heaven and earth become one when our world is at peace because, animated by love, justice overflows.
'Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.'

Happy Epiphany from the Sentinel! This is our effort to help you hang on to the Christmas season, which did not end on Dec. 25 but just got started.
'Franciscan from the start'

BEAVERTON — A sprightly ukulele-playing nun is the newest member of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows here.
Is watching pirated videos ethical?

Who hasn’t encountered the “watch free movies online” Google search? Most millennials certainly have. But just because it’s possible to watch “Jurassic World” free online, doesn’t mean it’s right. The question remains, is watching pirated movies and sports wrong?
LIFE: Peace

Can peace find a home in the heart of each and every person? Yes! This new year begins by remembering this as we celebrate Mary, Mother of God, on January 1.
Sr. Susan Francois tweets peace and kindness to POTUS

A former member of St. Philip Neri Parish in Southeast Portland who became a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace has been making national news for praying and tweeting.
Catholic prisoners of war were welcomed in Oregon

During World War II, Portland and Vancouver hosted Italian prisoners of war.

The Italian men, many of them Catholic, were transported to places like The Grotto for Mass from their barracks across the Columbia River.
25 years ago, first class of deacons set the bar high

Busloads of parishioners from as far as Grants Pass and Lebanon filled St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the ordination. Sitting in the front row were the candidates — plus their wives and kids.
WATCH: New Marian prayer site dedicated

BEAVERTON — Our Lady of Peace Retreat here has a new outdoor prayer space that focuses on peace and healing at the feet of Mary.
Coping with suffering

ST. BENEDICT — Brother Louis de Monfort Nguyen crosses Mount Angel Abbey Church, leading the way into the infirmary here. He opens a door behind which lies a small room with a single bed and large windows. There’s a chair on one side of the room and a small bookshelf on the other.

“This is the sunshine room,” he says. It’s where the brothers gather around dying monks, praying them into the afterlife.
Panel examines the 1993 encyclical that countered a moved toward relativism in Catholic moral thought

A 1993 encyclical by St. John Paul II provided a needed course correction for Catholic moral teaching, panelists agreed Dec. 10 during a catechetical session sponsored by the Archdiocese of Portland.
WATCH: Faith is helping a former altar boy restore a life stalled by addiction and homelessness

Last Christmas, Patrick Barron could hardly believe he was alive. This Christmas, he wants to live for others.
Strategies for strengthening Catholic kids in a secular culture

A young man heads off to studies. He drinks heavily and never finds a party he doesn’t like. He engages in a libertine sex life. Enamored with the cosmopolitan culture, he drifts from his family’s faith to a trendy new philosophy. His devout Catholic mother is heartbroken.
Liturgical handbook aims for more mystery and awe in liturgy

Catholics in the pews of western Oregon churches are seeing reforms meant to make Mass even more reverent.

Six months after it was issued by Archbishop Alexander Sample, the Archdiocese of Portland Liturgical Handbook has begun to infuse the prayer life at more than 120 parishes.
Epiphany Mass set

The Sisters and Donnes of Reparation invite the public for a Mass of Thanksgiving on the Feast of Epiphany, Sunday, Jan. 6. Devotion to the Magi has been a part of the sisters’ charism since their founding in 1953. Adoration and the Stations of Christmas are scheduled for 2 p.m., and Mass with Father Jon Buffington as celebrant starts at 3 p.m. A potluck follows the liturgy. The events take place at the convent, 2120 SE 24th Ave., Portland.
Advent spiritual offerings

The Sisters and Donnes of Reparation invite the public for a Faith Alive session set for Thursday, Dec. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. A light meal will be served. The current discussion series is an in-depth study of the Twelve Apostles.
Shroud talk earns a follow-up

EUGENE — The national Shroud Encounter Talk came to the University of Oregon last month.

As a follow-up, Dominican Father Anselm Ramelow, a professor of philosophy at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California, will speak in room 023 in the Erb Memorial Union (the student union building) at the university Thursday, Jan. 17.
LIFE: Christmas and Human Rights

The birth of Christ is the reason for the season, yet without the right to life and security, there might not have been a baby laid in a manger. Without the right to immigrate and emigrate, the Baby Jesus may not have lived passed infancy. Without the protection the Roman Empire accorded its citizens and subjects, there might not have been a robust Jewish faith forming the Son of David.
Presentations look at the moral life

The beauty of the Christian moral life is the topic of a series of presentations and a panel discussion set for Monday, Dec. 10, 7 – 9 p.m. in Aquinas Hall at Holy Rosary Parish in Northeast Portland.
‘Without my faith I would have gone crazy’

Glenda McCall spent three decades as a head nurse at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Portland. She helped irascible old soldiers rehabilitate from falls and battle wounds. Since retiring, McCall has traveled to the homes of about 60 seniors to provide foot care. She donates the fees to Catholic women’s groups like the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and Young Ladies Institute.
Prayer for Women Religious

In addition to compiling a list of priests, deacons, brothers and seminarians serving in the archdiocese, the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women includes a monthly list of religious sisters. Please keep these women in your prayers each day.
December Prayer for Priests

“A Year of Prayer for our Priests” is a ministry of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. We share the joy of this devotion with all Oregon Catholics. A day each month is set aside to pray for the name of a priest — or a deacon, seminarian or brother — serving in the archdiocese. In order to include all the names within 2018, some dates include two names. We invite you to pray for both men.
Oregon woman trying out Franciscan life

A 26-year-old member of St. Mary Cathedral Parish in Northwest Portland is in New Jersey discerning the possibility of life as a Franciscan sister.
Theater: Providing a face-to-face connection

Dramatic music dances through the darkened room. Lights on the stage flash red, then green, then blue, then white. Leonardo Defilippis takes his place on the stage at Holy Rosary’s Aquinas Hall. With his beard, sandals and period-appropriate garb, Defilippis fits the image of St. Augustine. His voice is filled with tension and then ease as he presents the confessions of the fourth-century philosopher saint.
Providence mission directors in on highest-level decisions

Providence Health and Services hires ministry experts to make sure the Catholic system hews to its mission of compassion and caring for patients on the peripheries.
LIFE: World Day of the Poor

Sunday Nov.18 is the second World Day of the Poor, a day established by Pope Francis on which he asks us to hear the cries of the poor among us with open ears and hearts and to respond in faith as we work for justice.
St. Mary of Oregon Sisters featured on podcast

BEAVERTON — Last month, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon were featured on a live podcast called “Ask Sister,” hosted by A Nun’s Life Ministry. The ministry was founded in Michigan 12 years ago to encourage people to understand their life as a vocation by engaging questions about God, faith and the religious life.
Session examines angels

BEAVERTON — The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women on Oct. 9 hosted 53 guests during a day of recollection at Our Lady of Peace Retreat House here.
Grotto cemetery: ‘Simple and appropriate’

In many ways the Grotto is a transient spot: Each year around 300,000 visitors from diverse faith traditions spend a few minutes or hours meditating or meandering within the 62-acre sanctuary, then depart with a bit of its peace in their souls.

But for some of the Servite friars who minister on the grounds of the Catholic shrine, the green Northeast Portland enclave is a final resting place.
Adventuring through Advent

The faithful are welcome to join Dina Marie Hale, known for her work at Mater Dei Radio, as she tours the Archdiocese of Portland offering insights on the Incarnation and the role of angels.
Question Box: Ashes and medical science

Q — My father died and his body has been cremated. He loved his cats, and he wanted his ashes in the backyard where his cats are buried, so he could be with them. He was not a Catholic (an avowed atheist, in fact), but I am. Would it be a sin for me to honor his request? (Carrollton, Georgia)
Abbey funerals show profound connections

ST. BENEDICT — When a Benedictine monk of Mount Angel Abbey professes solemn vows, he is presented with a cuculla, a long black cape donned only on solemnities. When a monk dies, he is wrapped in the very same garment for burial.
Talk at abbey library

ST. BENEDICT — Deacon Chris Anderson has taught English at Oregon State University for 32 years and is a poet and a published author. His most recent work, published in 2016, is “Light When It Comes: Trusting Joy, Facing Darkness, and Seeing God in Everything.” His book of poetry, “You Never Know,” will be published this fall.
WATCH: Franciscan sister holds to tradition, but engages with the world

The new superior of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist at Bridal Veil pioneered the contemporary field of music therapy, yet wears a simple brown religious habit with roots in medieval Europe.
Spiritual opportunities with the sisters

The Sisters and Donnes of Reparation invite the public on Friday, Nov. 9 for a Mass for vocations with Father Patrick Donoghue, pastor of St. Anthony, Portland.
‘Tea Ladies’ reconnect with the Lord

BEAVERTON — Glancing down at the beautiful bouquet of pink roses, he smiled saying: “I’ve been praying to the Little Flower.”

Archbishop Alexander Sample reminded the “Tea Ladies” during their annual spiritual gathering Oct. 16-17 that a retreat “is not about the director or the talks; it’s all up to the retreatant. The Lord is the one working with you.” His message to the Seminary Tea Committee: Be committed to evangelization.
LIFE: All Saints

When you think of saints, do you exclude yourself?
‘New’ statue of Mary in Eugene

When Josh Kosvovick, a 16-year-old from Eugene, rode his bike past a local estate sale, he spotted something unusual — a 4-foot-tall-statue of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
‘How beautiful is that?’ Seminarians share what they love about the Catholic faith

ST. BENEDICT — The communion of saints, with their hodgepodge of personalities and diverse flaws, quirks and gifts; the sacraments — a countercultural concept but for Catholics indispensable and grace-filled — there is much to love in the Catholic faith.
Shroud talk comes to Eugene

The Newman Center at the University of Oregon in Eugene is bringing “Shroud Encounter” to Pacific Hall, Room 123, Thursday Nov. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sanctuary offers second Tuesday wisdom

On the second Tuesday of each month, the Grotto in Northeast Portland hosts sessions in which Servite Father Richard Boyle discusses various subjects from a faith perspective. On Oct. 9, “Tuesday Topics with Fr. Richard” explored dealing with stress and anxiety through prayer.
Seminarians embrace God’s creation

ST. BENEDICT — They may study on a beautiful hilltop, but some students at Mount Angel Seminary feel a call to climb even higher.
‘Giving voice to Jesus’: Seminarians learn to compose homilies through study, prayer and practice

ST. BENEDICT — They listen to anguished confessions and bless the newly born. They sit beside hospital beds, offering last rites. And they celebrate what the church calls “the source and summit of Christian life,” the Eucharist.
God’s grace comes through community

ST. BENEDICT — An important element of the spiritual formation program for the men in pre-theology and theology at Mount Angel Seminary is regular participation in Jesus Caritas prayer groups. Inspired by Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916), Jesus Caritas is a worldwide fraternity made up of small groups of diocesan priests who share prayer and developments in their lives.
LIFE: Faithful citizenship

Politics is not a dirty word. Catholics engage in the political process because “we are called to take an active part in public life; we embrace it, discuss it, live it. Practicing our faith in the public arena and engaging in politics is a religious freedom to be cherished and a way of being disciples of Jesus Christ.
Archdiocese of Portland bishops, clergy recommit to protect youths

Bishops and priests at the final session of the 2018 priests' convocation at the Oregon coast earlier this month discussed recent news of clergy sex abuse in other parts of the nation.
A tool for the journey

“Holding a rosary is like holding Mary’s hand.” The saying came down to Mariana Schatte, who attends Mass at both St. Anthony Parish in Tigard and St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
Women’s ministry to begin

ASTORIA — A ministry among Catholic women on the north coast is beginning. St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Astoria – Magnificat, is inviting Catholic women to attend a Dutch treat luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 11:30 a.m. at Dooger's in Warrenton, across from Walgreens.
WATCH: Deaf Catholics at peace worshipping in their language

Even in the solitude of her room at Chestnut Lane retirement center in Gresham, Anita Jazowick prays to Jesus in sign language. The Lord understands and signs right back.
A time for silence

Everyone knows the vacation drill. It begins with the stress of getting ready to get away. Next comes the stress of go-go-going during the days and nights of the get-away, to make sure you’re enjoying yourself, relaxing and also getting your money’s worth. Then a growing exhaustion and finally the overwhelming trauma of returning to hundreds of emails, delayed projects and guilt.
WATCH: James Ladd, back at Mount Angel, felt his calling affirmed during internship at Holy Trinity in Beaverton

James Ladd, in his second year at Mount Angel for the Archdiocese of Portland, said seminarians chomp at the bit to get out among the faithful. Summer assignments at parishes, Ladd explained, give a welcome taste of the future.
LIFE: Respect Life Sunday

“Primum non nocere,” “first do no harm” is a guiding principle for medical practitioners. It recognizes the wondrous mystery of the human body, that doctors are to be skillful servants of something beyond their full understanding and that there is always something beyond us when we encounter another human being.