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.

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.

When you think of saints, do you exclude yourself?

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.

ST. BENEDICT — They may study on a beautiful hilltop, but some students at Mount Angel Seminary feel a call to climb even higher.  

Holy Cross Father George Bernard, age 96 and a priest since 1949, is still figuring out how to pray.

The national Retirement Fund for Religious campaign is using a squad of nuns, priests and monks from the Archdiocese of Portland as its poster-people.

ASHLAND — Janie Brown thinks of herself as the utility infielder of Our Lady of the Mountain Parish. 

Married couples who are part of a Catholic group called Teams of Our Lady celebrate and nurture their marriages once a month with like-minded Catholic pairs.

In July, 12 Oregon couples and a priest did the same for five days with 4,000 couples from all over the world who speak different languages but are equally committed to their sacramental marriages. 

The lacerating grand jury report on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in Pennsylvania and the alleged crimes of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, D.C., have left many in and outside the church trying to discern what went wrong, who is to blame and where the church should go from here.

We’re sorry that you should even have to hear about abuse or cover-up in the church. We’re especially sorry for any and all victims who were abused or ignored by priests, bishops, ministers in the church, family members, coaches or anyone. If you haven’t ever heard “I’m sorry this happened to you, — at least you can hear it from us.  We’re sorry.

The 12th annual Rosary Bowl NW is set for Saturday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion. The day includes prayer, confessions, Mass with Archbishop Alexander Sample, speakers and exhibits.

“First, prayer; then, atonement; in the third place, very much ‘in the third place,’ action.” These are the words of St. Jose Maria Escriva, who suggests that we always engage in intense thought and reflection before we act. As Catholics, we are called to serve those in need. However, it is impossible to accomplish our goals without proper mindsets and inspiration. This is the purpose of pilgrimages.

Ignite Your Torch Northwest, an annual youth conference known for drawing religious brothers and sisters from across the country, was held in Oregon for the first time July 6-9 at the University of Portland.

In addition to compiling a list of priests serving in the archdiocese, the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women now includes lists of religious brothers and sisters, along with deacons and seminarians, in order for the faithful to hold all in their prayers. Please keep these women in your prayers each day.

MCMINNVILLE — A veteran permanent deacon here has mentored a priest-to-be in the art of wholehearted service. 

Here’s Archbishop Alexander Sample’s schedule through Sept. 9.