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.
Official announcement from Archdiocese of Portland Pastoral Center

On June 4, Pope Francis granted approval to a petition from Mike Maslowsky to be dispensed from the clerical state. Maslowsky, now laicized, was a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland.
Mass for vocations and fasting set

The Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus and Donnes of Reparation have invited the public for a Mass for vocations with Father Jon Buffington, Friday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. Adoration and guided prayer begin at 5 p.m
Eugene priest appreciation set for Nov. 2

The Eugene Knights of Columbus are inviting Catholics to a formal attire dinner supporting local priests. The annual priests appreciation gathering is set for Friday Nov. 2, at the Holiday Inn in Springfield.
LIFE: Nonviolence

Peace in the world must start with peace in the heart of man and woman; we must reconcile the cleavage between faith and action. Everything is connected.
UP’s senior priest: All servant, little ego

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

Retrouvaille is French for “rediscovery.” The Catholic program offers the chance for couples with troubled marriages to rediscover themselves, their spouses, and a loving relationship in their marriages.
Men’s conference slated

A conference that aims to help Catholic men strengthen their faith and virtue is set for Oct. 19-20 at St. Stephen Parish in Southeast Portland.
Local religious featured on campaign poster

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.
WATCH: Training for catechists: Begin by deepening divine relationship

EUGENE — At regional trainings this summer, western Oregon Catholics who teach the faith heard that before they instruct, they must allow God deep into their lives.
A perky friend to God and humanity

ASHLAND — Janie Brown thinks of herself as the utility infielder of Our Lady of the Mountain Parish.
Couples convene at Fatima, witness to marriage

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.
Mount Angel monk to become Navy chaplain

SILVERTON — Parishioners walking into St. Paul Church in Silverton here are greeted by a plaque recognizing the life and service of former pastor, Father Richard Carberry. Father Carberry was pastor from 1938 to 1940, before becoming a U.S. Army chaplain. He died as a prisoner of war in 1945
Learn to use spiritual gifts to discover grace

Occasional sadness and depression are natural responses to daily stresses. Northwest Catholic Counseling Center offers a workshop on learning how to use personal spiritual gifts to transform that feeling of grief into an opportunity for hope
Introduction to contemplation

An introduction to contemplative prayer is set for Saturday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m.-noon in the Fireside Room Holy Trinity Church in Beaverton. There will be four follow up meetings, with date and time decided by those in attendance.
WATCH: Shop has spread the faith for 35 years

A veteran of the Catholic book, gift and supply business has retired. But Mary Dieringer found new owners for Gifts of the Spirit, a religious fixture in Southeast Portland for 35 years.
Lessons for living faith: homelessness

Mater Dei Radio is continuing its series of breakfasts in which business and service leaders discuss ways to live out faith in everyday life. The breakfast set for Thursday, Sept. 13, will focus on responding in faith to people who are homeless.
‘Active’ nonviolence workshop set

Organizers of an upcoming workshop at Mission of the Atonement in Beaverton say that active nonviolence is neither passivism nor avoiding conflict and confrontation. Rather, they say, it’s a way to engage in peacemaking. Active nonviolence, the organizers explain, involves the use of peaceful means in a persistent manner to push for political and social change.
Holy Names Sisters celebrate golden jubilees

MARYLHURST — The Sisters of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are celebrating the 50-year anniversary of four women in Oregon. The golden jubilarians are Sisters Maureen Oliver, Kathryn Knoll, Janet Marcisz and Mary Ann Martinmaas.
Italian Mass before festival: It’s a natural

Italians celebrate saints, miracles and the founding of their scenic villages — among other things. The commemorations involve days of food, music, dancing, sport and long speeches. But every festival in the old country begins with Mass.
Advice from survivors for fellow Catholics

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.
LIFE: Sexual abuse

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.
Rosary Bowl is Oct. 6

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.
The journey is the thing

“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.