catholicsentinel.org

Family Promise: Making a difference for homeless kids

BEAVERTON — January 2017 provided great memories for Lois O’Halleran’s children, students at St. Mary of the Valley and Jesuit. Snow had closed the schools for nine days, so it was a veritable second Christmas vacation. They sledded, made snowmen and flung snowballs. They’d come inside to warm up with hot chocolate as their snow-encrusted clothes spun in the dryer.
New Catholic Charities board leader emphasizes humility, love

The new chairwoman of the board for Catholic Charities of Oregon advises humility and love when the agency is engaging the public over heated topics like immigration, racial diversity and poverty.
Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women account hacked

MILWAUKIE — A computer hacker this summer breached the bank account of a Portland-area group of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and absconded with $345.
Dramatic session comes to an end

SALEM — Relief has come for groups like Catholic Charities of Oregon that provide resettlement services for refugees coming into the country.
Southern Oregon fire tamed, but fears persist

MYRTLE CREEK — Firefighters have the Milepost 97 Fire in Southern Oregon largely under control, but fear endures as hot windy weather is expected.
WATCH: Singles for Christ conference fortifies faith

JD Duran was 2 when his parents noticed something was off. He could run and walk, but he was tripping far more than a typical toddler. Concerned, they met with numerous doctors in search of answers. Eventually their son received a diagnosis — Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a degenerative nerve disorder.
Sister honored for faith and service

At the national convention of Kappa Gamma Pi, the national Catholic college graduate honor society, Holy Names Sister Lucinda Peightal of Portland received the society’s Faith and Service Award. The annual award goes to non-members who have exemplified leadership in social justice.
Knights take part in Freedom Mass

Nearly 4,000 refugee Catholics convened at The Grotto in Northeast Portland July 7 — the Sunday after Independence Day — to commemorate what they see as God’s liberating action in their lives.
Former Ram star murdered

A well-known Portland athlete and 2015 graduate of Central Catholic High School was shot dead Aug. 2 in Northeast Portland, apparently by his older sister.
WATCH: Getting at poverty's roots

An immigrant farm family near Springfield needed to get to the next level. They knew almost by instinct how to cultivate produce but had to increase volume and boost sales. The problem was their rickety farm equipment and the lack of an updated business plan.
Shopping for the good

SPRINGFIELD — During July, Catholic Community Services of Lane County and the Springfield Grocery Outlet are teaming up to fight local hunger.
'A blanket of fear’: How deportations affect children

The crushing, life-altering event can occur during the most mundane circumstances — as parents pay a traffic ticket or drop kids off at school.

“It’s happening every day in Portland, in Eugene, everywhere in the state,” said Vanessa Briseño, director of Oregon Catholic Charities’ Pope Francis Center.
As Affordable Care Act effect fades, charity care back on rise

Charity care from Oregon hospitals dropped sharply starting in 2014, the year the Affordable Care Act went into effect. About 430,000 patients who previously might have received free or low-cost care from hospitals now had coverage because Oregon embraced the ACA so firmly.
WATCH: Deacon subdues attacker to protect abbey

LAFAYETTE — Deacon José Montoya stares in horror. What if the vicious surprise punch had hit an elderly monk instead of his own face? Such a blow might have killed a frailer man. And what if the attacker had wielded a knife or a gun?
The rodeo queen who became a nun

In much of the country, summer is rodeo time — and rodeo queen time. In the 1930s, a skillful ranch girl from Jordan Valley was not only queen of the Caldwell Rodeo in Idaho, but was discerning religious life.
Mass for Fr. Pomerleau noon today at UP

Holy Cross Father Claude Pomerleau died of cancer early morning Sunday, July 21.

Today, Tuesday, July 23, at the Chapel of Christ the Teacher at the University of Portland, the 12:05 p.m. Mass will be offered for Father Claude's eternal rest. After classes resume, when more faculty, students, and staff can participate, a larger memorial Mass will be celebrated in gratitude for the presence and ministry of Father Claude.
Crowd protests detention centers

BEAVERTON — About 150 demonstrators gathered outside Rep. Suzanne Bonamici's Beaverton office July 2 as part of nationwide rallies to protest conditions at many immigrant detention centers.
Board affirms allegation as credible

A review board for the Jesuits’ Western province has confirmed the credibility of an allegation of “boundary violation” against Jesuit Father Larry Gooley.
Visiting priest asked to leave

When Catholic bishops, priests and religious travel to give retreats or minister outside their home dioceses, they must send ahead a letter of recommendation showing good standing and then wait for a welcome from the host diocese.
Nursery cared for vulnerable Portland children

By 1939, Britain was ordering U.S.-made vessels for the war against the Nazis. Portland’s shipbuilding surged, and the city needed more workers in a hurry.
Summer goings on at Grotto

There are all kinds of summer events coming up at The Grotto, Portland’s Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful mother. Opportunities range from intriguing moments with pets to magnificent ethnic faith observances.
National Singles for Christ Conference aimed at forming and nourishing love-filled evangelizers

Next month, rooms of Hilton’s Embassy Suites in Northeast Portland alternately will pulse with praise and worship, contain hushed prayers of the faithful, and ring with cheers for lively improv and dance — all to invigorate the faith of young people in love with the Lord. The 25th annual National Singles for Christ Conference, slated for Aug. 2-4, is expected to draw more than 400 young adult Catholics from around the country. The registration deadline is July 13.
Camp Howard staff training: A behind the scenes peek

CORBETT — “The most important part of the Camp Howard experience is the relationship between the counselor and the camper,” executive director Sister Krista von Borstel said during staff training June 25.
Official

Fr. Nazario Atukunda, an instructing judge for the Archdiocese of Portland Tribunal, will be in residence at St. John the Baptist Parish in Milwaukie.
Vigils oppose immigration officers at courthouses

HILLSBORO — About 40 people gathered June 17 to protest what they call the harassment of immigrant families by federal immigration agents at the Washington County Courthouse here. It was part of a demonstration at courthouses statewide.
Married for 75 years, full of memories and wisdom

Worldwide Marriage Encounter asked Americans to nominate the longest-married couples they know. The hope is to recognize these veterans of matrimony and hold up the sacrament of marriage as vital to society’s success.
WATCH: Jesus hits the streets of Portland

On an overcast Sunday afternoon, Jesus Christ and 800 of his followers descended from St. Mary Cathedral into the streets of downtown Portland. Participants called it powerful public witness to the Catholic belief of Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist.
Truck to help charity’s reach

EUGENE — Staffs from the Eugene and Springfield Catholic Community Services centers gathered with supporters and benefactors June 13 to celebrate the commissioning of a new box truck that will increase the agency’s ability to provide food and other essentials to neighbors in need.
Oregon couple hopes for unity at border

BROWNSVILLE, Ore. — Along the border between Mexico and Arizona, there are both more hope and more despair in the last two years. That’s the assessment of an Oregon Catholic couple who this spring traveled south of Tucson for the fourth time.
Peacehealth names vice president of operations

Elva Sipin will provide operational oversight at RiverBend to ensure the hospital continues to meet the needs of caregivers and patients. This is a new role at RiverBend, one that is designed to provide campus oversight.
Truck to help charity’s reach

EUGENE — Staffs from the Eugene and Springfield Catholic Community Services centers gathered with supporters and benefactors June 13 to celebrate the commissioning of a new box truck that will increase the agency’s ability to provide food and other essentials to neighbors in need.
Hygiene drive in Lane County

Catholic Community Services of Lane County is collecting personal and household hygiene items throughout June.
Taped confession stays on priest’s mind

More than two decades ago, the Archdiocese of Portland was embroiled in a debate to preserve the sanctity of the sacrament of reconciliation.
Catholic nursing schools prepping students for elder care

The United States is in the middle of a nursing shortage at a time when nurses and health care are needed more than ever.
Sentinel again top of its class

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For the third year in a row, the Catholic Sentinel has been named one of the best Catholic newspapers in the nation.
List of accused Holy Cross priests includes several with past ties to University of Portland

Three Holy Cross priests who previously served at the University of Portland were credibly accused of sexually abusing minors, according to a list released June 12 by the U.S province of the Congregation of Holy Cross. One of the three, Father Archibald McDowell, appears to have abused a minor in Oregon while based at U.P., though specifics of the abuse are unclear.
Silverton resident receives leadership scholarship

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – Silverton resident Elisha Valladares-Cormier, a junior communication arts major at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, has been selected to receive the Higginbotham Leadership Scholarship from Franciscan University’s Center for Leadership.
ACCW meeting convenes in sadness and joy

The May 13 meeting of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women began with prayers and expressions of gratitude for Father Robert Krueger, who died April 28.
Couple has a ministry of listening

CENTRAL POINT — As a bus driver and hairdresser, Scott and Joyce Eason have had plenty of chances to listen as others unburden themselves of life’s struggles.
JVC Northwest director presided over a surge of good works

MILWAUKIE — Jeanne Haster had a flair for receiving the ardor of young Catholics and aiming it toward Gospel values.
Filmmaker aims to bring reality of sex trafficking to light

George Elliot knows the power of a story to touch souls. He’s spent years as an actor, director and playwright. Now he’s on a mission to save lives.
Official announcement from the Archdiocese of Portland

Official

Archbishop Alexander Sample announces the following:

Fr. Francisco Bringuela is now designated pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Independence. Fr. Martin Tavares-Hernandez is now designated pastor of St. Peter Parish, Newberg.
Priest reassignments 2019

UPDATED JUNE 14, 10 A.M.

The Archdiocese of Portland has announced clergy reassignments to take effect July 1, unless noted otherwise. In all, 22 priests are making a move.
Annual conference aims to inspire, give educators tools to serve more students with special needs

There were nationally known speakers at a conference last month on inclusive Catholic education. But Central Catholic junior River Sampson got to the heart of the gathering when he stepped up to the mic.
Local link to Irish history

The Ancient Order of Hibernians honored Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain at a May meeting. Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, O'Scannlain is a first-generation Irish-American son of immigrant parents from Sligo and Derry. He told Hibernians how his father and grandfather fought for a united, independent Ireland.
Mount Angel confers degrees on 55

ST. BENEDICT — Mount Angel Seminary’s graduating class of 2019 celebrated a baccalaureate Mass May 10 and commencement the following morning. Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange, California, gave the commencement address, speaking to more than 300 family and friends assembled in the abbey church.
‘No one can do this alone’

Father Dave Zegar, pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Northeast Portland, and other community leaders held a press conference this morning to urge people to contact their legislators about Oregon House Bill 2508, also known as the Refugees Welcome Act.
St. Mary’s Academy student is 2019 Rose Festival queen

St. Mary’s Academy senior Mya Brazile was crowned queen of the 2019 Portland Rose Festival Saturday, June 8, amid lively, loud cheers in Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Community leaders honored by ecumenical group

Oregon’s ecumenical organization this spring honored a group of community leaders for moral leadership, including several Catholics.
Eugene Catholic bookstore now shuttered

EUGENE — A Catholic bookstore here has closed, leaving the Carmelite Sisters west of town as the sole purveyor of church goods in the area.
A man for others

Jesuit High School’s head football coach, Ken Potter, wasn’t surprised to hear the news about former Jesuit star football player Keanon Lowe, now football and track coach and head of security at Parkrose High School. Lowe tackled a gunman in a Parkrose classroom May 17, probably saving lives. Lowe, who graduated from Jesuit in 2010, had responded to a routine call from the school office and ended up wrestling a shotgun away from the distraught 18-year-old.
Blazer, Archbishop Sample alums of same school

Zach Collins, a 7-foot-tall Portland Trail Blazers center, is a product of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, the same diocesan-run school the future Archbishop Alexander Sample attended in the 1970s.
Knights cook up steaks, and relaxation, for seminarians

MOUNT ANGEL — The Oregon Knights of Columbus state officers and past state deputies and their spouses have served pie and ice cream at Mount Angel Seminary for many years, usually during mid-terms in early December.
Rupp inducted into CYO Hall of Fame

Catholic Youth Organization of the Archdiocese of Portland last month inducted one of the nation’s great distance runners into the CYO Hall of Fame. Galen Rupp, an Olympic medalist, got a start in track and field with his CYO team at All Saints School in Northeast Portland, where his mother was the coach. When he was in eighth grade, he helped the All Saints team to a Meet of Champions title.
New home for Mater Dei Radio

Oregon’s Catholic radio station is planning to expand its communications ministry from a new building atop Sylvan Hill in Southwest Portland.
Knights elect new leaders

LEBANON — Ron Boyce of the Knights of Columbus council in Tigard was elected state deputy during the 111th annual Oregon Knights of Columbus convention held April 26-28 at the Boulder Falls Events Center here.
Veteran pastor and educator dies at age 89

Father Ted Weber, longtime pastor and teacher in the Archdiocese of Portland, died May 31 at age 89. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at Christ the King Parish Milwaukie. Interment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery on Monday, June 10. Recalled by many in their youths as a Central Catholic High School disciplinarian, Father Weber usually revealed himself later as a kind and funny raconteur.
Victims hidden in our midst: An inside look at sex trafficking in Oregon

She was the kind of kid who in daycare went around and tucked everybody in before she climbed into her own little bed.

“Our daughter was a girl with a big heart,” said Brian Owens, a Catholic and father of three (names have been changed at the family’s request).
Follow-up: Memories of E.H. Deery

In March, the Sentinel wrote about Portland’s Ancient Order of Hibernians (“An ancient order: Portland’s great Irish past,” March 15, page 12). Included was a journalistic ditty about Edward Hugh Deery, a Hibernian pioneer who guided the organization in its heyday. We concluded the piece by saying we were puzzled that we could not find records of the great man’s death.
He remembers the Vanport flood

On May 29, 1948, a teenage Dick Safranski and his pals from Assumption Parish rushed to the dikes along the swollen Columbia River. They hefted sandbags into a wall, protecting their North Portland neighborhood from floodwaters.
Church leaders fear damage wrought by porn

Archbishop Alexander Sample soon will issue a pastoral letter on pornography. The archbishop is expected to call the use of pornography an epidemic that is hurting young people and families in western Oregon. But the letter will offer a hopeful view, offering a path to freedom from the addiction.