catholicsentinel.org

Veronica Kennedy: SVDP’s ambassador to parishes

With the 150th anniversary of the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Portland ministry approaching, Veronica Kennedy was devoting more than her usual over-the-top energy last month to wrapping up a symbolically important task.
PeaceHealth builds house for out-of-towners

SPRINGFIELD — Out-of-town families now have a tranquil, no-cost place to call home in Springfield should their loved ones need specialized care at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield, or University District in Eugene.
‘God is with Owen, wherever he is’

“In this very moment God is with Owen, wherever he is,” said Holy Cross Father Jim Gallagher, campus minister. “A part of our being is not connected with us as he should be, as we desire him to be.”
Narcissism a hallmark of religious abusers

It’s a Friday evening at Kennedy School, a pub in Northeast Portland. Revelers lift their glasses and guffaw.

But in a quiet back room, two dozen spiritually serious people have gathered quietly. They are grappling with the feeling that they have been manipulated and conned by leaders they saw as conduits to God.
A retired paper plant worker develops a passion for toy castles

SWEET HOME — When Leo Fernandez attended a yard sale here four years ago, he was looking for a bargain or two. He never dreamed his prize find would be a set of building blocks often used by children to build castles.
University of Portland freshman missing

Portland law enforcement is asking for help finding a University of Portland freshman who went missing the evening of Oct. 6.
New program director for Camp Howard

Sister Colleen Schmitt is the new Camp Howard summer program director. She joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 2014.
Oregon Boy Scouts’ effort prevents wildfire

LANE COUNTY — The Boy Scouts’ motto is “Be prepared,” but when a Stayton-area troop embarked on a 25-mile backpacking trip, they didn’t anticipate that would mean saving a forest from wildfire.
Rosary to be held outside cathedral for immigrant children

A group plans to pray the rosary and process around St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Oct. 12 as an act of solidarity for immigrant children.
Blanchet House has new executive director

The board of directors from Portland’s Blanchet House of Hospitality has hired a longtime education administrator as new executive director. The Catholic-founded nonprofit, in its 67th year, provides free meals to thousands of homeless people, plus job training, housing, addiction treatment and experience of farm life.
Some wounds of gun violence are invisible

Firearm attacks have changed society in the United States. Mass shootings are becoming more frequent and the helpless public is forced to face the psychological consequences, often silently.
Millennials and health

Andrew Bodmer often gets calls from his millennial-aged brother asking for medical advice. Recently, Bodmer, a physician assistant at Providence Medical Group’s Bridgeport Clinic, told his brother to go to see his primary care provider or regular doctor. “I should have one of those?” his brother asked.
Cardinal Levada, former Portland archbishop, dies at 83

UPDATED: Sept. 27, 9:50 a.m. “Many people thought Cardinal Levada was a bit aloof, but I think he was actually rather shy. Once you got to know him, you discovered a man who was quite warm and loving, always ready to help in any way he could."
During immigration crackdown, undocumented domestic abuse victims fear reporting abuse, seeking assistance

Amid changing immigration laws and deportation threats, advocates and lawyers have observed a decrease in undocumented victims of domestic violence reporting the abuse to law enforcement and reaching out for help. Staff and partner agencies of Catholic Charities of Oregon — the largest nonprofit immigration legal services provider in the state — have witnessed the fallout from fear in their work across the region.
Thrift stores emerged at time of need

When Portland saw a surge in corporate thrift stores in the 1990s — think Value Village — the homegrown St. Vincent de Paul thrifts could not stay in business. The last stores closed in 2004, sold to pay off debts.

But for more than 70 years, St. Vincent de Paul was synonymous with second-hand savings for Portlanders in need. For St. Vincent de Paul, the stores were more ministry than business.
Champions of Faith benefit dinner chairs say CYO and Camp Howard are grounded by faith, generate joy

Champions of Faith benefit dinner chairs say CYO and Camp Howard are grounded by faith and generate joy

Tim O’Neill has spent his career providing prostheses and orthopedic braces to give life-changing mobility to patients. His wife, Gina, is business director of the prosthetics and orthotics company Tim founded, and she volunteers countless hours in the community.
Chief shepherd a fan of CYO/Camp Howard

In 2014, Portland Archbishop Alexander Sample was invited to say Mass for his first visit to Camp Howard in the foothills of Mount Hood. There were so many young campers that the large enthusiastic congregation could not fit in the little chapel.
Affording assisted living

A retired editor of the Catholic Sentinel is fond of saying, “Getting old isn’t for wimps.” Now it seems that getting old isn’t for low-income people or even the middle class.
Priest who evangelized with intellect dies at 93

UPDATED SEPT. 27, 12:32 P.M. Father Edmond Bliven, an intellectual giant of the Archdiocese of Portland, died Sept. 22 at age 93. An apostle of Catholic common sense with an uproarious laugh, Father Bliven served in western Oregon parishes and was longtime editorial page editor of the Catholic Sentinel. He attended a session of the Second Vatican Council and was active in the ecumenical movement.
Camp Howard connects across generations

Maddi Parvankin’s memories of Camp Howard begin when she was about 3 years old. She remembers how after several rounds of songs at the campfire, her sleepy, dirt-covered, happy little self would reach out for her father’s hand, and the two would walk from the glowing flames back to their cabin.
Catholics join courthouse protest

HILLSBORO — A faith-based protest against immigration arrests at courthouses drew 500 people to the Hillsboro Civic Center and Washington County Courthouse Aug. 12. Enacting the theme “circle of protection,” demonstrators ringed the courthouse and then formed a human loop on the courthouse lawn around presenters.
New Catholic Community Services head chosen for Mid-Willamette

SALEM — The Catholic Community Services board of directors has appointed longtime employee Joshua Graves to lead the 80-year-old Salem-based social services agency. Longtime executive director Jim Seymour will retire in January 2020.
Oregon group attends social action conference

A team of Portland-area Catholics attended the Social Action Summer Institute in Salt Lake City in July.

On top of the agenda was low-cost housing, plus the immigration crisis and climate change.
The quintessential Catholic family

ALBANY — There aren’t many dull moments in the Krebs family of Albany.

With eight children ranging in age from 2 to 18, something is always stirring for Joe and Nicole Krebs.
Faith amid wildfire

MOLALLA — As a young boy, Scott West dreamed of fighting wildfires like his dad. After he helped extinguish his first at age 20, it became a vocation.
A garlicky time had by all

NORTH PLAINS — The Knights of Columbus from Tigard had another successful fundraising event at the North Plains Garlic Festival in August.
Camp Howard’s summer is in the books

CORBETT — More than 1,200 youths from around the Portland area and nearby states attended Camp Howard this summer.
Grief and loss workshop offered

Everyone experiences loss. However, not everyone recognizes grief when it affects them. The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center in Portland invites people to examine the depths of grief and loss that are part of all lives.
2019 fall events

Autumn brings harvest fests at parishes and beyond. Here’s our roundup for fall 2019.
Called by God, barred by law

It turns out that God doesn’t worry about borders and residency status when calling future priests. Nevertheless, the Archdiocese of Portland abides by U.S. law.
Protesters seek gun measures

BEAVERTON — About 20 people gathered at Beaverton City Park Aug. 7 to call for fast action on gun safety legislation in light of recent mass shootings. Members of Holy Trinity Parish's Social Justice Committee came to show their support.
New director for Catholic Community Services of Lane County

EUGENE — The Board of Directors of Catholic Community Services of Lane County has hired Sue Paiement as executive director.
Camp Howard marks 10 years of family camp

Camp Howard hosted its 10th annual family camp Aug. 2 – 4. There were enthusiastic reviews.
Camp brings joy and touch to medically fragile children

When Napoleon struts his stuff in the outdoor play area at the Center for Medically Fragile Children — part of Providence Child Center in Northeast Portland — all eyes are on him. That’s not only because he’s an alpaca visiting a hospital campus, but because he’s decked out in a bejeweled array of bright tassels, flowers and ribbons. Napoleon knows he looks good.
New El Centinela editor begins work

The new editor of El Centinela, the Spanish-language newspaper of the Archdiocese of Portland, is a trained journalist who also had a distinguished career as an educator in Oregon.
New superintendent has a heart for Catholic education

On Jeannie Ray-Timoney’s desk is a bouquet of paper flowers, made by a grandchild who wanted to be sure Grandma always had cheerful blooms in her day. Nearby is a photo of Pope Francis, and in front of her computer is an exercise ball she often uses in place of a chair.

These details are small reflections of an enduring dedication to family and children, a disciplined approach to physical health and sport, and foremost a deep devotion to her faith.
Our Lady of La Vang to move

The congregation agreed on a plan to buy the 2,270-seat New Hope Church campus, which would be the largest Catholic church in the state and among the largest in the nation.
Catholic Youth Organization innovations reduce injuries but maintain sport’s energy

As football season approaches, word is getting out that Oregon’s Catholic Youth Organization has adopted a safer version of the sport that is still fun and brisk.
Solutions for St. Francis Dining Hall seen in listening, collaboration

A recent debate over St. Francis Dining Hall in Southeast Portland has made it clear: Even when living out Gospel values, the path forward is not always clear — but collaboration, communication and considering the common good are essential.
WATCH: ‘Take the guilt off’

EUGENE — One of the architects of the University of Oregon’s athletic surge is back in Eugene. Jim Bartko admits he’s worse for wear but insists he’s on the mend. Not bad for almost 50 years of hell.
Families find hope with Catholic Charities

When a family walks into Catholic Charities for help, they’re given hope. Maybe a single mother needs help getting through her pregnancy. Maybe a family with toddlers needs to find more permanent housing.
New marketing, communications vice president position at University of Portland

Holy Cross Father Mark Poorman, president of the University of Portland, has appointed Michael Lewellen to the newly formed position of vice president for marketing and communications. Lewellen will lead the offices of marketing and communications, public affairs, and printing and mailing services.
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.