Many Christians apply the story of Good Friday to modern suffering and seek God’s help to create a better world. In downtown Beaverton, 150 people walked to sites for reflection and prayer, singing “Jesus Remember Me” and carrying a seven-foot-tall wooden cross along the path.

High water in the central and south Willamette Valley and environs has not yet affected Catholic churches in the area. As of mid-day April 8, property officials at the Archdiocese of Portland Pastoral Center had not heard reports of flooding or damage.

TILLAMOOK — The clank of the censer and the smell of incense, a baby’s cry and the parents’ shushing filled the new chapel while Auxiliary Bishop Peter Smith blessed the bright space. Parishioners packed the pews and side aisles and streamed out the door for the occasion.

Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez and Bishop Elias Bolaños, both of El Salvador, will visit Portland later this month to discuss the legacy of their countryman, St. Oscar Romero.

The woman could no longer bear it. She fled the abusive man, took her three children and began living on the streets of Portland in a van.

A survivor who knows that everyone needs help sometimes, she called on Catholic Charities of Oregon. Caseworkers helped her find temporary housing, a domestic violence support group and counseling.

“This is so great. Wow.”

Debbie Haskett stepped over mounds of gravel and dirt, weaving in between brightly colored tiny houses marveling at what will soon offer shelter and community to women like herself — those who know the fear and fatigue of life on the streets.

Bradley Scott Vollmer has spent more than a third of his life in prison. He’s robbed banks and sold narcotics, all in an effort to get high, get numb and forget.