A Message from Archbishop Sample
“As your local shepherd, I want to assure you of my continued prayers for you. These are challenging times that call us to seek God with all our hearts.
Governor Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” order requires us to remain home to the “maximum extent possible” for our own sake and the sake of others, especially those who are vulnerable. This is why we are closing our parish offices and schools to the public and asking our staffs to work remotely and give instruction online. Essential pastoral activities that must continue will observe strictly the social distancing requirements.
The normal practice of our faith and mission has been disrupted, and we must refrain from gathering physically for a time. This painful reality is an invitation to deepen our faith and live it more fully. Though we are fettered, the wind of the Spirit blows where it will. God is still here for you, and you remain part of the family of faith that is the Catholic Church.
We pray for the sick in our community, for their families, for health care workers, and for leaders who are diligently working to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Together, we are checking on our neighbors, broadcasting Masses, supporting our parishes and schools, and above all living as disciples of Jesus Christ, despite these temporary restrictions.
My grateful and heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all those who have risen to the occasion and come forward in our time of need. The Church in western Oregon is enriched by your commitment and selflessness. You give witness to the example and challenge of Jesus, who “came to serve and not to be served.”
Please know that I continue to pray for you and your families. I invite you to join me for the livestreamed Sunday Mass at 11am at the Cathedral. Additionally, please join me on Friday evenings at 6pm for livestreamed prayer as we strive to maintain and strengthen our communion as the mystical body of Christ, the Church. Links to these and other prayer opportunities can be found on the Archdiocese of Portland website homepage at: www.archdpdx.org
