In honor of Black Catholic History Month, Mark Holman of AACCO reflects on the life and witness of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman. He shares how her message, her joy, and her call to embrace both faith and cultural identity continue to inspire Catholics in Oregon today.

Archbishop Sample joined more than 1,000 young people at Our Lady of La Vang to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sacred Heart Chapter of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement. In his homily, he encouraged the youth to draw close to Jesus in the Eucharist, reminding them that Christ desires to be known and loved in this sacrament. The chapter currently has 192 members. For more information about the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, visit:

Monday, December 29 at 11:00 AM at St. Juan Diego Parish, 5995 NW 178th Ave, Portland, OR.

Archbishop Sample was the facilitator for the deacons and their wives retreat this week. Pope Leo XIV specifically points to the earliest deacons of the Church as models of this service, highlighting figures like St. Stephen, the first martyr, and St. Lawrence, who, when ordered to hand over the "treasures of the Church," presented the poor and suffering. Deacons, through their specific vocation, are called to be at the forefront of this effort, serving as an authentic sign of a Church that welcomes and heals those on the peripheries. The full text of the apostolic exhortation is available on the Vatican website for further reflection and practical application.

Food pantries are being emptied at this time as more people are affected by the government shutdown. They are in urgent need of assistance; please read more to find out how you can help.

Every day, nearly 2,000 people around the world die by suicide. Among young people, it is the third leading cause of death. In light of this tragedy, the Holy Father invites us to pray “that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts may find the support, care, and love they need within their communities, and be open to the beauty of life.”