Six new seminarians have entered formation for the Archdiocese of Portland, joined by two continuing in the propaedeutic stage. Having moved to new cities, they now begin a year of prayerful discernment. “These men give me great hope for the future of the Church!” said Fr. Peter Julia, Director of Vocations.

Archbishop Alexander Sample offered an on-field blessing at Jesuit's Cronin Field at one of Oregon’s most storied high school football rivalries.

Father Ed Coleman, 72, went to be with Jesus on September 10, 2025, after complications from a recurrence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Father Ed was ordained into the priesthood in 1986. He served in several Catholic parishes throughout Oregon, most recently in Oakridge at St. Michael’s, and in nearby Dexter at St. Henry’s. Father Ed had a gift with community outreach. He rode his bicycle many miles each day to visit, minister, and pray with his parishioners. He also helped to feed parishioners and others in the community from his own beautiful gardens and the parish food bank in Dexter. Father Ed was faithful in praying for others, nurturing the elderly and sick, and speaking the truth in love to those who sought his counsel.

"My heart is heavy in the wake of today’s tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. I ask the faithful of western Oregon, and all people of good will, to pray fervently for those who have died, for the healing of the injured, and for consolation for their families and loved ones. "

The annual Quo Vadis Days retreat took place August 11-14, 2025, in Mount Angel, Oregon. The event was for high school men to consider God’s call for their vocation. Seminarians led the 55 retreatants through activities that included presentations, small groups, hiking, a seminary visit, Liturgy of the Hours, a Eucharistic procession, and a Q&A with Archbishop Sample.

Fr. Randy Hoang joins Fr. Peter Julia on the Engaged By The Spirit podcast to share how his early struggles shaped his call to the priesthood, why surrendering to God is essential in every vocation, and what it's like to work closely with Archbishop Alexander Sample.

African missionary priests form the "Apostles of Jesus", gathered last week to discuss their "reverse missionary" work. Thank you to all the "AJ's" in our Western Oregon parishes.

"It is with great joy that I welcome the news that Bishop-elect Thom Hennen has been appointed the new Bishop of the Diocese of Baker. I am very grateful to Pope Leo for appointing this experienced and well prepared shepherd for our neighboring diocese to the east here in the great State of Oregon. I look forward to working side by side with Bishop-elect Hennen for many years to come."

With gratitude for their priestly service to the people of the Archdiocese, the Most Rev Alexander K. Sample announces the following parish assignments and priest updates (effective July 1, 2025 unless otherwise noted)

In his Corpus Christi homily to a packed cathedral, Archbishop Sample said that walking with Christ in the streets is both a witness to his real presence and an invitation for others to discover the peace and hope He offers.

More than 3,000 faithful joined Portland’s grand Corpus Christi Procession, a powerful witness of unity and devotion. “God is on the move here in western Oregon,” said Archbishop Sample. “The Holy Spirit is igniting a fire, and you’re all part of that. I believe today marks a turning point for the renewal of Christ’s mission in western Oregon.”

Catch the premiere episode of “Engaged by the Spirit,” featuring host Fr. Peter Julia in conversation with Archbishop Alexander Sample. In this thoughtful conversation, the Archbishop reflects on his vocation, the challenges of episcopal ministry, and his hopes for the Church in western Oregon.

In celebration of the Jubilee Year, the Archbishop invites clergy and lay faithful across the Archdiocese to come together in a public celebration of our Eucharistic faith. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, four major Corpus Christi processions will take place at Jubilee Pilgrimage sites in Portland, Salem, Springfield/Eugene, and Central Point/Medford, to share the love of Christ with our communities.

The 6.8 mile procession from St. Mary to St. Alice will depart St. Mary at 2pm. The procession will travel through downtown Eugene, Alton Baker Park via the North Bank Trail, and downtown Springfield to St. Alice where it will conclude with Benediction.