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Nearly three years to the day after an arson attack severely damaged St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Salem, the historic parish was rededicated on Monday, August 31, 2026. Archbishop Alexander Sample celebrated the Mass of Rededication, which drew approximately 2,000 people, according to local news outlet KOIN. With the church now beautifully restored as a sanctuary for the worship of Almighty God, Archbishop Sample reminded those gathered that the Church is more than a building: the faithful themselves are the “living stones” who make up the Church.

With great sadness, the Archdiocese of Portland shares the passing of Fr. Pat McNamee.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Three years after Salem’s oldest Catholic church went up in flames, a rededication ceremony was held on Monday night.

A new Catholic ministry in the Portland area is working to provide long-term housing and practical support for pregnant women facing difficult circumstances while inviting parishes, schools, clergy, and the wider Catholic community to help make that vision a reality.

The Archdiocese of Portland will not be organizing an official archdiocesan pilgrimage for this event. Parishes that wish to participate are encouraged to make their own travel arrangements through a reputable Catholic pilgrimage or tour company.

For the 2025–26 school year, Ascend awarded $971,000 in tuition assistance and hardship funding, helping more than 500 students attend Archdiocese of Portland elementary schools across western Oregon.

Beginning July 5, 2026, St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will offer additional Mass and Confession times.

Summer should be a season of possibility. But for many of our neighbors, it can also bring new challenges. Rising temperatures, limited resources and the rising cost of everyday essentials mean that even something as simple as a clean T-shirt, lightweight pants or a pair of comfortable shoes can make a meaningful difference.

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, 2026 unless otherwise noted)

On Saturday, June 20 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Cathedral, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample will ordain four men to the Holy Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.