From February 8–13, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample visited four seminarians from the Archdiocese of Portland who are currently studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. While the Archbishop traditionally takes the seminarians on pilgrimage during his annual visit, the group remained in Rome this year due to his shorter trip, planned around the Centennial of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Instead, they spent their time visiting various churches, meeting one-on-one, and enjoying traditional Italian cuisine.
Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland, Oregon, shared his concerns about ICE activity in his archdiocese, highlighting the need for Catholics of all ethnicities to come together as part of the one body of Christ.
St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel invites you to a 3-day Lenten Mission featuring Fr. Leo Patalinghug, a dynamic Catholic speaker, priest, and award-winning chef. Join us for inspiration, community, and spiritual renewal as Fr. Leo shares practical wisdom and preaches at Masses and talks throughout the weekend.
From January 30 to 31, Archbishop Sample visited St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park where eight seminarians from the Archdiocese are in formation. During his time there, the Archbishop shared meals with the men, celebrated a private Mass with them, and met individually with each seminarian.
(October 15–20, 2026) Join fellow Catholics on a pilgrimage to Mexico City and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, sponsored by the Our Lady of the Lake Knights of Columbus. Led by Fr. Anthony Ahamefule, Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Bandon, Oregon, the pilgrimage includes daily Mass and visits to Teotihuacan, Puebla, and other major Catholic sites.
Six of our seminarians joined thousands in San Francisco for the West Coast Walk for Life, praying, walking, and witnessing to the dignity of every human life.
Ahead of the Oregon Sacred Music Colloquium at Mount Angel Abbey, excerpts from Archbishop Sample’s 2019 pastoral letter on sacred music are offered as a timely reminder of the Church’s clear teaching on Gregorian chant, the use of Latin and English in the liturgy, and the renewal of sacred music as prayer.
February 14, 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Join us throughout the centennial year for liturgical celebrations and commemorative events approved by the Holy See.
With the new year, Pope Leo XIV has thrown his support behind a renewed initiative known as “Pray with the Pope,” which brings his monthly prayer intentions to the Church throughout the world.
by Fr. Manuel Becerra, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul
Fr. Becerra: In our Hispanic Catholic community, many hearts today are living with unease, weariness, and concern. The circumstances that surround us and the uncertainties of this moment weigh deeply on each person’s heart. And it is only natural that, in the midst of all this, there exists the risk that fear and anguish may steal our peace, our hope, and our faith.
As we reflect on the past year, we give thanks for the many ways the Lord has worked through our Archdiocese Pro-Life ministry and through each of you who have answered His call to defend the dignity of every human person. In moments of challenge and in times of grace, your faithful witness has been a light of hope and mercy within our Archdiocese. May the fruits of this year strengthen our resolve to continue building a culture that cherishes life, guided always by Christ, the Lord of Life Himself.
What Happens When Four Priests Walk Into a Portland Restaurant? Msgr. Gerard O’Connor, rector of the Portland Cathedral, urges Catholics to witness to their faith this Christmas season with family and friends. Reflecting on Christ’s words, “Whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father,” he shared an amusing story of a recent dinner in downtown Portland with three fellow priests in clerics that drew the attention of the entire restaurant. The reactions were not hostile. One family asked the priests to pray with them, and Msgr. Cihak, former papal Master of Ceremonies, offered a blessing, while a group of young women asked to take a photo.
This year’s gathering at St. Patrick’s Parish in Northwest Portland began with Vespers led by Archbishop Sample in the newly renovated church, followed by dinner and fellowship among seminarians from different seminaries.
December 22, 2025 · St. Mary’s Cathedral. Please join us as we commend the soul of Fr. Joseph McMahon to God’s mercy and give thanks for his nearly six decades of faithful priestly service.
Archbishop Alexander Sample speaks about the alarming fall-off rate among recently confirmed Catholics and the urgent need to rekindle the fire of faith.
The ornaments at The Grotto are one of many examples showcasing the high-level tech work coming out of St. Therese School in Northeast Portland school.