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Families are invited to explore the excellence, faith, and community of our local Catholic high schools at their upcoming Open Houses in October and November.

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.

Join Catholic Charities in making a difference. Volunteer to prepare and drop off meals for women experiencing homelessness at Catholic Charities Housing Transitions Program. Your home-cooked dish provides not only nourishment, but also comfort, dignity and a reminder that our community cares.

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.

Join Archbishop Sample for the White Mass at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral in Portland. At the dinner following the Mass, Kristin Collier, MD, FACP will present on “Finding Meaning in Medicine” at the Cathedral School.

Our Lady Start of the Sea will welcome renowned Catholic speaker and author Steve Ray. He will speak on Defending the Eucharist and Preparing for the Jubilee Year of Hope.

"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. "

VATICAN NEWS: At this extremely difficult time, the Holy Father imparts to the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater twin cities metropolitan area his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus."

Children from St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier parishes spent a joyful week discovering God’s call through the “Discovery Mission” Vacation Bible School. Through hands-on activities, prayer, music, and stories from priests, religious, and married couples, students explored how God calls each of us to a unique vocation. From glitter-covered monstrances to Eucharistic Adoration, the week was filled with faith, fun, and inspiration.

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.

All clergy, empolyees and volunteers are called to complete their annual training that provides a safe environment for our children. Start today!

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.

Mater Dei is thrilled to announce Rolando Moreno as the next Executive Director of Mater Dei Radio! Rolando brings with him a wide variety of experience in Catholic ministry, fundraising, and management here in the local Catholic community.

Recently, the historic Holy Trinity Church in Bandon, known as "A Light by the Sea Since 1883," celebrated its official ground-breaking ceremony with Bishop Peter Smith to build a new church.

"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.

Stephen J. Fister was born in St. Paul, MN, on January 20, 1948, to Sarah M. (Schanks) Fister and Ernest Fister. He was baptized on February 8, 1948, at St. Bernard Church, St. Paul, MN. His mother was a Catholic, but his father was not. Stephen was the first of two children. His sister, Mary Jo, was born three years after Stephen.