In the last prayer intention for 2025, the Pope asks us to pray “that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.”
Using the occasion of the ordination of five new deacons, Archbishop Sample preached about the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel, reminding all Catholics that evangelization is the responsibility of the whole Church and encouraged every believer to witness to Christ in daily life and to serve others with faith and courage.
by Mark Holman, African American Catholic Community of Oregon Member
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:
Pope Leo XIV joined over 16,000 teens at NCYC 2025 through a live digital dialogue from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, broadcast worldwide by EWTN with Vatican Media. His remarks addressed their questions, hopes, and the future of the Church in the U.S.
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.
by Sr. Veronica Schueler, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Portland
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.
"It is with a heavy heart that I address all of you, my dear people. My heart is heavy because of the continued fear and anxiety that runs through the community of our Hispanic brothers and sisters in this archdiocese. This is due to the increased ICE activity within our communities, even now in the vicinity of some of our parishes."
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.”
The document of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, approved by Pope Leo XIV, offers clarifications on titles applied to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and calls for special attention to the use of the expression, “Mediatrix of all graces.”
Men who may be discerning a call to the priesthood are invited to a weekend of prayer, reflection, and conversation with Archbishop Sample. Interested participants should contact their pastor for registration materials and additional details. Registration deadline: December 12.