News - September 2026 RSS Feed

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.