Week of February 4:
A Look Back on Our First Year
This week we mark ONE YEAR of our Parish of the Week feature! It has been truly inspiring for us to learn more about our local Catholic churches and schools. We were struck especially by the presence of Christ in the Sacraments and the Liturgy, the welcoming communities, and the incredible history of Catholic parishes in the Pacific Northwest.
- Throughout the year we featured 46 parishes, plus their mission churches!
- 20 of these had Catholic parish schools directly connected with the church. Many of the remaining churches also support other local schools and even the Newman Center in Corvallis.
Queen of Peace in Salem
- We learned about at least 8 religious orders who currently staff these parishes!
- The furthest we traveled this year was North to St. Frederic’s in St. Helen’s, South to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cottage Grove, East to St. John’s in Welches, and West to St. Joseph’s in Cloverdale!
St. Rose in Portland
- The oldest parish we featured was St. Paul’s in St. Paul. It began in 1839 as the first parish in Oregon! On the other side of the state line, we also featured St. James Proto Cathedral, whose first structure was built in 1846.
- The newest parish we featured was St. Juan Diego in NW Portland, which was founded in 2002!
St. Thomas Aquinas in Camas
- Many parishes have a wonderful expression of faith from different cultures, often offering Masses in Spanish or even Vietnamese or Tagalog.
- There is a wide array of parish ministries and events, with a prevalent focus on Adoration, opportunities for the Sacraments, works of charity, and creative ways to foster community.
Watch our recap video here, and tune in this Tuesday to hear our brand new Parish of the Week!