Our Parish for the Week of January 14:
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church & School, Portland
This week we make a stop in North Portland! Learn all about this vibrant church and school.
History of the Parish and Religious Orders
- Archbishop Alexander Christie created Holy Redeemer parish on August 13, 1906, in what was wooded farmland amid developing neighborhoods with its first pastor, the Very Rev. Edward Cantwell, C.S.S.R.
- The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists) founded the parish with its brothers and priests and served Holy Redeemer parish through the year 2000. Their congregational motto is “With the Lord, there is mercy and fullness of redemption” (Psalm 137), which can be seen both in the sanctuary and in the choir loft stained glass window.
- The first Mass of the parish was celebrated September 16, 1906, in the Keller Sanitarium. The church/school/hall was erected in 1907 and was used for Masses, grade school classes, and meetings. The school was staffed by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. That building eventually was demolished and replaced by the current school building to which three additional facilities were added during its history.
- The current church was dedicated in 1927, and was renovated in 1961 and again in 2007.
- The Congregation of Holy Cross has staffed the parish since 2002 with priests, brothers and seminarians. Their congregational motto is “The Cross, our only hope.” (Ave crux spes unica)
- This congregation of religious priests and brothers was founded by Blessed Basil Moreau in 1837 near LeMans, France, in the village of Sainte-Croix.
- The purpose the Congregation of Holy Cross is to share in the Church’s mission as “educators in the faith.” Whether within schools, parishes, missions, or agencies of social justice, Holy Cross desires to serve with other members of the Church to educate hearts and minds while building the kingdom.
- The Congregation of Holy Cross is composed of approximately 1,200 religious brothers and priests who serve throughout the world. Holy Cross serves at the University of Portland and at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana!
- Current Pastor Fr. Pau Ybarra C.S.C. and Vicar Br. Michael Belinsky C.S.C. serve at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church!
Liturgy Schedule
- Weekend Masses
- 5 pm Saturday
- 8 & 10 am Sunday in English
- 12 pm Sunday in Spanish
- Live stream at 10 am & Noon on Sundays
- Daily Mass
- 7:15 am Monday to Friday
- 8 am Saturday
- Adoration 4:30 – 7:30 pm on Thursdays in the Church
About Holy Redeemer Catholic School
- Founded in 1908, and serves Preschool through 8th Grade
- Their Big Dinner and Live Auction is coming up on Saturday, February 22 at 5:30 pm at Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, with a raffle ticket campaign now underway!
- Last week the school held their first ever Epiphany all-school mini retreat. They ceremoniously brought the Three Kings to the manger with song, prayed, had a modified version of lectio divina contemplative prayer, and finished with Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake).
- Individual grades take responsibility for each school Mass.
- Students brought their own greenery to add to school Advent Wreath.
- The school has an emphasis on visual arts and vocal music, including strings class and the Portland Play.
- The Blue and Gold Choir provides music for school Masses, monthly parish Masses, and other concerts including at The Grotto.
- Open House is coming up on January 26 from 1 – 4 pm.
- Students volunteer at Oregon Food Bank.
- October Jogathon is the second largest fundraiser of the year.
- The school promotes a Night Out at local Holy Redeemer Family Business, with funds supporting Parent Club.
Other School Activities
- Active STEM Club
- 7th Grade Toy Drive for Catholic Charities
- Science Fair
- Visit from “Portland Opera To Go”
- All Saints Day Mass with a Preschool Parade of Saints
- Outdoor School
- Student Life Cooking Class
- Buddy classes (like 5th Grade and Pre-K)
- Trip to the Nutcracker music
- Retreat Days for Classes
Examples of Parish Activities
- Scouts just did Christmas Tree Recycling
- Faith Formation and Sacraments
- Liturgical Ministries
- St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry
- Spanish Choir
- 2 Year Confirmation program, which includes a retreat at the Grotto
Learn more about the parish on their website!