St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Our Parish for the Week of February 11:

St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland

 

This week we are a highlighting a parish that has a special meaning to each of us in the Archdiocese of Portland! While also a welcoming and active parish church, “the Cathedral belongs to the 400,000 Catholics of the archdiocese and serves as a place of worship and celebration for those who come here.” As this is our local Cathedral, we encourage you to make a pilgrimage here, especially during this Lenten season! 

Facts About the Cathedral:

  • As the Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Portland, it is the seat of Archbishop Alexander Sample, with Msgr. Gerard O’Connor serving as Rector.
  • Cathedral School is over 125 years old and serves pre-school to eighth grade.
  • February 14, is the 98th anniversary of the dedication of the current St. Mary’s Cathedral (and the 32nd anniversary of the rededication in 1996).

Liturgies and Devotions:

  • Ash Wednesday Masses will be offered at 7:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
  • On Fridays during Lent, soup suppers will be held at 6 p.m. followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.
  • Regular Mass Times
    • Mondays at 5:30 pm
    • Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30 am
    • Saturday Vigil at 5:30 pm
    • Sundays at 7:30, 9, 11 am
    • The 11 a.m. and other special Masses are livestreamed!
  • Regular Confession Times
    • Mondays and Saturdays 4 – 5:15 p.m.
    • After First Saturday 7:30 a.m. Mass
  • Regular Adoration Times
    •  8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Parish activities include:

  • Sacramental preparation
  • Coffee and Donuts, or other parish socials
  • Bible Studies (currently on Acts)
  • Cathedral choir
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Legion of Mary
  • Seven Sisters apostolate (holy hours for priests and bishops)
  • Partnering with various groups to help those in need in the NW
  • Scouts
  • Young Adult Ministry

History of the Parish

In 1851 a small group of Catholics built a modest church near the present intersection of NW Fifth and NW Couch Streets. At the time, the area was a forested tract some distance from the center of town. In 1854, the parishioners moved their church to a more convenient location at the present SW Third and SW Stark Streets, and made additions to accommodate the growing congregation. This church became the cathedral in 1862, when Archbishop Norbert Blanchet established residence in Portland. On August 15, 1885, a completely new cathedral was dedicated at the SW Third Street location, but following the destructive flood of 1894, a pro cathedral and school were built at the present NW 15th and NW Davis Streets.

In 1925, Archbishop Alexander Christie authorized the construction of a new cathedral at NW 18th and NW Couch Streets. With the support of Catholics around the archdiocese, the cathedral opened on February 14, 1926. The first service was held on February 19, 1926. With the 150th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, Archbishop William J. Levada determined that one of the principal activities of the anniversary would be the restoration and renewal of the cathedral. The work included liturgical and artistic modifications as well as seismic strengthening, and electrical, heating, and lighting updating. Again, Catholics from around the archdiocese supported the project, and the rededication of the newly restored cathedral was celebrated on February 14, 1996.

Find out more about the Cathedral through their website and over the air throughout the week!

Information and photos take from the Cathedral website.