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October 8, 2023Dear Parishioners,
What a beautiful week – seems like we are getting summer in the fall this year.
We had a great discussion at the Cathedral parish team meeting this past Sunday. There are a number of ministries that the team will be working with me and our staff to begin and/or build up in the coming weeks at the Cathedral. One area that I mentioned was a decorating and beautifying ministry at the Cathedral. Throughout the year there are so many different liturgies, celebrations, and events that we host and that give us the opportunity to really ‘dress up’ this beautiful church. We spoke about how wonderful it would be to have an organized team of people dedicated to this effort. If you have experience, a good eye or a strong back, and would like to help out, keep an eye out for more information about how you can be involved in the coming weeks.
Another area we discussed was community outreach. We have so many hurting people in the neighborhood of the Cathedral. Some are homeless and living on the streets, many others are living in tenement housing in our immediate vicinity. A simple ministry of parishioners reaching out with spiritual and material support to these neighbors would be a beautiful sign of our faith and help to those around us in need. Perhaps other parish teams would also like to discuss this kind of outreach. We can’t solve some of the larger problems of homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges, but we can at least get to know those who are suffering, pray for them, and try to assist them with the more manageable problems they encounter in daily life.
Our religious education and faith formation efforts are off to a great start this year. It’s really beautiful to see so many of you plugged in and working to deepen your understanding of the faith and to hand it on to others. Our work is bearing fruit!
Lastly, not sure if you have heard of or ever attended the Harvest Ball, sponsored by our Bishop each year? It is coming right up on October 20th at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. The registration deadline is October 16th and I am told that there are still spaces available. It is a great event – good food, dancing, and a great way to get to know the people of our diocese a bit better. You can find more information and purchase tickets at https://www.portlanddiocese.org/harvestball
I hope some of you can come!
Pray for me and I am always praying for you!
