The Call for Renewal

"I dream of a 'missionary option,' that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything so that the church's customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today's world rather than for her self-preservation."                           
-Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)

The religious landscape is changing

Today, many people in Western Oregon do not know Jesus Christ and often reject Him and His Church without knowing who He really is. Even many believers in the Church have a weak sense of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him as a disciple. Parish leaders cannot assume that faith will automatically be handed on to a new generation.  We have seen Pew Research and CARA statistics that demonstrate to the contrary: 

• 70% of Adults no longer practice their faith  
• 36% of Millenials claim no religious affiliation at all 
• 85% of Eighth Graders stop practicing by 23 years old
• 20% of baptized Catholic children do not receive Holy Communion

Why do we care?

We care because we are disciples of Jesus Christ. And we strive to imitate our Lord, who cares about each and every person in our world. We are living in a time of deep cultural divisions, brokenness in our homes and communities, and rapid technological changes which have altered the ways we interact with one another. This reality is a call to action for Catholics to live out their faith like never before.  

What can we possibly do?

We can do only one thing — follow Jesus. And what did Jesus do? He concentrated all his human and divine power in one geographical location. He preached, prayed, healed, forgave, ate, sang, wept and suffered. We have been given our "mission territory", the location where we are called to imitate Jesus and share the Good News: the Archdiocese of Portland. From Astoria to Brookings, parishes can pray for each other and work together to share resources and best practices. Step by step, our parishes can become vibrant places of hope and charity, where parishioners are engaged with the liturgy, breaking open the Scriptures, connecting through meaningful small group conversations and caring for one another.

CONTACT US and together, let us build amazing parishes.