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

Parish Life 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 Leadership cannot assume that faith will automatically be handed on to a new generation.  We have seen Pew Research and CARA statistics that have been worsening for decades over all age groups:

• 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. We care because 2,000 years ago Jesus gave us this Church, his own body. Most of all, we care because Jesus cares, about every single person in our society.  Today’s times call us to put our Catholic faith into action more than ever before.

The breakdown of the family, growing violence and lack of respect for human dignity, and the social ills of unemployment, racism, and poverty all point to a world in need of witnesses to the compassion and redemption of Christ.

What can we possibly do?

We can do only one thing — follow Jesus. We begin by paying attention to what Jesus did. Jesus concentrated all his human and divine power in one geographical location. He preached, prayed, healed, forgave, ate, sang, wept and sacrificed. He accompanied sinners and showed them the fullness of God.

Now is the time to imitate Jesus. And the Archdiocese of Portland is the place, our very own mission territory. As parishes across Western Oregon work together to share resources and best practices,  we become united with all our Catholic brothers and sisters in proclaiming that Jesus saved us through His Cross and Resurrection. We may struggle with lives already very busy, but doing what Jesus did will bring us joy — real, profound, and permanent happiness.

CONTACT US and together, let us build amazing parishes.