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April 19, 2024Dear Parishioners,
This weekend at the Cathedral, parishioners involved in our new Outreach Ministry will be speaking at Masses. I’m excited about this new ministry, which is focused on connecting with people in our community to establish positive relationships, provide spiritual encouragement and support, and increase awareness of the life and ministry of the Cathedral in downtown Portland. Thanks to all who have been instrumental in this effort!
This week the Cathedral hosts the significant funeral for Governor James Brennan, who grew up in a large family on Munjoy Hill. I’m writing this on Wednesday, so the funeral hasn’t happened yet, but I think everything is coming together well for the Friday, April 19th funeral Mass. I’m very grateful for everyone who has come together to assist with this liturgy that will welcome so many – it looks like the church will be packed.
Our Combined Parish Finance Council met on Monday evening with myself and our interim Director of Finance and Administration, Cheryl Magalski. The meeting went well. Our parishes are all running in the black even though insurance and staff payroll and benefit costs have risen quite a bit year over year. Thank you so much for your continued generosity to our parishes. We have a number of maintenance and repair projects scheduled or in the works for this summer and coming year, which will be a significant challenge at some of our churches, but we’ll talk about that more later.
Just a final note of thanks to all who have been so dedicated in their efforts over Lent, Holy Week, and these first weeks of Easter. The churches looked beautiful, the music was really wonderful, and there were many smiling and friendly faces. We welcomed many new Catholics into the church in these last weeks, and will be celebrating the First Holy Communion and Confirmation Mass for over 45 children on May 12th with newly ordained Bishop Ruggieri. The Holy Spirit is at work in our midst, and it is inspiring to see so many responding to his prompting with open and generous hearts.
Also to note: Bishop Ruggieri will be offering the Spanish Mass at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish on Pentecost Sunday, May 19th! I’m very grateful that he is making it a priority right from the beginning to connect and support this growing and large portion of our Catholic family here in Portland.
I hope you’ve been enjoying the recent sunny spring days as I have. Know of my prayers for you and your families!
