News - February 2019 RSS Feed

“Love your enemies…” Say what?!? You heard me, or should I say, we just heard what Jesus said in today’s Gospel. And I would love to tell you that I have the answer to what He means and that I have it all figured out, and that I am good at it. Well guess again. (I don’t, I haven’t and I’m not!)

Hello everyone! Here we go into March! Did you know that in the ancient world, the year began in March rather than in January? It was the Romans who gave March its name; Mars was the god of war, and in honor of the fact that the waging of war was forbidden during the festivities ending the old year and beginning the new, they named the first month after him. What about the other months? How did they receive their names?

Seems like the Catholic Church cannot stay out of the news with more accounts of clergy sexual abuse. The following is an excerpt from the preface to Brandon Vogt’s book "Why I Am Catholic", which presents some clear reasons why we should not give up and leave. I personally found it helpful and encouraging.

Homelessness in the Beaverton School District is a complex, challenging problem. Let's not forget that the statistics represent young people in desperate need of assistance. Do you have what it takes to be a RANDOM ANGEL?

Hello everyone. Bishop Barron had an interesting reflection this past week for Wednesday’s gospel, in which Jesus declares that it is not that which goes into us that makes us unclean, but rather that which comes out of a person, from their heart.

So, is spring coming? Most people I talk to are glad that we missed a lot of the forecasted snow/ice. School kids are not so happy though. As I write this early in the week, it sounds like winter is not ready to give up yet.

While many are just one life-event away from finding themselves in financial difficulties, getting into that position can happen gradually and take years. Likewise, it can take years to get stable and take lots of people to assist.

Each encounter with someone is an opportunity to learn about them and/or their family. Whether a person in need or a person who can offer assistance I like to ask "How did you get to where you are?"

Hello, everyone. I came across a really delightful little meme the other day. It was one person’s attempt to capture the flavor of various Catholic religious orders through the lens of a cow (!), believe it or not. Silly, yes; but kind of true, too!

Valentine’s Day will soon be here! One of the few items I have in my “archive” folder from youth is a little card from 2nd grade with a list of many of the traditional prayers. Evidently we were given a star for the ones we could recite accurately to the teacher. This was Saturday morning religion classes. Can you imagine a worse time to make kids go to church?!

Here’s an update on the Walker Road widening. You have likely seen the new survey markers along our property, so the process is moving forward. Don’t expect much action in the near future, but it is underway.

Hello everyone! Some fun little trivia to start off your February. I’m assured by the couple who gave me these that they are all 100% true. Ha! Have fun!

Who is St. Luke? Each Sunday we are now being immersed into the writings in Luke’s Gospel. Did you know it’s the longest gospel (third on the canonical lists), with fewer chapters but the most words!