Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
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Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Chairman, Committee on Religious Liberty
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
At yesterday's Red Mass, an annual Catholic tradition invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon those who serve in the legal profession, Most Rev. Peter Smith, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Portland, reminded members of the legal community that law is not an end in itself, but a means of serving justice, mercy, and the good of the person before us.
A South African-born former civil lawyer and a canon lawyer, Bishop Smith spoke from his own experience of the profession:
“We can make a difference for the person who’s in front of us.”
Calling the practice of law a vocation and a noble profession, Bishop Smith encouraged lawyers, judges, and others in the legal community to bring Christ into their work through integrity, mercy, and the way they treat those entrusted to their care.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide all who serve in the legal profession, so that even in difficult circumstances, others may catch a glimpse of the face of Christ through them.
09/22/2026
Considering the Priesthood? Join Archbishop Sample for the St. Andrew Dinner, an evening of prayer, dinner and conversation for young men discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
📅 Wednesday, September 30, 2026
🕠 5:30–9:00 PM
📍 Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Beaverton
This St. Andrew Dinner is open to young men ages 16–30 from the following parishes only:
West Portland Suburban Vicariate:
St. Anthony (Tigard), Resurrection (Tualatin), Our Lady of the Lake (Lake Oswego), St. Clare (Portland), St. Cyril (Wilsonville) and St. Francis (Sherwood)
Beaverton Suburban Vicariate:
Holy Trinity (Beaverton), St. Cecilia (Beaverton), St. John Fisher (Portland), St. Pius X (Portland) and St. Juan Diego
If your parish is not listed, please note that additional regional vocation dinners with Archbishop Sample will be held throughout the year for other vicariates.
The evening begins with Vespers, followed by dinner with Archbishop Sample, Fr. Peter Julia, Director of Vocations, and priests of the Beaverton and West Portland Suburban Vicariates.
Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend, but their participation is not required.
Interested in attending? Contact your pastor for more information and to request the required recommendation.
Vicariate Vocations Dinner with Archbishop Sample 5:30 PM - Considering the Priesthood? Join Archbishop Sample for an evening of prayer, dinner and conversation about vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
09/21/2026
Let’s give thanks for the members of Oregon’s legal community!
All are welcome to join Bishop Peter Smith this evening for the annual Red Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The Red Mass is a centuries-old Catholic tradition in which the Holy Spirit is invoked to guide and bless those who serve in the legal profession at the beginning of the judicial year.
Judges, attorneys, law professors, law students, government officials, court personnel, their families and friends, and all who wish to pray with and support our legal community are warmly invited to attend.
🗓️ Monday, September 21 | 5:30 PM
📍 St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
1716 NW Davis St., Portland, OR 97209
We hope to see you there!
Red Mass The Red Mass is a centuries-old Catholic tradition in which the Holy Spirit is invoked to guide and bless those who serve in the legal profession at the beginning of the judicial year. Judges, attorneys, law professors, law students, and all members of the legal community are invited to attend Mass,...
09/15/2026
The Portland-area Catholic high schools welcome prospective students and families to attend their Open House events this fall. Visit each school’s website for event details and more information.
Open House Dates:
- St. Mary’s Academy (Portland) - October 4
- La Salle Prep (Milwaukie) - October 11
- Jesuit High School (Portland) - October 18
- Central Catholic High School (Portland) - October 25
- Valley Catholic High School (Beaverton) - November 1
- De La Salle North Catholic High School (Portland) - November 1
Portland-Area Catholic High School Open Houses The Portland-area Catholic high schools welcome prospective students and families to attend their Open House events this fall. Visit each school’s website for event details and more information.
Sunday Mass from St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Archbishop Alexander K. Sample.
Support our Cathedral by donating today: maryscathedral.com
09/05/2026
Salem Fire Department Chief David Gerboth and Interim Salem Police Department Chief Brandon Ditto were invited guests at last Friday evening’s prayer service at St. Joseph Catholic Church, joining parishioners in a moment of reflection and appreciation.
At the service, Father Jeff Meeuwsen thanked the first responders who rushed to the church in the early morning hours of Aug. 31, 2023, when an arsonist’s fire caused extensive damage to the building. Upon arrival, fire crews quickly brought the blaze under control and officers were able to apprehend the arson suspect.
After extensive restoration work, the congregation wanted Salem Police and Salem Fire to be among the first to see the renovated space before the church was formally reopened and rededicated three years to the day on Aug. 31.
In his invite, Fr. Meeuwsen expressed, “I am eternally grateful for their rapid response.”
For many who attended, the evening was a chance to say “thank you” in person.
Why do Catholics consecrate churches? At the Dedication Mass of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon, Archbishop Alexander Sample shared the significance of consecrating a building and an altar to the glory of God.
On August 31, 2023, St. Joseph’s was almost completely destroyed by an arson fire. Exactly 3 years later, on August 31, 2026, the community gathered together for the dedication of the restored and beautified church.
See more coverage of this historic event:
https://materdeiradio.com/saint-josephs-dedication-mass/
https://archdpdx.org/st-josephs-church-rededication
"I have no doubt that St. Joseph Parish is a church filled with living stones that are on fire for the faith."
Immediately following the Dedication Mass of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon, Archbishop Alexander Sample shared his joy at the special occasion and reflected on the strength of the community.
On August 31, 2023, St. Joseph’s was almost completely destroyed by an arson fire. Exactly 3 years later, on August 31, 2026, the community gathered together for the dedication of the restored and beautified church.
09/03/2026
Nearly three years to the day after an arson attack severely damaged St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Salem, the historic parish was rededicated on August 31, 2026.
Archbishop Sample celebrated the Mass of Rededication, which drew approximately 2,000 people, according to KOIN News.
See photos:
St. Joseph's Church Rededication Nearly three years to the day after an arson attack severely damaged St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Salem, the historic parish was rededicated on Monday, August 31, 2026. Archbishop Alexander Sample celebrated the Mass of Rededication, which drew approximately 2,000 people, according to loca...
09/03/2026
With great sadness, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon mourns the death of Fr. Patrick McNamee.
Fr. Pat devoted more than five decades of his life to serving Christ and His Church in western Oregon. Those who knew him remember not only his years of priestly ministry, but also his warmth, humor, peaceful spirit, and genuine love for the people entrusted to his care. Even in his final weeks, he remained at peace, sharing stories, thinking of others, and placing his trust in God.
We give thanks for the gift of Fr. Pat’s priesthood and for the many lives enriched by his ministry. Please pray for his family, his brother priests, the parish communities he served, and all who mourn his passing.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. Pat will be celebrated by Archbishop Alexander Sample at All Saints in Portland, his home parish and the church where he was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ by Archbishop Robert Dwyer in 1970.
Notice of the Passing of Fr. Patrick McNamee With great sadness, the Archdiocese of Portland shares the passing of Fr. Pat McNamee.
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