My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

New Year Blessings once again!

As we all know, and as I mentioned at Mass, about the passing of our former Holy Father/Vicar of Christ on earth, a theologian, Pastor, and great teacher of Sacred Liturgy, Pope Benedict XVI, who has gone to enjoy eternal communion with God in Heaven. There will be a funeral Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on January 5, 2023 at St. Peter's Basilica, and there will be another Mass to be celebrated by Archbishop Sample at St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Oregon, the same January 5, 2023, at 5:30pm. All priests and faithful are invited to attend the Mass. 

I will be travelling to Portland with my brothers’ priests, to concelebrate with the Archbishop for Pope Benedict XVI. All who can make it are encouraged to attend. You will find other helpful information about Masses for Pope Benedict XVI below here and on our parish, website posted today (January 2, 2023).

"Archbishop Sample will celebrate a Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday, January 5th at 5:30 p.m. All priests of the Archdiocese are invited to concelebrate and all faithful are invited to attend."

Finally, I contemplated and feel it will be important for us to do something as a parish for Pope Benedict XVI. In light of that development, I am currently conferring with our pastoral council chairperson, Adele Nayman, for possibility of planning a Holy Hour, a Mass, as a parish for Pope Benedict XVI, and a gathering in the parish hall afterwards, where we may have opportunity to share about our former and unique Holy Father, who contributed so much for the growth of the faith in the Catholic Church. I would please encourage that we do that as one parish, just as we participated for the synod. When these plans are finalized for our parish, please I would encourage that all members of our parish knights and all parishioners to attend, especially anyone holding any ministry in the parish, no matter how big or small. Pope Benedict is our former Holy Father, for the Holy Roman Catholic Church. This is a time to pray for him and reflect on his pastoral and theological contribution to the Holy Catholic Church.

May the Blessings and Peace of Christ the Savior, be with you all!

Yours in Christ the Savior and Mother Mary,

Rev. Justus Alaeto

Pastor