In light of new guidance issued late yesterday afternoon (June 25) by the Oregon Health Authority, face coverings are now required for all people gathered in all churches in all counties in Phases 1 and 2 of reopening in Oregon. Those are excepted who perform “activity that makes wearing a mask…not feasible,” like the presider (throughout Mass) and the lectors/cantors (while reading/singing). Exceptions are also made for people with disabilities and children 12 and under. Children 2 and under should not wear masks. By archdiocesan requirement, masks must still be used by ministers when distributing Holy Communion. Link to the OHA Face Covering Guidance HERE .
The attendance for our fourth week of Masses under Phase 2 guidelines was 91 parishioners. Considering that this was a holiday weekend that was good attendance for our weekend Masses. We are still adding people who want to come each week. However, please note that each Mass except for the Saturday noon Mass is getting closer to being at capacity and still maintain the social distancing requirement. If you haven't been attending and desire to do so now, please contact the office or Donna or Nancy. The 9:00 AM Mass is at capacity but the Saturday noon Mass (for those with underlying conditions), the Saturday evening Mass and the Sunday evening Mass still have room. Beginning Wednesday, July 1st our church office will be open from 9 AM - 4 PM every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The office will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Mark your calendars for Friday, July 18th. The Knights of Columbus are offering a "Movie in the Yard" event in the area next to Father's house. You will view the movie, "UP" on the side of the rectory. All parishioners are invited. Gathering will begin at 8:00 PM with the movie starting some time before 9. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a good movie under the stars.
The American Red Cross notified us that we collected 37 units and our goal was 36 so we met AND exceeded their expectations!!! First and foremost we must thank all the donors but especially the SEVEN donors from St. Helen's: Pauline Keegan, Pete Saveskie, Lynn Jones, Susan Thompson, Nancy Ellis, Milt Moran, and Heather McLaughlin. Then kudos must go to the volunteer staff which was totally from our parish. Lin Gagner, Kathy Ives and Jennie Zamudio acted as registrars for the event, and Susan Thompson and Shannon Towry took temperatures and assisted blood donors with a variety of tasks. Even though this drive will be held again next year at the old Wells Fargo building, our parish will continue to be the sponsor of it as part of our community outreach efforts.
The Archbishop is live-streaming Mass via Facebook (check www.archdpdx.org for times) at 11:00 AM every Sunday from the Cathedral Church. Just put "Archdiocese of Portland" in the search line on Facebook, click on the first entry presented and you will be there. 2) BISHOP BARRON IS NO LONGER OFFERING DAILY MASS ONLINE BECAUSE THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES HAS RETURNED TO OFFERING PUBLIC MASSES.
Alex Paul announced at Mass on Sunday, March 15th, that our local Knights of Columbus Council is offering to assist any parishioner who has a need of any kind during this time of combating the corona virus. Examples would be assistance with shopping, chores, delivering items, transportation to appointments, etc. Please contact Alex Paul ( phone number is in our paper bulletin) or our parish office, 541-367-2530. A Knight will be most happy to help!!!