Star of the Sea Catholic Church

Daily Mass: 

Tuesday - 5:15pm 

Wednesday, and Friday, - 10:00am
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Weekend Mass: 

Saturday (Vigil English)     4:30pm
Saturday (Vigil Spanish),   6:00pm
Sunday    (English)              8:30am
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First Friday of the month: 

Parish Day of Adoration from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. 

At 5:30 PM, there will be a blessing and sprinkling of holy water, followed by the Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at 6:00 PM.

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First Saturday: Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at 9:00 AM, followed by a procession to the Marian Grotto for the burning of petitions submitted during the First Friday Adoration and Mass.

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Holy Day of Obligation Schedule: – 10:00am
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Confession time: 

Saturday - 3:30pm -4:15pm or by appointment

This Weeks Bulletin

Daily Mass: Thursday – 4:30pm

Weekend Mass: Sunday – 11:00am

Holy Day of Obligation Schedule: 12:10pm

Confession: Thursday – 4:00pm or by appointment

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemorates the doctrine that, at the conclusion of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. This celebration is not solely about Mary; it also concerns our ultimate destiny, our hope, and God's faithfulness to His promises.

The Assumption is both a historical and theological reality that proclaims Christ’s victory over sin and death. Mary’s Assumption serves as a foretaste of what God intends for all believers. As St. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” In Mary, this victory is already realized. She is the first to fully participate in her Son’s resurrection and stands as a sign of hope for the Church on its pilgrimage. Mary’s Assumption was not granted as a reward for earthly privilege, but as the result of her complete assent to God’s will. From the Annunciation to the foot of the Cross, Mary exemplified perfect obedience, humility, and love to the Lord. The Blessed Virgin Mary’s entire life was a model for a renewed and authentic Christian life, serving as both a model and Mother for all believers. 

Faith remains essential for following Jesus. Authentic faith requires trust in the power of the word of God and the surrender of our human will to God's will. The Blessed Virgin Mary believed God’s word even when she did not fully understand. In contemporary life, it is often difficult for Christians to maintain faith when there is no tangible evidence. Many struggle to pray and trust in the guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ during times of uncertainty. Such situations challenge our faith and love for the Lord. Every human struggle, whether internal or external, offers an opportunity for a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ. These moments invite us to evaluate our faithfulness to God and our perseverance with Jesus in difficult times, seeking His guidance and learning about our strengths and limitations. They become times of prayer, reflection, and openness to Christ’s counsel through the Holy Spirit. For the Blessed Virgin, moments that challenged her faith were always opportunities to recognize and present herself as the handmaid of the Lord. In her humility, she consistently listened to God and sought only the glory of the Lord. Inner humility is essential on the path to holiness, recognizing our dependence on God and trusting that, in Him, we have all we need. God provides solutions to all worries for those who truly believe in His Word. Mary remained faithful in both favorable and challenging times.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the Assumption and the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary remind us that holiness is attainable through the Grace of God. Mary, though fully human, allowed God’s grace to transform her completely. Jesus invites us to pray for His grace, to do the same. The Solemnity of the Assumption celebrates the power of God’s grace as manifested in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose example assures us of Christ’s presence to all who are open to follow wherever Jesus leads. The good news is that no one shall ever regret following Jesus humbly till the end, for with God, all things are possible. The Assumption calls us to pursue divine wisdom, obedience, and humility, following Mary’s example through the Grace given at Baptism and renewed daily in our encounter with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

May Mary, our Heavenly Mother, intercede for us and guide us toward her Son’s will for our lives on earth. In times of difficulty or weakened faith, may we confidently resist temptation by seeking Mary’s intercession. Mary, assumed into heaven, pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Blessings of the Solemnity of the Blessed Mother Mary!

Congratulations - We now need about $6,000 to complete our parish portion of the Archbishop Catholic Appeal 2026, to round it up to $20,000. The Archbishop is so grateful and proud of your faith. May Jesus Christ the Savior and Mother Mary keep blessing your good spirit and effort, care for your own needs, as you use your resources to evangelize, both now and forever, Amen!

Fr. Justus Alaeto

Pastor

Our ongoing participation from the Commitment Weekend to Support the Mission of Christ in the Archdiocese, through the Archbishop’s Appeal

Thank you all for your enthusiasm during the commitment weekend and the ongoing contribution for the 2026 Archbishop Catholic Appeal. Many of you expressed joy in supporting the mission of Jesus Christ in our Archdiocese. Our Archdiocesan Mission faces many challenges as we work to grow Christ’s mission stronger in our local Church. Our good Shepherd, the Archbishop, has great vision for the Archdiocese and the missions in our Archdiocese. Whatever the Lord inspires us to give through the Holy Spirit will help support missions in need, assist future priests, provide Catholic education for our children, offer faith formation, support those searching for Christ, help those struggling with faith, care for retired clergy, and aid the poor and needy. 

Your generosity makes a real difference and helps bring people closer to God. As we continue to keep in mind and pray, our parish in Brookings has a goal of $20,000, and the Gold Beach Mission aims for $5,000. Each year, the Lord calls us to support Christ’s mission throughout the archdiocese through the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal. May we help encourage one another, and our children, and families, the need and the spiritual culture, to always support the mission of Jesus Christ, especially in our Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. Thank you for your love of Christ and your willingness to show your faith again in 2026, In the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen!

May Jesus the Savior and Mother Mary be with you and loved ones!

Fr. Justus Alaeto

Pastoral Letter on the Spiritual Foundation of our Mission Renewal in the Archdiocese

Phase I: Pray the Sacred Heart Novena (May 30-June 7) 

Phase II: Act of Consecration, Corpus Christi Mass and Procession (June 7) 

Phase III: Building Blocks of Spiritual Foundation in the Archdiocese of Portland after the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 7 

Lenten Reflection

Prophet Joel 2:12-14 says:

“Even now, says the LORD,
 return to me with your whole heart,
 with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
 Rend your hearts, not your garments,
 and return to the LORD, your God.
 For gracious and merciful is he,
 slow to anger, rich in kindness,
 and relenting in punishment.”

The Lord is asking each of us, through the Prophet Joel, for a special and deeper encounter with Jesus Christ, our Savior, during this season of Lent, 2026. The Lord is calling us for a change of heart and repentance. In other words, a time to make a fresh start with Jesus and live beyond our old and sinful ways. A time to refocus on Jesus the Savior, our God.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is called Holy Week.  Ash Wednesday is a day we receive ashes on our foreheads, reminding us that “we are dust and unto dust shall we return.” Ash Wednesday reminds us of the need for repentance and spiritual renewal. Repentance is the core message of the Lenten Season. Many aspects of our lives require transformation, and now is a suitable time to practice true repentance and holiness.  

One of the Church’s approaches to Lenten observance is abstinence. The Church teaches that we fast during Lent as best we can and abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent. However, pregnant women or sick persons are NOT required to fast. Authentic fasting is to abstain from any sin throughout the Lenten season. We are not to abstain only from regular food alone and retain sin or bad habits in our lives. The Scripture reminds us that man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Matthew 4:4). We are to make an effort as well to detach from attitudes or life that are contrary to the teaching and love of Jesus Christ. We are to try to come out of those situations that prevent us from following the path of Christ and prevent good relationships with others. Fasting from food helps to elevate our spirit to the Lord, who is calling us to the renewal of our hearts and spirits. 

Two dimensions are important as we fast: the “ascetical” and “mystical” dimensions. The ascetical approach is the emphasis on the detachment of our human spirit from worldly attractions/attitudes, while the mystical approach is the attachment of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, in our lives. Lent is a time to work with the Holy Spirit to eradicate things in our lives that are not in conformity with the Heart of Jesus Christ in all forms. 

Another opportunity Lent provides for us is a time to pray. Prayer is all about a relationship with God. The most effective way we communicate with God is through prayer. In prayer, we do not just speak to God but also listen to God. Prayer transforms our lives and prepares us to embrace God’s Will daily. On Fridays of Lent, we have opportunities for Stations of the Cross. Stations of the Cross are an effective way to pray and meditate on the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Walking with Jesus Christ throughout the fourteenth station provides us a time to reflect and ponder the paschal mystery of Christ and an invitation to unite our suffering with the suffering of Christ, who defeated the cross for us. It also reminds us that God cannot give us a cross we cannot carry; we are to carry our cross with Christ. It is important to know that Christ had already walked through the roads we can ever encounter. We only need to invite Him to walk with us and guide us throughout the journey successfully. Lent is a time to pray our rosaries daily, meditate on the words of the scripture, go to confession, and embrace Jesus deeply through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the highest of all prayers. 

Above all, Lent is a time to reconcile with God and reconcile with one another, in Christ's Love. It is a way to practice holiness in truth. The Stations of the Cross, especially during Lent, remind us that following Christ and being a good Christian require sacrifice. After doing stations and praying, we should be disposed to sacrifice to do good. The Grace of God is with us, and we can do those good things for the sake of Jesus Christ and for our salvation. In that way, we are salt of the earth and taking part in building Christ’s Kingdom of love.

May this Lenten season strengthen our prayers and commitment to Jesus Christ and bring blessings, peace, love, and transformation to our lives and our world, Amen! 

Special Spiritual Commitment for all parishioners for the Lenten Season towards Evangelizing our parish:

We invite everyone in the parish to join us as we pray for the Holy Spirit's inspiration for evangelizing in our church and our community. For the entire Lenten season, we ask that all parishioners pray, asking God to show us how we can better bring the gospel to those around us. After Easter, we will host a listening session to share what we learned from our prayer time and what ideas we have received. Look for more information to come in the coming weeks.

Blessings of the Lenten season 

Fr. Justus Alaeto

Pastor

Stations of the Cross schedule during the Lenten Season, in Brookings and in Gold Beach

Brookings – Fridays – 4:30 pm, followed by soup in the hall

Brookings - In Spanish - Fridays 6:00 pm

Gold Beach – Thursdays – 3:45 pm

Preparing our hearts for the Lenten Season by going back to Authentic love for Jesus Christ

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

Lent is almost here, giving us another chance to grow closer to Jesus Christ, our Savior. We shall receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, calling us once again to repent and believe in the Gospel. This season calls us to love Jesus with all our hearts, above anything else. Lent encourages us to reflect on what we hold most dear and where our hearts truly belong. It is time to renew and rediscover our love for Jesus, even more strongly. We are invited to let go of what holds us back and follow Jesus for the sake of our salvation. Lent also invites us to seek a deeper relationship with God, one that brings joy, love, and blessings that the world cannot give.

Jesus loved the Father so deeply that He could not go against the Father's will, and He found it easy to resist the devil's temptations. He did not resist the devil just because He was God or because He lived a holy life, but because His love for the Father was so strong that nothing could corrupt it. Jesus loves us deeply because the Father loves us. He forgives us because the Father is always forgiving and loving. Jesus cares for us because the Father cares for us through Him. Jesus is the God we can see, the true image of the invisible Father. The love Jesus has for the Father makes the devil's temptations powerless. In Jesus, we see the Father and reclaim our identity as God's image, because God is with us. As Jesus said, “if you see me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9).

As Lent begins, let us ask ourselves: Where is our heart and our love? Do we place it in wealth, reputation, friends, work, or possessions? Or do we place it in Jesus Christ our Savior? When Jesus is present, everything changes. His love transforms us, and when we accept God's grace, it helps us grow and become more like the people God wants us to be.

Let us open our hearts this Lent and welcome Jesus more deeply into our lives. Like the first disciples, and like Mary and Joseph who put aside their own plans to follow God's will, let us be ready to leave everything behind and follow Him, truly and sincerely.

Join us for First Friday Adoration and First Saturday on February 6th and 7th.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I invite you to the First Friday Adoration Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, February 6th. There will be anointing of the sick, blessing of petitions, and a blessing of holy water. This is a meaningful way to support your spiritual life. Please try to come, spend time with Jesus, pray, and listen to him. Let the holy water touch you and bring your worries to God. Many have shared that the First Friday program has helped their spiritual life, brought them closer to Jesus, and renewed their lives. It is also a good way to prepare for the Lenten season. We will also celebrate the First Saturday on February 7^th, for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and burn our petitions.

Please see the Ash Wednesday Mass schedule in the bulletin here.

God’s Blessings upon each of you and your loved ones!

Fr. Justus Alaeto, 

Pastor!

As a Catholic, You are summoned to Become a Living Saint!

We recently celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints in Heaven, those remarkable brothers and sisters who persevered in goodness and made every effort to live like Jesus during their time on earth. They were ordinary people who performed even the smallest tasks extraordinarily well. They are now saints.

Becoming a saint is a deep desire to forge a true friendship with Jesus Christ, embracing Him in spirit and truth. It requires us to open our hearts, allowing Christ to ignite the fire of His Love and Life within us. Falling in love with the life of Christ in all its dimensions is essential. The journey to sainthood means permitting the life of Jesus, our Savior, to dominate every aspect of our lives, not just a few. By doing this, we make Jesus our Lord and Savior, allowing His life to transform and elevate our human existence.

It can be challenging to embrace living for something greater than ourselves. Yet, by surrendering to Christ, we are liberated from the burdensome weight of our old selves and discover our true, deepest identities. As St. Paul expressed, “I no longer live; Christ now lives in me.” This transformation enables us to transcend human concerns and find fulfillment in the radiant image of Christ, empowering us to inspire others.

It is vital for our spiritual journey to continually let go of the old self that does not reflect the life of Jesus Christ. This transformation is most evident when we confront temptation and respond as Jesus did, demonstrating what it truly means to be a Christian and a living Saint.

God's grace within us makes it possible to surrender our old selves and fosters our spiritual openness to Christ along with our personal efforts. Through God's grace, we grow spiritually and rise above temptation. Saints are those who pray unceasingly, faithfully attending Mass, confessing, receiving the Sacraments, forgiving one another in Christ, and showing genuine care for each other. Deep prayer cultivates openness to transformation in Christ. Through heartfelt prayer, openness, and repentance, they draw others back to God, love one another, and truly care for each other in Christ’s name. We cannot thrive without God, nor can we flourish without a daily encounter with God in prayer and the Sacraments.

The Saints we celebrate endured rigorous life situations. They came from diverse backgrounds and faced various difficulties, just as we do, but they handled those challenges differently. They consistently operated with the love of Jesus Christ and with the mind and heart of our Savior, Jesus. They persevered alongside Jesus in all circumstances and bore witness to the Gospel through the way they navigated life’s challenges. They loved the Lord not only with their hearts and souls but also with all their strength.

Due to their deep prayer life and their openness to following Christ through both good and difficult times without offending Him, the saints were never deterred by the challenges they encountered. They continuously prayed, believed, and lived by the power of God’s word. 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we cannot use the devil's tactics to achieve victory for Jesus. In their own ways, the saints sought to embody God's love in all circumstances. There is nothing that the love of Christ cannot accomplish. If we struggle to emulate Christ, we should reflect on the depth of our love for Jesus, our Savior. The Lord offers us love every day, for repentance, transformation, and the capability to use our lives to draw others back to the true life of Jesus the Savior.

God’s Blessings!

Fr. Justus Alaeto

Pastor

Information from the Parish Office

In observance of Veterans Day, the parish office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. There will be two Masses on that day, 10:00 am in Brookings and 12:10pm in Gold Beach.

Please see the schedule for Wednesday and Friday (No Mass).

November 20^th – Father will be at a priest’s meeting

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Mass will be at 5:15 p.m. with the blessing of Holy Water and the anointing of the sick.  We were unable to do that the previous week due to the All Saints and All Souls celebrations. Gold Beach was already able to have theirs.

Thanksgiving Week Schedule

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – Mass 5:15 pm, followed by faith formation

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – 12:10 pm Mass in Gold Beach (For Thanksgiving).

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – 5:15 pm Mass in Brookings (For Thanksgiving).

There will be no Mass on Friday, November 28^th, during Thanksgiving Break.

Note: We design this schedule every year to allow everyone traveling to spend time with their families on Thanksgiving Day. 

Happy Thanksgiving in advance!

Advent starts on the weekend of November 29th and 30th, 2025!

SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 5, 2025

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA

PARISH/CENTENNIAL JUBILEE

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, located in Brookings, South-Coast of Oregon, is poised to commemorate its centennial anniversary

Join Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, their pastor, staff, and parishioners, for an uplifting and rejuvenating experience on the beautiful Southern Oregon Coast! We are hosting a week-long Jubilee and Centennial Celebration that includes lectures, worship, prayer, and community at our parish in beautiful Brookings, Oregon.  Speakers include Archbishop Alexander Sample and Bishop Peter Smith of the Archdiocese of Portland, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Nigeria, Fr. George Jilto of Shalom World Ministry, and more.

Take advantage of our Jubilee Celebration discount rate at the Beachfront Inn (with stunning ocean views and free breakfast!) from September 30th to October 5th, 2025.

Hotel reservation Special Discount: Reserve your stay at the Beachfront Inn, Brookings, by calling 541.469.7779, Ext.1 and remember to mention "Star of the Sea Catholic Church Jubilee Celebration" to get the discounted rate.

Parish Contact:
 Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church
 Reinvigorating our local community with the light of the gospel! 
 820 Old County Road, Brookings, Oregon
 Tel: 541.469.2313      Email: [email protected]

Website: staroftheseastcharles.org

Steve Ray, to Visit Star of the Sea Parish Brookings, for Biblical Workshop 

We are delighted to announce that Steve Ray will be visiting Star of the Sea Parish in Brookings, Oregon. Join us for an enlightening talk that promises to be transformative and inspiring. We look forward to your participation! Please help to announce this for evangelization: 

Topic 1: “Defending the Holy Eucharist.”

Topic 2: “What Prepares Us for the Jubilee Year of Hope: to be set free by Christ, Specifically as Presented the Old Testament - A Holy Land Insight.” 

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025  

Time of Talk: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (There will be refreshment)

Mass Time: 4:30 PM  

Venue: Star of the Sea Catholic Church  

Address: 820 Old County Road, Brookings, Oregon, 97415  

This is a free event open to all, coming outside of our parish community! While there is no cost to attend, we encourage you to contribute to our Jubilee projects and the ongoing care of Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Your donations help sustain the legacy of this cherished parish on the Southern Coast. Donation from this free program above will be dedicated to our church roof.

About Dr. Steve Ray

“Steve Ray is a convert to the Catholic Church and the author of three best-selling Ignatius Press books (Crossing the Tiber, Upon this Rock, and St. John’s Gospel). He speaks at conferences around the world.  He is a regular guest on The Journey Home and has appeared on many other radio and TV programs, including "EWTN," Fox News, etc... He is writer, producer and host of the 10-part video/DVD series The Footprints of God: the Story of Salvation from Abraham to Augustine filmed entirely on location in the Holy Land and surrounding countries. Steve and his wife Janet are certified guides to the Holy Land and lead pilgrimages throughout the Middle East and Rome. Steve and Janet, have four children and ten grandchildren.”

Please, mark your calendar. May Jesus Christ the Savior and Mother Mary be with you as we welcome you in Brookings.

Fr. Justus Alaeto

Pastor

Upcoming Parish Retreat, September 6th – 9th, 2025 – Led by Fr. Tuscan OFM, Cap.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 

May God Bless you all! I am pleased to announce an upcoming retreat deigned to prepare us spiritually as we seek to evangelize for Jesus Christ in spirit and truth, particularly in light of our Jubilee Celebration. The spiritual programs associated with this Jubilee of hope, are thoughtfully designed to draw us nearer to Jesus Christ and to empower our hearts with His love and transformative Grace. Our inaugural retreat will focus on the mission of the laity, in alignment with the Church's invitation to engage in evangelization. We believe this will be beneficial to all ministries within our parish and to every baptized member of our community. 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the laity play an indispensable role in advancing the Church's mission and its evangelization efforts. Their unique perspectives and experiences greatly enrich our parish community, contributing to a more diverse and vibrant expression of faith and holiness. When engaged in various ministries and promoting the teachings of the Church, as well as integrating the life of Jesus Christ the Savior in their daily actions, laypeople serve as essential bridges between the Church and the broader world. In doing so, they exemplify the presence of Jesus Christ and the Church in contemporary society. 

So, promoting the active participation of the laity not only strengthens the Church but it also empowers the layperson to authentically witness his or her faith through the Holy Spirit. Also, by nurturing their spiritual growth and encouraging the sharing of the life of the Gospel of Jesus the Savior, the Church can effectively cultivate a vibrant and inclusive evangelization initiative. Together, through collaboration and mutual support, laity and clergy can deepen our collective understanding of faith and its transformative power in our communities. Please, I encourage everyone to sacrifice and take good opportunity to grow more in holiness for your salvation.

Our Retreat Program is as follows:

Retreat for All Parish Ministries and Parishioners and anyone wishing to attend:

Date: September 6th – 9th, 2025

Topics:

1. Steps to Draw Closer to the Heart of Christ - (During Homilies Saturday and Sunday All Masses, Brookings and Gold Beach) 

2. The Role and Contribution of Laity in the Church's Mission and Evangelization 

(On Monday and Tuesday Talk Time: 4:30 pm – 5:20pm, followed by Mass at 5:30pm, only in Brookings)

Retreat Moderator: Rev. Joseph Tuscan OFM Capuchin 

OLD NEWS

Rev. Thomas Hennen Appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the New Bishop of the Diocese of Baker

Statement from Archbishop Alexander K. Sample on the appointment of Rev. Thomas Hennen as Bishop of Baker

July 10, 2025   //  Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, Metropolitan Archbishop of Portland in Oregon, welcomes the New Bishop of Baker Diocese

It is with great joy that I welcome the news that Bishop-elect Thomas Hennen has been appointed the new Bishop of the Diocese of Baker. I am very grateful to Pope Leo for appointing this experienced and well-prepared shepherd for our neighboring diocese to the east here in the great State of Oregon. I look forward to working side by side with Bishop-elect Hennen for many years to come. 

I am especially grateful for the faithful service of my brother and friend, Bishop Liam Cary, for his more than 13 year service as the Bishop of Baker. As a priest-son of the Archdiocese of Portland, we are particularly proud of his fruitful and spirit led ministry. I wish him many more happy years as he continues to serve in a new capacity. 

As Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Portland, I join with my brother bishops from Oregon, Idaho and Montana in welcoming our new brother, Bishop-elect Hennen, to our fraternal communion

What is a Jubilee Year?

A Jubilee Year is a sacred time in the Church, occurring only every 25 years, fostering holiness through reconciliation and communion. Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” offers special graces through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, local pilgrimages, and the Jubilee Indulgence. The Jubilee Year officially began on December 24, 2024, with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It will conclude on January 6, 2026, the Feast of Epiphany. 

A plenary indulgence is a special gift from Christ’s Church that completely removes the temporary consequences of sins that have already been forgiven in confession. This indulgence is offered every Jubilee Year. These consequences are often referred to as the temporal punishment due to sin, which is purified in purgatory. Receiving a plenary indulgence can help us or the souls in purgatory on the journey to heaven.

The Church has the authority to grant indulgences through the power given by Christ to bind and loose sins (Matthew 16:19). This authority allows the Church to share the grace of Christ’s sacrifice and the merits of the saints with the faithful. During the Jubilee Year 2025, you have a unique chance to receive this grace through pilgrimage, prayer, and fulfilling a few important steps outlined by the Church.

Faith Formation Registration for the 2025-2026 Session

We are pleased to announce that registration for faith formation and sponsor formation for the 2025-26 session is now open!

If you’re interested/ready to enrich your spiritual journey through the OCIA Class (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), or you’re preparing for Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, or Marriage, we are fully here to help/support you every step of the way. Whether you’ve been away from the Church, face challenges in receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, or want to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith, we are here to help you every step of the way. Remember, your salvation is more important, and your salvation is our ultimate priority, and with God, all things are possible! We are excited to share that several individuals have taken bold spiritual steps to register for the upcoming faith formation class, starting in October. To secure your spot, please call the parish office at 541.469.2313, and register with Sister Frances, our parish Ministry Coordinator, or contact her through her office email: [email protected]. If you wish to connect with me personally, Sister Frances can assist you in arranging an appointment, or you can reach me directly at [email protected].

Stay tuned for more details about this year’s faith formation! We look forward to helping you grow closer to Jesus Christ through a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Women’s Bible Study Group Set to Begin September 16, 2025

As previously mentioned, our main priority is to revitalize the spiritual life of our parish in preparation for the upcoming Jubilee/Centennial events. Our goal is to refocus our spiritual efforts on mission and evangelization in a way that draws us closer to Jesus Christ and aligns with the core teachings of our Catholic Faith. It is essential that our parish and our lives reflect the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We hear our Shepherd, Archbishop Sample, speaking with tireless zeal and passion about mission, evangelization, and renewal these are his priorities and vision for the future of the Archdiocese. This should also be our priority as a parish, aligned with our local church, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. We will work on revitalizing every aspect of our parish life and mission with the goal of a New Evangelization, which we are encouraged to pursue by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

In line with the Church’s vision for evangelization in our parish and mission, we have developed and established the following:

Ministry of Presence – Focused on evangelization.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Women’s Bible Study Group, scheduled to begin with a Holy Mass on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as part of the Jubilee events. Renée Duffy will serve as the Coordinator for this ministry through the office of the ministry coordinator. Renée and I have spent nearly a year studying and arranging this program to ensure it is well-structured and established in accordance with Church teachings. We are excited about this initiative.

Calling All Women Disciples for Christ! Join us for a weekly women's Bible study. Meetings are scheduled every Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Church Hall. We will follow a 22-week Bible study titled "Opening Your Heart" from the Walking with Purpose women’s Bible study series. This guide will assist us on our journey to grow closer to Christ and address some of life's biggest questions through the lens of our Catholic faith. To register, please call the parish office at 541.469.2313 or email us at [email protected]. For deeper inquiries, contact Renée Duffy at (949)337-3426. No prior Bible study experience is required come as you are!

Seeking Childcare Volunteers: We are looking for women to volunteer as childcare providers to support our women’s Bible study ministry. Many young mothers need childcare for their children during our weekly Bible study each Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the Star of the Sea Church Hall. Please contact Renée Duffy for more details or to volunteer for this impactful opportunity for our parish families. More updates about these will be coming up…

Fundraising Updates: We are making great progress, and the fundraising committee will provide updates in the first or second week of August with more substantial information.

Old News Below:

Three Seminarians ordained Deacon for the Archdiocese

Three Seminarians, from our Archdiocese was ordained Deacon by Archbishop Sample, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. They are Nicholas Martell, Shawn Daniel, and Zachary Muñoz. They have these beautiful backgrounds/stories below:

Rev. Mr. Nicholas Martell: On track for a promising legal career, Nicholas returned to the faith after a personal tragedy and a providential pilgrimage to Ireland.

Rev. Mr. Shawn Daniel: Raised in the Assemblies of God, Shawn drifted from faith but never lost his longing for God. Years later, a few Catholic friends led him to Mass, where he rediscovered peace and a sense of home—ultimately drawing him to the Church and a call to the priesthood.

Rev. Mr. Zachary Muñoz: Initially hostile to Catholicism, and later resistant to the idea of priesthood after becoming Catholic, Zach’s call deepened through spiritual reading—especially the writings of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. 

News From the Pastor's Corner:

Archbishop Vlazny Funeral Schedule: As we gather in prayer and remembrance of our esteemed Archbishop John Vlazny, we wish to share the following details regarding his funeral arrangements for those who may wish to attend:

Visitation: Thursday, June 5th, from 1:00 PM to 6:15 PM at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Vigil Service: Thursday, June 5th, immediately following the Visitation at 6:30 PM.

Funeral Mass: Friday, June 6th, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The service will also be livestreamed; please visit the archdiocesan website for access.

Reception: A reception will follow in the Cathedral School.

Rite of Committal: Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

First Holy Communion

On June 8th, we will joyfully celebrate Pentecost Sunday, beginning with the Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:30 PM, and we will also honor our children’s First Holy Communion in both Brookings and Gold Beach on that day. 

On Saturday, June 7th, all First Communion candidates, along with their parents, sponsors, and teachers, are invited to participate in a prayerful retreat, confession, and review with Fr. Justus from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Following the Mass on June 8th, we warmly invite everyone to join us in the parish hall for the presentation of certificates to those who have received sacraments earlier, including the First Holy Communion candidates, and to extend our heartfelt congratulations to them. 

Dear and Esteemed Parishioners,

Blessings of Jesus Christ the Savior upon you!

I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your inspired and strong spiritual support during our recent transition to a new Pope. Your patience and adaptability throughout the adjustments in liturgical practices during this significant period for the Church have been truly commendable. Additionally, I appreciate your active participation in the Archbishop’s Catholic and Evangelization Appeal, which is vital for the mission of our local church.

I am very pleased to let you know that your sincere devotion to Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, and our parish community (which I personally noticed coming from your heart), continues to inspire me. In alignment with the vision of our Shepherd, Archbishop Sample, we are committed to drawing all faithful individuals closer to the Heart of Jesus Christ and the Church. Our parish is already progressing towards mission renewal, fostering a deeper encounter with Christ along this journey. As we prepare for our Jubilee, it is essential to remember that this is not solely a celebration but also an opportunity to renew our collective parish mission, emphasizing the love, joy, and holiness that Christ embodies. We are all looking forward to the Jubilee events ahead, and we give thanks to Jesus, our Savior, and our beloved patroness, Our Lady Star of the Sea.

As I mentioned last weekend, it is time for us to recommit ourselves to the preparations for our Jubilee/Anniversary/Centennial celebration, scheduled from September 30 to October 5, 2025. Details about the events, including guests, speakers, Mass times, retreat programs, and missions, will soon be shared through our parish and through the Archdiocese.

I am profoundly grateful for the support you have shown, both financially and through other means. Your individual contributions and collective efforts, including those of the Knights of Columbus, are invaluable. Thank you once again, and may God bless each and every one of you!

Phase 1 Jubilee Preparation Updates:

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Starting this month, we will begin our new approach. Just as we have begun our Jubilee campaign: This year marks the 100th anniversary of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Brookings.  For over a century, we have faithfully shared the Gospel on the Southern Oregon Coast, served our neighbors, and celebrated the sacraments together as one family in Christ. Now, as we step into a new century of ministry, you are cordially invited to attend one of six parish gatherings, where we will:

  -  Discuss this exciting vision for our future

    - Answer your questions

EVERY PARISH FAMILY IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND 

Brookings:  June 13, 6:00 PM; June 14, 1:00 pm; June 20, 6:00 PM; June 21, 1:00 PM Gold 

Gold Beach: June 15, 1:00 pm; June 22, 1:00 PM

Ways to Register

• Visit BROOKINGS:   https://jubileebrookings.eventbrite.com
• Visit GOLD BEACH: https://jubileegoldbeach.eventbrite.com 
• Sign up after Mass
• Call the parish office at 541-469-2313 Ext. 100
• Email: [email protected]
• We will be reaching out to you by phone if you have not signed up for a session
• 
  

We are embarking on this journey in phase one with a carefully considered budget, concentrating on essential enhancements to our facilities at both Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Charles Borromeo. 

These strategic investments are designed to preserve our cherished sacred spaces, foster meaningful worship, and cultivate a more welcoming and functional environment for all our parishioners. We look forward to sharing further details about these improvements and the stewardship opportunities available during our upcoming parish gatherings. 

Your participation in these discussions will be invaluable, helpful for the parish, and we hope you will join us for these inspiring updates and the important role you can play in shaping our future together. It will be meaningful for each member of the parish to sign up for this. It is crucial everyone is carried along, and each of us participate for the spreading of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to convey my sincere appreciation for your invaluable support throughout the past year as we prepare for the forthcoming Jubilee of our parish. I wish to extend a special acknowledgment to our Jubilee Coordinator, Adele, along with our dedicated consultant, architecture coordinator, parish staff, administrative council, and pastoral council.

I am truly grateful to all those who have made financial contributions, those who are committed to offering additional support, those who are preparing to contribute, and everyone who continues to offer support in one way or the other. Furthermore, I would like to express my thanks to the Knights of Columbus, the Fundraising Committee, various other committees, the Hispanic community, and all individuals involved in this significant event.

Your dedication is deeply appreciated as we collectively strive to revitalize the mission of our esteemed parish. 

God Bless and be with you!

Fr. Justus Alaeto

Pastor

Previous News below:

Our New Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV

Archbishop Sample's statement on the new Holy Father

"It is with great joy that we receive the news that a new Pope has been elected to shepherd us in the universal Church. And the first Holy Father from the United States! We lift him up in prayer as he takes on this tremendous responsibility. May God grant him the grace to shepherd us according to the mind and heart of Christ. I entrust his ministry to the maternal care of Our Lady, Mary Mother of the Church."

For Our Star of the Sea Church, in Brookings, this week:

Our 10:00 am Mass and Adoration, Friday, May 9, 2025, will be dedicated for the papacy of our New Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, asking Jesus Christ the Savior, through Mother Mary, to help our New Holy Father care and lead according to the Mind and Heart of Jesus Christ our Savior!

Sunday Liturgy - May 10th/11th, 2025

In addition to the above, the Archbishop has also granted permission for all priests in the Archdiocese to celebrate this Sunday’s Mass using the liturgical propers "Upon the Election of a Pope." The readings for the Mass, however, are to remain those of the Fourth Sunday of Easter." 

This will give all faithful, the spiritual opportunity to offer prayers of thanksgiving and intercession for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his ministry as the successor of St. Peter.  Our Masses for this weekend will therefore be dedicated to the New Pope Leo XIV, while we joyfully participate in the spiritual exercise of Archbishop's Catholic and Evangelization Appeal for the 2025, and celebrate our candidates who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 10th in North Bend.

Upcoming Parish Events/Meetings for the Month of May

1. OCIA Candidates will resume their Mystagogy Class in May 6th.

2. Administrative Council Meeting: Wednesday, May 7th at 3:00 PM at Star of the Sea Parish, Brookings.

3. Confirmation Candidates’ retreat: Friday, May 9th – Adoration starts at 4:30 pm, followed by evaluation, talk, and confession. Please, catechists, sponsors, and parents are all required to attend.

4. Confirmation for Our Candidates: North Bend on May 10th. 

5. Reception for Confirmation Candidates: May 11th in the parish hall.

6. Archbishop's Catholic and Evangelization Appeal: Weekend of May 10th and 11th.

7. Pastoral Council Meeting – Wednesday - May 14^th - 5:15 pm in Brookings

8. Ministry of Presence Workshop: Saturday May 17th at 10:30 AM. 

Please mark your calendars!  

Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate our spiritual renewal through the Easter season, it is with great anticipation that we prepare to support the mission of evangelization within our local Church during the upcoming weekend. This initiative has been updated to take place now on May 10th and 11th, 2025, in all parishes across our archdiocese. We are delighted to join together in supporting the mission of Jesus Christ, our Savior, within our faith community. Each year, this effort allows us to reinvigorate the mission of Jesus Christ in our archdiocese, in our parishes, and in our personal lives as members of our local Church. You may have received an envelope at home related to this appeal, and we invite you to consider participating. During Mass next weekend, we will take a moment to pray and collect these envelopes to be submitted to the archdiocese. The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal (ACA) is a vital expression of our Church’s mission in the Archdiocese, as it helps us deepen our union with Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, and formation. 

It also empowers us to bring Christ to the world through our words, witness, and service. Furthermore, the ACA enables us to make Christ present through the sacraments, engage in Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy, and commit to unceasing prayer, thus bringing His mission to fruition here on earth.

The funds raised through this appeal benefit a variety of important ministries sponsored by the archdiocese, including, but not limited to:

- Supporting the training of our seminarians, who play a crucial role in the future of our sacramental ministry.

- Providing care for our priests in retirement.

- Offering passionate Catholic education to over 11,000 students.

- Enabling General Ministries such as Divine Worship, Sacraments and Liturgical Life, Evangelization and Faith Formation, and Family and Social Ministries.

This year, the overall goal for the ACA across our Archdiocese is $4.5 million. Parish goals have been thoughtfully established using an equitable formula that considers a range of factors, including historical offertory patterns, averages, parish demographics, and unique circumstances such as pastoral transitions, associated schools, and ongoing capital campaigns.

For our Star of the Sea Parish, the ACA goal is set at $20,000, while the goal for our Mission, St. Charles Borromeo in Gold Beach, stands at $5,000. We are pleased to maintain these goals, and we recognize that with God, all things are indeed possible. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your steadfast faith and generous participation in last year’s appeal and in previous years. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed, and I have conveyed Archbishop Sample’s appreciation to you as well. Let us continue to support one another in this admirable endeavor. Your contributions reflect the profound faith and love you have for Jesus Christ, our Savior, who cares deeply for us and provides for all our needs. Thank you for your continued support and commitment. 

In Christ,

Fr. Justus Alaeto   

Pastor   

News of Previous week below:

Message from His Excellency, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample:

Announcements

Easter Octave Celebration

Mass for Easter Tuesday will be held at 10:00 AM in Brookings and at 12:10 PM in Gold Beach. The Gloria will be included. Please note that there will be no Mass in Gold Beach on Thursday due to the Tuesday Mass. The other Mass schedules will remain as usual

- April 26-27 Weekend: Archbishop Catholic Appeal (ACA).

- April 27: Infant Baptism.

- May 2, 2025: 5:15 PM – First Friday Adoration and Anointing of the Sick in Brookings. 

- May 17^th, : 10:30 am - Ministry of Presence workshop for the ministry to the elderly

News from the pastor’s corner:

Ash Wednesday and Lenten Stations of the Cross Schedule

St. Pope John Paul II emphasizes that "the external gestures of penance are valuable if they are an expression of an inner attitude and demonstrate the firm determination to shun evil and to take the path of righteousness" (Pope John Paul II, Ash Wednesday Homily, February 2004).My Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Christ has endured the suffering we were meant to bear and died for our sins. All we need to do is reconnect with His Sacred Heart and Mind, leading a life that draws us closer to Him and reflects His Life and Love to the world, allowing His Kingdom to reign. May we embark on this new journey of conversion during the Lenten Season of 2025. 

The Mass schedule for Ash Wednesday is as follows:  

St. Charles, Gold Beach: Mass - 12:10 PM

Star of the Sea, Brookings: Mass - 5:15 PM

Brookings: - 4:30 PM (English) on Fridays during Lent, followed by soup in the parish hall

Brookings: - 6:00 PM (Spanish) on Fridays

Gold Beach: - 4:00 PM (English) on Thursdays throughout the Lenten Season  

Parish Pastoral Renewal and Planning Gathering and Jubilee Update

In our efforts to accommodate our esteemed guests while remaining as close as possible to our original schedule, we are pleased to announce new dates for Jubilee Celebration Week, September 30 – October 5. We would like to share our evolving goals, which have been informed by valuable community input and inspired by the Holy Spirit.  

To facilitate this discussion and address any questions, we invite you to join us for a Parish Renewal Pastoral gathering, starting with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We shall evaluate this evangelization gathering to be in line with the Archdiocesan pastoral vision and renewal. All parishioners, groups, pastoral council members, and administrative council members are invited.  

The above Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. The evening will commence with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:00 PM, followed by the meeting at 5:30 PM in the Hall. As we embark on this exciting journey in the life of our church, we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. Your participation in this important meeting would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for being a part of our parish community!

Other Announcements 

March 12, 2025: - 5:00 PM - The Parish Renewal Pastoral gathering, starting with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. All parishioners, groups, pastoral council members, and administrative council members are invited.

March 16, 2025: - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Join us for a special St. Patrick’s Day fundraising dinner at the Star of the Sea parish hall. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to gather, socialize, and support our parish family.

100th Birthday Celebration for Marian Rambeck: I am delighted to announce that one of our cherished parishioners, Marian Rambeck, will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Saturday, February 15, 2025. We are excited to honor her with a special Mass at 1:00 PM at Star of the Sea Church in Brookings, followed by a reception at 2:00 PM in the parish hall. I encourage everyone to join us in expressing our gratitude for her remarkable life and to celebrate this significant milestone. The elderly are truly a blessing to our community, and we have much to learn from their wisdom and experiences. As we reflect on figures like Simeon and Anna from Scripture, let us appreciate the hope, prayer, and dedication they exemplified throughout their lives.

 Saint Charles Borromeo, Gold Beach, Mission News:

Celebration for the Springer Family:  

It is with a mix of emotions that I share news regarding the Springer family from our church in Gold Beach, who will be relocating to the East Coast this year, with some members departing in March and others later on. While we will deeply miss those who are moving, we want to express our gratitude for the blessings they have brought to our church community. Their children have actively participated in various Parish activities and liturgical life. Daniel Springer intends to continue his diaconate journey in his new location, while Erin, Daniel's wife, has made countless contributions to our church, including maintaining the church hall and organizing various activities. To honor their service and dedication, we will have a celebration in Gold Beach after the 11:00 AM Mass on February 23rd. Please note that the ministry meeting scheduled for that day will be postponed to allow us to focus on this farewell gathering. We kindly ask for your prayers for the Springer family during this transition.

New Office Hours in Gold Beach: 

Beginning February 13, 2025, we are pleased to announce that we will implement weekly office hours in Gold Beach on Thursdays for two hours. Our commitment to providing Mass and confession will continue each Thursday, along with addressing other needs by appointment. This initiative enhances our administrative and evangelization efforts within the community. Sisters will be available from 10 AM to 12 Noon to assist with calls and needs, after which they will engage in other activities. I will also be present shortly after noon (unless I have mission duties) to offer confession and celebrate Mass. Additionally, we have launched our monthly Adoration and special petition/healing Mass, providing an opportunity for prayer and reflection. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our parish community.

Dear Parishioners,

Happy Jubilee Year!

May the love and blessings of Jesus Christ the Savior continue to be with you and your loved ones in this new year and in the years to come. Happy New Year!

We have begun this year with great anticipation as we prepare for the upcoming Jubilee of hope for the entire world, especially for our parish. After our Christmas break, it's time to start working on the steps needed for our beautiful Jubilee celebration, which will take place later this year. The aim of this Jubilee is to revitalize our parish ministry, mission, and faith, helping us rediscover the joy and love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Savior.

We will begin outlining what this Jubilee will mean for our church and archdiocese, and we will keep you updated on our plans and the steps leading to our Jubilee celebration. It will be a week filled with celebrations and mission activities for our parish. We will start reaching out to many of you to assist in the various committees and areas where everyone can participate.

In the meantime, please take the time to read the articles from the Archbishop about what we are celebrating as an Archdiocese during this Jubilee, as well as words from our Holy Father, Pope Francis.  

May God bless you and be with you!

Fr. Justus Alaeto

Jubilee Message from Archbishop Sample

The Holy Father has given the theme of hope for this Jubilee Year. I think the Holy Father recognizes something. People in the world today are losing hope and the virtue of hope needs to be reawakened in all of us. The Holy Father calls us to be pilgrims of hope during this year. But what is hope? 

 In the Papal Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, the document by which the Holy Father proclaimed this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis says we all know what it means to hope. Hope has a very deep meaning. Hope is always looking to the future with an eye to that which is to come. We hope for a lot of things on a human level. We hope this year will be a good one for us. We hope that financially we’ll be secure this year. We hope that the person in our family who is sick will be cured. We hope that the wound in our marriage might be healed. We hope that our children or grandchildren will return to the practice of the faith. Indeed, we hope for a lot of things, but the true meaning of hope in the Christian, theological sense is much deeper.

 Hope is one of the three theological virtues. What are the three theological virtues? Faith, hope, and love. These virtues are what we call infused virtues. They’re not virtues we can simply come up with on our own on a natural human level. They’re supernatural gifts that are given to us by God, poured into our soul on the day of our Baptism. The baby who is baptized has the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Those virtues must be developed in our life, so they don’t just stay a stagnant seed planted in us. Through our cooperation they grow as God continues to pour out more grace upon us. Those virtues grow as we develop and grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

 This hope is the hope of what God promises us, which is nothing less than the Kingdom of God. Our hope is what Christ has promised us—eternal life and happiness with him, forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. We hope for a lot of things in this world, but that falls so short of what God really intends for us, what he has planned for us, and what he has made us for. We weren’t made for this world. We were made for the Kingdom of God. We were made to be with God forever in the joy and happiness of heaven. Simple as that. That is our hope.

 The problem is, we get so caught up in the struggles, the anxieties, the doubts, the fears, and the worries of life, that we lose sight of that hope which is given to us in Christ the Lord. All the sufferings of this life are passing away and what awaits us is a gift beyond imagination. A gift which is the real meaning and purpose of our life. This is what we must rediscover in this Jubilee Year. We must rediscover our hope because we are called to be pilgrims of hope. What does it mean to be a pilgrim of hope? 

First, we need to be on a journey to rediscover hope in our own life. Even amidst our sufferings, our struggles, and our sin— none of us are hopeless. God does not give up on any of us and no matter what we struggle with in life, God never gives up on us. We have hope for the healing that he wants to bring us, the rediscovery of the meaning and purpose of our life. That’s what we must be pilgrims about this year—pilgrims that rediscover what it means to hope in all that God has promised: his mercy, his love, his forgiveness, peace, and joy. 

Secondly, we are called to carry this hope to others who desperately need it. The world in many corners has become a very dark place. Many people walk in darkness. They have no idea why they even exist. Why is the suicide rate so high in our culture today? Because people have lost hope. They don’t know why they were even created. It is our mission, thus, to be pilgrims of hope to them. To carry this gift from God to others who live in doubt, fear, worry, anxiety, suffering, loneliness, abandonment, and sin. We are to be the pilgrims of hope. We are to be ministers of hope. Not me alone. Not all of our wonderful priests and future priests alone.

We can’t do it alone. We need you. I am never going to meet the people you meet every day. I may never meet that coworker of yours who has it rough and is losing hope. I may never meet that neighbor, that fellow parent and family at the school. Whoever it is. I may never meet them, but you will. It is your job to bring them hope and be a pilgrim to them; to carry this gift to them.

In closing, I would encourage you to read the Bull of Indiction, and the Holy Father’s letter opening this Jubilee Year. Here he talks about all the different groups in our society today who need to have this word of hope. There are many listed, but one important group is our young people. The young today need hope. They desperately need hope. Whether that’s an adolescent, a teenager, a young adult—it’s a different world than what many of us grew up with and it can be very scary. It is our job to bring that gift of hope to them, and to all who are walking in despair. This is evangelization. This is what it means to bring the Gospel, the Good News of God’s mercy to others. We do it by sharing with another what God has done in our own life.  

Lastly, I would encourage you to read the Holy Father’s encyclical letter on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Holy Father roots this hope in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our hope flows from the Sacred heart of Jesus, pierced on the cross for our salvation, and from which blood and water flowed forth as a fountain of grace and life for the world. Let us carry that grace of the heart of Jesus to the people who need it so desperately, starting with ourselves and our families, and then radiating out to the whole world.

Regional Jubilee Celebration/Program in Oregon

Jubilee Vicariate Celebrations: In order to foster spiritual growth, charitable outreach, and community collaboration, Archbishop Sample has encouraged regional Vicariates to organize works of mercy, support charitable causes, and unite parishes through shared activities. 

What is a Vicariate? A Vicariate is a regional grouping of neighboring parishes within a diocese, overseen by a vicar who supports the bishop in pastoral care and administration. This structure encourages parishes to work together on shared initiatives. 

Aims

Spiritual Enrichment: Encourage parishes and individuals to practice the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

Charitable Outreach: Organize fundraising efforts to support a charitable cause chosen by the local parish or Vicariate.

Community Building: Strengthen collaboration among Vicariate parishes through joint activities. 

Thematic Monthly Activities

The following is an example outline of possible monthly activities, focusing on different Works of Mercy. Parishes will adapt, modify, or create their own initiatives based on local needs and resources:

February: Feed the Hungry – Food pantry collaboration.

March: Clothe the Naked – Assemble "Hug in a Box" kits for shelters.

April: Shelter the Homeless – Details pending (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton).

May: Bury the Dead – Cemetery preparations for Memorial Day.

August: Give Drink to the Thirsty – Formula Drive for Birthright.

October: Visit the Imprisoned – Domestic Violence Awareness activities.

November: Visit the Sick – Recognizing family caregivers 

Following the above information’s about the Jubilee year, I will be working with the pastoral council to explore ways in which we can actively engage everyone in both the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, as integral parts of our Catholic faith. Our intention is not to limit these good works to the Jubilee year or to specific requests. Rather, we aspire to incorporate them as fundamental elements of our daily lives, reflecting the Mind and Heart of Jesus Christ. This integration should become our constant aspiration.

Spiritual growth through daily prayer is important at this time of the Jubilee. Prayer should play a central role in our lives, allowing us to embody the essence of being the body of Christ. By receiving Holy Communion, we invite transformation within ourselves, enabling us to live in a manner that mirrors the life of Jesus Christ. This transformation informs our charitable and spiritual endeavors. If we find certain areas of our lives challenging in our journey to become more Christlike, let us bring those challenges to prayer, offer them in Mass, embrace the possibility of change, and trust in the redeeming power of Christ. Together, through the joy of inner transformation and encounter with Christ, we can accomplish great things through faith.

While we do other good works, let us also strive to think positively about others in our prayer and to care for and love one another genuinely, in the way Christ has loved us. The Jubilee year presents a remarkable opportunity to renew our faith and strengthen our parish community.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who have already begun making donations for our Jubilee celebrations—thank you for your generosity! We look forward to sharing our progress with you in the near future. May we continue to uplift one another in prayer and love.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has declared the Year 2025 as a Jubilee Year.

What is the 2025 Jubilee? - A Jubilee Year is a special time in the universal Church, celebrated every 25 years. It’s a year of grace, forgiveness, and renewal, offering Catholics a chance to restore their relationship with God, others, and creation. The tradition comes from the Bible, where every 50th year was marked as a time for forgiving debts, freeing captives, and letting the land rest (Leviticus 25:8-13). The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” emphasizing hope for a world facing the challenges of war, the climate crisis, and disease.