Star of the Sea Catholic Church

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The Archbishop has released a pastoral letter on mission renewal addressed to all the faithful, including clergy and religious in the archdiocese. This pastoral letter from Archbishop Sample focuses on carrying out Christ's mission in a way that renews and transforms. All are encouraged to prayerfully read and reflect on this pastoral letter to support the effective renewal of the mission of Jesus Christ, our Savior, in our Archdiocese.

As a parish, I will first use the pastor’s corner and the parish website to gradually publish the letter as we reflect together. The full text is also available on the Archdiocesan website. In addition, I will reflect on this pastoral renewal with the pastoral council and all parish ministry groups. Further updates will follow. 

Thank you for your commitment to participating in the mission renewal for Christ, from the heart.

Fr. Justus Alaeto, 

Pastor

A PASTORAL LETTER ON MISSION RENEWAL

of the Archbishop of Portland in Oregon the Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample to the Priests, Deacons and Faithful of the Archdiocese

PART I: GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES 

MISSION RENEWAL IN THE HEART 

On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi 2026, with well over 1,000 members of the faithful present at the Mass, including priests, deacons and religious, I solemnly consecrated the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. We did this in anticipation of the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart by all the bishops of the United States. I see this powerful moment in our local Church as an official and intentional beginning of what I have described as Mission Renewal in our Archdiocese. 

From the Heart of Jesus flow mercy, love and compassion for the whole world, and in a special way for the people of Western Oregon. We find ourselves, I believe, in a unique and pivotal time in the history of our Church. One might call it a “watershed moment” for us all. The world and our local community in Western Oregon are at a turning point. Will society and culture continue on a path away from God and faith, or will there be a reawakening to the things that truly matter and endure? I believe it is the latter. 

We are already seeing strong signs of people returning to spiritual things, to faith and to the Church founded by Jesus Christ. In the last few years, we have seen ever-increasing numbers of people coming into the Church. These numbers are actually quite stunning, especially given the fact that Oregon is considered a very secular and “unchurched” state, where we are barely 11% of the total population. This is a phenomenon that is being seen across the country but is happening on a comparatively large scale here in our own Archdiocese. What I find particularly encouraging is the number of young people coming to the Church.

READING THE SIGNS OF TIMES

In 1969, only a few years after the close of the Second Vatican Council, Father Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, predicted the following would happen after what he also predicted would be a very difficult time for the Church. He said: But when the trial of this sifting is past, a great power will flow from a more spiritualized and simplified Church. Men in a totally planned world will find themselves unspeakably lonely. If they have completely lost sight of God, they will feel the whole horror of their poverty. They will discover the little flock of believers as something wholly new. They will discover it as a hope that is meant for them, an answer for which they have always been searching in secret.1 I believe we are beginning to see this becoming a reality in our days. 

The Church in Western Oregon must be ready for this moment. We must be prepared to let the love, mercy, compassion and truth that flow from the Heart of Jesus be unleashed in a renewed and powerful way for the people of our time who are seeking, even if they do not yet explicitly see that it is Jesus Christ for whom they are ultimately hungering. We must renew the mission of the Church entrusted to us by her Divine Founder. But to renew the mission, we must all be very clear and focused on what that mission is in the first place.

THE FACE OF CHRIST

My episcopal motto is Vultum Christi Contemplari (To Contemplate the Face of Christ). I was inspired to select this as my motto by Pope St. John Paul II. In his Apostolic Letter to the Church at the beginning of the new millennium (Novo Millennio Ineunte), he wrote: 

“We wish to see Jesus.” 2 This request, addressed to the Apostle Philip by some Greeks who had made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover, echoes spiritually in our ears during this Jubilee Year. Like those pilgrims of two thousand years ago, the men and women of our own day—often perhaps unconsciously—ask believers not only to ‘speak’ of Christ, but in a certain sense to ‘show’ him to them. And is it not the Church’s task to reflect the light of Christ in every historical period, to make his face shine also before the generations of the new millennium? Our witness, however, would be hopelessly inadequate if we ourselves had not first contemplated his face.

When I chose that episcopal motto over twenty years ago, I never imagined how defining it would become for what the Lord has put on my heart over all those years, coming to fruition in this moment. This, my brothers and sisters, is the task entrusted to us in these days. We must let the face of Jesus Christ shine forth from us to the people of our time here in this part of God’s vineyard. 

THE DIVINE COMMISSION 

I have always believed that it is very important to pay close attention to the words of Jesus at the very beginning and end of his public ministry here on this earth. To me these are defining moments in the life of our Lord and have much to say to us about our mission as the Church. The first words of Jesus at the beginning of his public ministry speak of the need for repentance and belief in the Gospel, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. In St. Matthew’s Gospel, we read that after his temptation in the desert, “Jesus began to teach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” 4 St. Mark’s Gospel records that “Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.’”5 What is this Gospel that Jesus proclaims and in which he calls us to believe? I believe it is summarized succinctly in St. John’s Gospel: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world be saved through him.6 Jesus also said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The fulness of this abundance is eternal life. 

This is the message we proclaim to the world. This is the mission of the Church which must be renewed in this time. At the end of his public ministry and before his ascension, Jesus gave what might be called his “marching orders” to the Church. St. Mark’s Gospel records Jesus telling the Apostles to “Go into the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Archbishop’s Mission Renewal Pastoral Letter page 1-4).

New Altar Consecrated

A Spiritual reflection for a Consecration  of a new Altar

The altar receives particular attention because it represents Christ himself. Christ is priest, altar, and victim. Christ is the one who offers the sacrifice, and He is also the sacrifice being offered. At every Mass, Christ’s one sacrifice on the Cross is made sacramentally present upon the altar. For this reason, the altar is not simply a table or a decorative feature within the sanctuary. It is the center of the church and the place toward which the entire building is ordered. 

After the anointing, incense is burned directly upon the altar. The rising smoke signifies both the sacrifice of Christ and the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. The church and the congregation are also incensed, reminding us that we too are called to offer our lives to God as a living sacrifice. The altar is then covered and prepared, and the candles throughout the church are lit. The newly illuminated church becomes a sign of Christ, the Light of the World, whose light is meant to shine through the lives of his people. Finally, the altar is prepared for the celebration of the Eucharist, the culmination of the entire rite. A church is not dedicated simply because it is beautiful, nor is an altar consecrated merely to be admired. Everything in the building is ordered toward the worship of God and, above all, toward the celebration of the Eucharist (Divine Worship News letter chapter 7).

Information from the parish office

Father Justus thanks everyone who helped make the dinner at the consecration of the new altar delicious and hospitable. Special thanks to the hospitality group, the Knights of Columbus, and all individuals who contributed and dedicated their efforts. God bless you.

Many thanks also to all who attended the financial retreat weekend held on October 18, 2026. We greatly appreciate your prayers, questions, and contributions. Father also thanks the parish bookkeeper and the finance council members who were present. God bless you.

Volunteer Appreciation retreat and special luncheon

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, all parish volunteers are required to attend a special retreat and appreciation gathering. This event will provide an opportunity to renew your commitment, receive appreciation in Christ, and deepen your faith in Jesus Christ. The program will include Mass, sharing, a special presentation by Father Justus, and a special luncheon. Please mark your calendar, as we look forward to seeing you. Those to attend this retreat and appreciation luncheon are: the pastoral council members, Community Kitchen members, Knights of Columbus, women’s Bible and evangelization leaders, ushers, flower and decoration group, liturgy and sacristans, altar linen cleaners, hospitality group, Hispanic ministry leaders, weeders, Church and compound cleaning volunteers, Ministry of Presence Group, all volunteers in Gold Beach, finance council members, faith formation teachers, and parish choir members.

Pastor's Recommended Spiritual Practices for the Month

Pray the Rosary daily, asking Mary to guide you toward a deeper transformation in Christ.

Fast from any sin that hinders your relationship with Jesus Christ throughout the month, offering this sacrifice to Christ.

Practice heartfelt patience with others (rooted in the love of God) and reflect on how God has always been patient and caring toward you.

Ask Jesus for the Grace to listen to Him more attentively throughout the month and to become an instrument of Christ’s true peace.

Cultivate humility by praying more and listening more deeply to Jesus, embracing this virtue wholeheartedly.

Abstain from gossiping (for the devil uses it against Christ’s children, and gossip does no good at all; it harms the soul and causes division); instead, love others from the heart, as Christ loves you always. Be open to Christ’s guidance!

Attend confession regularly for the forgiveness, purification, and sanctification of your soul.

May the Spirit of Jesus Christ the Savior bless you and remain with you as you pursue true holiness throughout the month. Amen.