We had a GREAT celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz on Sunday, September 24. San Lorenzo is the patron saint of the Philippines and the Filipino people. We sang songs and heard reading in Tagalog. We saw a short video about the life of San Lorenzo. And we had an outstanding feast of Filipino food in the Commons after Mass. Much thanks to all who helped with this event, with special mention to Zaida Schmich, Cora Wrede, Joy D Leite, and Michael Schmich.

We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who helped make our annual parish barbecue a success this past weekend (Sept 10)! From those who set up tables/seating, the cooks, to people who brought food and helped organized them, and everyone in between, we can’t thank you enough.
The weather was amazing, the food was delicious, and spending time in community was as great as ever. We’re already looking forward to next year!

While no one knows for sure, it is thought that this was the 15th Annual Summer Backyard Retreat. Nearly 40 people participated over the four days, with a consistent turnout of 25 - 30 people each morning. The retreat focused on community, connection to the earth, and diversity. The presentations were outstanding, and there was plenty of time for personal meditation and journaling, and the small group discussions were stimulating. Enjoy the pictures and videos posted here, and make a mental note to participate in next summer's Backyard Retreat.

On Saturday, May 20 nearly 100 people gathered at Khunamokwst Park in NE Portland for the Prayer Walk for Climate Justice organized by the Care For Creation teams from The Madeleine, St. Andrew, Holy Redeemer and St. Charles parishes. There were four stops along the short walk, each focused on a particular climate justice theme: indigenous people, nature/wildlife, youth, and climate refugees. See the photos posted here.

Our own Vina Thomas wrote a story of her family's experience of moving to the US from the island of Chuuk. The story was read, as part of the program, by Marianne Mauldin. See the video posted here.

Many thanks to the Multicultural Committee for a wonderful celebration on Sunday, December 11. The Aztec Dancers were spectacular, and the Mariachi was extraordinary. And special thanks to Rosa Barajas for her organizational efforts, and to Melecia Torres & family for making posole for to all to eat.

A group of thirty parishioners gathered on September 11 to explore the important issue of gun violence in our culture today. In the session we sought to:

• explore the Christian response to the prevalence of gun violence in our culture. 
• be informed and enlightened by the Bible, Catholic Social Teaching, Church leaders, social science data, and one another.
• to discern a call to action, for each of us, and for the St. Charles community.

Posted here is the video recording of the session, along with the Powerpoint slides and handout packet.
​

Fr. Tony has been assigned Administrator of St. Charles, effective July 1. You can reach him at the parish office at 503-281-6461 or by email at frtony@stcharlespdx.org. He grew up in Holy Redeemer Parish and is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Portland. He is a father (dad) of two and a grandfather. He was ordained priest in 2021 and comes to us after serving a year at Holy Trinity Parish in Beaverton. We will have a special blessing a reception for Fr. Tony after masses on the weekend of July 9-10.

Church Heating System. The Administrative Council and Leif want to apprise you of an issue with our church heating system. We learned last winter that two of the four furnace units that heat the church need to be replaced.

To address this problem, we have consulted with our longtime HVAC maintenance contractor and with the Property Management office of the Archdiocese. We obtained two competitive bids for the job, both were nearly identical in scope and price. The cost will be approximately $110,000.

We investigated the more environmentally friendly heat pump solution, but learned that it would be prohibitively expensive and time consuming.

Along with the Pastoral Council, we have consulted with our former priest/administrator, Fr. Jerry, and with our current Administrator, Fr. Tony Galati. All recognize that this is a necessary project. We don't have a choice but to keep the heat on in the church.

So, we have signed a contract with Heinz Mechanical for the work. The contract has been fully vetted and approved by the Archdiocese, and the initial payment of $40,000 has been sent. Due to supply chain challenges, obtaining the necessary equipment may take up to 18 weeks, so actual work won't occur until early November. Of course, we will need to dip into our savings (approx $340,000) to pay for this project, but this is what our savings is for -- planned and unplanned expenses.

​We welcome your comments and questions. Talk to Leif or anyone on the Admin Council: Sandy Bossom, Dave Pierce, Barbara Keepes, Barbara Schulze, Angie McKinney, Steve Moore.