Oregon Tax Court Approves Taxation Of Church Rectory - Forbes Magazine

Oregon Tax Court Approves Taxation Of Church Rectory
 
by Peter J. Reilly June 2, 2015

As a kid I remember being fascinated by a door in the side of the sanctuary at St. John’s Church in Fairview, NJ. It was very mysterious. Only the priests ever used it.  The explanation was pretty mundane.  There was an enclosed walkway over the driveway between the church and the rectory.
Father John Tran of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Astoria Oregon doesn’t have a sweet deal like that.  His rectory is about a mile and a half from the church.  And that arrangement may be what had the parish in the Oregon Tax Court facing the Clatsop County Assessor.  Following what I have come to believe is the assessor’s code “When in doubt, tax it”, the parish had not been granted a property tax exemption for the rectory.

What Makes A Rectory A Rectory?
There is  little that shocks me and I can’t say that this case is an exception, but I do find it rather surprising. The Oregon Tax Court ended up approving the assessor’s denial of the exemption.
Father Todd Molinari , Vicar for Clergy of the Archdiocese of Portland testified about rectories.

Molinari testified that there has been Canon Law regarding rectories for centuries. Canon Law 533 requires priests to reside in a rectory near the church they serve.  According to that law, “[a] pastor is obliged to reside in a rectory near the church.” Molinari testified that that requirement is interpreted as requiring a rectory “within the territory of the church parish.” Molinari testified that a priest is given an endowment for an entire territory; the rectory enables the priest to faithfully execute his ministry duties within his assigned territory. Molinari testified that the rectory has to be within a “reasonable distance” to the church so the priest can facilitate his ministry, but because the priest has to be available to his parishioners, the rectory must be within a reasonable distance to the parishioners as well.
He began by explaining that the Church operates under the concept of “sustenance,” which means the local parish has to provide for the basic necessities of its priest. The particular requirements within a given archdiocese are usually spelled out in the policies of that archdiocese. The rectory must be within a reasonable distance to the church facilities, and provide a place for the priest to sleep, cook his meals, do his laundry, and have an area for study. The rectory must also have space for an assistant priest in the event there is one, and for seminarians studying for the priesthood who would be given a temporary assignment at a rectory. The rectory must also have space for visiting priests. The rectory is to be used for the purposes of the priest’s ministry.

St. Mary’s Star Of The Sea And Father Tran

Apparently the Parish covers rather a large area – over 360 square miles. I guess Catholics are thinner on the ground out there than they were in Bergen County in the sixties. St. John’s covered less than two square miles and had three full time priests supplemented by a Dominican who did the late masses on Sunday.  Besides the regular parish church St. Mary’s has  a “mission” where services are held to make it easier on people who live too far from the main parish.

The property in dispute is the third rectory that has been owned by the parish.  The original rectory, next to the church, was converted to administrative space and one within walking distance had been sold due to problems with heating and being too small to host guests.

Father Tran also testified.
The testimony seems to indicate that he was pretty much using the rectory, like, you know, a rectory.

Tran testified that the subject rectory in Astoria is a two story structure with a kitchen, a dining room, a study room, and a space on the other side of the kitchen area where Tran can visit with guests; it also has a master bedroom upstairs, two guest bedrooms, and a bonus room over the garage where Tran works on all church decorations needed for children to attend school mass. Tran testified on cross-examination that he uses the rectory as his full-time personal residence. Tran sleeps in the master bedroom. Tran testified that one of the guest bedrooms is used by visiting priests. He did not provide any specifics about such visits; how often they occur, how long a visiting priest stays, etc.
Tran testified that he prepares his own meals in the kitchen, and prepares meals for other church related visitors when they stay at the rectory. Tran later described the study as his library, explaining that he has a desk and bookcases in that room. Tran testified that he prepares sermons and homilies at the rectory. Tran testified that it takes him less than five minutes to get from the rectory to the parish by car.

The Decision
It probably has to do with my upbringing, but that assessor would not have done that well if I was the judge.  Of course, Magistrate Dan Robinson had to consider the actual law and everything, while I’m just looking at how this could be an updated version of Going My Way

The exemption for property owned by religious organization covers

houses of public worship and other additional buildings and property used solely for administrative, education, literary, benevolent, charitable, entertainment and recreational purposes by religious organizations, the lots on which they are situated, and the pews, slips and furniture therein. However, any part of any house of public worship or other additional buildings or property which is kept or used ***** for any purpose other than those stated in this section shall be assessed and taxed the same as other taxable property

When it comes to residences for clergy case law has evolved a two-prong test.  The official living in the residence must be required to live there by either church doctrine or practical necessity and the proximity of the residence to the house of worship must be necessary to further religious objectives.
The Oregon Tax Court saw the proximity as not being necessary to further religious objectives.

Although Tran does write sermons and homilies at the rectory, those duties do not require close physical proximity to the church. Tran could prepare those messages anywhere in Astoria, including the church, where he has at least one office. The other uses of the rectory have no direct connection to the church; they certainly do not require a rectory in close proximity to the church. There was generalized testimony about the availability of guest bedrooms for visiting priests, deacons, and seminarians, but no specific testimony or other evidence that such officials have stayed at the subject property and, if so, how many and how often they were there. Assuming such church officials did in fact visit and stay overnight at the rectory, they could have slept in a residence anywhere in Astoria, regardless of its location with respect to the church.
Tran testified he teaches members of the Domus Dei Order at the rectory on a monthly basis. That presents several questions. The Domus Dei Order is in Washougal, Washington, and there is no evidence it is part of the Portland archdiocese territory. If it is not, Plaintiff has not established how their visitations to the rectory in Astoria further the religious aims of St. Mary Church. Tran’s duties, according to his supervisor Molinari, are to his parishioners. The relationship between the parishioners and members of Domus Dei is unclear. In any event, Tran could teach the members of the Domus Dei Order at the church or any residence, regardless of its location with respect to the church. There is simply no evidence that the proximity of the rectory to the church is necessary to further the church’s religious objectives with regard to Tran’s involvement with Domus Dei, or that such involvement directly benefits the parishioners in any way. Tran does meet with his parishioners, but those meetings are all scheduled to take place at the church.

More Property Tax Coming For Oregon Catholic Parishes?
The decision closes with a somewhat ominous note.

Plaintiff argued in closing that all Catholic rectories in the Portland archdiocese are exempt. That may be true, but there is not a specific statutory grant of exemption for Catholic rectories. They are exempt if they meet the applicable legal standards, which is the reason actual use of the property must be examined in each case.

It would seem that many church rectories or parsonages, to use the homey American term, would flunk the test laid out by the Oregon Tax Court.  It will be interesting to see whether this becomes a trend. Parsonages have fallen out of favor with many Protestant denominations where the big tax subsidy is the federal income tax break that exempts cash paid for housing allowances from income tax.  The dubious constitutionality of that provision has avoided scrutiny thanks to rulings on nobody having standing to object to it.

Update
The last time this former altar boy tax blogger looked at a tax case involving a Catholic parish was back in 2012, when I wrote about Saint Frances X. Cabrini parish in Scituate, Mass.  The Archdiocese lost the property tax exemption for the property because the parish was being closed and parishioners have been occupying it, which is not an exempt purpose. According to Reuters, the parishioners have been ordered by the Norfolk County Superior Court to vacate by June 5.  The vigil has been going on for over a decade, so there may be some drama if it really does end this week.

Correction
The original version of this post contained a link to the biography of a different Father Tran.  See comments.
(VOCAL - look at comments in link above.)

Follow-up: CRS official resigns weeks after report he was in same-sex marriage.

There are many answers that Catholics need to ask when donating their hard-earned money to "Catholic" Relief Services, "Catholic" Campaign for Human Development and "Catholic" Charities. When a Catholic identity is absent in hiring people, giving thousands of dollars to anti-Catholic groups as CCHD does, do we have a right for a disclaimer so groups that upheld the teachings of our Church get money we want directed as a donation to our Church?  I believe this is the tip of the iceberg.  A simple phone call to these agencies stating that no more "Catholic" money will be donated until this disclaimer is honored will help the Church not to work against Herself.

Catholic News Service VOCAL added picture WASHINGTON — A veteran Catholic Relief Services financial official has resigned in the wake of report that he was in a same-sex marriage. Rick Estridge, vice president for overseas finance, stepped down after 16 years with the U.S. bishops' overseas aid and development agency, saying "it was the right decision for me." CRS announced Estridge's resignation in a statement emailed to Catholic News Service June 3. The agency described Estridge as a "valued employee." "Because of the stress this situation has caused Mr. Estridge and his family, he has made the decision to leave CRS," the statement said. The statement also said that Estridge entered into a same-sex civil marriage in 2013. The resignation comes six weeks after Michael Hichborn, president of the Lepanto Institute, posted an unofficial copy of a marriage record from the state of Maryland indicating Estridge's date of marriage, the name of his spouse and their residence. Hichborn's report included social media posts attributed to Estridge in which the former CRS official supported gay rights and same-sex marriage legislation. "Given his position and his lifestyle, I don't think he belonged in a Catholic agency," Hichborn told CNS June 3 after the resignation was announced. Catholic teaching holds that marriage is between one man and one woman. In an interview posted May 18 on the website of Aleteia, a Rome-based worldwide network that shares faith resources, Carolyn Woo, CEO and president of CRS, said the agency was reviewing Estridge's situation. "We're also dealing with a new intersection between, in this case, state law and church teaching where the practice is being defined," she said. Estridge thanked CRS leadership "for providing me with the space to make this determination during this difficult time," in the agency statement. "I continue to have full faith in CRS' leadership and the organization as a whole. I thank my team and the global finance community for their hard work and dedication and have every belief that they will continue to serve with excellence." CRS commended Estridge for his work with the agency over the years. "He has done a tremendous job during his years at CRS and will be missed. We are grateful that he has agreed to be available as needed for consultation to ensure a smooth transition," the statement said. The agency said that Estridge was not Catholic and he held a position that did not involve mission-related decisions and thus did not have to be held by a Catholic. "CRS also want to express its strong objection to these types of attacks and tactics of the groups which launch them," without identifying Hichborn or the institute. "The highly personal public critique broadcast Mr. Estridge's home address and used derogatory terms that are now part of the online record. This has caused great pain for many people." The agency said it remained committed to treating people with "the respect and compassion they deserve as children of God." "We detest hurtful campaigns that do not build up, but undermine, individuals and church agencies carrying out the mission of bringing the love of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering," the statement added." Hichborn was unapologetic in his response to the resignation, saying that he believed that any Catholic organization should never hire anyone who is not Catholic. "The people (employed) really need to be practicing the faith," he told CNS. "I think any Catholic apostolate needs to be Catholic in its employees and its mission. It's not an industry. It's not just a job. People need to be Catholic." Hichborn, who said he was the Lepanto Institute's only employee, said he was simply presenting facts about Estridge that he uncovered after receiving a tip. "There's no judgment here," he said. "It's a matter of fact. He (Estridge) is living a life that is antithetical of Catholic teaching." Hichborn also said that Estridge's skills will allow him to find work quickly. "I will say I wish Mr. Estridge well. I hope he does repent of the lifestyle he is living. I'm sorry that the way he was living was not in line with Catholic teaching."

Bishop Vasa Co-Authors Handbook on Family to Counter Confusion Over Church Teaching

Archbishop Aldo de Cillo Pagotto of Brazil and Auxiliary Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Kazakhstan co-authored ‘Preferential Option for the Family — 100 Questions and Answers Relating to the Synod’ with the Santa Rosa, Calif., shepherd.

by EDWARD PENTIN 05/27/2015 

Bishop Robert Vasa

– The Roman Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa 

ROME — A handbook of 100 questions and answers explaining the Church’s doctrine on marriage and the family has been launched with the aim of clearing up confusion ahead of the October Synod of Bishops on the Family.

The booklet’s authors — Archbishop Aldo de Cillo Pagotto of Paraíba, Brazil, Bishop Robert Vasa of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Bishop Athanasius Schneider, auxiliary of Astana, Kazakhstan — describe the publication as a “vademecum [handbook] on the family.”

Said Bishop Vasa, “There is nothing new or revolutionary in this book. We just simply felt that, in light of the upcoming synod on the family, it was time to reiterate those things the Church has clearly and consistently taught.”

“We want to call attention to the truth of certain doctrines, many of which were raised at last year’s Extraordinary Synod [of Bishops] on the Family,” philosophy professor Tommaso Scandroglio told the Register at a Tuesday launch of the booklet in Rome.

Scandroglio, who presented the booklet entitled “Preferential Option for the Family — 100 Questions and Answers Relating to the Synod,” said it was “important to show the pastoral solutions we can apply as principles in our day.”

The authors write that they wish to address relevant fundamental issues on marriage and the family.
“The pastoral needs of the moment also require us to be entirely clear on crucial and delicate points debated in the latest synod, whose interpretation was partially distorted by some theological schools with overwhelming support from the mass media,” the bishops write in the introduction.

“It, therefore, seems appropriate to reiterate some fundamental doctrinal truths and pastoral requirements essential to the problem of the family, whose real situation is quite different from the one they would have us believe.”

Countering the ‘Anti-Family Offensive’

They add that the publication is designed “primarily” to serve as a guide not only for “bishops, priests, religious, catechists” and individual lay faithful in positions of responsibility and leadership, but also any laity concerned about attacks on the family who are “wishing to counter the reckless and powerful anti-family offensive of the mass media.”

The booklet, available in several languages, is divided into 13 chapters, with simple questions and answers. It begins by explaining the synod of bishops and its authority and preparation for the upcoming synod. It then goes on to answer questions on the Church’s relationship with the family, the sexual revolution, moral teaching and pastoral practice.

It discusses personal conscience and the magisterium, the nature and purpose of marriage, declarations of nullity, divorce and separation and Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried. It also covers homosexuality and same-sex unions, applications of mercy to the family situation and the role of supernatural grace in the commitment of family chastity.

Buzzwords
The answers to each of the questions “continually recall doctrine of the Catholic Church on these matters,” Scandroglio said.

One chapter is given to analyzing some key words used at the last synod — what it calls “talismanic words” — that carried “strong emotional content” and therefore were perceived as “entirely flexible and changeable.”

Words such as “hurt persons,” “mercy,” “welcome,” “tenderness” and “deepening” have an “elasticity,” the authors write, that make them “susceptible to being used for propaganda purposes and abused for ideological ends.”

When these words are used, they continue, it can “push the faithful to replace a moral judgment with a sentimental one or a substantial judgment with a formal one, coming to regard as good, or at least tolerable, what at first was considered bad.” The booklet then goes to explain in more detail what this means for each of the words mentioned.

Cardinal Medina

In his preface, Cardinal Jorge Medina Estévez, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship, underlines that most objective observers would agree that the family finds itself in a “real and profound crisis.”

“Facing this reality, it would not be a wise attitude to ignore or minimize this crisis,” he writes, adding that the Church must “evaluate its scope and magnitude and strive to find ways to overcome it.”

“This is the goal pursued, with realism and hope, by this booklet,” he says, and he later stresses that what is most important when facing the crisis of the family is conversion of heart, something that presupposes a “radical purification of thought.”

The Tradition, Faith and Property (TFP) movement is backing the publication of the booklet, which is being sent to all of the world’s bishops.

Those involved in the booklet project, including spokesman Scandroglio, are also promoting the “Filial Appeal” on the future of the family — a petition to the Holy Father calling for more clarity on the Church’s teaching in this area. The petition has gained more than 250,000 signatures, including those of four cardinals, 23 bishops and archbishops, academics and public figures, and will be presented to Pope Francis before the October synod.

Speaking at the launch of the booklet, John Smeaton, chief executive of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said it is a “wonderful publication” that addresses the “confusion of ordinary Catholics, formed in the faith but overwhelmed by the cultural whims of the sexual revolution.”
“It provides us with a language with which to speak to young people about marriage, faithfulness, chastity and salvation,” he said. “It gives us a sense of the power of God, of his grace, which brings true human happiness.” By contrast, he added, the sexual revolution has been orchestrated by powerful lobbies “in order to destroy families and destroy happiness.”

Edward Pentin is the Register’s Rome correspondent.

MORE INFORMATION
Copies of the ‘Preferential Option for the Family’ booklet can be obtained by emailing supplicafiliale@gmail.com or calling +39 366-9971856.

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/bishop-vasa-co-authors-handbook-on-family-to-counter-confusion-over-church/#ixzz3bORDJd9G

Pope tells parents: "Don’t let ‘so-called experts’ usurp the education of your children."

Parents are the primary educators of their children and the Holy Father is taking this time, before his visit to the United States in September for the Synod on the Family, to remind all parents of this fact. 

It would follow that in their children's spiritual education parents voices need to be heard and "the Sacraments should not be held hostage" from children of parents who feel their children are prepared and need the Grace of these Sacraments.   

 God Bless Pope Francis for reminding everyone of their priorities.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ROME, May 20, 2015 (LifeSiteNews.com) -- Parents have “self-exiled from the education of their children” and must take back their role as their children’s educators from the “so-called experts,” says Pope Francis.

At his May 20 weekly general audience, the Holy Father spoke out strongly against “intellectual critics” who have “have silenced parents in many ways, to protect the young generation from the damage – real or imagined – of family education,” according to Zenit.

“Yet the relationship between family and school ought to be harmonious,” said the pope. “Our children need sure guidance in the process of growing in responsibility for themselves and others. Christian communities are called to support the educational mission of families.”

Pope Francis said that “experts” have usurped the “role of parents even in the most intimate aspects of education. … On the emotional life, personality and development, rights and duties, the ‘experts’ know everything: objectives, motivations, techniques.”

And “the family has stood accused, among other things, of authoritarianism, cronyism, of conformism, of affective repression that generates conflicts.”

This has created a crisis of trust between the family and society, with parents backing away from educating their children, the Holy Father said. “Parents spend less time with their children, and schools are often more influential than families in shaping the thinking and values of the young.”
Parents “tend to entrust ever more to the ‘experts,’ even for the most delicate and personal aspects in [their children’s] lives,” the Holy Father said, according to Catholic World News. “And this is very serious!”

 

Thus “deprived of their role,” parents “become over-burdened and possessive of their children, never even correcting them.”

When he said a bad word to his teacher as a schoolboy, Pope Francis related, both his teacher and his mother corrected him. “Today, on the contrary, if a teacher does something like that, the next day either one or both parents will reproach the teacher because the experts say that children should not be corrected in that way.”

“It is evident that this approach is not good,” he said. “It is not harmonious, it is not dialogical, and rather than favoring the collaboration between families and other educational agents, it opposes them to one another.”

The pope also acknowledged the difficulties facing separated couples, but urged them not to criticize each other in front of their children, to “never, never, never take the children hostage.”

Pope Francis described “good family education” as “the backbone of humanism,” according to Zenit. “Its influence is the social resource that allows you to make up for the drawbacks, the wounds, the gaps of parenthood that affect less fortunate children. This influence can do real miracles. And in the Church these miracles happen every day.”

“May the Lord grant to Christian families the faith, the liberty, and the courage necessary for their mission!” the pope said in closing. “It is time for fathers and mothers to return from their exile, because they have self-exiled from the education of their children, and to fully reassume their educational role.”

 Baptism, Confirmation and then Holy Communion.  The correct order.

Six-year-old grandson changed his mind about being Confirmed.  Bishop Vasa agrees with having parents in charge of their children's souls.

His eight -year old brother was confirmed by Bishop Vasa and had his first Holy Communion the next year.

Duffy Gives Voice to Voiceless During Pro-Life Bill Debate

House Passes Pro-Life Bill Banning Late-Term Abortions After 20 Weeks - BUT....why politics are a must.

The House of Representatives today approved a that bans abortions from after 20-weeks of pregnancy up to the day of birth.

The vote for the bill broke down on mostly partisan lines with Republicans supporting the ban on late-term abortions and Democrats opposing it. 

Should the Senate approve the bill, President Barack Obama has issued a veto threat. 

VOCAL's same old song.  We have NO Oregon Catholic voice at the State Capitol.  There is some actual information, from a very reliable source that the man who is supposed to represent Catholics disses the Church to others.  This makes him impotent when even speaking up for Catholics.  The words are hollow, it is embarrassing and scandalous when we are expected give our "time, talents and treasure" when much of it goes down the drain and isn't used to our strength.  What are we supposed to do?  There are things we are called to do, and it might be the time very soon to put these into action.

We have allowed too many opportunities for Oregon speak up for life slip through our fingers.  Not the only "pro-life" priority 'capitol punishment' and letting this belief stand and not be corrected. There must be collusion at the Pastoral Center for this to be allowed.  Amazing.

 

  Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2015/05/13/house-passes-pro-life-bill-banning-late-term-abortions-after-20-weeks

Archdiocese of Portland Job Opportunities - Apply or Pray.

Fellow Oregon Catholics.  There are so many positions that Archbishop Sample wants to fill so that there's a real Catholic identity in Oregon.  It is sad that Roger Martin is still considered our lobbyist and this position alone brings a Catholic identity to Oregon more than all the other job listings.  This is because we are called to be faithful and not always successful in a state that very much dislikes Catholics.  May we soon get a lobbyist that actually loves the Church and puts their heart and mind into standing up for Catholics at the Capitol.

Pastoral Center Job Opportunities.  Listed on the Archdpdx website as of 5/12/15.
 

Administration - Director of Communications - Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Administration - Superintendent of Schools - Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Pastoral Ministry - Administrative Assistant 3 - Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Pastoral Ministry - Director of Divine Worship - Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

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Parish Job Opportunities

Administrative Assistant

Assistant Dining Hall Director

Bilingual Faith Formation Coordinator

Business Manager  (2)

Director of Faith Formation - St. Joseph Church Salem

Director of Faith Formation - Queen of Peace Salem

Director of Youth Ministry

Events Manager - Mt. Angel Abbey and Seminary 

Maintenance-Custodial Lead

Music - Cantor

Music Ministry (3)

Parish Secretary or Administrative Secretary, Bilingual (1)

Pastoral Associate (3)

Pastoral Coordinator / Youth Minister (1)

Coordinator of Religious Education (1)

Social Services Coordinator (1)

Youth Minister (2)

Confirmation / Youth Ministry Coordinator

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   School Job Opportunities

Department of Catholic Schools

Administrative Assistant (1)

Part Time Wedding Sacristan for Campus Ministry - UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND

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    Other Dioceses Job Opportunities

Assoicate Director of Evangelization & Catechesis - Diocese of Baker

Catechetical Specialist - Diocese of Baker

Director of Faith Formation - St. Frances of Assisi, Bend OR

Return to Human Resources Home

The Most Reverend Liam Cary Bishop of Baker on Religious Freedom - Portland, May 12, 2015

Facebook LinkedIn REMINDER: The J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Portland Oregon Chapter is Pleased to Host The Most Reverend Liam Cary Bishop of Baker on Religious Freedom   **SEATING IS FILLING UP FAST, RSVP NOW Tuesday, May 12, 2015, Noon - 1:30pm Multnomah Athletic Club (1849 SW Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97205 | Free Parking)   Dear JRCLS-PDX Chapter Members and Friends: The Most Reverend Liam Cary was named the bishop of Baker by Pope Benedict XVI on March 8, 2012. Bishop Cary will address the current threats to religious freedom and freedom of conscience in the United States. In the spirit of religious freedom, we are inviting our friends from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities. Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues. Seating is limited and filling up fast, so RSVP now. Warm regards, Shawn Lindsay 503.968.1475 Chapter Chair Chapter Board: Roger K. Harris (Immediate Past Chair); Paul Barton (Treasurer/Secretary); Jeff Bradford; D. Gary Christensen; Danielle Hunsaker; Sara A. Kearsley; Daniel J. Nichols; Tom Pixton; Skyler M. Tanner. J. Reuben Clark Law Society Mission Statement: "We affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer's personal religious conviction. We strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law." For more information, click here.

Archdiocese of Portland Still :Looking for: SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Archbishop Sample really cares about our Catholic Schools and the Catholic identity of each student.  It's been lacking in the past and if you know of anyone please let them know about this position.  The "Earth Charter"  (Read the Charter) has been around this Archdiocese of years.  Look it up and see what the Archbishop has to deal with.  There seems to have been little oversight regarding this scandal.  Please pray for a Godly man or woman to fill this deep void.
Apply for this job! Tell a friend Print job
Job Details
Job ID: 1513262 Application Deadline: Posted until Filled Posted: May 4, 2015
Job Description
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS – ARCHDIOCESE OF PORTLAND IN OREGON The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon is searching for a Superintendent of Schools who is a collaborative and inspirational leader.  The Superintendent will carry out the Archbishop’s vision to grow and sustain our Catholic schools by communicating and supporting the value of Catholic identity and excellent academics within our schools.  The superintendent supervises the Department of Catholic Schools’ staff and directors in facilitating school and student success from Pre-K through high school. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the Department of Catholic Schools which supports schools by leading a variety of organizational actions including faith formation, Catholic Identity, accreditation, curriculum, assessment and fostering school enrollment growth and sustainability.  The Superintendent acts as a key communicator for the Archdiocese and represents the Archbishop in matters related to K-12 schools. Oversees policies and procedures to ensure the proper operation of the Archdiocesan elementary and secondary schools including processes to employ and supervise school administrators. The Superintendent of Schools models a strong Catholic faith life and promotes Catholic Identity and faith formation within the Archdiocesan schools. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of education and school administration, planning, organization and personnel, along with knowledge of church organizational and operations procedures and federal, state and local laws is required.  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree in Education/Administration or other academic area and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in school administrative leadership with previous experience as a diocesan administrator; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above-described essential functions.  Specific experience in a complex, nonprofit, multi-unit organization with service orientation.  Practicing Catholic required.  Valid driver’s license.  Bilingual in Spanish preferred.  WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Position encounters a wide diversity of work situations and involves a high degree of complexity, as incumbent is responsible for advising and decision-making in many areas.  Work is performed mostly in an office setting.  Employee is required to attend evening meetings, travel extensively, work long hours and do extensive close work.  Employee is on-call in case of emergency. For consideration, please email your letter of interest, resume and a recommendation letter from a priest, deacon, or member of a religious order to pdxpersonnel@archdpdx.orgwith Superintendent of Schools in the subject line.  Open until filled. Position Type: Full-time Job Category: Administrator > Superintendent
Contact Information
Dina Boyle 2838 E. Burnside Portland, Oregon 97214 Phone: 503-233-8348 Email: click here

Cathoic Relief Services Executive in Same-Sex ‘Marriage’

Lepanto Institute broke this. lepantoinstitute.org

UPDATE: Estridge’s Facebook and LinkedIn profiles have been deleted.
Public records obtained  from the Clerk of Circuit Court for the City of Baltimore, Maryland show that Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) Vice-President of Overseas Finance is in a same-sex “marriage.”  His postings on facebook also indicate that he actively and publicly supports  same-sex “marriage.”

According to Linkedin, Rick Estridge is Vice-President of Overseas Finance at Catholic Relief Services.  In his online profile, Estridge states his duties at CRS as follows:

“As Vice President of Overseas Finance, I lead the development and implementation of all overseas financial management systems, policies, processes and activities to ensure strong resource stewardship, operational efficiency, consistent financial performance, risk mitigation, and exceptional financial management across all overseas operations. I also act as the lead Finance representative of the Agency to all donors, partners and other stakeholders related to overseas financial reporting, and contract/agreement, policy and compliance matters related to overseas financial management.”

According to page 26 of this document written by CRS, Estridge was either a regional director or country representative for CRS in 2001 and has been an employee of CRS ever since.  Estridge assumed his role as Vice President of Overseas finance in April of 2013.  Prior to that, he spent four and a half years as Manager of Finance and Administration for CRS’s program called AIDSRelief, he spent two years as Senior Technical Advisor for Finance and Management in Emergencies, and five years as Director of Overseas Finance.  All told, Estridge has been working for CRS for at least fourteen years.

The Lepanto Institute applied for Estridge’s public marriage record from the City of Baltimore.  A link to the document as it arrived in the mail can be viewed by clicking here.  Below is a section of the marriage record, with key areas highlighted.

It may be coincidence, but it is worth nothing that Estridge entered into his same-sex “marriage” the same month he was promoted to a vice-presidential position at CRS.




In addition to being in a same-sex “marriage,” Estridge has clearly advocated for same-sex
 “marriage” on his facebook page.  To be clear that this is the same individual, here is a picture of 
Estridge on his own facebook page
.
 By comparing this image with that on the linkedin page, it’s clear that this is the same person.
What follows below are a series of screen-captures showing Estridge’s support and promotion of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.  This first image is taken from his “about” page on facebook, where all of the organizations he “likes” are listed.  Of note are the following, Matthew Shephard Foundation, Gay Rights, Human Rights Campaign, No H8 Campaign, and Freedom to Marry.

In a facebook post by the Human Rights Campaign (which is all about same-sex marriage), Estridge thanked the four politicians mentioned “for their leadership.”In a facebook post by the Human Rights Campaign (which is all about same-sex marriage), Estridge thanked the four politicians mentioned “for their leadership.”
In the next post, Estridge actually suggested sending Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern to Gitmo (a military prison that held unlawful combatants during the War on Terror), because she filed three bills against same-sex marriage and suggested that the notion that ‘homosexuality is normal and healthy’ is more dangerous to young people than terrorism is.

Conclusion
Bishops across the country are working hard to defend their schools and parishes against the encroachment of those openly and actively engaging in sodomitical acts.  In San Francisco, Archbishop Cordileone is fighting to preserve Catholic principles in archdiocesan high schools.  Bishop Lenon in the Diocese of Cleveland has banned teachers in his diocese whose “actions or speech” in any way support abortion, contraception, or same-sex “marriage.”  In Omaha, Nebraska, a man had lost his teaching contract renewal at a Catholic high school because of his plans to “marry” another man.  And while all of this is taking place, a man in a same-sex “marriage,” who actively advocates for same-sex “marriage” on facebook, holds a Vice-President’s position at Catholic Relief Services.

There is something very seriously wrong with that picture.

Considering that Catholic Relief Services claims to uphold Catholic moral teachings, while it is regularly caught doing the opposite, one has to wonder how many other individuals such as Rick Estridge hold high level positions at CRS.  And if other individuals such as Estridge hold high positions, how many of them are responsible for conducting the internal investigations at CRS which tend to exonerate them of any wrongdoing, even when all the facts say otherwise?

With a high level executive at CRS being involved in a same-sex “marriage,” it becomes very difficult to trust the “Catholic Identity” of the organization.  It is also very difficult to take CRS seriously as a Catholic organization, especially since this man was elevated to his vice-president’s position in the same month he was “married.”

In light of this, it is worth noting that the funding for the contraception-promoting programs implemented by CRS appear to have been conducted under the auspices of this vice-president.  This may not be the case, but it is a possibility that the bishops really should explore.

Cardinal Francis George Passed Away - We are so fortunate to have had him as our Archbishop.

Archbishop Sample was saddened to hear of the loss of his predecessor, but noted that his death came during the Easter season. “May he now rejoice ...

4/17/2015 2:35:00 PM Cardinal George dies The former Oregon spiritual leader is dead at age 78 Archbishop (Cardinal) Francis George, Archbishop Cornelius Power and Archbishop (Cardinal) William Levada at Archbishop George's installation Mass at St. Mary Cathedral in Portland, 1996. Benedictine Abbot Peter Eberle, Archbishop (Cardinal) Francis George, and Father Patrick Brennan at Mount Angel Abbey. + view more photos Cardinal George teaches to Catholic school children in Yakima, Wash. Staff and news service reports Cardinal Francis George, an intellectual leader in the U.S. Catholic Church for decades, died of cancer April 17 at his Chicago home. The former Archbishop of Portland was 78. Cardinal George stepped down last year after 17 years as spiritual head of Chicago’s 2.3 million Catholics. At the time, Eleanor Franczak, a member of St. Michael Parish in Orland Park, summed up the cardinal’s tenure this way: “He was one of us. He wasn’t any better or worse, just a normal person.” That was an assessment the cardinal probably would appreciate, despite his reputation as a preeminent scholar and defender of the faith. “His legacy will be felt for many years to come,” said Archbishop Alexander Sample. “He was an intellectual giant in service to the Church and a man of deep faith – a true believer.” Archbishop Sample was saddened to hear of the loss of his predecessor, but noted that his death came during the Easter season. “May he now rejoice with all the angels and saints in the Kingdom of Heaven as we now pray that he sees his Lord face to face,” said Archbishop Sample, who had a long conversation with Cardinal George earlier this year. “I was able to express to him what an inspiration and example he has been to me as his ‘younger brother’ among the bishops,” Archbishop Sample said. Despite being hindered by a polio limp, the young Francis George, a Chicago native, joined the Oblates of Mary and served in Africa and Asia. He became a philosophy professor and regional provincial then vicar general of his religious order. When he was named Bishop of Yakima in 1990, he learned Spanish to better minister to the people. He was appointed Archbishop of Portland in April 1996. He asked Oregon Catholics to teach him how to be a good bishop. In return, he promised to help them become good missionaries. “His service was his intellect,” says Msgr. Patrick Brennan, pastor of St. Mary Cathedral in Portland and president-rector of Mount Angel Seminary during the 1990s. “I remember his vast intelligence and sweeping views of every issue,” Msgr. Brennan says. “He would speak at the drop of a hat on anything and it was like an encyclopedia, so logical, so clear. If you had a question, he would serve you by assisting you in that way.” Less than a year after the Portland appointment, St. John Paul II named him to fill the position in Chicago, which was left vacant by the death of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. He became an eloquent spokesman for why God and religion should be a respected part of public life. And while the nation’s bishops were struggling with clerical sexual abuse, Cardinal George insisted that zero tolerance was the only course consistent with the church’s beliefs. As a cardinal, he offered counsel and support to three popes. In his last years, Cardinal George suffered with cancer and spoke publicly about it. Early this year, he told a group that he was in God’s hands. “A man of peace, tenacity and courage has been called home to the Lord,” Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich said just hours after the death. Cardinal George is fondly remembered in Oregon. Archbishop John Vlazny says he was somewhat intimidated when he was appointed as the successor to Cardinal George as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Portland in 1997. “But he quickly quickly and quietly gave me all the support and encouragement I would ever need.” “He was a true brother in the college of bishops and a dedicated servant leader among God's people,” said Archbishop Vlazny. “I visited him in early February and somehow we both knew it was the last time. He was always kind and understanding in our mutual dealings. He lived and died prayerfully and courageously. A great churchman, a holy priest. Well done, your Eminence. May he rest in peace.” “He was just about the most inspiring person I ever met,” says Anne Marie Van Dyke, an Archdiocese of Portland pastoral center staff member who worked in the building during Cardinal George’s tenure. “He had an aura about him. The first day I met him, I thought, ‘If ever we have an American pope, it could be this man.’” Along with his intelligence came a sense of humor. Once, Van Dyke’s workmates urged her to write a poem asking the archbishop to proclaim a day off on Easter Monday. She had regrets right after sending it. Was that inappropriate for so great a man? But then came his response, also a poem, which ended, “But not this year.” "His faithful service and knowledge of the Catholic Church were a welcome addition to our mission,” said John Limb, publisher of Oregon Catholic Press, where Cardinal George served as chairman of the board during his time in Portland. “He will be missed — in Portland, in Chicago and in the Church around the world." “The impact that Cardinal George had on the Archdiocese of Portland far exceeds the short time he was here,” said Mary Jo Tully, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Portland. “I was always touched by how attentively he listened to the least of our worries. If it was important to us, it was important to him. From the beginning, we knew that he cared for us. His concern for us followed him to Chicago. Years after he left, he still asked about specific parishes and priests. He inquired about situations that were unresolved when he left. Those of us who worked with the Cardinal prayed for him through his battle with Cancer and today we remember him in our prayers with great affection.” Ed Langlois, a staff member at the Catholic Sentinel, met Cardinal George at St. André Bessette Parish in late 1996. Langlois introduced his newborn son to the archbishop, and apologized that the infant had more hair than the bald churchman. “Being bald is the only thing that would make your son better looking,” Cardinal George responded without a pause. The next year, when Cardinal learned that Pope John Paul II had named him as the successor to Chicago Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, he asked in surprise, “Are you sure the Holy Father has considered all the options?”

Latest Status on Bill Diss - Legal Fight for Purity in Oregon

Here is the latest status on Bill Diss from Precious Children of Portland.  He has been fighting since 2007 for the purity of our youth and the demise of Planned Parenthood's MLK abortion mill.  Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Bill Diss the teacher who was walked out of Benson Polytechnic High two years ago has working diligently with an attorney hired by the union and by an attorney hired by Life Legal Defense Foundation.

Bill spends many hours a week on his case and recently was deposed by the lawyer from the school district.  He had to undergo questioning for one and a half days and on April 21, 2014 he will be part of arbitration hearings where the school district and his lawyer will question different students and teachers.

Mr. Diss has requested prayers from everyone and he will be at the arbitration for six days.  Bill is now self employed and teaches home school families and works part time at the local community college.  Bill encourages all the faithful to defend the purity of our youth and lives of the preborn.

================================

Here's more information on Bill.

Dear Friends,

Bill Diss, former Benson High School Math and Electronics teacher, lost his job approximately 3 years ago with Portland Public Schools because of Planned Parenthood.

Bill is now in the thick of litigation, and needs your prayers, especially on:

April 21, 22, 23, 24. And April 27 and 28.

He had to take 4 full days off of work / tutoring to accommodate these dates.

And he is under intense grilling for about 6 hours for 4 of the days!

Please pray that the Holy Spirit guides his thoughts and responses, and his lawyers'.

Also, he asked for prayers for the parties on the other side. We pray for mercy and justice for all involved!

Thank you so much, and may God Bless and keep you.

Theresa Ruesink

40 Days for Life Portland

GUEST POST on Oregon Health Authority Form and Teenagers Consent for Sterilization

This particular bill HB2678 was filed "pre-session" which means that it is one of those favored to receive extra early attention. The two sponsors are listed as Robert Nosse (D) and Michael Dembrow (D). The bill was introduced in early January and there was a public hearing Feb. 16, 2015.
No one spoke against the bill but it was highly praised by officials of Planned Parenthood, Oregon Nurses Assoc.and others.

In 2011, I became aware of a 2-page document available through the Oregon Health Authority which is a consent form for sterilization of girls and boys age 15-20. This permission paper even provides interpreters who "assist" young people in signing for sterilization. This permission sheet mentions that if the young person does not want to be sterilized, he/she will not suffer withdrawal or withholding of benefits provided by projects or programs receiving federal funds !!

Carol
++++++++++++

Below is a portion of this consent form for 15-20 year old males to become sterilized by the Oregon Health Authority.  Thanks to Carol for the link and her connections.

Here is the link in pdf form      .https://apps.state.or.us/Forms/Served/oe0742b.pdf

Physician's Statement

Statement of Person Obtaining Consent

"Shortly before I performed an operation upon _______________________(name of individual to be sterilized) on   _________ (date of sterilization operation), I explained to

 him/her the nature of the sterilization operation

___________________________(specify type of

 operation), the fact that it is intended to be a final

 and irreversible procedure and the discomforts,

 risks and benefits associated with it.

I counseled the individual to be sterilized that alternative

methods of birth control are available which are temporary. I explained that sterilization is different because it is permanent. I informed the individual to be sterilized that his/her consent can be withdrawn at any time and that he/she will not lose any health services or benefits provided by Federal funds.

To the best of my knowledge and belief the

individual to be sterilized is between 15-20 years

of age and appears mentally competent. He/

She knowingly and voluntarily requested to be

sterilized and appears to understand the nature and consequences of the procedure."