Communion. A relfection by Archbishop Alexander Sample.

Most Rev. Alexander Sample Archbishop of Portland Since receiving the pallium from the hands of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on June 29, I have been asked more times than I can count what the moment meant for me. Both before and since traveling to Rome to receive the pallium I have reflected deeply on that question. What is the essential symbolism of that simple woolen band that I now wear on my shoulders at solemn Mass? The word that keeps coming back to me again and again is “communion.” The pallium, which is given to metropolitan archbishops from all around the world as a symbol of their jurisdiction, is much more about communion and service than about power and authority. It is about communion with Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Trinity, communion with brothers and sisters in the Church throughout the world, and of course communion with the successor to St. Peter and head of the college of bishops, the Pope. As I lined up to process into the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, I was standing between an archbishop from Bolivia and another from the Fiji Islands, and across from me in the procession was an archbishop from Nigeria. Here we were, new archbishops from all over the world, and yet we were one — we were in communion with each other in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. And walking in procession behind us was the successor to St. Peter, as the choir sang the “Tu es Petrus” — “you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” One of the great gifts that the Second Vatican Council gave to the Church was a renewed emphasis on an ecclesiology of communio. This means that we understand the Church as a communion of believers, diverse in culture and experience, yet completely united in the bonds of faith, hope and love. This theology of communion flows from our understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ, so eloquently described by St. Paul the Apostle. We are many and individual members of the Body of Christ, but we form a unity and our place in the Body is at the service of that unity. The dictionary defines the Latin term communio as “communion” or “mutual participation.” I particularly like this second meaning. We participate with one another in the communion of the Church, and there is a mutuality to our communion, so that we complement and in a real way help and serve one another. This is so important to the vitality and effectiveness of the Church’s mission to proclaim and witness to the Gospel. The reception of the pallium was not at all about me as an individual person. It was about the communion of the Archbishop of Portland, and through him the whole Church in the Province of Portland (Oregon, Montana and Idaho) with the universal Church, visibly represented by the Pope. It was about our unity with the rest of the Church and our oneness of faith under the guidance of the chief shepherd of the universal Church, Pope Francis. This spirit of communio is something that we must also experience and faithfully live here in our own local archdiocesan Church in western Oregon. What is experienced on a universal level in the Church throughout the world is also reflected in our communion of faith, hope and love in the Archdiocese of Portland. Under the pastoral care, loving guidance and governance of the local shepherd, namely your Archbishop, we must be people of communion, a people of unity for the sake of the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ. Oftentimes, we do not see beyond the boundaries and lived experience of our own local parish communities. They become the whole of our Church experience, and our sense of communion with the rest of the archdiocesan and universal Church is diminished or even disappears. But we are Catholics, not congregationalists. Without this profound sense of communion with the rest of the Church, especially with our bishop and the Holy Father, we risk becoming a closed local community that can even stray from an authentic understanding of teachings of Christ and the sacred Tradition that has been handed on to us across 2,000 years from the Apostles themselves. As I now shoulder the pallium, it is my profound hope and prayer that together we will be able to build among us a greater and more profound communion of faith, hope and love as a local Church in western Oregon. Jesus once said that “every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” (Matthew 12:25) May we come to not just profess but also live what we say in the Creed: “I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”

Humor at St. Peter's expense.

Karl Rahner, Hans Kung and Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger all die on the same day, and go to meet St. Peter to know their fate. 

St. Peter approaches the three of them, and tells them that he will interview each of them to discuss their views on various issues.

He then points at Rahner and says "Karl! In my office..." After 4 hours, the door opens, and Rahner comes stumbling out of St. Peter's office. He is highly distraught, and is mumbling things like "Oh God, that was the hardest thing I've ever done! How could I have been so wrong! So sorry...never knew..." He stumbles off into Heaven, a testament to the mercy of Our God.

St. Peter follows him out, and sticks his finger in Kung's direction and "Hans! You're next..." After 8 hours, the door opens, and Kung comes out, barely able to stand. He is near collapse with weakness and a crushed spirit. He, too, is mumbling things like "Oh God, that was the hardest thing I've ever done! How could I have been so wrong! So sorry...never knew..." He stumbles off into Heaven, a testament to the mercy of Our God.

Lastly, St. Peter, emerging from his office, says to Cardinal Ratzinger, "Joseph, your turn." TWELVE HOURS LATER, St. Peter stumbles out the door, apparently exhausted, saying, "Oh God, that's the hardest thing I've ever done..."




By the way,

The pearly gates is an informal name for the gateway to Heaven according to some Christian denominations. It is inspired by the description of the New Jerusalem in Book of Revelation 21:21. 
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate being made from a single pearl.^[1]

The image of the gates in popular culture is a set of large, white or wrought-iron gates in the clouds, guarded by Saint Peter (the keeper of the "keys to the kingdom"). Those not fit to enter heaven are denied entrance at the gates, and descend into Hell.^[2]

Pope Francis Tidbit from Reader

from Tiago,

I lived in Argentina from 2007 to 2010. Most of porteños (VOCAL those who live in the port city) are not believers but everyone knew who Bergoglio (now renamed as Francis) was and even though his dispute against the government he was respected by everyone.

I trust in his intentions in reforming the church, and I am positive he has the strength and the intelligence to do in spite of his age.

Good luck Francis! 



Pope Francis's general prayer intention for July 2013 is "That World Youth Day in Brazil may encourage all young Christians to become disciples and missionaries of the Gospel."

And It Begins: Tribunal Director – Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

This post is VOCAL's take on the Year of Faith in the Archdiocese of Portland under our new Archbishop.  For decades the "Years of Alinsky" have driven this Archdiocese.  Priests that have lost their way had been leading us and some still do.

Laity has the task of asking questions of those that are paid by our collection plate monies regarding the errors that they encounter.  No longer can we just "wait and see".  As in the secular world around us, we can see how that attitude has served the people.  Souls are most important.

For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God?     I Peter 4:17  Douay-Rheims Bible

  
TRIBUNAL DIRECTOR

Law, FT Employee

Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon (Portland, OR)

Tribunal Director

The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon is looking for an experienced Tribunal Director with a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of Canon Law. Applicants must be familiar with Church documents related to canon law, Tribunal procedures in first and second instance, and be able to conduct theological/pastoral analysis as well as prepare and present accurate and concise reports and recommendations.

Candidates must have a licentiate (JCL) in Canon Law. Minimum 2-4 years’ experience in similar position, including supervisory responsibilities, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above described essential functions. Practicing Catholic with a valid driver’s license required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Religious and clergy interested in applying must have the consent of their diocese or superior prior to submitting their application. Pay range is $62K to 72K DOE. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae to hr@archdpdx.org detailing how their education and work experience makes them the ideal candidate.

From the Archdiocese Website:

The ministry of the Tribunal is varied. We work with those preparing to marry, as well as those seeking healing and release from a marriage that did not prove to be lasting, in which a partnership did not take place as the Church understands it. We provide research on a number of issues within Church law, and we provide education and support to priests, parish ministers, and other members of our wider Church community. 

Downtown Chapel/St. Andre Bessette Church - "The Wages of Mismanagement".

VOCAL DELETED AT PRIESTS REQUEST