September 15, 2004

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Day of prayer and fasting for healing and reconciliation

        Archbishop John G. Vlazny has called for Wednesday, October 6 to be an Ember Day in the Archdiocese of Portland. An ember day is traditionally a day of prayer, fasting and abstinence. The prayer intention of this Ember Day is for the healing and reconciliation of those sexually abused by priests in this archdiocese. Archbishop Vlazny will celebrate Mass on October 6 at Sacred Heart Church in Medford at 7:00 p.m., continuing his practice of celebrating a Mass or prayer service in conjunction with the Ember Day. The Archbishop chooses a different location throughout the archdiocese for each Ember Day service.

        Archbishop Vlazny re-instituted Ember Days in the Archdiocese of Portland in 2002 as a way for the Church in western Oregon to reach out to victims of sex abuse and their families. Ember Days are celebrated in the Archdiocese of Portland in the fall, during Advent, the liturgical season leading up to Christmas, and during Lent, the liturgical season leading up to Easter.

        All are invited to join Archbishop Vlazny for the Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Medford on Wednesday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m.
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