January 4, 2006
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org
Archdiocese to celebrate those in Consecrated Life
The Archdiocese of Portland will celebrate the World Day for Consecrated Life on Saturday, February 4. Archbishop Vlazny has invited all members of religious orders and those living a consecrated life to join him for Vespers at St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 7:00 pm. Parishioners from the Archdiocese are also invited to join in this celebration. A reception will follow.
World Day for Consecrated Life is a day to recognize those serving God and the Archdiocese of Portland by their ministry and by their lives. The Archdiocese of Portland is privileged to have 20 religious orders of men, 37 communities of woman religious, one consecrated virgin and one religious sister hermit. Members of religious orders serve in ministries of education at the university, seminary, high school and elementary levels. Religious serve in health care ministries, and minister to those imprisoned. Religious serve in parishes as pastoral associates, directors of religious education, visiting the sick and shut-ins. Members of religious orders serve the Archdiocese in the Department of Catholic Schools, Deaf Ministry, Office of Worship, Marriage Tribunal and Ministry Formation. They are involved in counseling, spiritual direction, leading CYO/Camp Howard, and serving the poor. A number of parishes in western Oregon are served by priests of religious orders. Others serve in a ministry of prayer for the Church locally and universally.
World Day for Consecrated Life was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1997. It is an opportunity for the Church to educate parishioners about people who serve God in countless and sometimes unexpected ways, while maintaining their commitment to a consecrated life.