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Greetings!
The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time calls us to see with God’s vision, not the world’s. These readings remind us that discipleship involves sacrifice, yet it leads to the life our hearts long for.
Jeremiah feels the burden of his calling, but God’s word burns within him. Even in mockery and struggle, he shows that truth cannot be silenced and that God strengthens human weakness.
The psalm’s image of dry land thirsting for water reflects our own longing for God, especially in seasons of trial. Only His presence satisfies the soul.
Paul urges believers to offer their lives to God and resist the pull of worldly values. When our minds are renewed, our lives become a living offering that reveals God’s will.
Jesus teaches that love sometimes leads through suffering. He calls us to let go of ego, status, and self-image, that are transient and illusory, so our true self, rooted in God, can rise. Peter’s resistance shows how easily we cling to comfort, yet God’s plan is larger than our fears.
To follow Christ is to take up our cross daily. Small acts of patience, kindness, courage, and responsibility become holy offerings. Jesus reminds us that gaining the world means nothing if we lose our soul; only what is done in love endures.
The promise is clear: a life lived for God is never wasted. The reward is eternal life, far greater than anything the world can give.
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Mass Intentions:
+ Kathleen Bernert
+ Anne Belanger
+ Tom Higgins
+ William T. Phelan
+ Gene Taube
+ John Ufford
| | Caesarea Philippi and the entrance to Hades | | A photo from the area Father Bill spoke about in the homily last week. Caesarea Philippi stood only twenty-five miles from the religious communities of Galilee. But the city's religious practices were vastly different from those of the nearby Jewish towns. | | If you are still receiving donation envelopes but no longer need them, or if you now give by check, QCD, RMD, or through WeShare, we would be very grateful if you would let us know so we can discontinue sending them. Doing so helps our parish be good stewards of our resources while still keeping an accurate record of your generous support. Thank you for your kindness and for all you do for our church community. If you would like to stop receiving envelopes, please email Sue Johnson by clicking the button below or sending an email to sjohnson@rcparish.org. | | |
This week, we were blessed to have Betsy Taylor lead our All-Staff Retreat. It was an inspiring and deeply enriching experience as we gathered together to share, question, learn, and pray in community.
Our retreat centered on prayer, with a special focus on exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the richness and beauty of the Aramaic language. The opportunity to bring together our school and parish staffs is always a gift, strengthening the bonds that unite us in our shared mission.
Father Bill celebrated Mass and offered a special blessing for all in attendance, sending us into the new year filled with God’s love, compassion, faith, and joy. May the graces of this retreat continue to guide and inspire us throughout the year ahead.
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Men's Retreat
Get ready for an incredible Men's Retreat featuring Bishop Peter Smith as our keynote speaker! Known for his engaging and inspiring message, Bishop Smith has a remarkable gift for challenging men to deepen their faith and live with greater purpose.
The theme, "Faith for the Journey: Moving Faith Forward," speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities of today's world. Join us for a powerful retreat of faith, fellowship, and encouragement.
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Ministry Fair Event Change Information: | | |
We're excited to announce that this year's Ministry Fair has been moved to September to better align with our Faith Formation calendar! Come discover the many ways you can grow in faith, serve others, and connect with our parish community.
Visit the ministry booths, meet fellow parishioners, and find opportunities that will enrich your lifelong faith journey. Whether you are looking to deepen your faith, share your gifts, or build new connections, there is a place for you.
We can't wait to see you there!
| | If it’s easier for you, simply send the parish office an email and we’ll be happy to send you a registration form and help you get signed up. Click below. | | |
We are truly blessed by the many parishioners of Resurrection who generously share their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Every day, countless acts of service help make our parish a welcoming and vibrant community of faith. From caring for our flowers and grounds, to mowing lawns, cleaning the elevator, and assisting those who need help accessing the church, and all those unnamed acts of volunteerism, these often unseen acts of kindness make a meaningful difference.
We are deeply grateful for the blessings God has bestowed upon our parish through the dedication and generosity of so many. To all of our ministries, volunteers, and parishioners who give so faithfully of themselves, thank you. Your willingness to serve reflects Christ’s love in action and strengthens our parish family in countless ways.
May God abundantly bless each of you for your generosity and stewardship.
| | Faith Formation: Growing as Disciples at Every Age: | | What is Faith Formation? Faith Formation is a lifelong journey of growing in relationship with Jesus Christ and living as members of His Church. It is a whole-person approach that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, moral, and communal dimensions of faith at every stage of life. |
Join Us on a Pilgrimage to Italy!
May 10–23, 2027
Have you ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of the saints, praying in some of the most sacred places in the world, and experiencing the beauty of Italy through the eyes of faith?
We invite you to join Betsy Taylor on a memorable 14-day pilgrimage to Italy, departing May 10, 2027. Together, we will journey through some of Italy’s most treasured spiritual destinations, including:
- Venice – home to the magnificent St. Mark’s Cathedral
- Florence – rich in faith, history, and sacred art
- Assisi – the beloved hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare
- Loreto – site of the Holy House of Nazareth
- San Giovanni Rotondo – where St. Padre Pio lived and ministered
- Rome – the heart of the Catholic Church
Pilgrims will enjoy visits to many inspiring sites, including:
- The Vatican Museums
- The Vatican Gardens
- The Catacombs
- Major basilicas, shrines, and holy places throughout Italy
This pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to deepen your faith, celebrate Mass in sacred settings, experience Christian fellowship, and encounter the rich heritage of our Catholic tradition.
Interest is already high! We encourage you to express your interest early, as space may be limited. Come and be renewed in faith, inspired by the saints, and enriched by an unforgettable journey through the spiritual heart of Italy.
The pilgrimage is not merely a journey to a place, it is a journey closer to Christ.
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Faith Formation: Growing as Disciples at Every Age – Save the Dates
September 23 - Women's Bible Study
October 1 - Brown Bag Bible Study - Kick-off - All Parish
October 4 - Super Sunday & OCIA Kick-off Celebration - All Parish
October 17 - Parish Fall - Dinner
October 18 - Parent Meetings - Middle & High School
October 25 - Corn-Maze - Middle & High School
November 1 - All Saints Trick or Treat - Middle School
November 15 - Elaine Parks Talk - All Parish
November 21 & 22 - Advent Mission - All Parish
December 6 - Elaine Parks Talk - All Parish
December 9 - Advent Reconciliation - All Parish
December 20 - Caroling Excursion - All Parish
December 20 - Confirmation Prep - Middle & High School
Retreat Dates
January 9, 2027 - Women's Retreat
March 5-7, 2027 - 8th-12th Grade Retreat
| Other Parish Information: | | |
Parishioner Milestones & Highlights:
Send us your birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, births and other notable events to be recognized.
| | Resurrection Catholic Parish School News: | | |
There are two meaningful ways to give to our school:
• Endowment Fund – Contribute to our new endowment, blessed with matching gifts of up to $65,000, helping secure the future of Catholic education for generations to come. Your gift to the Endowment helps support the corpus of education. The income earned will help Resurrection School offer more tuition assistance, as well as do necessary improvements throughout the years. This is an investment that will support our school for years to come.
• School Support – Your gift directly extends tuition assistance, opening our doors wider to families in need.
| | Other Archdiocese Events: | | Opportunities to Contribute: | |
QCD
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals who meet the age requirements old or older to donate up to one or more charities directly from a taxable IRA instead of taking their required minimum distributions.
RMD
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from your retirement accounts each year. You generally must start taking withdrawals from your traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and retirement plan accounts when you meet the age requirements. Changes in deduction rules and limitations will impact how much you can deduct for donations.
Meeting the age requirements, you may qualify to take annual distributions from your retirement account to make tax free donations to charities of your choice.
Resurrection Church is a qualified public charity 501(c)(3) and can receive your QCD.
Contact your financial advisor for updated and relevant tax advise.
Will, Living Trust & Estate Planning
Include Resurrection Catholic Parish or School in your will, trust or estate planning. Your gift – no matter how big or small – ensures our church, school, or school endowment fund can continue all of the incredible work we do, and you will be making an impact in the lives of others for many years to come.
We are deeply grateful for your consideration in supporting
Resurrection Catholic Church and Resurrection Catholic Parish School
with your generous donations. Thank you for keeping us in your hearts.
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Universal Church Appeal Collection
Beginning in 2026, the Archdiocese of Portland is introducing the Universal Church Appeal, a streamlined approach that replaces more than 15 individual national
second collections with one unified annual appeal.
Through one simple, primarily digital giving opportunity, parishioners can support multiple domestic and international Church ministries, including Catholic Relief Services, Peter’s Pence, and World Missions. Gifts are passed through in full according to each donor’s designation.
There are QR-coded cards on the welcome table.
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Your parish family truly cares about you, and we want you to know how deeply grateful we are.
Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and treasure, as well as your faith, your presence, and your generous heart with our community. Your gifts and commitment bless our parish in so many meaningful ways.
We are truly blessed by you; you are a cherished and valued part of our parish family!
| | 503-638-1579 | rcparish.org |
Our Mission Statement
We, the faith community of Resurrection Catholic Parish, are called to love God, love others and make disciples of all people by sharing the gifts God has given us.
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