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Greetings!
We have a humble, loving God. We learned that from Jesus. In the imagination of ancient peoples, God was scary, judgmental and violent. That may be true of the belief of all peoples at any time regarding their gods. Jesus, though, said that those beliefs were untrue. He speaks to us of God as being our Father who loves his children more than anything. In fact, God loves us so much that he allows us to ignore him, find other things to do, and think that we don’t need him.
Christmas season is a time when God comes to us in our lives in the image of a newborn baby, named Jesus. Who would ignore a baby? Who would respond coldly to those little hands and soft cooing voice in the silence of a cold cave in Bethlehem? Who would feel fear in the the face of this small bundle of divine joy? Who would turn and walk away from a little baby who had been born only to save us from ourselves?
That is what Christmas is all about. In this season of the year, we are gently drawn by God into a relationship with him that is neither scary nor judgmental. God is love. If we are not drawn to the figure of Jesus dying on the cross for us, then maybe the reality of a baby coming to save us speaks to our deepest notions, away from our over analyzing, egotistical brains. We have a natural tendency as self centered people to allow the world to cut us off from God, to numb our better selves and convince us to invest our very lives in activities and notions that will not save us.
In the midst of our lives, God comes to us in a new way each year in the celebration of Christmas. Is this the year we will listen to him? Is this the year that we will place God at the very center of our lives? As we hear the carols, the bells, and see the pretty lights, the presents, the decorations, let us experience God reaching out to us in the midst of this celebration of the birth of the newborn Jesus. Let us feel him taking us quietly by the hand in the softness of the night. As we conclude the Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope, may we welcome God anew this Christmas, embracing the mysteries of 2025 with hearts open to His grace. Maybe this is the time we wake up from our years of sleep.
Maybe this is the year that we welcome Jesus into our lives in a new way.
| | Livestream the Mass on Sunday at 11:00am on our Facebook page. | | |
Mass Intentions:
+ Adonis Asmar
+ Jerry Ulmer
+ Amar Kottiath
+ John Paolazzi
+Kathleen Bernert
+ Karen Taylor
+ Joan Labarron
+ Anna Mosey
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This weekend, we joyfully welcome 22 individuals who are walking a beautiful journey of faith through the OCIA process. They have asked us—Resurrection Parish—to keep them in prayer and to support them as they grow in their love for Christ and discover more deeply how much God loves them. Their witness reminds us that each of us is called to ongoing conversion and a deepening of our own faith.
We celebrate and welcome:
Candidates (already baptized in another Christian tradition, now preparing for Reception into the Catholic Church and the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist):
Ashley Stracener
Heather Pulley
Peter Delbridge
Logan Koelbel
Stephanie Clark
Zach Clark
Candidate (preparing for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation):
Ryan Hemsley
Candidate (preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation):
Christian Sheller
Catechumens (preparing for Baptism and the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist):
Spencer Cowles
Cameron Green
Sophie Osborn
Arin Vandehey
Jadon Triplett
Brooklyn Eisele
Briana Harris
Wendy Escalera
Justin Thederahn
Nick White
Natalie McKeough
Magdalena Zapata
Matthew Zarosinski
Vivian Miller
Please join us in prayer for these brothers and sisters:
Father of Mercy,
we thank you for these your servants.
You have sought and summoned them in many ways,
and they have turned to seek you in
the midst of this community,
Resurrection Parish.
You have called them today,
and they have answered in our presence:
we praise you Lord, and we bless you.
Amen
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Help Us Lead Lenten Small Groups!
This Lent, we’re forming small groups to grow together in faith—and we’d love for you to consider being a facilitator!
What does that mean?
You don’t need to be a Scripture scholar or have all the answers. Your role is simply to guide the conversation, keep things on track, and create a welcoming space for sharing.
Details:
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Duration: 8 weeks during Lent
- Groups Needed:
- One Zoom group (any day that works for you)
- One in-person group on Fridays at 11:00 AM in the Fireside Room
If you feel called to help others connect with Christ this Lent, this is a wonderful opportunity. We’ll provide all the materials and support you need!
Interested? Contact Betsy at btaylor@rcparish.org to learn more or let her know you are able to help in this important Lenten tradition.
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Red Envelope - End of Year Gift | |
Christmas is traditionally a season of giving. As God the Father gave us His Son for our salvation, so we are called to give of ourselves to others – to love God, love others, and make disciples of all people by sharing the gifts God has given us. This includes sharing our time, talent, and treasure.
As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I ask that you consider what it means to be a good steward of the gifts God has given you. Prayerfully reflect on the blessings in your life, and how you might express gratitude to God for those blessings. Thank you for your generosity and may the joy and love of Jesus fill your heart this Christmas.
-Father Bill
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Join Us for CYO Basketball Clinics – All Skill Levels Welcome!
We’ve got plenty of sessions and lots of space—come be part of the fun at our CYO Basketball Clinics!
These free clinics are open to everyone, whether you're just starting out or already have advanced skills. While drop-ins are absolutely welcome, signing up helps us plan and make the experience even better for everyone.
Pick the sessions that work for you and sign up today!
Bring your energy, your love for the game, and let’s have some fun together!
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The Peace and Justice Ministry is deeply grateful for the generosity shown this holiday season. Thanks to your participation, we were able to distribute numerous gifts and gift cards to families in need.
Your kindness made a real difference—every family we helped expressed heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for sharing the spirit of giving and helping us bring joy and hope to our community!
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Parishioner Milestones & Highlights:
Send us your birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, births and other notable events to be recognized.
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We joyfully celebrate Ellie’s birthday! May the Lord shower you with abundant blessings, guide your steps with His grace, and fill your heart with peace and joy throughout the coming year.
Happy Birthday, Ellie—may your life continue to reflect God’s love and light!
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We joyfully celebrate Judy and Ralph on their wedding anniversary! May the Lord continue to bless your union with His grace, strengthen your love each day, and fill your hearts with peace and joy. Your marriage is a beautiful witness to God’s love—may it shine brightly for many years to come.
Happy Anniversary Judy and Ralph!
| | Resurrection Catholic Parish School News: | | |
RCPS Enrollment Announcement
We are thrilled to share that RCPS will be enrolling our very first class of 8th graders this fall. Enrollment will be opening soon for Preschool 3s through 8th Grade for the 2026–2027 school year! Learn more about our school and discover the difference a Catholic education can make.
As our community grows, so does our mission: to ensure that every family who desires a Catholic education for their children can receive one—regardless of financial circumstances. Your generosity makes this possible.
There are two meaningful ways to give:
• School Support – Your gift directly extends tuition assistance, opening our doors wider to families in need.
• Endowment Fund – Contribute to our new endowment, blessed with matching gifts of up to $60,000, helping secure the future of Catholic education for generations to come.
| | Other Archdiocese Events: | | |
Although we trust in our Heavenly Father to help us through hard times, we still struggle along the way. Sometimes we need outside support. Below you will find local resources:
- Domestic violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Resource number for Clackamas county: 211
- Suicide Prevention hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- St. Vincent de Paul (food and rent/utilities assistance): 503-235-8431
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Your parish family truly cares about you,
and we want you to know how grateful we are.
THANK YOU for sharing your faith, your presence,
and your heart with our community.
You are a cherished part of our parish!
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Opportunities to Contribute: | |
QCD
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals who are 70½ years old or older to donate up to $105,000 total 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 reach age 72.
If you are over 72 years of age you 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.
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 and school 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.
| | 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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