Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, May 11, 2026
Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
With gratitude, I write to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Portland. In prayer, it has become clear that the Lord is calling us to open our hearts more fully to His work among us. I have often spoken of Mission Renewal in western Oregon—a call to read the signs of the times and respond with faith and courage to Christ’s command to “go and make disciples.” This effort is focused on three areas: the renewal and unity of our priests, the strengthening of Catholic education and faith formation, and the renewal of our parishes in evangelization and care for the poor.
This mission is not ours alone; it is the Lord’s. When we rely solely on our own efforts, we risk hindering His work. He asks us instead to trust Him and surrender to His will.
Therefore, I invite all of us to root this Mission Renewal deeply in prayer, entrusting it to God’s grace. I am confident the Holy Spirit is at work among us, and I ask you to join me in prayer and sacrifice for anew springtime of faith in western Oregon.
To that end, I invite all of us to take part in the following spiritual initiatives:
Phase I: Pray the Sacred Heart Novena (May 30 to June 7)
I will consecrate the Archdiocese of Portland and our efforts of Mission Renewal to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To prepare for this consecration, Sacred Heart Novena cards will be distributed so that the faithful may pray the novena at Mass and personally during these days. I also encourage a renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart, especially the First Friday devotion, offered for the intention of Mission Renewal.
Phase II: Act of Consecration, Corpus Christi Mass and Procession (June 7)
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM, during the Mass for Corpus Christi at our Cathedral Church, I will consecrate the Archdiocese of Portland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus before our annual Eucharistic procession. In this act, we entrust our Mission Renewal to the loving Heart of Christ. I ask you to join me if you are able.
Phase III: Building Blocks of Spiritual Foundation in the Archdiocese of Portland after the
Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 7
Mission Renewal Prayer & Petition at Mass
A prayer card will be made available to all parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions in the archdiocese. I ask that you pray this daily and include, in your parish intentions at Mass, a prayer for the efforts of Mission Renewal.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Several years ago, I reintroduced the traditional practice of praying the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer. I am again directing that this be prayed after the conclusion of every Mass celebrated in the archdiocese. There will, of course, be exceptions from time to time due to the solemnity or nature of the celebration. This prayer remains an important spiritual support as we seek the Lord's work of renewal among us. The Enemy, Satan, seeks to divide, disrupt, and interfere in our cooperation with God. Having everyone united, praying against the Enemy on a daily and weekly basis, is having an effect and will be crucial in our efforts of Mission Renewal.
Personal Devotions and Spiritual Practices
I encourage each of the faithful to make a personal commitment to support this renewal through regular prayer and sacrifice. This may include Eucharistic Holy Hours, works of mercy for the poor and suffering, praying the Rosary, seeking the intercession of Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, or fasting and other forms of penance offered for the intention of Mission Renewal.
Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
Perform one or more of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy for the benefit of the poor and suffering. This is in keeping with Pope Leo's letter Dilexi te, which reminds us of the Church's preferential option for the poor. Any service rendered to the poor and suffering can be done, for example, on a weekly or monthly basis as one chooses. I ask that this work be offered in support of Mission Renewal. In all of this, I encourage everyone to pray daily for the renewal of our Archdiocese.
I am deeply grateful for your generosity and your willingness to join in this effort. When we pray and sacrifice together as one Church, we open the door for the Lord to act in powerful ways. If we entrust this work to Him with faith, we will surely see the fruits of His grace.
Please know of my prayers for each of you. May the Lord bless you abundantly and may the Sacred Heart of Jesus guide and renew our Archdiocese.
Jesus Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
With gratitude, I write to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Portland. In prayer, it has become clear that the Lord is calling us to open our hearts more fully to His work among us. I have often spoken of Mission Renewal in western Oregon—a call to read the signs of the times and respond with faith and courage to Christ’s command to “go and make disciples.” This effort is focused on three areas: the renewal and unity of our priests, the strengthening of Catholic education and faith formation, and the renewal of our parishes in evangelization and care for the poor.
This mission is not ours alone; it is the Lord’s. When we rely solely on our own efforts, we risk hindering His work. He asks us instead to trust Him and surrender to His will.
Therefore, I invite all of us to root this Mission Renewal deeply in prayer, entrusting it to God’s grace. I am confident the Holy Spirit is at work among us, and I ask you to join me in prayer and sacrifice for anew springtime of faith in western Oregon.
To that end, I invite all of us to take part in the following spiritual initiatives:
Phase I: Pray the Sacred Heart Novena (May 30 to June 7)
I will consecrate the Archdiocese of Portland and our efforts of Mission Renewal to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To prepare for this consecration, Sacred Heart Novena cards will be distributed so that the faithful may pray the novena at Mass and personally during these days. I also encourage a renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart, especially the First Friday devotion, offered for the intention of Mission Renewal.
Phase II: Act of Consecration, Corpus Christi Mass and Procession (June 7)
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM, during the Mass for Corpus Christi at our Cathedral Church, I will consecrate the Archdiocese of Portland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus before our annual Eucharistic procession. In this act, we entrust our Mission Renewal to the loving Heart of Christ. I ask you to join me if you are able.
Phase III: Building Blocks of Spiritual Foundation in the Archdiocese of Portland after the
Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 7
Mission Renewal Prayer & Petition at Mass
A prayer card will be made available to all parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions in the archdiocese. I ask that you pray this daily and include, in your parish intentions at Mass, a prayer for the efforts of Mission Renewal.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Several years ago, I reintroduced the traditional practice of praying the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer. I am again directing that this be prayed after the conclusion of every Mass celebrated in the archdiocese. There will, of course, be exceptions from time to time due to the solemnity or nature of the celebration. This prayer remains an important spiritual support as we seek the Lord's work of renewal among us. The Enemy, Satan, seeks to divide, disrupt, and interfere in our cooperation with God. Having everyone united, praying against the Enemy on a daily and weekly basis, is having an effect and will be crucial in our efforts of Mission Renewal.
Personal Devotions and Spiritual Practices
I encourage each of the faithful to make a personal commitment to support this renewal through regular prayer and sacrifice. This may include Eucharistic Holy Hours, works of mercy for the poor and suffering, praying the Rosary, seeking the intercession of Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, or fasting and other forms of penance offered for the intention of Mission Renewal.
Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
Perform one or more of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy for the benefit of the poor and suffering. This is in keeping with Pope Leo's letter Dilexi te, which reminds us of the Church's preferential option for the poor. Any service rendered to the poor and suffering can be done, for example, on a weekly or monthly basis as one chooses. I ask that this work be offered in support of Mission Renewal. In all of this, I encourage everyone to pray daily for the renewal of our Archdiocese.
I am deeply grateful for your generosity and your willingness to join in this effort. When we pray and sacrifice together as one Church, we open the door for the Lord to act in powerful ways. If we entrust this work to Him with faith, we will surely see the fruits of His grace.
Please know of my prayers for each of you. May the Lord bless you abundantly and may the Sacred Heart of Jesus guide and renew our Archdiocese.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample
Archbishop of Portland in Oregon
Archbishop of Portland in Oregon