2026-10-13

Dear Holy Rosary Family and Friends,

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Each year, the Sacred Heart of Jesus gathers us as a community around the Eucharist, nourishes us through the preaching of the Gospel, and reconciles us through the Sacrament of Penance. This past year, the Holy Spirit has called many parishioners to recognize their gifts and place them at the service of the church and our neighbors.

A particular sign of renewal this past year was the Life in the Spirit Seminar that we began in preparation for the feast of Pentecost. Many parishioners, young and old, deepened their relationship with the Holy Spirit, encountered the Gospel personally, and began discerning the charisms the Spirit had given them. The seminar’s fruits include a continuing Life in the Spirit Charismatic Prayer Group, and the development of a new community for young adults seeking prayer, fellowship, and formation. Planning also began for a boys’ discernment group to help young men become attentive to God’s call and learn more about religious life. 

We continue strengthening adult faith formation and accompaniment this coming year. In particular, we have two mentor couples join marriage preparation to walk personally with engaged couples. Holy Rosary also began a partnership with Save First so that Christian stewardship and practical financial formation can support couples and parishioners.  

Our mission is not only to nourish the faith of the parish but also our neighbors and parishioners who, for various reasons, cannot join us in prayer and worship at church. In this respect, the friars themselves responded to more than 70 sick calls, bringing the sacraments of healing to those in need. Our parish council has been doing a monthly Rosary pilgrimage around the parish boundaries, entrusting our neighborhood and parishioners in need to the intercession of Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. 

This past year, two new service ministries have begun: the Legion of Mary and the Table of Mercy ministry.

Gifts Put into Service

The grace of discipleship has also taken visible form in works of mercy. The Legion of Mary continues to visit and support homebound parishioners and has begun formation for prison ministry. The Table of Mercy prepares sandwiches and meals for Blanchet House and for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Portland. Parishioners also continue to bring Holy Communion, prayer, and companionship to those who cannot come to church, including residents of Calaroga Terrace. This ministry has chosen Saint Thérèse as their patron.

These works are different in form, but they share the same source: Christ’s love reaches out to those in need, is offered, and is received. It reminds us that a parish is not sustained by good ideas alone. It grows when people answer a personal invitation, and faithfully use their time and gifts.

Our Renovated Parish Office

The office renovation is complete, greatly improving the space from which our staff serves the parish. We also continued carefully discerning campus development, safety, and the long-term use of parish property. This work requires professional counsel, collaboration with the Dominican Province and other stakeholders, and patience while plans and funding develop. We remain committed to sharing confirmed decisions at the appropriate time and to placing every project at the service of worship, community life, and the parish’s mission.

 The Year Ahead

I invite every parishioner to ask the Holy Spirit one simple question: What gift have I received, and whom is God asking me to serve? Perhaps it is to pray for our parish and friars, or to welcome someone who is new or alone. Respond when you are personally invited to help. Support our ministries and parish life through regular offertory, online giving, a special gift, or prayer. Each act of faithful stewardship helps Holy Rosary proclaim Jesus Christ and extend his mercy. Below is a summary of income and expenses for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026.

 Thank you to our parishioners, council members, ministry leaders, volunteers, benefactors, staff, and Dominican friars. May Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Saint Joseph, and Saint Thérèse intercede for us, and may God make us good stewards of his varied grace.

In Christ and Saint Dominic,

Fr. Peter Do, O.P.

Pastor