Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

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The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese encompassing the entire state of Oregon in the United States. Erected in 1846 by Pope Gregory XVI as the Diocese of Oregon City and elevated to an archdiocese in 1926, it is led by Archbishop Alexander Sample since 2013. As the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Portland in Oregon, it oversees a Catholic population of approximately 400,000 across 124 parishes, playing a key role in the Pacific Northwest's Catholic life, highlighted by its promotion of traditional liturgy and strong pro-life initiatives. Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Diocese: Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Portland in Oregon
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Baker; Diocese of Boise; Diocese of Spokane
Country:United States
Region:Oregon
Bishop:Alexander King Sample
Website:https://archdpdx.org/
Newspaper:https://catholicsentinel.org/
Catholic %:10.0%
Elementary Schools:49
High Schools:12
Deaneries:10
Priests:217
Existence:1846–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Oregon City
Catholic Hospitals:5
Rating:4.8
Chancery Address:2838 E Burnside St. Portland, OR 97214-1656

Establishment

The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon traces its origins to the Diocese of Oregon City, canonically erected on July 24, 1846, by Pope Gregory XVI through the apostolic brief Praecipuum Poloniae gentis.[1] It was created to serve the Catholic missionary territory in the Oregon Country, initially covering present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of British Columbia, under the leadership of François Norbert Blanchet as its first bishop. The see was elevated to archdiocesan status on May 19, 1926, by Pope Pius XI, and renamed the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon on September 26, 1928.[2]

History

Early Missionary Period

The archdiocese's foundations were laid amid the 19th-century American westward expansion, with early missionaries like the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Jesuit priests establishing missions among Native American tribes and settlers. Bishop Blanchet's tenure saw the construction of key churches and the arrival of religious orders, amid challenges from anti-Catholic sentiment and the region's isolation.[3]

20th Century Developments

Significant growth occurred post-World War II, with boundary adjustments transferring Washington and Idaho territories to new dioceses (Spokane in 1914, Baker City in 1903, Boise in 1893). The archdiocese hosted the Sixth National Eucharistic Congress in 1976, drawing over 20,000 attendees to Portland.[4]

Geography

The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon comprises the entire state of Oregon, spanning 98,381 square miles (254,806 km²) and including all 36 counties:

  • Baker County
  • Benton County
  • Clackamas County
  • Clatsop County
  • Columbia County
  • Coos County
  • Crook County
  • Curry County
  • Deschutes County
  • Douglas County
  • Gilliam County
  • Grant County
  • Harney County
  • Hood River County
  • Jackson County
  • Jefferson County
  • Josephine County
  • Klamath County
  • Lake County
  • Lane County
  • Lincoln County
  • Linn County
  • Malheur County
  • Marion County
  • Morrow County
  • Multnomah County
  • Polk County
  • Sherman County
  • Tillamook County
  • Umatilla County
  • Union County
  • Wallowa County
  • Wasco County
  • Washington County
  • Wheeler County
  • Yamhill County

It serves as the metropolitan see for the Ecclesiastical Province of Portland in Oregon.[5]

Mother church

St. Mary Cathedral in Portland serves as the mother church of the archdiocese. Completed in 1928 in the Gothic Revival style, it was designated a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 2001 and features notable stained glass windows depicting Oregon's Catholic history.[6]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop Alexander Sample has served since January 29, 2013. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Marquette in 1990, he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Portland in 2013 and emphasizes liturgical renewal, including the promotion of the Traditional Latin Mass.[7]

Auxiliary Bishops

There are no current auxiliary bishops.[8]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Francis Norbert Blanchet 1846–1880 First Bishop of Oregon City.
William Hickley Gross, C.Ss.R. 1885–1898 Second Bishop; died in office.
Alexander Christie 1899–1925 Third Bishop; died in office.
Edward Daniel Howard 1926–1966 First Archbishop; retired.
Robert Joseph Dwyer 1966–1974 Retired.
Cornelius Michael Power 1974–1986 Died in office.
John George Vlazny 1993–2013 Retired; previously Bishop of Winona.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[9]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese rates as strongly conservative (4.8), with weekly Traditional Latin Mass offered in over 20% of parishes, a primary emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life advocacy through the annual March for Life and defense of marriage, and Archbishop Sample's outspoken leadership promoting doctrinal fidelity and Eucharistic devotion.[10][11]

Statistics

The archdiocese covers 98,381 square miles (254,806 km²), serving 414,000 registered Catholics (10% of the total population of 4.2 million) across 124 parishes and 10 deaneries, with 217 priests, 49 Catholic elementary schools, 12 high schools, and 5 Catholic hospitals.[12][13]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits operate University of Portland and several high schools, supporting parish ministries and retreats. Address: 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR 97203.[14] Jesuits West Province

Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs

The Dominican Sisters provide education and spiritual direction. Address: Various locations in Oregon.[15]

Oblates of Mary Immaculate

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate maintain historical missions and parishes in rural areas.[16]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The archdiocese includes 124 parishes organized into 10 deaneries, serving diverse urban, rural, and Hispanic communities, with notable shrines like the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother.[17]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese supports 49 elementary/middle schools and 12 high schools educating over 10,000 students:

School Name City Type Website
All Saints Catholic School Portland Elementary https://allsaintscatholicschoolpdx.org/
Arches Academy Portland Elementary
Blessed Sacrament School Portland Elementary https://blessedsacramentpdx.org/school
Central Catholic High School Portland High School https://www.centralcatholichigh.org/
Christ the King School Milwaukie Elementary https://ctkmilwaukie.org/school
Holy Cross School Portland Elementary
Holy Family School Portland Elementary https://holyfamilypdx.org/school
Holy Redeemer Catholic School Portland Elementary https://holyredeemerpdx.org/school
Jesuit High School Portland High School https://www.jesuitportland.org/
La Salle Catholic College Preparatory Milwaukie High School https://www.lasallehs.org/
St. Andrew Catholic School Beaverton Elementary https://standrewhs.org/school
St. Anthony Catholic School Tigard Elementary https://stacs-tigard.org/
St. Birgitta Catholic School Portland Elementary
St. Charles Borromeo School Portland Elementary https://school.stcharlespdx.org/
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School Aloha Elementary https://seaspdx.org/
St. Francis of Assisi School Roy Elementary https://stfrancisroy.org/school
St. Ignatius School Portland Elementary
St. John Fisher School Tigard Elementary
St. Juan Diego School Cornelius Elementary
St. Mary School Albany Elementary
St. Matthew Catholic School Hillsboro Elementary https://stmhillsboro.org/school
St. Michael School Beaverton Elementary https://stmichaelbeaverton.org/school
St. Pius X School Portland Elementary https://stpiusxportland.org/school
St. Rose School Portland Elementary
St. Stephen's Academy Portland Elementary
Valley Catholic School Beaverton Elementary/High https://www.valleycatholic.org/
... (full list at List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon)

[18]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of Oregon, the archdiocese's primary outreach arm, serves over 50,000 people annually with food, housing, refugee services, and disaster relief, operating in all 36 counties.[19]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Hosted the Sixth National Eucharistic Congress in 1976, attended by over 20,000 faithful.[20]
  • François Norbert Blanchet, first bishop, later became Archbishop of Oregon City and is honored as a pioneer of the Church in the Pacific Northwest.
  • The Mount Angel Abbey, founded in 1882, remains a center for Benedictine monasticism and seminary formation.[21]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon:


  • Did you know? The archdiocese began as the Diocese of Oregon City in 1846, covering huge swaths of the Northwest including future states of Washington and Idaho, under trailblazing Bishop François Norbert Blanchet who traveled by canoe and horseback!
  • Surprise! St. Mary Cathedral in Portland, a stunning Gothic Revival gem dedicated in 1928, became a minor basilica in 2001 and boasts breathtaking stained-glass windows telling Oregon's Catholic story.
  • Here's something cool: Jesuit High School in Portland, established in 1886 as St. Mary's College, is the oldest continuously operating private school west of the Mississippi River!
  • Wow moment: The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother in Portland, known as "The Grotto," draws 300,000 visitors yearly to its cliffside shrines and 110-foot elevator to a replica of the Bethlehem cave.
  • Little-known gem: Archbishop Alexander Sample, a rock musician before priesthood, brings a unique blend of tradition and talent, promoting chant and polyphony in liturgies.
  • Fun fact: Mount Angel Abbey's seminary has formed over 500 priests since 1889, including many for the archdiocese, amid its picturesque Willamette Valley vineyards.
  • Did you know? The 1976 Eucharistic Congress in Portland featured Blessed Pope Paul VI's message and drew 20,000, sparking a revival of devotion in the rainy Northwest!
  • Surprise! Central Catholic High School's rugby team has won multiple national championships, embodying the spirit of faith and fierce competition since 1939.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dportl.html. 
    2. ↑ "Archdiocesan History". https://www.archdpdx.org/about/history. 
    3. ↑ "Archdiocesan History". https://www.archdpdx.org/about/history. 
    4. ↑ "Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dportl.html. 
    5. ↑ "Deaneries and Parishes". https://archdpdx.org/parishes/deaneries. 
    6. ↑ "Cathedral History". https://stmarycathedralportland.org/history/. 
    7. ↑ "Archbishop Sample". https://archdpdx.org/archbishop-sample. 
    8. ↑ "Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dportl.html. 
    9. ↑ "Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dportl.html. 
    10. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://archdpdx.org/worship/liturgy/traditional-latin-mass. 
    11. ↑ "Respect Life". https://archdpdx.org/respect-life. 
    12. ↑ "Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dportl.html. 
    13. ↑ "Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon". https://catholicdirectory.com/oregon/portland-in-oregon. 
    14. ↑ "University of Portland". https://www.up.edu/. 
    15. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archdpdx.org/religious-orders. 
    16. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archdpdx.org/religious-orders. 
    17. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://archdpdx.org/parishes. 
    18. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://archdpdx.org/schools. 
    19. ↑ "Catholic Charities Oregon". https://ccoregon.org/. 
    20. ↑ "Archdiocesan History". https://archdpdx.org/about/history. 
    21. ↑ "Mount Angel Abbey". https://mountangelabbey.org/. 

    External Links

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