Archbishop Alexander K. Sample

09/06/2026

Sunday Mass from St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Archbishop Alexander K. Sample.

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09/05/2026

Salem Fire Department Chief David Gerboth and Interim Salem Police Department Chief Brandon Ditto were invited guests at last Friday evening’s prayer service at St. Joseph Catholic Church, joining parishioners in a moment of reflection and appreciation.

At the service, Father Jeff Meeuwsen thanked the first responders who rushed to the church in the early morning hours of Aug. 31, 2023, when an arsonist’s fire caused extensive damage to the building. Upon arrival, fire crews quickly brought the blaze under control and officers were able to apprehend the arson suspect.

After extensive restoration work, the congregation wanted Salem Police and Salem Fire to be among the first to see the renovated space before the church was formally reopened and rededicated three years to the day on Aug. 31.

In his invite, Fr. Meeuwsen expressed, “I am eternally grateful for their rapid response.”

For many who attended, the evening was a chance to say “thank you” in person.

09/05/2026

Why do Catholics consecrate churches? At the Dedication Mass of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon, Archbishop Alexander Sample shared the significance of consecrating a building and an altar to the glory of God.

On August 31, 2023, St. Joseph’s was almost completely destroyed by an arson fire. Exactly 3 years later, on August 31, 2026, the community gathered together for the dedication of the restored and beautified church.

See more coverage of this historic event:
https://materdeiradio.com/saint-josephs-dedication-mass/
https://archdpdx.org/st-josephs-church-rededication

09/03/2026

"I have no doubt that St. Joseph Parish is a church filled with living stones that are on fire for the faith."

Immediately following the Dedication Mass of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon, Archbishop Alexander Sample shared his joy at the special occasion and reflected on the strength of the community.

On August 31, 2023, St. Joseph’s was almost completely destroyed by an arson fire. Exactly 3 years later, on August 31, 2026, the community gathered together for the dedication of the restored and beautified church.

09/03/2026

Nearly three years to the day after an arson attack severely damaged St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Salem, the historic parish was rededicated on August 31, 2026.

Archbishop Sample celebrated the Mass of Rededication, which drew approximately 2,000 people, according to KOIN News.

See photos:

Nearly three years to the day after an arson attack severely damaged St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Salem, the historic parish was rededicated on Monday, August 31, 2026. Archbishop Alexander Sample celebrated the Mass of Rededication, which drew approximately 2,000 people, according to loca...

09/03/2026

With great sadness, the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon mourns the death of Fr. Patrick McNamee.

Fr. Pat devoted more than five decades of his life to serving Christ and His Church in western Oregon. Those who knew him remember not only his years of priestly ministry, but also his warmth, humor, peaceful spirit, and genuine love for the people entrusted to his care. Even in his final weeks, he remained at peace, sharing stories, thinking of others, and placing his trust in God.

We give thanks for the gift of Fr. Pat’s priesthood and for the many lives enriched by his ministry. Please pray for his family, his brother priests, the parish communities he served, and all who mourn his passing.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. Pat will be celebrated by Archbishop Alexander Sample at All Saints in Portland, his home parish and the church where he was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ by Archbishop Robert Dwyer in 1970.

With great sadness, the Archdiocese of Portland shares the passing of Fr. Pat McNamee.

09/02/2026

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Three years after Salem’s oldest Catholic church went up in flames, a rededication ceremony was held on Monday night.

In 2023, a four-alarm fire started in a dumpster at 721 Chemeketa Street NE, quickly spreading to the roof of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Salem is scheduled to be rededicated by Archbishop Alexander Sample on Monday night, three years after an arson fire broke out at the site.

09/02/2026

What a glorious and joyful day for St. Joseph Parish in Salem!

Three years ago, almost to the day, this beloved parish suffered the unimaginable tragedy of a devastating fire. And yet, through it all, the Church never ceased to be the Church. The St. Joseph community never stopped celebrating Holy Mass, receiving the sacraments, and gathering together in faith.

This past Monday evening, I had the great joy of returning to St. Joseph to solemnly dedicate this beautifully restored church and altar to Almighty God.

The dedication of a church is one of the most beautiful rites in the life of the Church. During the rite, the altar and the walls of the church are anointed with Sacred Chrism, setting this sacred place apart for the worship of God. The altar, which signifies Christ Himself in our midst, is solemnly dedicated as the place upon which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for generations to come.

It was deeply moving to witness this sanctuary, after so much patience, sacrifice, and prayer, once again prepared for the sacred mysteries.

I am especially grateful for Father Jeff Meeuwsen and very proud of the faithful way he has shepherded this parish from the day of the fire through these years of rebuilding. He and the people of St. Joseph have shown remarkable perseverance and trust in the Lord.

What we witnessed Monday was the beautiful fruit of that faithfulness.

St. Joseph is once again a beautiful house of worship, raised up for the glory of God. Yet, as I reminded the faithful, we ourselves are the living stones of the Church. May everything that takes place within these walls strengthen this parish family to go forth and bring the light, love, mercy, and truth of Jesus Christ to the people of Salem.

May God bless Father Jeff and the entire St. Joseph Parish community.

St. Joseph, pray for us!

09/02/2026

08/30/2026

What a joy it was to celebrate Holy Mass yesterday with the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows as five of their jubilarians renewed their religious vows and gave thanks to God for the gift of their vocations.

We celebrated Sr. Mary Peter and Sr. Joanne on 50 years of religious life, and Sr. Louisemarie, Sr. Maria Gabriel, and Sr. Guadalupe on 25 years.

I am deeply moved by the faithfulness and fidelity of these sisters to the vows they made so many years ago and to the call the Lord has placed upon their lives. Their joyful “yes,” their fiat to Christ, is a beautiful witness to all of us.

May their example inspire each of us to embrace our own vocation with that same faithfulness, generosity, and joy. Please join me in thanking God for these wonderful sisters and in praying for many more holy vocations to religious life.