I and my fellow seminarians, Beto Montes-Contreras and John Nguyen, enjoyed meeting people and praying together at my fourth Rosary Bowl NW on October 4th at the East Salem Community Center. We managed a table for the Office of Vocations featuring the new seminarian poster and prayer cards. We were also able to serve at Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Smith.
The first time I heard the term “Rosary Bowl,” I had no idea what it was. I thought perhaps, in time, one of my professors in the seminary would teach me about it. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait for that lesson, because I don’t think any classroom lecture could truly capture what the Rosary Bowl is. Living our faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, and sharing the blessings that God has given us, that’s what I experienced at the Rosary Bowl. Seeing the faithful gathered together celebrating the Holy Mass, praying the Rosary, adoring the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, sharing their ministries, learning about the Catholic faith, and joyfully connecting with one another was both inspiring and deeply encouraging for me in my vocation to the priesthood.
Living in our great Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, which includes 145 parishes and missions, I can sometimes forget just how large and alive our Church really is. Each of us belongs to one parish, and we often see the same familiar faces week after week. It can start to feel like we’re working alone, and sometimes that leads to anxious questions: What will happen to the Church in Oregon in 50 years? Who will carry the mission forward? But, the Rosary Bowl changed that perspective for me. Seeing adults, youth, and entire families coming together to worship God and witness their faith to the world lifted my spirit and gave me hope. It opened my eyes to the vibrant faith that is alive across our Archdiocese, a faith that is being joyfully lived and shared with love. It was also heartwarming to discover the many personal connections among us. Spiritually, we are united in our belief in the one true God. But even on a human level, it’s amazing to meet people who know the same priests I know, or who once had the same pastors in their parishes. Those shared experiences remind me that we truly are one family in Christ.
If you haven’t had the chance to attend yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to come next year. Mark your calendar for October 3, 2026 and allow yourself to be renewed by this beautiful celebration of faith, prayer, and community. In the meantime, I will continue to pray for and with you for the Lord’s graces.