Nativity of the Mother of God
Ukrainian Catholic Church

Nativity Parish is an Eastern Catholic parish which celebrates the Byzantine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

"We believe that the venerable and ancient tradition of the Eastern Churches is an integral part of the heritage of Christ's Church . . . the first need for Catholics is to be familiar with that tradition..."

"That the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church."

Streaming Video Recent Homilies Bulletin News Mask Policy

MASKS: As you have probably read, the Governor has ordered the use of masks, face coverings or shields for all people who are inside buildings open to the public. So I ask you all to please be wearing this type of protection when you come to church. Those under the age of 5 do not need to wear masks, and those who have good medical or other reasons for not wearing a mask are also exempt.

The cantors, Fr. Deacon and I are exempt during the Liturgy. Please bring your own mask, but we do have some here for those who need them.

I understand this is not pleasant for anyone, but I ask that you consider the welfare of your fellow parishioners as the virus continues to spread in Oregon. It is certainly a better thing to cover our mouths than to risk having the churches locked down again. However, as I have thought and prayed about this the past few days, I think we can do even better.

I suggest that we wear our masks in a spirit of penance for our sins and for the sins of our nation, and we offer this as a sacrifice to the Lord, especially when we put them on as we gather together to pray—to make this specific intention to the Lord. The priest and deacon say certain prayers when putting on vestments. Let us also have a prayerful intention when putting on the mask for worship.

This is not a great sacrifice, but it is still a sacrifice. As we offer this small penance to the Lord, let us specifically be aware of the words that come out of our mouths in sin, and ask His help to convert them to words of sincere worship, expressions of gratitude and Christian encouragement to others, especially those most in need. Let our masks even become a reminder that our first thought should not be about a virus, but about the Divine Physician, the Healer of Bodies and Souls.

And perhaps we can also hold to this thought: "If we can do it for Costco, we can do it for Christ." Thank you for your continued cooperation and your faithfulness!