Zita Howell, 90, still shivers when airplanes fly overhead. She was young when fire came out of the sky.

LACEY, Wash — A former Oregon lawmaker, one of few Democrats who called assisted suicide a bad idea, has been hired as new president of St. Martin’s University here.

Bryan Johnston, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Salem, is now interim director for Oregon’s Children, Adults and Families Division of the Department of Human Services. He will assume his duties in Lacey on July 1.

At the Southeast Portland high school which sits on land once used as a cemetery, Central Catholic Principal Ron Edwards in his 13 years there has invigorated the future of the Portland archdiocesan academic institution.

Archbishop John Vlazny will ordain two priests on Saturday, June 7. The Mass of Ordination will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, NW 18th and Couch streets, in Portland. Those being ordained are Reverend Mr. Kenneth Scott Sampson and Reverend Mr. Luan Dihn Nguyen.

BANDON — The 125 years of Holy Trinity Parish include zealous Irish miners, massive falling trees, intrepid clergymen, a catastrophic blaze, a lonesome dog who boarded boats and a new springtime brought on by the mix of a good dinner and education in faith.

COTTAGE GROVE — Joetta Smith will never forget the day she lost her daughter and all her grandchildren.

On May 23, 2006, Nancy Jeneane Smith Wooden, 28, was traveling around a rain-slicked curve on Shoreview Road near Dorena Lake with her three daughters.

LOURDES, France — Archbishop John Vlazny came here last week with 88 Oregon pilgrims to mark the sesquicentennial jubilee of Mary’s apparition.

Rouen was the first stop on the pilgrimage itinerary. The riverfront city is where St. Joan of Arc was martyred for her faith. She led the French army in key victories over the English during the 15th Century to restore the French monarchy.

At Portland’s St. Thomas More School, learning does happen in time-tested ways — experienced teachers transmit ideas. But just as often, students at this intimate academy high in the city’s West Hills are guided to explore where their passions and talents lead.

The man who leads religious services in Oregon’s prison system was honored this week for his ecumenical reach.

Walsh Construction, which weathered months of protest for planning to build a large abortion business in Portland’s African American neighborhood, is now off the job.
Some opponents have sent notes of thanks to Walsh for distancing itself from the Planned Parenthood headquarters project in Northeast Portland. But it appears that the move did not come from the firm itself.