About St. Charles Borromeo · Portland, Oregon
St. Charles Borromeo Parish is a Catholic parish in the Concordia neighborhood of NE Portland, Oregon, established in 1913 by Archbishop Alexander Christie to serve the growing population of East Portland. The parish describes itself as a welcoming Catholic community that celebrates the Liturgy in a culturally rich and diverse setting, with a strong emphasis on social justice, outreach, and building relationships both inside the church and across the metropolitan area. The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon and is currently served by Fr. Tony Galati as pastor (officially titled Pastoral Administrator since 2022). It is known for its multicultural identity, its founding role in the Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG), and an active St. Vincent de Paul food pantry that serves the surrounding 97211 and 97218 ZIP codes.
- Established
- 1913
- Patron
- St. Charles Borromeo
- Rector
- Rev. Tony Galati (Pastoral Administrator since July 2022)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Why belong here
St. Charles Borromeo is a small but deeply relational parish in the heart of NE Portland's Concordia neighborhood that welcomes everyone — the parish's own line is 'All Are Welcome Here!' Sunday and weekday Masses are celebrated in a culturally rich, multicultural community, with a live-streamed Sunday Mass for the homebound. Members are invited into active ministries spanning liturgy, faith formation (RCIA, sacramental preparation), the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, social justice advocacy through MACG, care for creation, racial reconciliation, and small church communities that connect faith with daily life.
Mass times at St. Charles Borromeo
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays 4:00–4:30 pm (or by appointment)
Adoration times
- Tuesday & Thursday following daily Mass
About St. Charles Borromeo Parish
St. Charles Borromeo is a Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, located in the Concordia neighborhood of NE Portland at 5310 NE 42nd Avenue. Founded in 1913 by Archbishop Alexander Christie, the parish serves a culturally rich and diverse community and is known for its welcoming spirit — 'All Are Welcome Here!' The parish emphasizes building relationships, outreach, and evangelization across the metropolitan area, sharing in what it calls 'the Work of God' through Christ's compassion, forgiveness, justice, and peace. The parish marked its centennial year in 2014 with a year-long celebration honoring its diversity, history, school alumni, and commitment to social justice.
- Founded in 1913 by Archbishop Alexander Christie
- Centennial celebrated in 2014
- Parish motto: 'All Are Welcome Here!'
- Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Our Patron — St. Charles Borromeo
St. Charles Borromeo (1538–1584) was one of the outstanding figures of the Catholic Reformation in the years following the Protestant Reformation. Born into an aristocratic and wealthy family, he was educated in Milan and Pavia, earning a doctorate in civil and canon law. When his uncle became Pope Pius IV in 1559, Charles was given major responsibilities — including administration of the Archdiocese of Milan, the role of Secretary of State to the Pope, and a Cardinal's hat — though he was not yet ordained. The death of his brother in 1562 led to his ordination the following year and his consecration as Archbishop of Milan.
- Strong supporter of reopening the Council of Trent; prevented its breakup on several occasions
- Helped draft the Catechism of the Council and contributed to reform of the liturgical books and church music
- As Archbishop of Milan he organized diocesan administration, established seminaries, and adopted a simple lifestyle, giving much of his wealth to the poor
- Feast day: November 4
Parish History & 100 Years of Ministry
St. Charles Parish was established in 1913 by Archbishop Alexander Christie in response to East Portland's population growth. The first resident pastor, Fr. George Sniderhon, arrived in 1915, and the first church was built in 1916 at NE 33rd and Webster Street. A disastrous fire in 1924 badly damaged the interior and left the parish in financial difficulty for years. In 1950 Fr. John R. Laidlaw launched both the parish school (opening with 77 students) and, in 1954, the present California-mission-style church. In 1986 the school was merged into Archbishop Howard School to keep Catholic education viable in the area.
- 1913 — Parish established by Archbishop Alexander Christie
- 1916 — First church built at NE 33rd & Webster
- 1924 — Devastating fire damaged the church interior
- 1950 — School opened with 77 students, staffed by Sisters of the Holy Child
- 1954 — Present church built in California mission style; stained glass added later
- 1984 — Parish rectory burned; new parish center built
- 1986 — St. Charles School merged into Archbishop Howard School
- 1995 — Interior remodeled to draw people around the Table of the Lord's Word and Sacrament
- 2014 — Centennial year celebration
Pastoral Leadership Through the Years
The parish has been shaped by a long line of pastors who built its facilities, opened its ministries, and broadened its identity. After the early pastors and Fr. Laidlaw's mid-century building program, Fr. Robert Krueger (1973) implemented the directives of Vatican II and launched the parish council and RCIA. Fr. Rick Paperini (1982) expanded sacramental preparation, oversaw the school merger, and rebuilt the parish center after the 1984 rectory fire. Fr. Jack Mosbrucker (1988) drove the parish's turn toward social justice, helping found MACG and launching the 42nd Avenue Revitalization. Fr. Kelly Vandehey (2000) encouraged the Disciples in Mission outreach program.
- Fr. Agnelo Gomes, sfx (2002) — Missionary from Goa, India; ushered in the multicultural era
- Fr. John McGrann (2007) — Reinforced welcoming parish identity
- Fr. Elwin Schwab (2009) — Strengthened theology and church history teaching
- Sr. Phyllis Jaszkowiak (2009) — Pastoral administrator with a passion for social justice
- Fr. Tony Galati (2022) — Current pastoral administrator; former Mater Dei Radio executive director
Mass & Sacraments Schedule
St. Charles offers a compact but consistent schedule of Masses for its parish family. Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Thursday at 9:00 am; the Saturday Vigil Mass is at 5:00 pm; and the Sunday Mass is at 10:00 am and is livestreamed for the homebound. On Holy Days, Mass is offered at 8:00 am and 7:00 pm. The parish also brings Communion to the homebound — parishioners need only contact the Parish Office to arrange a visit.
- Saturday Vigil Mass — 5:00 pm
- Sunday Mass — 10:00 am (livestreamed)
- Daily Mass — Monday–Thursday 9:00 am
- Holy Days — 8:00 am and 7:00 pm
- Communion for the homebound — by request through the Parish Office
Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation
The parish walks parishioners and newcomers through the Church's central sacraments and lifelong faith formation. Programs include Baptism preparation, First Communion preparation, Confirmation preparation, and the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) for those discerning entry into the Catholic Church. Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered during Sunday Mass so young parishioners can hear the Scriptures at their own level.
- Baptism preparation
- First Communion preparation
- Confirmation preparation
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Sacramental Preparation
Parish Ministries & Outreach
St. Charles runs a wide network of ministries and committees that touch liturgy, hospitality, outreach, formation, and parish life. The parish is intentionally multicultural, with a Multicultural Committee supporting events like the Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. Small Church Communities gather parishioners in small groups to connect faith and everyday life. Liturgical ministries (such as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, and hospitality) are organized through a quarterly schedule, and the parish is actively recruiting Sunday hospitality volunteers. A Homebound Ministry brings Communion to those who cannot attend Mass.
- Liturgical Ministries (quarterly schedule)
- Hospitality Ministry (Sundays)
- Homebound Ministry (Communion visits)
- Small Church Communities
- Multicultural Committee (Our Lady of Guadalupe and other cultural celebrations)
- Pastoral Council
- Finance Council
Society of St. Vincent de Paul — St. Charles Conference
The parish hosts an active Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference (the 'St. Charles Conference'), a local, charitable, nonprofit Catholic lay organization committed to social justice ministry. Its mission is to help community members in its service area regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion, primarily through a weekly food pantry. The pantry is typically open weekly and accepts walk-ins with proof of current address, with food pickup or delivery available.
- Food pantry open Mondays and Saturdays
- Serves ZIP codes 97211 and 97218 (Columbia River to NE Prescott & NE 28–82 Avenues)
- Food pickup or delivery; walk-ins welcomed with proof of address
- Phone: (503) 235-8431
- Equal-opportunity provider; donations are tax-deductible
Social Justice & Advocacy
Social justice is a core pillar of St. Charles' identity. The Social Justice Ministry teaches that every person is made in the image of God and works to root parish life in the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching. The parish was a founding member of the Portland Organizing Project — now the Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG) — and through MACG has advocated on neighborhood issues like sewer-hookup costs and drug houses. Today the parish's current social-justice focus is racial justice, supported by a Racial Justice page, resources on care for creation, and faith-rooted programming like the GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) event series.
- Founding member of MACG (Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good)
- Current focus: racial justice and racial reconciliation
- Care 4 Creation (Season of Creation, action calendar, understanding natural gas)
- GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) parish programs
- Advocacy on renter's assistance, food insecurity, utilities assistance, care for the elderly
Music, Liturgy & Sunday Page
Music and liturgy are central to parish life at St. Charles. The parish publishes weekly playlists tied to the Sunday liturgy, supporting musicians and cantors in preparing music for Mass. The 'Sunday Page' on the parish website collects reflections, homilies, Children's Liturgy of the Word resources, and updates for parishioners, and serves as the hub for the livestreamed Sunday Mass.
- Weekly Sunday Mass playlists
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- Reflections and homilies on the Sunday Page
- Livestreamed Sunday Mass
Getting Involved at St. Charles
The parish welcomes new volunteers across many areas of parish life. Opportunities range from liturgical ministry and Sunday hospitality to the Homebound Ministry, the St. Vincent de Paul pantry, the Social Justice Ministry, Care for Creation, and parish committees like the Multicultural Committee and Pastoral Council. The parish office can connect anyone interested in serving with the right ministry.
- Liturgy and Hospitality volunteers (especially Sundays)
- Homebound Ministry
- St. Vincent de Paul pantry shifts
- Social Justice Ministry and Racial Justice work
- Multicultural Committee and Parish BBQ events
- Pastoral Council
Visiting & Contact
Parishioners and visitors can reach St. Charles by phone at (503) 281-6461 or by email at [email protected]. The parish office is open Monday–Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed on weekends and all major federal holidays. The parish is located at 5310 NE 42nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97218, in the heart of the Concordia neighborhood. The Sunday 10:00 am Mass is livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
- Address: 5310 NE 42nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97218
- Phone: (503) 281-6461
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
- Sunday Mass livestream available on the parish website
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. George Sniderhon1915–
First resident pastor.
- Fr. J.P. O'Flynn1917–
Succeeded Fr. Sniderhon.
- Fr. John A. Moran
Succeeded Fr. O'Flynn.
- Fr. Michael Wallace1920–
Succeeded Fr. Moran; served through 1924 fire.
- Fr. John R. Laidlaw1950–
Built the school (1950) and the present California-mission-style church (1954).
- Fr. Robert Krueger1973–1981
Cut budget deficits, implemented Vatican II, formed parish council, launched RCIA.
- Fr. Rick Paperini1982–
Associate pastor who became administrator, then pastor in 1982; expanded Sacramental Prep and RCIA; merged school into Archbishop Howard School in 1986; built new parish center after 1984 rectory fire.
- Fr. Jack Mosbrucker1988–
Shifted parish toward social justice and outreach; founding member of MACG; launched 42nd Avenue Revitalization; 1995 interior remodel.
- Fr. Kelly Vandehey2000–
Encouraged outreach through Disciples in Mission.
- Fr. Agnelo Gomes, sfx2002–
Missionary priest from Goa, India; ushered in the parish's multicultural identity.
- Fr. John McGrann2007–
Assigned July 2007; reinforced welcoming parish with many ministries.
- Fr. Elwin SchwabJanuary 2009–
Brought strong theology and church history teaching.
- Sr. Phyllis JaszkowiakJuly 2009–
Pastoral administrator; passion for social justice and contemplative spirituality.
- Fr. Tony GalatiJuly 2022–
Current pastoral administrator; former executive director of KBVM / Mater Dei Radio.