About St. Juan Diego Parish · Portland, Oregon
St. Juan Diego Parish in Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant Catholic community rooted in the legacy of Saint Juan Diego, whose canonization was celebrated on the same day the parish was officially named. Founded in 2002, the parish began with home Masses and potluck dinners, growing into a spiritual hub that serves a diverse, multilingual congregation. It offers Masses in both English and Spanish, active ministries for youth and families, and a strong emphasis on community and service. The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Hans Mueller and supported by a dedicated team of clergy and staff, including Deacons Dennis Desmarais and Hugo Patiño, and a pastoral staff committed to faith formation and outreach.
- Established
- 2002
- Patron
- Saint Juan Diego
- Rector
- Fr. Hans Mueller
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Portland
Why belong here
Join a welcoming, multilingual parish that offers Masses in English and Spanish, youth and family ministries, and active community service. Members are encouraged to participate in sacramental life, volunteer opportunities, and faith formation programs that build relationships and deepen spiritual growth. The parish’s history of generosity and community-building continues today through outreach, music, and pastoral care.
Mass times at St. Juan Diego Parish
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesdays 4:30pm–5:45pm
- Saturdays 3:00pm–4:30pm
- By appointment
History
In the early 1980s, Father Joseph M. McMahon saw a need for a future parish in the expanding Cedar Hills/Bethany area. He acquired $100,000 from the Archdiocese of Portland to purchase the land. On July 1, 2002, Archbishop John G. Vlazney assigned Father John Kerns to establish the parish, which was named after Saint Juan Diego on July 31, 2002 — the day of his canonization. The parish began with home Masses and potluck dinners hosted by parishioners, and grew through the generosity of its members who contributed time, talents, and resources to build a worship space.
Ministries
- Youth Ministry
- Faith Formation
- RCIA
- Baptism Prep
- Music Ministry
- Community Outreach
- Latino Ministry
- Prison Ministry
- Immigrant Support
- Toys for Families
- Podcast & Media Outreach
Staff
The parish is led by Pastor Fr. Hans Mueller, who became pastoral administrator in 2021 and pastor in 2022. Deacons Dennis Desmarais and Hugo Patiño serve the parish, with Hugo having moved to Portland in 2024. The pastoral team includes Ana Garcia (Business Manager), Mayra Barrera (Pastoral Associate), Kristin Mombert (Director of Faith Formation & Youth Ministry), Giselle Lopez (Pastoral Assistant), Hector Mendoza (Coordinator of Music), and Jeny Velazquez (Administrative Assistant).
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Hans Mueller2021–present
Became Pastoral Administrator July 1, 2021; ordained priest in 2017. Previously served as parochial vicar at Ascension and Holy Trinity.