St Agatha Church
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Mission Statement
Saint Agatha Parish is centered on the living Word of God and Christ’s Eucharistic presence in the Liturgy. We are committed to evangelization through Catholic education and faith formation. By spreading the Good News of God's love and salvation, we encourage adherence to the greatest commandments: love of God and neighbor. We welcome new disciples to the Catholic Church and promote the culture of life, peace and justice.
About This Cause
In April of 1911, St. Agatha was established canonically as St. Agatha Mission, and Mass was celebrated in the homes of a few of the Sellwood Catholic residents. The parishioners met with Father John Cummisky, OSB, the pastor, and it was decided that a two story brick building would be built to serve as a school and chapel. A bungalow residence was built for the pastor adjoining the parish. On Thanksgiving Day, just a few months later, Archbishop Chrisite assisted by Rt. Rev, Abbot Placidus, OSB, Very Rev. Prior Adelheim, OSB, Father Cummisky and other clergy, dedicated the new combined church and school building. The Benedictine Sisters from Sacred Heart Parish opened the school in February 1912 with 38 registered pupils. In 1915, The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon agreed to direct and staff the school which they did for 58 years. Over time the enrollment climbed to 175 students as Portland grew. The Mill Lumber Company came to the area, bringing with it many Russian Catholic immigrants which further came to the area, bringing with it many Russian Catholic immigrants which further increased enrollment. Since Vatican II, the doors of the school have also been open to other students desiring a Christian education. Among some of the school's notable graduates is Dorothy Hester Stenzel, an acclaimed pilot in 1930, and a member of the Aviation Hall of Fame. The cornerstone for the current church was laid on New Years Day, 1920, and the church was dedicated October 3, 1920 on Holy Rosary Sunday by Archbishop Christie. The church was designed in the Early Gothic Style, measuring 70 x 120 ft., built of hollow brick and native tufa stone quarried on land belonging to the Benedictine fathers at Mt. Angel. On December 21, 1924, the marble high altar was blessed, and the hand-carved crucifix, the work of Oregon artist Esther Hult, was unveiled. The first eighty years of St. Agatha under the leadership and direction of the Benedictine fathers were remarkable for their commitment to growth and construction in the parish. In 2000, the Benedictine fathers turned over their pastoral responsibilites to the Archdiocese. During the last five years of his twenty-one year tenure as pastor, Father Cosmas White, OSB supported the launch of the campaign "Our Children, Our Legacy." In the fall of 2001, construction began on-site for the new school building and gymnasium. The new facilities opened for students in January 2003.