Linking Prayer and Service for Converts

The Holy Cross Fathers have begun an institute that brings those who will become Catholic into touch with the chapel’s outreach to downtown Portland’s homeless, frail and mentally ill. After joining other incoming Catholics for a Portland retreat recently, Vollmer is considering work as a Catholic prison minister. He was inspired in part by the gritty urban ministry of the Holy Cross priests who hosted days of reflection at the Downtown Chapel.

“What an honor to stand in front of a new church,” Holy Cross Father Ron Raab told Vollmer and about 150 other Catholics-to-be.

Father Raab has begun an institute that brings those who will become Catholic into touch with the chapel’s outreach to downtown Portland’s homeless, frail and mentally ill. The small parish offers food, clothing, emergency funds, and visits to the lonely hotel rooms many urban dwellers call home. It also runs a Friday night coffee house and meal, hosts Alcoholics Anonymous groups and carries on prison ministry.

http://www.sentinel.org/articles/2004-14/12518.html