Father Peter O’Brien, pastor of three parishes in the Willamette Valley, found time Sept. 8 to say Mass and bless the new St. Michael the Archangel Youth Center at Camp Howard.
Several hundred supporters were on hand, including people who spent time at Camp Howard decades ago. The new building, with fireplace and stage, is the latest update at the camp, which was founded in the 1950s.
Fr. Peter O’Brien blesses the new St. Michael the Archangel Youth Center at Camp Howard Sept. 8.
“While we bless this building, let’s remember that God’s preferred dwelling place is in the hearts of people,” Father O’Brien said as he sprinkled the congregation liberally with holy water.
On hand was Natalie Wood, executive director of Catholic Charities, who serves on the CYO/Camp Howard board of directors.
Sister Krista von Borstel, longtime executive director of CYO/Camp Howard, poses with Natalie Wood, executive director of Catholic Charities of Oregon.
The new multipurpose building is for Mass, performances, movies and meetings.
It “speaks to the spiritual side of our being,” says Sister Krista von Borstel, longtime executive director of CYO/Camp Howard. “I hope people will appreciate our desire to make the very best use of the building while honoring our Lord with a very special place to say Mass at the camp.”
Why name it after St. Michael the Archangel? “St Michael offers such strong biblical inspiration, and we need strength in the world now,” says Sister Krista.
It was also a tribute to Sr. Michael Francine Duncan, superior general of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Sr. Michael Francine used some family funds to make a donation for the youth center.
Much of the building comes from exposed Douglas fir timbers from fallen trees at camp that were milled on site by Karen von Borstel, the multi-skilled property manager.
An 80-foot-wide sliding glass door system that opens onto an outdoor plaza creates a connection between inside and outside.
Crosses figure prominently in the design, and a 40-foot in diameter labyrinth modeled on the one at Chartres Cathedral in France is poured in concrete in the plaza.
Natalie Wood, executive director of Catholic Charities of Oregon tours the new St. Michael the Archangel Youth Center at Camp Howard with husband Steve Sept. 8.