By Brian Hoop
Father Joshua Clifton was drawn to serve as the administrator of St. Birgitta Catholic Church due to the traditional Latin Mass. He’s not alone. Few may realize the unique history of this small unassuming church located in Linnton that draws the faithful from across the Portland metro region each weekend, some driving up to two hours, to take part in the Latin Mass.
Father Joshua Clifton, pastor of St. Birgitta’s Catholic Church. Photo credit: Brian Hoop.
His path to religious service
Father Clifton grew up in the Catholic faith in San Luis Obispo on the central coast of California, in the neighborhood of the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Clifton is a sixth generation descendent of immigrants from the Azores, Portugal. His calling to the priesthood came later while in high school.
Clifton pursued his undergraduate degree in religious studies at UC Berkeley and began his ministerial studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. He completed his studies at Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon and was ordained in 2012. Prior to being ordained, he taught for four years in high schools in California and New Jersey before ministering several years in Monterey and Salinas Valley communities in California.
St. Birgitta’s unique history
But why leave California for a small church in Linnton? It turns out St. Birgitta’s has a very unique history as far as the Latin Mass is concerned.
While most Catholic churches adjusted in the 1970’s to the modern liturgy as a result of the Second Vatican Council, St. Birgitta’s Father Milan Mikulich received a somewhat rare “indult,” or permission from Pope Paul VI, to continue the Latin Mass. Though the Portland metro area has four parishes that currently celebrate the Latin Mass, only St. Birgitta has continued uninterrupted.
A growing parish draws the faithful
Today, St. Birgitta’s is a growing parish with roughly 230 individuals attending services each weekend. Even more interesting, the Latin Mass is drawing a younger generation to the St. Birgitta parish with a median age around 30.
Father Clifton suspects the draw of the Latin service are the layers of depth and mysticism that inspires the faithful. A well trained schola, or choir for singing Gregorianian chants, is preparing to record their first CD at the church. The Latin High Mass, with parts of the Mass sung in Latin with incense, takes place the 2nd and 4th Sundays and 1st Fridays each month.
In addition, the church community is expanding with new scouting troops for boys and girls and a homeschooling co-op meeting on Fridays with about 30 kids participating. A Catholic Friendship Group draws singles in the 40-60 age range. An annual parish picnic takes place in late July and they’re planning a fall community event.
Learn more: St. Birgitta Catholic Church, 11820 NW St. Helens Rd., stbirgittapdx.com