Spirit Magazine

About this issue

“Legacy”

“Legacy” celebrates the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s 140th anniversary.

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s hearts have been set on the treasures of heaven for 140 years. Since 1886, these Valiant women have served others through prayer, education and health care. Today, their legacy moves forward through their dedicated Sisters and the 500 purpose-driven people who serve alongside them. This issue of Spirit Magazine looks at a few of their stories and the Godly legacy they continue to build in the Tualatin Valley and beyond.

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  General | Spirit | SSMO

  Take 5: “Holy Grounds”

  Take 5: “Holy Grounds” If you could ask a Sister a question, what would it be? Have you ever wanted to know if they can have pets or if they…

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  Spirit | VCS

  Engineering Empathy

  Engineering Empathy:  Valley Catholic Middle Schoolers Experience Compassion Through Real-World STEM Project Eighth-grade students at Valley Catholic Middle School traded textbooks for prototypes to tackle a profound engineering challenge. The…

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  Spirit | VCS

  A Valiant Basketball Legacy

  It is rare for someone to win a state championship as both a player and a coach. Andy Haugen ’07, VCHS Librarian and Social Studies Department Chair, is one of…

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  Maryville | Spirit

  Learning Through Care

  Learning Through Care: Students Build Skills and Connection at Maryville During the month of April, Maryville welcomed high school students into its care community as part of a hands-on clinical…

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  Spirit | VCS

  Valley Catholic Teacher Receives National Civil Air Patrol Honor and Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel

  For Valley Catholic High School theology teacher Dr. David King, a recent national recognition marks both a professional and personal milestone. King has received the Gill Robb Wilson Award, the…

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  Foundation | Maryville | Spirit | SSMO | VCS

  In Memory – Sister Anne Vandecoevering

  Sr. Anne Vandecoevering, a woman of deep contemplation, passed away on June 3, 2026.

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  Foundation | Maryville | ministries-all news | Spirit | SSMO | VCS

  Sister Adele Marie Earns Honorary Doctorate

  Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen (UP class of ’81, MA ‘87) received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Service from her alma mater, the University of Portland. The University cited Sister Adele Marie’s significant contributions to the Catholic Church and to the people of the Pacific Northwest for bestowing this honor on her.  

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  Spirit | SSMO | VCS

  Second Graders Lead Heritage Prayer Service Honoring 140 Years of Legacy

  Second-grade students at Valley Catholic Elementary School stepped into a meaningful role on March 18, leading a Heritage Prayer Service that honored the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and…

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  Foundation | Maryville | ministries-all news | Spirit | SSMO | VCS

  Carrying the Legacy Forward

  The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon are celebrating their 140th anniversary by investing boldly in their long-standing ministry of education. Since 1886, the Sisters have shaped generations in the Tualatin Valley through purposeful prayer, education and health care.