“The Retreat Center is a place to welcome youth…a place where youth can come to know each other and learn how they can live their human lives and their faith lives more fully.”

-Fr. Bernard Sander, O.S.B., Chaplain, Honorary Board Member

“I feel the Fr. Bernard Youth Center will be a key factor in giving the Catholic youth in the region an opportunity to find the deeper meanings of their faith and a closer relationship to Jesus Christ. The sacred adoration space within the beautiful St Anthony Chapel gives the youth a real feeling of Christ in their lives. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful facility and pray that the youth who experience FBYC will deepen their love of the Catholic faith and their Lord, Jesus Christ.”

- Fred Vandecoevering, President of the Board, Woodburn, Oregon

“The Holy Spirit has definitely been the Prime Mover of all ‘happenings’ at the FBYC. It is my firm belief that He really likes what’s going on, and I pray He is going to continue to keep ‘moving’ all who come! I am thankful that I am able to be a part of this great organization.” –

- Bernadette Wagner, Vice President/Secretary of the Board,     Mt. Angel, Oregon

“There has long been a need for a place in Oregon where the young people of the church can gather and not only come to appreciate the action of Christ in their lives, but can feel safe being Catholic, and even be proud of their Catholic faith. I envision such a place in the Fr. Bernard Youth Center; a special place where young people can come to meet and love Christ, especially through His sacraments, and to love His Church as well.”

-John Rico, FBYC Board Member, Oregon City, Oregon

“I am involved with FBYC because I believe in the mission and have seen the change that can occur when time is spent with these young people, one-on-one. It’s important to me to ensure that my children have a place they can go to reinforce them in making life decisions.”

- Wes Kuenzi,  FBYC Board Member, Silverton, Oregon

“I see young people, one face at a time, one soul at a time being brought deeper into the loving heart of Jesus …unloading all cares, heartaches and a sinful past and turning one step closer to God. Through hard work and prayer, the Center has become real.”

-Tony Morris, FBYC Executive Director, FBYC Board Member, Mt. Angel, Oregon

ADVISORS TO THE BOARD

“It is harder today for our parishes to meet the revised safety standards for youth gatherings set forth by the Archdiocese within the available pool of retreat houses and lodges.  The Father Bernard Youth Center clearly fills this need.”

~ Bishop Kenneth Steiner, Auxiliary Bishop of Portland and FBYC Honorary Campaign Chair

“I see the Fr. Bernard Youth Center as a cozy, intimate, homey place where young can enjoy themselves as they share and grow their faith. The Center has rooms for private discussion, outdoor meditation areas and comfortable large group settings. It is a special place, full of life and spirit.”

-Julia Hopkins, FBYC Advisor to the Board, Woodburn, Oregon

“Catholic youth are at a crucial point in their spiritual and social lives.  The FBYC is a place where youth can come closer to Christ and strengthen their faith through the grace of the sacraments.”                                   

- Debbie Fessler, FBYC Advisor to the Board,  Mt. Angel, Oregon

An internationally acclaimed harpist, singer and composer, Therese Schroeder-Sheker has chaired four music-thanatology graduate and undergraduate programs at many colleges and universities.  She co-founded the palliative medical field of music-thanatology, as well as the Chalice of Repose Project.  Therese serves on several national and international boards that are concerned and devoted to spirituality and culture.  Her unique gifts and amazing talents are most welcome and appreciated at the Fr. Bernard Youth Center. 

-Therese Schroeder-Sheker, FBYC Advisor to the Board,  Mt. Angel, Oregon

“I believe that FBYC will be a place where young people can come to nourish their souls in a quiet, prayerful, yet fun place that is geared to accommodate their youthful spirits … it will encourage them to practice the joy of their Christianity.

- Efrain Diaz-Horna, FBYC Advisor to the Board, Salem, Oregon

Ordained on June 11, 2005 by Archbishop Vlazny,

Fr. Peter served as Deacon at St. Mary Church in Eugene, Oregon, prior to his assignment as Parochial Vicar at St. Cecelia’s in Beaverton. He now serves in the Grants Pass, Oregon, St. Anne parish.  Fr. Peter understands the special needs of the youth, as he grew up in a home where he was one of seven children. Fr. Peter says, “I look forward to serving the Church – nothing gives me greater joy or happiness that that.”    
 

-Fr. Peter O’Brien, FBYC Advisor to the Board