Small-town parish in Oregon works to survive, grow

Published: 2004-06-17

CONDON, Ore. (CNS) -- One Sunday, a big noise from a small parishioner gave Jean Gilliam hope. "There was one baby in church," said the longtime member of St. John Parish in the small northern Oregon town of Condon. "I heard him crying and it made it feel like a growing church." Parishioners hope for full, energetic congregations and more young people. The pastor wants Gospel values transported to ranch, office and grocery store. Everyone hopes the visions merge. St. John and its mission in the high desert town of Fossil, in the Baker Diocese, are some of the most remote churches in Oregon.

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