After receiving a public education in the Beacon Hill section of Seattle from 1919 to 1923, Power attended St. Mary Parochial School.

In 1955, Power left St. James to serve as administrator of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Seattle, rising to become its pastor in 1956.

He remained at Our Lady of the Lake for the next thirteen years, whilst concurrently holding several positions in the archdiocesan curia.

[1] Power assumed as his episcopal motto: Servite Domino In Laetitia, meaning, "I will serve God cheerfully."

Paul VI appointed Power as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Portland on January 15, 1974; he was installed on April 17, 1974, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

[2] Pope Paul II accepted Power's resignation as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Portland on July 1, 1986; he spent his retirement in providing retreats and assistance to parishes.