Advent Events in the Diocese
Below, you will find a list of retreats, events, study opportunities, and other gatherings being held in parishes across the diocese this Advent.
Prior to Advent
Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saint Agatha - Advent by Candlelight
As we prepare our hearts for the Advent season, women are invited to attend Our Lady of the Valley Parish's second annual Advent by Candlelight, which will be held Tuesday, November 19, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Agatha Church hall, 379 Main Street in St. Agatha. The evening will include food, fellowship, and a special guest speaker. Gather a group of eight friends and host a table. To register, contact Nicole Chamberland at 207-436-1158.
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Making Music Praying Twice / Advent Series
Bring your children (ages 0-5) to a morning of music, joy, and faith, as participants sing, dance, and prepare for the birth of Jesus. Families will enjoy beautiful hymns such as "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Silent Night," with playful twists on classics like "Tip Toe of the Sugarplum Fairy." Sessions will be held in the hall of Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., on Saturdays November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21.
St. Agnes Parish, Island Falls - Blessing of the Creches
The Heart of St. Francis fraternity is sponsoring a blessing of the crèches at all Masses on the first weekend of Advent, November 30 & December 1, at St. Agnes Church in Island Falls and St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Houlton. All are invited to bring an item from their family crèche and place it on a table in the front of the church for Fr. Kevin Martin to bless. It is a gesture of uniting your family crèche with the larger faith community. The beginning of the use of creches to commemorate the Nativity is traced to St. Francis of Assisi who, in 1223, set up an outdoor creche for the celebration of midnight Mass. Mass at St. Agnes Church, 76 Sewall Street in Island Falls, is Saturday, November 30, at 4 p.m. Masses at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton, are Sunday, December 1, at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish - Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture
Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture will be held on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The sessions will begin November 26 and continue through December 16. Attend and prepare to be led inward to experience all God has for you! FMI: Terry Barrieau at 207-256-2870 or [email protected]. Books are $10 each.
Advent by Candlelight - Fort Kent
An Advent by Candlelight event will be held on Saturday, November 23, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Fort Kent. The evening is a wonderful opportunity to prepare your heart for the Advent season. The guest speaker will be Joyanna Deschaine.
First Week of Advent (December 1-7)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Wreath Making
The Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes will hold Advent wreath making and other Advent activities in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception's Guild Hall, 307 Congress Street in Portland, on December 1, the first Sunday of Advent, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. All are invited to join in!
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Candlelight Vespers
Advent candlelight vespers will be prayed on the Sundays of Advent from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland.
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Making Music Praying Twice / Advent Series
Bring your children (ages 0-5) to a morning of music, joy, and faith, as participants sing, dance, and prepare for the birth of Jesus. Families will enjoy beautiful hymns such as "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Silent Night," with playful twists on classics like "Tip Toe of the Sugarplum Fairy." Sessions will be held in the hall of Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., on Saturdays November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21. To sign up: https://princeofpeace.me/mmp2.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Advent by Candlelight
Women are invited to part of a special evening focused on the true meaning of the blessed season of Advent, as we join together to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ birth. Advent by Candlelight will be held Wednesday, December 4, at 6 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham. The event will be held the following the day if there is inclement weather. Light refreshments will be served in the church hall following this special event. FMI: 207-857-0490.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture
Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture will be held on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The sessions will begin November 26 and continue through December 16. Attend and prepare to be led inward to experience all God has for you! FMI: Terry Barrieau at 207-256-2870 or [email protected]. Books are $10 each.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Thirst, Hunger, Fulfillment
St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook will present Thirst, Hunger, Fulfillment, a three-day Advent retreat with Lynda Rozell, the “Tin Can Pilgrim.” Sessions will be held December 1 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham, December 2 at St. Hyacinth Church in Westbrook, and December 3 at St. Anne Church in Gorham. All sessions are at 6:30 p.m.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Advent Wreath Making
All are welcome to create an Advent wreath for your home at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, located on 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough, on Sunday, December 1, at 11:30 a.m. The Advent wreath is a tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent as we await the coming of Our Savior. The wreaths are made with evergreen boughs and four candles: three purple and one pink. This event is for all ages. Both families and individuals are invited. There is a suggested donation of $10 for materials. If you plan to attend, please RSVP here, so the parish can be sure to have enough supplies.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Festival of Lessons and Carols
The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held at the Church of the Holy Cross, 124 Cottage Road in South Portland, on Monday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. The festival is an Advent service of ritual, Scripture, and song. The readings and music take us from the dawn of creation to the birth of Christ. This is a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas, and all are welcome to attend.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Evening Prayer with Adoration and Benediction
Vespers will be prayed on the Sundays of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, & 22) at 5 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough. Vespers, or Evening Prayer, consists of psalms and canticles, a short Scripture reading, the Canticle of Mary, intercessory petitions, and the Lord's Prayer, concluding with Benediction.
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Houlton - Blessing of Creches
The Heart of St. Francis fraternity is sponsoring a blessing of the crèche at all Masses on the first weekend of Advent, November 30 & December 1, at St. Agnes Church in Island Falls and St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Houlton. All are invited to bring an item from their family crèche and place it on a table in the front of the church for Fr. Kevin Martin to bless. It is a gesture of uniting your family crèche with the larger faith community. The beginning of the use of creches to commemorate the Nativity is traced to St. Francis of Assisi who, in 1223, set up an outdoor creche for the celebration of midnight Mass. Mass at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton, is Sunday, December 1, at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Agnes Church, 76 Sewall Street in Island Falls, is Saturday, November 30, at 4 p.m.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor - Musica Sacra Advent
The St. John Youth & Adult Choirs will offer a concert of sacred music for Advent on Sunday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Church, 207 York Street in Bangor.
St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, Machias - Advent Retreat
Father Frank Murray will lead an Advent retreat on Thursday, December 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 8 Free Street in Machias.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, Winslow - Advent Prayer Via Zoom
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon invite everyone to join them for Advent Prayer via Zoom on the Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays of Advent from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. To register and to get the link, email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
Second Week of Advent (December 8-14)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Lessons & Carols
Embracing a tradition that dates to 19th century England, the Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes will present Advent Lessons & Carols on Friday, December 13, at 7 pm. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. The festival shares the story of salvation through Scripture readings, hymns and carols, and prayer.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Vespers
Advent vespers will be prayed on the Sundays of Advent from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. Vespers will be followed by a teaching on the Catholic faith.
Our Lady of Hope Parish, Portland - Advent Family Night
Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland will present an Advent Family Night, Journey to Bethlehem, on December 14, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m. All are invited to come to walk with Mary and Joseph on their journey. Each child will create his or her own creche. RSVP at [email protected].
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Making Music Praying Twice / Advent Series
Bring your children (ages 0-5) to a morning of music, joy, and faith, as participants sing, dance, and prepare for the birth of Jesus. Families will enjoy beautiful hymns such as "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Silent Night," with playful twists on classics like "Tip Toe of the Sugarplum Fairy." Sessions will be held in the hall of Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., on Saturdays November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21. To sign up: https://princeofpeace.me/mmp2.
Sacred Heart / St. Dominic Parish, Portland - Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration
Bishop James Ruggieri will join with members of the Hispanic community in celebrating the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. The Mass will be held on December 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 65 Mellen Street in Portland. All are invited to attend!
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture
Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture will be held on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The sessions will begin November 26 and continue through December 16. Attend and prepare to be led inward to experience all God has for you! FMI: Terry Barrieau at 207-256-2870 or [email protected]. Books are $10 each.
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, Camden - Solemn Vespers
In celebration of the season of Advent, St. Brendan the Navigator Parish will hold Solemn Vespers on Sunday, December 8, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belfast.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Blessing of the Christmas Tree
Following the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, December 9, all are invited to gather outside St. Bartholomew Church for the blessing and lighting of the outdoor Christmas tree.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Evening Prayer with Adoration and Benediction
Vespers will be prayed on the Sundays of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, & 22) at 5 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough. Vespers, or Evening Prayer, consists of psalms and canticles, a short Scripture reading, the Canticle of Mary, intercessory petitions, and the Lord's Prayer, concluding with Benediction.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, Winslow - Advent Prayer Via Zoom
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon invite everyone to join them for Advent Prayer via Zoom on the Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays of Advent from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. To register and to get the link, email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
Third Week of Advent (December 15-21)
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Making Music Praying Twice / Advent Series
Bring your children (ages 0-5) to a morning of music, joy, and faith, as participants sing, dance, and prepare for the birth of Jesus. Families will enjoy beautiful hymns such as "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Silent Night," with playful twists on classics like "Tip Toe of the Sugarplum Fairy." Sessions will be held in the hall of Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston on Saturdays November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21. To sign up: https://princeofpeace.me/mmp2.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture
Rejoice: An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture will be held on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The sessions will begin November 26 and continue through December 16. Attend and prepare to be led inward to experience all God has for you! FMI: Terry Barrieau at 207-256-2870 or [email protected]. Books are $10 each.
St. Christopher Parish, Peaks Island - Christmas Caroling
Join St. Christopher parishioners as they celebrate Gaudete Sunday with their annual wassailing tradition. Carolers will gather at the church at 4 p.m. and then carol outside homes. After caroling, there will be a reception in the parish hall.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Evening Prayer with Adoration and Benediction
Vespers will be prayed on the Sundays of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, & 22) at 5 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough. Vespers, or Evening Prayer, consists of psalms and canticles, a short Scripture reading, the Canticle of Mary, intercessory petitions, and the Lord's Prayer, concluding with Benediction.
St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, Machias - Bambinelli Sunday Blessing
Parishioners are invited to bring their Baby Jesus figurines to Masses on the Third Sunday of Advent to have them blessed. It has become a tradition in Rome that on the Third Sunday of Advent children bring “Bambinelli," Baby Jesus figurines from their family Nativity scenes, to St Peter’s Square for the pope to bless them. Many parishes have now adopted the practice as well, including St. Peter the Fisherman Parish in Machias. The blessing will take place during the Saturday, December 14, 4:30 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 14 Hamilton Street n Lubec, during the Sunday, December 15, 8:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 8 Free Street in Machias, and during the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Michael Church, 51 Elm Street in Cherryfield.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, Winslow - Advent Prayer Via Zoom
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon invite everyone to join them for Advent Prayer via Zoom on the Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays of Advent from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. To register and to get the link, email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
Fourth Week of Advent (December 22-24)
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Christmas Pageant
A children's Christmas pageant will be held on Christmas Eve at 3:30 p.m., prior to Christmas Eve Mass at Holy Trinity Church, 67 Frost Hill Avenue in Lisbon Falls.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Children's Nativity Play
The children of the parish will present the Nativity story on Sunday, December 22, at 11:30 a.m. If your child is interested in participating, email [email protected].
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Evening Prayer with Adoration and Benediction
Vespers will be prayed on the Sundays of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, & 22) at 5 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough. Vespers, or Evening Prayer, consists of psalms and canticles, a short Scripture reading, the Canticle of Mary, intercessory petitions, and the Lord's Prayer, concluding with Benediction.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor - Christmas Pageant
Children will put on a Christmas pageant at 4 p.m. on December 24, prior to the Christmas Mass at St. Teresa Church, 425 South Main Street in Brewer.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor - Musica Sacra Christmas
The St. John Youth & Adult Choirs will offer a concert of sacred Christmas music on Sunday, December 22, at 3 p.m. at St. John Church, 207 York Street in Bangor.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, Winslow - Advent Prayer Via Zoom
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon invite everyone to join them for Advent Prayer via Zoom on the Monday, December 23, from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. To register and to get the link, email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
