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
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Reflection Group
Parishioners are invited to participate in an Advent small group that will meet at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland, on the Saturdays of Advent at 9 a.m. The group will reflect on the Sunday Gospel reading for that week. It will be a simple and peaceful way to journey through Advent together. The meetings will begin Saturday, December 2, and take place in the upper sacristy.
FMI: 207-773-7746 or [email protected].
Our Lady of the Valley Parish, St. Agatha - Advent by Candlelight
Advent by Candlelight, an opportunity for women to set aside the season’s busyness and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the hall of St. Agatha Church, 379 Main Street in Saint Agatha. Women are invited to a special evening of fellowship, food, and reflection, with a special guest speaker.
FMI: Nicole Chamberland at 207-436-1158. Preregistration before November 18 is required.
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Infancy Narratives
Father Daniel Greenleaf, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish, will lead a Bible study on the Infancy Narratives and understanding the way the Church celebrates Advent. Sessions are held Monday evenings beginning November 20 with the Story of Jesus' birth as told in the Gospel of Matthew. Subsequent sessions will be held November 27, December 4, and December 11. Classes can be viewed via livestream.
Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth - Advent Fair
The Parish of the Holy Eucharist’s Advent Fair will be held Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth. The fair will feature handcrafted items, a children’s table, vintage collectibles, baked goods, holiday decorations, jewelry, a raffle, and a luncheon café.
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, Camden - Advent Wreath Making
An Advent wreath making session will be held on Sunday, November 26, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belfast. All are invited to this festive gathering, but if you know you are planning to attend, please RSVP so the parish can order enough materials. A $10 donation is requested. Call 207-236-4785 or email [email protected].
St. Christopher Parish, Peaks Island - Advent Wreath Making & Crafts
All are invited to come together to make and Advent wreath and other crafts on Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the hall of St. Christopher Church on Peaks Island. Drop in, make a wreath, Advent calendar, and crafts for children. Enjoy coffee and goodies and prepare for the season of Advent.
St. Michael Parish, Augusta - Infancy Narratives
As we approach the beginning of Advent, St. Michael Parish in Augusta will offer a Bible study on the Infancy Narratives of Jesus, using the Little Rock Scripture Study series. The Bible study will explore the stories of the conception and birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Attend and deepen your longing for the Messiah's coming as you encounter Jesus as Emmanuel, "God is with us."
Sessions will be held Tuesday evenings from November 28-December 12 in the hall of St. Francis Xavier Church, 130 U.S. Route 133 in Winthrop and again on Thursday evenings from November 30 - December 14 in the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 5 Summer Street in Hallowell.
To register: [email protected] or call 623-8823 by November 20. The cost is $15 per person to cover the cost of the study book.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor - Advent Wreath Making
Join in making an Advent wreath for your home in the hall of St. John Church, 217 York Street in Bangor on Saturday, December 2, at 2 p.m.
First Week of Advent (December 3-9)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Reflection Group
Parishioners are invited to participate in an Advent small group that will meet at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland, on the Saturdays of Advent at 9 a.m. The group will reflect on the Sunday Gospel reading for that week. It will be a simple and peaceful way to journey through Advent together. The meetings will begin Saturday, December 2, and take place in the upper sacristy.
FMI: 207-773-7746 or [email protected].
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Vespers on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Solemn vespers will be prayed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland, on Thursday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m., the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the cathedral and the Diocese of Portland. A reception with desserts will follow in Guild Hall.
Christian Life Center, Frenchville - Evening Prayer & Reflection
Father James Plourde will lead Evening Prayer followed by a 20-minute Scripture meditation on Sunday, December 3, at the Christian Life Center, 444 U.S. Route One in Frenchville. Evening prayer will begin at 4 p.m. and the meditation at approximately 4:20 p.m. There will then be a question-and-answer period. Pre-registration is encouraged. Visit https://clc4me.org or call 207-543-6193.
Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow - Blessing of Creches
The faithful are invited to bring a piece of their Christmas Nativity scene, or the entire creche. to be blessed during the 10:30 a.m. Mass on December 3 at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street in Winslow. The creches should be placed in front of the altar before the Mass for the blessing. A soup and bread reception, hosted by the Secular Franciscans, will follow in the church hall.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord, Kittery - Blessing of the Christmas Tree & Christmas Caroling
All are invited to the annual blessing of the Christmas tree at St. Christopher Church, 4 Barrell Lane in York on Saturday, December 9, following the 4 p.m. Mass. There will be caroling, cookies, and cocoa to put participants in the Christmas spirit!
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Infancy Narratives
Father Daniel Greenleaf, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish, will lead a Bible study on the Infancy Narratives and understanding the way the Church celebrates Advent. Sessions are held Monday evenings beginning November 20 with the Story of Jesus' birth as told in the Gospel of Matthew. Subsequent sessions will be held November 27, December 4, and December 11. Classes can be viewed via livestream.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Advent by Candlelight
Women are invited to attend Advent by Candlelight, a beautiful night of quiet reflection, inspirational music, and fellowship on Wednesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Anne Church in Gorham. The featured presenter will be Ellen Kasprzyk who will share "A journey through Mary's heart at the Annunciation." Following the presentation, a reception of petite desserts and sparkling cider will be held in the church hall. To register, call Nancy Scott at 207-650-7712.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Advent Mission: "Let there be Light"
St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook will hold an Advent mission, "Let there be Light," featuring Frank Runyeon, an Emmy-nominated actor known for bringing Scripture to life through drama and humor.
The mission will be held Sunday-Tuesday, December 3-5, at 6:30 p.m. at the three churches of St. Anthony of Padua. On December 3, the topic of the presentation will be "Signs, the Gospel of John." It will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. On December 4, the theme will be "The Letter of James." It will be held at St. Hyacinth Church, 268 Brown Street, and on December 5, "3 1/2 Stories of Christmas" will be presented at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Advent Wreath Making
All are welcome to gather at St, Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough, on Sunday, December 3, at 11:30 a.m. to make an Advent wreath for your home. The wreaths are made with evergreen boughs and four candles – three purple and one pink – for each of the four weeks of Advent. The event is for folks of all ages. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948AAA729A0FA7-45735658-advent so the parish can ensure it has enough supplies. There is a suggested donation of $10.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Festival of Lessons & 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 4, 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. Joseph Parish, Ellsworth - Advent Lessons & Carols
Advent Lessons & Carols, a blend of Scripture readings, prayer, and hymns which tell the story of salvation from Creation to the birth of Christ, will be held at St. Joseph Church, 231 Main Street in Ellsworth, on Tuesday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Parish, Farmington - Advent Wreath Making
St. Joseph Parish will be hosting an Advent wreath making opportunity for families in the hall of St. Joseph Church, 133 Middle Street in Farmington, following the Sunday, December 3, 10:30 a.m. Materials to make the wreaths will be provided along with printed prayers and light refreshments.
Although registration isn't necessary, if you definitely plan to attend, you're asked to contact Amanda Ferriter at [email protected] or 207-778-2778 so enough supplies can be ordered.
St. Louis Parish, Portland - Small faith-sharing groups
Enter more deeply into the Advent season by participating in a small faith sharing group at St. Louis Church, 279 Danforth Street in Portland. Meetings will be on the Sundays of Advent, December 3, 10, 17, and 24, at 12:30 p.m. (Following the 11:30 a.m. Mass). FMI: [email protected] or 207-773-7746.
St. Matthew Parish, Limerick - Advent Reflection
Deacon Paul Lissandrello will lead a special Advent reflection on Sunday, December 3, at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick. The reflection will be followed by Advent wreath making.
St. Michael Parish, Augusta - Infancy narratives
St. Michael Parish in Augusta is offering a Bible study on the Infancy Narratives of Jesus, using the Little Rock Scripture Study series. The Bible study will explore the stories of the conception and birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Attend and deepen your longing for the Messiah's coming as you encounter Jesus as Emmanuel, "God is with us."
Sessions will be held Tuesday evenings from November 28-December 13 in the hall of St. Francis Xavier Church, 130 U.S. Route 133 in Winthrop and again on Thursday evenings from November 30 - December 14 in the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 5 Summer Street in Hallowell.
To register: [email protected] or call 623-8823 by November 20. The cost is $15 per person to cover the cost of the study book.
St. Peter Parish, Portland - Advent Activities for Families
Celebrate the beginning of Advent with wreath making, crafts, and other fun activities on Sunday, December 3, following the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Peter Church, 72 Federal Street in Portland.
St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, Machias - Advent Retreat Day
St. Peter the Fisherman will hold its annual Advent Retreat Day on Thursday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Hoy Name of Jesus Church, 8 Free Street in Machias. All are welcome to attend.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford - Advent Reflection
Father Wilfred Labbe will lead a special Advent reflection on Sunday, December 3, at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford.
Second Week of Advent (December 10-16)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Crafts & Games
Following the Sunday 10 a.m. Mass on December 10th, all are invited to gather in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception's Guild Hall for a variety of Advent activities including wreath making, crafts, games, and the opportunity to learn ways to make the season of Advent a fruitful time to prepare for the coming of Christ.
St. Benedict Parish, Benedicta – Nativity Performance
The parish youth groups will perform a Nativity shadow drama musical on Sunday, December 10, at 4:30 p.m. at St. Benedict Church, 1063 Benedicta Road. A spaghetti supper will follow, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Festival of Lessons & Carols with Bishop Deeley
With Bishop Robert Deeley presiding, the Cathedral Choir and Scholas will present a Festival of Lessons and Carols on Friday, December 15, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. The festival, a seasonal tradition dating to the 19th century, shares salvation history, and in a special way the birth of the Savior, through nine Scipture readings or lessons, which are interspersed with carols and choral music.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Reflection Group
Parishioners are invited to participate in an Advent small group that will meet at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland, on the Saturdays of Advent at 9 a.m. The group will reflect on the Sunday Gospel reading for that week. It will be a simple and peaceful way to journey through Advent together. The meetings will take place in the upper sacristy.
FMI: 207-773-7746 or [email protected].
Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth - Festival of Lessons & Carols
A Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held at Sacred Heart Church on 326 Main Street in Yarmouth on Friday, December 15, at 7 p.m. Please consider joining in this uplifting festival, which features nine brief Scripture lessons, accompanied by related carol or hymns, which recount salvation history, beginning with the story of Creation and leading up to the Nativity. The parish's choirs and Scholas will lead the singing of each hymn.
Parish of the Precious Blood, Caribou - A Child is Born
A Child is Born, which will include the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and music by the St. Louis Catholic Church Choir, will be held December 17 at 2 p.m. at St. Louis Church, 106 Main Street in Limestone. The choir will share song selections from Kenny Rogers and Amy Grant. There is no cost to attend, but any donations will go towards the parish fuel fund.
Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Old Town - Festival of Lessons & Carols and Christmas Pageant
The Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord will present the Festival of Lessons & Carols on Friday, December 15, at 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church in Old Town. The festival is a a beautiful, meditative service of Scripture readings with carols and hymns sung in response to each. The festival will conclude with a Nativity play by the children of the parish.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Bambinelli Sunday
On the weekend of December 16 & 17, people are invited to bring the Christ Child figurine from their Nativity sets to Masses in the churches of St. John Paul II Parish for a special blessing. A list of Mass times and locations can be found here.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Christmas Pageant
The children of St. John Paul II Parish will put on a Christmas pageant on Sunday, December 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Road in Cape Elizabeth.
St. Louis Parish, Portland - Small faith-sharing groups
Enter more deeply into the Advent season by participating in a small faith sharing group at St. Louis Church, 279 Danforth Street in Portland. Meetings will be on the Sundays of Advent, December 3, 10, 17, and 24, at 12:30 p.m. (Following the 11:30 a.m. Mass). FMI: [email protected] or 207-773-7746.
St. Michael Parish, Augusta - Christmas Carol Celebration
St. Michael Parish will present a Christmas Carol Celebration, an evening of delicious food and the singing of traditional Christmas carols, on Saturday, December 16, in the hall of St. Augustine Church, 75 Northern Avenue in Augusta. Bring an ornament (new, used, or homemade) to exchange with another parishioner and then pray for them throughout the new year!
St. Michael Parish, Augusta - Infancy Narratives
St. Michael Parish in Augusta is offering a Bible study on the Infancy Narratives of Jesus, using the Little Rock Scripture Study series. The Bible study will explore the stories of the conception and birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Attend and deepen your longing for the Messiah's coming as you encounter Jesus as Emmanuel, "God is with us."
Sessions will be held Tuesday evenings from November 28-December 13 in the hall of St. Francis Xavier Church, 130 U.S. Route 133 in Winthrop and again on Thursday evenings from November 30 - December 14 in the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 5 Summer Street in Hallowell.
To register: [email protected] or call 623-8823 by November 20. The cost is $15 per person to cover the cost of the study book.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor - Musica Sacra Advent
On Sunday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m., the Chamber Choir of St. John Church, directed by Kevin Birch, will present Musica Sacra Advent, featuring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Grayston Ives Felix Mendelssohn, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and John Rutter. There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted to support food assistance in the community.
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Jay - Advent Lessons & Carols
All are welcome to gather for a Festival of Lessons & Carols presentation at St. Rose of Lima Church, located on 1 Church Street in Jay, on Friday, December 16, at 6 p.m. The evening will feature chant, polyphony, carols, and readings of the season, allowing participants to prepare for Christmas with sacred music in a beautiful setting. The sounds of the season, and the evening, will come from the historic Tilton organ under the direction of organist Philip Fournier.
St. Thomas School & St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford - Children's Christmas Celebration
A special Christmas celebration featuring the children of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish and St. Thomas School in Sanford will be held Sunday, December 10.
The 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Family Church will be a special family Mass, where children will learn about Saint Nicholas and his role in the Christmas season.
The children will then proceed across the street to St. Thomas School, singing Christmas carols and spreading Christmas joy (weather permitting)! There will then be a gathering in the St. Thomas School cafeteria for a chance to meet Santa and enjoy delicious snacks and warm beverages. All are welcome!
Third Week of Advent (December 17-23)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland - Advent Reflection Group
Parishioners are invited to participate in an Advent small group that will meet at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland, on the Saturdays of Advent at 9 a.m. The group will reflect on the Sunday Gospel reading for that week. It will be a simple and peaceful way to journey through Advent together. The meetings will take place in the upper sacristy.
FMI: 207-773-7746 or [email protected].
Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow - Christmas Sing-along
Corpus Christi Parish will hold a Christmas sing-along at Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours Church, 116 Silver Street in Waterville, on Saturday, December 16, 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. All are invited!
Parishes of the Western Maine Lakes & Foothills - Bambinelli Sunday Blessing of the Baby Jesus
It is 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. Catholic churches throughout the world have begun to join in this tradition, and this year the Parishes of the Western Maine Lakes & Foothills will do so as well.
On Sunday, December 17, children and parishioners of all ages are encouraged to bring the Christ Child figure from their home Nativity scenes to church. Father Edward Clifford or Rev. Arockia Natha Prabu Magimaidas, HGN, will bless the “Bambinelli” in the parish hall following the 8:30 a.m. Masses at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, 32 Paris Street in Norway, and St. Joseph Church, 225 South High Street in Bridgton, and following the 10:30 a.m. Masses at Our Lady of Ransom Church, 117 Elm Street in Mechanic Falls, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 857 Main Street in Fryeburg.
All are welcome to attend the blessing and to enjoy refreshments celebrating the remaining days of Advent.
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston - Festival of Lessons & Carols
Prince of Peace Parish will present a beautiful Advent tradition, the Festival of Lessons & Carols, on Friday, December 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, 122 Ash Street in Lewiston. Through Scripture readings, accompanied by Christmas carols, hymns, and prayer, the festival shares the story of salvation and of the coming of the Messiah.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Bambinelli Sunday
On the weekend of December 16 & 17, people are invited to bring the Christ Child figurine from their Nativity sets to Masses in the churches of St. John Paul II Parish for a special blessing. A list of Mass times and locations can be found here.
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Christmas Pageant
Children from St. John Paul II Parish will put on a Christmas pageant on Sunday, December 17, following the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor - Musica Sacra Christmas
On Sunday, December 17, at 3:00 p.m., the youth and adult choirs of St. John Church will present Musica Sacra Christmas, a performance of choral and instrumental favorites for the season. There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted to support food assistance in the community.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Norway - Festival of Lessons & Carols
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish will present the Festival of Lessons & Carols, an Advent tradition that dates back to the late 19th century, on Sunday, December 17, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Ransom Church, 117 Elm Street in Mechanic Falls. The Festival of Lessons & Carols tells the story of salvation through nine Scripture readings or lessons, which are accompanied by Christmas carols or hymns and times of prayer.
St. Christopher Parish, Peaks Island - Advent Caroling
All are welcome to join us at the Peaks Island Fay Garman House at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20th. We will begin singing and walking to the ferry landing for the arrival of the 4:30 ferry. Then we will continue singing and walking to St. Christopher’s Parish House. There we will have chili, corn bread and salad dinner. Please bring outfits and infant diapers for babies born to needy mothers at Portland hospitals.
St. John Catholic School, Brunswick – Christmas Pageant
The SJCS annual Christmas Pageant will be held on Thursday, December 21, at 6 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 39 Pleasant Street, Brunswick. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and all are welcome.
Our Lady of Hope Parish, Portland – Blue Christmas Service
Our Lady of Hope Parish will hold its annual “Blue Christmas” service on December 21 (winter solstice) at 7:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue. The service of prayers, songs, and readings acknowledges that the overall joyousness of the season can be difficult for people for a whole variety of reasons. We gather in solidarity with those who do struggle at that time of year, and we seek God’s blessing.
All Saints Parish, Brunswick – Christmas Caroling
For the 21st year, All Saints Parish is hosting public Christmas caroling in downtown Brunswick. Join for 15 minutes of singing traditional carols at the gazebo on the Brunswick Mall at 1 Maine Street on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 at 7:30 p.m. This is a family-friendly event. Bring a flashlight, and we’ll provide the words. A donor from All Saints Parish will donate $2 to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program for every person who attends.
