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
Parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord - Advent Retreat in Bar Harbor
The Queen of the Angels Catholic Parishes of Acadia will hold an Advent Retreat on Saturday, November 29, 9 a.m. to noon, at Holy Redeemer Church, 56 Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor. The topic of the retreat is "The Only Three Questions: In Search of Real Spirituality." The presenter will be Father Cajetan Cuddy, OP, Ph.D., S.T.D.
St. John Vianney Parish - Small Group Discussions in Fort Kent
Finding your place in the Advent Story - This Advent, discover a deeper peace, joy, and meaning by participating in small groups that meet at area homes. Finding Your Place in the Advent Story, offered through St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, begins November 25. Families, couples and individuals are invited to host or join a small group. Each session with then include a short video with guided meditations. Participants will keep a personal journal for reflection and prayer. For details, call the parish office at 207-834-5656.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish - Advent Wreath Making & Teaching in Calais
Make and Advent wreath, learn about the meaning of Advent, and discover how to have the best Advent ever during a gathering at Immaculate Conception Church in Calais on November 23, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass
First Week of Advent - November 30 to December 6
All Saints Parish - Live Nativity - Boothbay Harbor
Since 1989, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church has offered the gift of music and Scripture by presenting a live Nativity for the community. This year, the presentation will take place on December 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the front lawn of the church, located at 82 Atlantic Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. If you are interested in participating as a costumed cast member or as a singer, contact Ed Lecuyer, music director, at 207-633-2680 or email [email protected].
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - Advent Retreat - Portland
Pilgrims of Hope: Love Enfleshed - Guest speaker, Mother Maximilian Cote, of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love in Manchester, NH, will offer reflections on entering into the season of Advent. This Advent Retreat will be held on November 30 beginning at 2 p.m. with Advent Wreath Making Activities in Guild Hall. That will be followed by Mother Maximilian Cote's reflection at 3:30 p.m. in the Cathedral chapel. At 4:30 p.m., there will be a candlelit Holy Hour with the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. The evening will conclude with candlelit vespers at 5:30 p.m. Register here for all or part of the evening.
Christian Life Center - Waiting for the Lord Advent Program and Vespers - Madawaska
On the Fridays of Advent, all are invited to join in a Waiting for the Lord Advent program and solemn vespers, which will include an hour of adoration with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, prayers, psalms, songs, and an Advent reflection, followed by quiet time and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation.
The program will be held on the three Fridays of Advent:
Friday, December 5, at St. David Church 774 Main Street in Madawaska at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 12, at St. Luce Church, 441 U.S. Route One in Frenchville at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 19, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 309 St. Thomas Street in Madawaska at 4 p.m.
Holy Family Parish - Catholic Advent Teaching - Greenville
Please join Paul O'Connor for Catholic Advent teachings on the Tuesdays of Advent, December 2, 9, and 16, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 145 Pritham Avenue in Greenville.
Holy Family Parish - Christmas Movie & Dinner Night - Greenville
The Moosehead Lake Knights of Columbus will host a dinner and movie night featuring the movie An Angelic Christmas on Wednesday, December 3, in the hall of Holy Family Church, 145 Pritham Avenue in Greenville. The potluck dinner will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the movie. Please bring a dish to share if you can.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish - Victorian House Christmas Gift & Thrift Shoppe - Auburn
The former rectory at Sacred Heart Church, 24 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn, has been transformed into a Christmas Victorian House filled with an exciting assortment of holiday decorations. Many items are new or "nearly new." The shoppe will be open for two days only: Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord - Advent Holy Hour with Vespers - Kittery
An Advent Holy Hour with vespers will be held on the Monday evenings of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, and 22) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at St. Raphael Church, 6 Whipple Road in Kittery.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord - Christmas Tree Lighting - South Berwick
Join the Our Lady of the Angels community for its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 6 following the 4 p.m. Mass at the church, located at 4 Angels' Way in South Berwick. The tree will be blessed, Christmas carols will be sung, and a potluck meal will follow in the church hall.
St. Agnes Parish - Advent for Kids - Pittsfield
The Parish Life Committee at St. Agnes Parish will host an Advent celebration with activities for youngsters on Saturday, December 6, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The afternoon will include cookie decorating, making an ornament, learning an Advent hymn, and more.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish - Advent Mission - Gorham, Westbrook, & Windham
St. Anthony of Padua Parish will hold an Advent Mission, “As we Await the Blessed Hope and the Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” November 30-December 2 at 6:30 p.m. On November 30, Mary Ellen Mahon and Mary Jane Silvia will present Pilgrim Songs on the meaning of Christmas Carols at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. On December 1 at St. Hyacinth Church, 268 Brown Street in Westbrook, Jared des Rosiers, Esq., and Bishop James Ruggieri will present Making Room in the “Inn” of our Hearts, and on December 2, Father Louis Phillips will present A Spiritual Re-Run, a look at some beloved Christmas episodes of TV shows. That will be held at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham. See the flyer for more details.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish - Advent By Candlelight in Gorham
St. Anthony of Padua Parish invites women to be part of a special evening focused on the true meaning of the blessed season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ birth. Advent by Candlelight will be held Friday, December 5, at 6 p.m. at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham. Come and experience an evening dedicated to hope, featuring uplifting music, prayer, and an inspirational message. The event will conclude with light refreshments and fellowship.
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish - Advent Wreath Making in Rockland
The Daughters of St. Bernard are sponsoring Advent wreath making on Sunday, November 30, following the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Bernard Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland and the breakfast by the Knights of Columbus. There is a suggested donation of $12 for a wreath form and candles. Bring some ribbon and decorations to share. Contact: Rachel Vallance at 207-691-1367.
St. Brendan the Navigator Parish - Advent Retreat in Camden
Deacon Bob Cleveland and Peter Piconi will lead an Advent Retreat on Exploring Hope on Saturday, December 6, 8 a.m. to noon, at Our Lady of Good Hope Church, 7 Union Street in Camden. What is hope? Has it become for you little more than a nice idea, something you wish would give your life the direction and meaning you long for? Come and explore the nature of hope as a theological virtue, the nature of our lives as people on the way, and the habits that either enable or imperil hope in our lives. Sign up here.
St. Joseph Parish - Advent Wreath Making in Farmington
Following the November 30, 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church, 133 Middle Street in Farmington, gather in the church hall for Advent wreath making. Volunteers will be available to help you make your Advent wreath. The parish will provide fresh cut greens, along with wreath frames, wire tools, Advent candles, and printed-out prayers. Coffee and refreshments will also be available, but all are invited to also bring something to share with other participants.
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish - Advent Wreath Making in Houlton
Advent wreath making will take place on November 30 at 9:15 a.m. in the parish hall, 110 Military Street in Houlton. Please RSVP to Clare Desrosiers at [email protected] or call 207-532-2871.
St. Matthew Parish - Advent Reflection & Wreath Making in Limerick
Following the 8 a.m. Mass on Sunday, November 30, join Deacon Paul Lissandrello for an Advent reflection followed by Advent wreath making for families. Sign-ups are available in the narthex of the church or call the parish at 207-793-2244.
St. Rose of Lima Parish - Advent Wreath Making - Jay
Following the November 30, 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church Street in Jay, gather in the church hall for Advent wreath making. Volunteers will be available to help you make your Advent wreath. The parish will provide fresh cut greens, along with wreath frames, wire tools, Advent candles, and printed-out prayers. Coffee and refreshments will also be available, but all are invited to also bring something to share with other participants.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish - Advent Reflection with Fr. Bill - Sanford
On November 30, following the 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, Father Bill Labbe will give a talk on patience, which will be followed by eucharistic adoration. It's the perfect way to begin your Advent season in preparation for the birth of our Lord and Savior.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish - Peace Begins in the Heart Retreat - Sanford
Advent is a time of waiting and reflection, but it does not always feel this way for many of us with all the holiday hustle and bustle. Take time with Jesus and your parish family to find peace this year. Join Deacon Gianni Chicco on December 3 & 10 at 6 p.m. for a two-part Advent discussion on peace - in our world and in our hearts.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon - 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. This year's theme is "A Season of Comfort and Hope." The first prayer will be on December 1.Register here to receive the Zoom link or email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
Second Week of Advent - December 7 - December 13
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - Advent Lessons & Carols - Portland
The festival will be presented on Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. Bishop Emeritus Robert Deeley will preside.
Christian Life Center - Waiting for the Lord Advent Program and Vespers - Frenchville
On the Fridays of Advent, all are invited to join in a Waiting for the Lord Advent program and solemn vespers, which will include an hour of adoration with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, prayers, psalms, songs, and an Advent reflection, followed by quiet time and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation.
The program will be held on the three Fridays of Advent:
Friday, December 5, at St. David Church 774 Main Street in Madawaska at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 12, at St. Luce Church, 441 U.S. Route One in Frenchville at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 19, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 309 St. Thomas Street in Madawaska at 4 p.m.
Corpus Christi Parish - Festival of Lessons and Carols - Winslow
Corpus Christi Parish will present the Festival of Lessons & Carols on Friday, December 12, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street in Winslow. The evening will also include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. A potluck reception will follow in the church hall. Candy canes and hot chocolate will be provided. Bring desserts and finger foods to share.
Holy Family Parish - Catholic Advent Teaching - Greenville
Please join Paul O'Connor for Catholic Advent teachings on the Tuesdays of Advent, December 2, 9, and 16, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 145 Pritham Avenue in Greenville.
Holy Spirit Parish - Holiday Memorial Service - Kennebunk
On Wednesday, December 10, Holy Spirit Parish will hold a Candlelight Holiday Memorial Service in the sanctuary of St. Martha Church, 30 Portland Road in Kennebunk. During this busy and often difficult holiday season, the parish invites family and friends to participate in this evening of thoughtful prayer, reflection, and music. People are invited to bring a photo or other small remembrance of their loved one(s) to display during the service. If you would like the name(s) of your deceased loved ones mentioned during the service, please arrive by 6:45 p.m.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord - Advent Holy Hour with Vespers - Kittery
An Advent Holy Hour with vespers will be held on the Monday evenings of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, and 22) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at St. Raphael Church, 6 Whipple Road in Kittery.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord - Christmas Tree Lighting - York
A Christmas tree lighting will be held at St. Christopher Church, 4 Barrell Lane in York, following the Saturday, December 13, 4 p.m. Mass. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available.
Parish of the Holy Eucharist - Advent Lessons & Carols - Yarmouth
The Festival of Lessons and Carols will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 6 p.m. a Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth. The festival includes brief Scripture lessons that recount salvation history, along with carols sung by the parish choirs and scholas that high each lesson's message.
Parish of the Holy Eucharist - Christmas Pageant - Gray
The Parish of the Holy Eucharist's annual Christmas pageant will be held on December 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Church, 24 North Raymond Road in Gray. Children from around the parish are invited to participate in this heartwarming Christmas tradition.
Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord - Festival of Lessons & Carols - Old Town
Join in the Festival of Lessons & Carols, an evening of Scripture, music, and prayer, followed by mince pies and refreshments on Friday, December 12, at 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 429 Main Street in Old Town. All are welcome
Prince of Peace Parish - Festival of Lessons & Carols - Lewiston
Prince of Peace Parish will present a beautiful Advent tradition, the Festival of Lessons & Carols, on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston. Through Scripture readings, accompanying Christmas carols and hymns, and prayer, the festival shares the story of salvation from the fall of man in the Garden of Eden to the birth of Christ and the Great Commission.
St. Christopher Parish - Creches from Around the World Display - Peaks Island
All are welcome to come to a special display of Nativity scenes from around the world collected by Peaks Island residents. The creches will be displayed in the Saint Christopher Church community room on Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, December 14, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass
St. Matthew Parish - Breakfast with St. Nick - Limerick
Children are invited to Breakfast with Saint Nick on December 7 at St. Matthew Church in Limerick. During the 8 a.m. Mass, children will enjoy a special moment with St. Nick, then follow him to the parish hall for a breakfast and a chance to take photos with the beloved saint of Christmas. Celebrate the joy of the season with faith, food, and fun. The cost for the breakfast is $7 for adults and $5 for kids or $20 for a family. The event is sponsored by the parish's faith formation and the Knights of Columbus.
St. Michael Parish - Wreaths Across America - Gardiner
Gather at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 46 Deane Street in Gardiner at 9 a.m., on December 13 to remember and honor or veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and through the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish - Advent Lessons & Carols in Sanford
Advent Lessons & Carols will be presented on Sunday, December 7, at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 66 North avenue in Sanford. Through Scripture readings and beloved Christmas carols, participants will journey together through the story of salvation leading to the birth of Jesus. All are welcome to join in this joyful celebration of the Advent season.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish - Peace Begins in the Heart Retreat - Sanford
Advent is a time of waiting and reflection, but it does not always feel this way for many of us with all the holiday hustle and bustle. Take time with Jesus and your parish family to find peace this year. Join Deacon Gianni Chicco on December 3 & 10 at 6 p.m. for a two-part Advent discussion on peace - in our world and in our hearts.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon - 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. This year's theme is "A Season of Comfort and Hope." The first prayer will be on December 1.Register here to receive the Zoom link or email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
Third Week of Advent - December 14 - December 20
Christian Life Center - Waiting for the Lord Advent Program and Vespers - Madawaska
On the Fridays of Advent, all are invited to join in a Waiting for the Lord Advent program and solemn vespers, which will include an hour of adoration with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, prayers, psalms, songs, and an Advent reflection, followed by quiet time and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation.
The program will be held on the three Fridays of Advent:
Friday, December 5, at St. David Church 774 Main Street in Madawaska at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 12, at St. Luce Church, 441 U.S. Route One in Frenchville at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 19, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 309 St. Thomas Street in Madawaska at 4 p.m.
Holy Family Parish - Catholic Advent Teaching - Greenville
Please join Paul O'Connor for Catholic Advent teachings on the Tuesdays of Advent, December 2, 9, and 16, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 145 Pritham Avenue in Greenville.
Our Lady of Hope Parish - Blue Christmas Service in Portland
Our Lady of Hope Parish will hold its annual Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue. The energy level and expected joy of the Christmas season are difficult for some of us to handle. Maybe we are especially missing a loved one or are going to be far away from family and friends this year. Whatever the reason, we invite you to join us for a Blue Christmas prayer service. Not sad, but reflective, the service will feature inspiring readings and well-chosen songs to offer some gentle comfort and hope in a year that may be challenging for you. All are welcome to this quite service of prayer, reflection, and song.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord - Advent Holy Hour with Vespers - Kittery
An Advent Holy Hour with vespers will be held on the Monday evenings of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, and 22) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at St. Raphael Church, 6 Whipple Road in Kittery.
St. Matthew Parish - Advent Lessons & Carols - Limerick
The beautiful ecumenical service of Lessons & Carols will be presented at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, on December 14, at 2 p.m. Through Scripture readings and beloved Christmas carols, participants will journey together through the story of salvation, leading up to the birth of Jesus.
St. Matthew Parish - Peace Begins in the Heart Retreat - Limerick
Advent is a time of waiting and reflection, but it does not always feel this way for many of us with all the holiday hustle and bustle. Take time with Jesus and your parish family to find peace this year. Join Deacon Gianni Chicco at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, on December 14 and 21 at 9:30 a.m. for a two-part Advent discussion on peace - in our world and in our hearts.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish - Children's Christmas Celebration - Sanford
Join the parish on December 14 for a special Family Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, where children will learn about St. Nick and the true spirit of giving. Children will then stroll across the street to St. Thomas School while singing Christmas carols. The festivities will continue there with snacks, coffee and doughnuts, and a visit from Santa.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish / St. Thomas School - Snacks with Santa - Sanford
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish and St. Thomas School invite you to celebrate the joy of the season with a Sunday Christmas celebration! Gather on December 14 for the 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, and then head to St. Thomas School for snacks, coffee, donuts, and a visit from Santa! Don’t forget your camera for a free photo opportunity with Santa. All are welcome to share in this morning of faith, fun, and festive cheer!
St. Thomas School - Christmas Concert - Sanford
Celebrate the season with the joyful sounds of the annual St. Thomas School Christmas concert. The students have been working hard to prepare a festive evening filled with music, laughter, and the spirit of Christmas. From classic carols to cheerful holiday favorites, this concert is sure to warm hearts and spread Christmas joy. The concert will be held on December 18 at 6 p.m. at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, 100 Alumni Boulevard in Sanford.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon - 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. This year's theme is "A Season of Comfort and Hope." The first prayer will be on December 1.Register here to receive the Zoom link or email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
Fourth Week of Advent - December 21 - December 24
Our Lady of the Lakes Parish - Family Christmas Celebration - Rangeley
Join the members of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish for a Family Christmas celebration on Sunday, December 21, noon to 3 p.m., at St. Luke Church, 19 Lake Street in Rangeley. There will be Christmas caroling and a potluck luncheon.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord - Advent Holy Hour with Vespers - Kittery
An Advent Holy Hour with vespers will be held on the Monday evenings of Advent (December 1, 8, 15, and 22) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at St. Raphael Church, 6 Whipple Road in Kittery.
St. John Vianney Parish - Echoes of Christmas Concert in Fort Kent
Echoes of Christmas Concert - Come celebrate the joy of Christmas with music, community, and song on December 21 at 4 p.m. at St. Louis Church, 26 East Main Street in Fort Kent. A free will offering will be taken with proceeds going towards the parish's heating costs and the Fort Kent Ecumenical Food Pantry.
St. Matthew Parish - Peace Begins in the Heart Retreat - Limerick
Advent is a time of waiting and reflection, but it does not always feel this way for many of us with all the holiday hustle and bustle. Take time with Jesus and your parish family to find peace this year. Join Deacon Gianni Chicco at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, on December 14 and 21 at 9:30 a.m. for a two-part Advent discussion on peace - in our world and in our hearts.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon - 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. This year's theme is "A Season of Comfort and Hope." The first prayer will be on December 1.Register here to receive the Zoom link or email [email protected] or call 207-873-4512.
