Your Stories

At age 17, Jean-Daniel Liwanga says he already understands the importance of keeping God in his life.

As he approaches the second anniversary of his ordination to the permanent diaconate, Deacon Michael Augustino says he feels privileged to have the opportunity to serve God.

Fourth of July celebrations are known to end with a bang, but in Freeport, they start with a sizzle. 

While the closure of the Monastery of the Precious Blood is still keenly felt by many in the Diocese of Portland, two beautiful pieces from the monastery’s chapel will now grace another faith community.

Unity, friendship, and charity.  They are the principles at the heart of the Daughters of Isabella, an international Catholic women’s organization, and they are words to live by for members of St. Thomas Circle 546 in Madawaska.

“This is what we call the base fabric, so that is what we lay down on the base. Then, everything else would be an accent.” It’s not often that you hear a priest sharing sewing tips with parishioners, but that is what you’ll find happening at St. Peter the Fisherman Parish in Machias.

“It’s not easy.” Ask Michele Guillemette of Waterboro what it takes to raise a family in the Catholic faith in today’s world and that is what she will tell you. 

A new ministry at the Parish of the Holy Eucharist in Falmouth seeks to open doors for those in their community who have special needs.

Imagine the possibilities.  That is what Catholic Charities Maine is hoping emerging entrepreneurs will be able to do through a new creative marketplace called “Fikiria.”

“One month, 19 days.” Even before Lent arrived, Jocelyn Carr of North Yarmouth was counting down the days to Easter.

Father Gabriel Muteru cheerfully calls out to anyone he sees passing by his office at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish.

“Hey there. How ya doing?” Dixie Shaw, the director of Hunger and Relief Services for Catholic Charities Maine, cheerfully greets driver after driver as they pull up next to a truck loaded with boxes of food.

It’s early on a Sunday morning, and there is a flurry of activity in the hall of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook. 

“A beautiful, beautiful story.” That is how Melissa Skahan, vice president of mission integration at Northern Light Mercy Hospital, describes the gift that the McAuley Residence in Portland

Freezing rain is falling, but that hasn’t stopped nearly 60 college students from strolling and steering their way to the Newman Center on the University of Maine campus in Orono.

Parise Rossignol, a shooting guard for the University of Maine Women’s Basketball team, has long held a love for the game.

Deacon Richard Huot says it is hard to put into words what it has meant to be a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church in Maine.

In the past 20 years, Sister Dale Jarvis, RSM, has visited Haiti 10 times, traveling there from Portland on three occasions just within the past year.

In the past 20 years, Sister Dale Jarvis, RSM, has visited Haiti 10 times, traveling there from Portland on three occasions just within the past year.

“I love kids. They’re so much fun.” Mary Ellen White has been in the classroom for 33 years but has never lost her passion for teaching.

Why would you want to settle for less when a life with God promises so much more? 

At age 2 ½, Emmitt Tice is a boy bursting with energy. “He’s such a handful. He is the busiest kid,” says Katina, his mother, laughing.

Adidas. Converse. New Balance. Nike. Each fall, you will find pairs upon pairs of new sneakers lining tables in the hall of St. Mary Church in Bangor.  

Saint Andre Home's CourageLIVES is the first residential treatment program in Maine dedicated to helping women who have been victims of human trafficking.

You may not be aware of it, but you have long had a quiet but powerful advocate.

A prayerful and caring man.  That is how those who know him describe Deacon Darrell Blackwell.

“Everything I thought I never could be, I am.” That is how Tanya Salazar describes her life now, five years after she first reached out to Catholic Charities Maine’s Counseling Services. 

With her infectious laugh and unpretentious manner, it is no wonder that those who meet Sister Carol Martin, PFM, quickly feel at ease.

Why is the Body of Christ referred to as the Eucharist?  Why is Jesus’ body kept in the tabernacle? Why is Mary depicted holding rosary beads?

Coffee, community, and conversation are proving to be an appealing blend for teenagers in Aroostook County.  One Sunday a month, the teens gather at Tim Hortons, either in Presque Isle or Caribou, to grab a latte and learn about their faith.

You’ve broken a glass and shattered pieces are strewn across the kitchen floor. You’ve spilled something hot on your arm, causing a burn.  You’ve accidently locked yourself out of the house.

“In the spring of 1916, an angel appeared to three children tending sheep in a pasture in the village of Fatima, Portugal.”

 “It’s my best friendship.” That is how Hallie Pike, a 17-year-old from Jay, describes her relationship with God.

Although she has faced some challenges in her life, they haven’t stopped 18-year-old Elizabeth Deschenes of Presque Isle from doing her best to live out her faith, serving both her parish and her community.

Ever since he was a child learning to play John Denver tunes from his dad, Paul Griffin, age 25, has had a love for music.

Two men who have long served the community, one through the United Way and the other through parish and campus ministry, are among the Diocese of Portland’s newest permanent deacons.

“How do you do your service Saturdays? How does that work?” Theresa Bonner has only been the director of youth ministry at the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou for a short time, so she is still learning the job.

“I feel that I am home.” Sister Ann Theresa Boyle, RSR, says she feels a sense of ease and comfort, along with gratitude...

An avid hunter and fisherman, Woody Livingston moved to Maine after he retired so that he could pursue those two passions.

Two young men who first pondered the priesthood as children have seen their early aspirations come to fulfillment. 

Jennie Leighton has always loved to sing.  It is why she first joined the choir at St. Leo the Great Church in Howland when she was still a teenager.

The St. Louis Child Development Center, a program of Catholic Charities Maine, provides parents with affordable, quality child care.

How can parishes best bring the mercy and hope of Christ to those around them? At many, you’ll find food pantries or thrift stores. 

Deacon Lawrence “Larry” Guertin says you never know what the Lord will call you to do, but as a recently ordained permanent deacon in the Diocese of Portland, he says he wants to be sure he is ready to respond

Janice Lara-Hewey, M.S.S.A., LCSW, has an office on Second Street in Auburn, but on most days, you won’t find her there. 

“It was glorious.” That is how Lorraine Auclair, bookkeeper of Holy Family Parish, describes the dedication Mass for the new Holy Family Church in Greenville.

 “Venez a moi,” “C'est le moi de Marie,” and “J'Irai la voir un jour.” It is hymns like those that welcome parishioners and give praise to God each Sunday at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford.

A tireless worker who embodies what it means to be a deacon of the Catholic Church. That is how those who know him describe Deacon Dennis Popadak.

“Name three good things you can do.” In a classroom at St. Michael School in Augusta, Sherry Marcum, a catechist, invites students to turn their minds toward service this Lent.

How can the Catholic Church better reach and serve members of the Hispanic / Latino community so that they may grow in their faith and become missionary disciples who evangelize others?