Bishop Deeley blesses new Catholics in the diocese.
Lifelong Faith Formation
The Office of Lifelong Faith Formation will host an evening of learning and reflection for older teens and adults focused on each person’s vital service in the community worship of Mass.
With the halls and walls at St. Benedict Church decorated by volunteers and staff, over 40 children in Benedicta were able to spend a week walking the “cobblestone streets” in Babylon, learn about Daniel’s courage, and grow on their own faith journeys during the Vacation Bible School on June 26-30.
From June 26-30, over 100 children, youth and adult volunteers, and parish staff members gathered at St. Joseph Church in Brewer to learn about the mystery of the Mass and deepen their love for Jesus with crafts, snacks, games, music, and lessons in our faith.
For three consecutive days in late June, nearly 40 children from the Calais area gathered for the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish “Stellar” Vacation Bible School at Immaculate Conception Church in Calais. A special experience incorporating music, art, science, drama, and more as the children grew closer to Jesus.
All are welcome to gather for an evening centered around a practical exploration of the Catholic faith and the ways it is meant to impact your work, spirituality, and life.
A pair of special presentations (same session repeated twice) set for July aim to inform and solidify a further understanding of the foundational principles and practical actions of the process of Christian Initiation.
All are welcome at the conference, which will be led by Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal, cofounders and codirectors of TeamRCIA.
Couples celebrating more than 1,200 years of marriage combined received a blessing from Bishop Deeley during the Silver & Gold Anniversary Mass.
Regardless of age, the program promises to provide unforgettable weeks of faith formation and fun.
From games to delicious food to a crowd that was double the size of expectations, the 2023 Holy Spirit Family Fest, held in the parking lot of St. Mary Church in Wells, exceeded the wildest of expectations on Sunday, May 21.
The conference aims to offer confidence for participants to engage seekers, ways for parishes to make their catechumenate ministry a source of joy and not stress, proven pillars of creating “intentional disciples,” and practical actions parishes can take to make themselves “communities of calling forth disciples.”
Bishop Deeley invites teenagers and adults from around Maine who already have been baptized in the Catholic Church to receive the sacrament of confirmation at either of two different Masses.
Participants grew deeper in their knowledge of the Eucharist while building community, making new friends, and sharing about their own faith journeys.
The motto of “Making Music, Praying Twice” at Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth serves as an invitation for parents, grandparents, and children who seek the experience of integrating music, prayer, and Catholic culture into daily family life.
Faith formation children at St. Francis Xavier Church worked together to make life a little easier for Maine foster children.
Kim Suttie, the pastoral life coordinator at Corpus Christi Parish in Waterville, loves sharing her faith with othres.
Prior to the pandemic, the CLC offered a wide range of retreats, marriage preparation, and other programs designed to strengthen the faith of participants and increase their participation in parish life.
Praying the Rosary is a powerful way to strengthen the Church and remind all of the love of God and the need to serve each other.
March 9, 2025
Event
Fr. John Michalowski, S.J., is the presenter.
We approach our Lenten journey through prayerfully reminding ourselves of God’s love. Strengthened by this we confront the reality of sin and recognize our need for Christ, our Redeemer. The group will share some insights from the week’s prayer. The retreat will help us notice more deeply God’s presence and call to ongoing conversion and integrate daily prayer into our life by praying the Scriptures daily. The prayer exercises follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the work of Fr. Joseph Tetlow, S.J.
The retreat consists of seven in-person group sessions on Sunday evenings from March 2 to April 13 (Palm Sunday). The sessions will begin at 7 PM and last about an hour in the Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland (adjacent to St. Pius X Church)
Please contact the parish office (207) 797-7026 or [email protected] to sign up for the program. There is no fee for this program, but pre-registration is required by Feb 24.
March 15, 2025
Event
Men from across the Diocese of Portland are invited to attend the Maine Catholic Men's conference, which will be held March 15, 2025, at the St. John's Community Center in Brunswick. This year's theme is Pilgrims of Hope in celebration of the Jubilee Year. Join Bishop James Ruggieri, our keynote speaker, as we explore how to increase our faith and to walk with others on our spiritual journey.
March 16, 2025
Event
Fr. John Michalowski, S.J., is the presenter.
We approach our Lenten journey through prayerfully reminding ourselves of God’s love. Strengthened by this we confront the reality of sin and recognize our need for Christ, our Redeemer. The group will share some insights from the week’s prayer. The retreat will help us notice more deeply God’s presence and call to ongoing conversion and integrate daily prayer into our life by praying the Scriptures daily. The prayer exercises follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the work of Fr. Joseph Tetlow, S.J.
The retreat consists of seven in-person group sessions on Sunday evenings from March 2 to April 13 (Palm Sunday). The sessions will begin at 7 PM and last about an hour in the Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland (adjacent to St. Pius X Church)
Please contact the parish office (207) 797-7026 or [email protected] to sign up for the program. There is no fee for this program, but pre-registration is required by Feb 24.
March 23, 2025
Event
On Sunday, March 23, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., in the Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Father Brian Conley, SJ, will lead an explanation of some aspects of Catholic social teaching by means of an interactive board game.
For more information and to register, contact 207-797-7026 or [email protected]
March 23, 2025
Event
Fr. John Michalowski, S.J., is the presenter.
We approach our Lenten journey through prayerfully reminding ourselves of God’s love. Strengthened by this we confront the reality of sin and recognize our need for Christ, our Redeemer. The group will share some insights from the week’s prayer. The retreat will help us notice more deeply God’s presence and call to ongoing conversion and integrate daily prayer into our life by praying the Scriptures daily. The prayer exercises follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the work of Fr. Joseph Tetlow, S.J.
The retreat consists of seven in-person group sessions on Sunday evenings from March 2 to April 13 (Palm Sunday). The sessions will begin at 7 PM and last about an hour in the Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland (adjacent to St. Pius X Church)
Please contact the parish office (207) 797-7026 or [email protected] to sign up for the program. There is no fee for this program, but pre-registration is required by Feb 24.
March 29, 2025
Event
This year’s REV retreat will be held at St. Joseph Church, 531 North Main Street in Brewer, on Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature several workshops aimed at helping young adults (high school and older) explore where God might be leading them, whether it is married life, single life, religious life, or the priesthood.
March 30, 2025
Event
Fr. John Michalowski, S.J., is the presenter.
We approach our Lenten journey through prayerfully reminding ourselves of God’s love. Strengthened by this we confront the reality of sin and recognize our need for Christ, our Redeemer. The group will share some insights from the week’s prayer. The retreat will help us notice more deeply God’s presence and call to ongoing conversion and integrate daily prayer into our life by praying the Scriptures daily. The prayer exercises follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the work of Fr. Joseph Tetlow, S.J.
The retreat consists of seven in-person group sessions on Sunday evenings from March 2 to April 13 (Palm Sunday). The sessions will begin at 7 PM and last about an hour in the Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland (adjacent to St. Pius X Church)
Please contact the parish office (207) 797-7026 or [email protected] to sign up for the program. There is no fee for this program, but pre-registration is required by Feb 24.
April 6, 2025
Event
Fr. John Michalowski, S.J., is the presenter.
We approach our Lenten journey through prayerfully reminding ourselves of God’s love. Strengthened by this we confront the reality of sin and recognize our need for Christ, our Redeemer. The group will share some insights from the week’s prayer. The retreat will help us notice more deeply God’s presence and call to ongoing conversion and integrate daily prayer into our life by praying the Scriptures daily. The prayer exercises follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the work of Fr. Joseph Tetlow, S.J.
The retreat consists of seven in-person group sessions on Sunday evenings from March 2 to April 13 (Palm Sunday). The sessions will begin at 7 PM and last about an hour in the Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland (adjacent to St. Pius X Church)
Please contact the parish office (207) 797-7026 or [email protected] to sign up for the program. There is no fee for this program, but pre-registration is required by Feb 24.
April 13, 2025
Event
Fr. John Michalowski, S.J., is the presenter.
We approach our Lenten journey through prayerfully reminding ourselves of God’s love. Strengthened by this we confront the reality of sin and recognize our need for Christ, our Redeemer. The group will share some insights from the week’s prayer. The retreat will help us notice more deeply God’s presence and call to ongoing conversion and integrate daily prayer into our life by praying the Scriptures daily. The prayer exercises follow the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and the work of Fr. Joseph Tetlow, S.J.
The retreat consists of seven in-person group sessions on Sunday evenings from March 2 to April 13 (Palm Sunday). The sessions will begin at 7 PM and last about an hour in the Our Lady of Hope Parish Hall, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland (adjacent to St. Pius X Church)
Please contact the parish office (207) 797-7026 or [email protected] to sign up for the program. There is no fee for this program, but pre-registration is required by Feb 24.
April 25, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation (with first holy Communion) for already baptized Catholic teens and adults in the southern region.
April 26, 2025
Event
The Office of Lifelong Faith Formation is excited to announce an event for high school students.
April 26, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of confirmation and first Communion to children at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford.
May 2, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation (with first holy Communion) for already baptized Catholic teens and adults in the north region.
May 11, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of confirmation and first Communion to children in the Latin Mass community.
May 16, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation (with first holy Communion) for already baptized Catholic teens and adults in central Maine. A light reception follows the liturgy.
May 17, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of confirmation and first Communion to children at Holy Family Church in Old Town.
May 18, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of confirmation and first Communion to children at St. Anne Church in Dexter.
May 25, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation (with first holy Communion) for already baptized Catholic teens and adults in the Spanish community.
May 31, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate the annual Neophyte Mass on Sunday, May 31, at 4 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
June 1, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of confirmation and first Communion to children at St. Pius X Church in Portland.
June 21, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of confirmation and first Communion to children at St. Matthew Church in Limerick.
June 22, 2025
Event
Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of confirmation and first Communion to children at St. Mary Church in Wells.
