Lenten Bible Study and Faith Sharing
During Lent, many parishes offer opportunities for Bible study or faith-sharing groups to help parishioners grow in their relationship to Christ. You will find a list of some of the programs below.
All Saints Parish, Brunswick
The Chosen - Video Series and Discussion Group
Discover biblical figures, timeless stories and unforgettable miracles in new ways through this video series and discussion group. You will meet the different followers of Jesus and experience how they saw him.
Beginning March 15/16, weekly sessions will be held on Wednesdays and repeated again on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in the library at Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen Street in Brunswick. You may attend as many sessions as you wish. There is no book to purchase.
To register or for more information: Marcy Brenner at [email protected] of 207-725-2624.
Jesus Feeds the Masses No One Left Behind
This series of one-hour retreats presented by Fr. Peter Uhde will provide attendees with a biblical glimpse of God’s love and empathic mercy. Sessions will include presentations as well as opportunities for sharing and asking questions.
Sessions will be held on four Wednesdays in Lent: March 1, March 8, March 15, and March 22. Sessions at St. Patrick Church, 380 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle, will begin with Mass at noon, followed by a light lunch at 12:30 p.m. and then the retreat sessions at 1 p.m. Sessions at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen Street in Brunswick, will begin with Mass at 6 p.m., followed by a light supper at 6:30 p.m. and the retreat session at 7 p.m. Attend just one or all of them.
Reserve your spot online on the All Saints Parish website or call 207-725-2624.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland
Lenten Bible Study
Lenten Bible Study will be held on the Tuesdays of Lent at 6 p.m. in the upper sacristy of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. The sessions will focus on the Last 7 words of
Christ with reflections from Venerable Fulton Sheen.
Sessions begin on the Tuesday before Lent, February 21.
FMI: [email protected]
Christ the Divine Mercy, Millinocket
No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion
Filmed on location in the Holy Land, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion is a five-part video series, which, along with the companion full-length book, reveals Christ's amazing love for us. Bestselling author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ's life in this biblical pilgrimage. While taking this study or reading this book, you will walk step-by-step with Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Mount of Calvary.
Every step of the way, biblical experts reveal how Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the mystery of Christ's suffering and death. With these insights, Catholics can come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's immeasurable and unconditional love–drawing closer to Jesus than they ever have before.
The sessions will take place Sundays at St. Martin of Tours Church on 19 Colby Street in Millinocket from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. For your convenience, the same session will also be offered on Wednesdays at St. Peter Church on 58 Cedar Street in East Millinocket from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 207-746-3333.
Christian Life Center, Frenchville
The Imitation of Christ
Lenten reflections on the Imitation of Christ will be held on the Fridays of Lent, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, at the Christian Life Center, 444 U.S. Route One, Frenchville.
Good Shepherd Parish, Saco
Lent, Lunch, and Learn
Good Shepherd Parish in Saco will present "The Search," a video series by the Augustine Institute, on the Sundays of Lent (February 26 - March 26). Session, which will be held 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Joseph Church Hall, 178 Elm Street in Biddeford, will include a complimentary lunch, viewing, and discussion.
Topics include: "What do you seek?" - "Who are you?" - "Why a God?" - "What's our story?" - "Who is Jesus?" and "Am I saved?"
RSVP online @ Goodshepherdparish.us or call 207-282-3321, ext. 113.
Holy Family Parish, Greenville
Lenten teaching
Lenten teachings with Father Hyacinth Fornkwa at Holy Family Church, 145 Pritham Road in Greenville on the Tuesdays of Lent 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Holy Spirit Parish, Wells
Lenten Faith Sharing
All are welcome to join together for Lenten faith sharing every Wednesday after the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Church, 236 Eldridge Road in Wells. The sessions will be held in the upstairs parlor and begin on Ash Wednesday, February 22.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Auburn
Gospel of John
Beginning February 28, Fr. Bob Vaillancourt will offer Lenten Scripture teachings on the Gospel of John on the Tuesdays of Lent. Sessions will be held in hall of Sacred Heart Church, 8 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at the St. Philip Church Hall, 2365 Turner Road in Auburn, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Father Bob will journey with you through the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus and will also discuss what the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth of Jesus, can teach us about Jesus’ sufferings and death.
Contact Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at 207-782-8096.
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish, Madawaska
Lenten Reflections on the Imitation of Christ
“Lenten Reflections on the Imitation of Christ” will be held on Fridays during Lent at the Christian Life Center on 444 Rt. 1 in Frenchville. All are welcome to gather. The sessions will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth
Holy is His Name - Lenten Scripture Study
Father Paul Marquis and Arturo Juarez-Ayala, a candidate for the permanent diaconate, will lead a Bible study based on a 12-part video series by Scott Hahn, in which he traces the meaning of holiness from its origins in Scripture to its appearance in our own lives today.
Participants are invited to watch the videos online and then participate in a weekly discussion group led by Fr. Paul and Arturo. Sessions will take place on the Mondays of Lent (February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27) 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth.
To register, email [email protected].
Mother Teresa - A Sign of Contradiction
On Tuesdays in March, Joe Moreshead, the director of faith formation at the Parish of the Holy Eucharist, will offer a series of talks on Saint Teresa of Calcutta, examining how faith and care for the least among us intersect and what lessons Mother Teresa can teach us.
The topics will be: March 7 - Mother Teresa: A Sign of Contradiction; March 14 - The Call within the Call; March 21 - Feeding the Hunger for Love; March 28 - Choosing Poverty and Emptiness.
The talks will take place at 8:15 a.m. at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth (also livestreamed) and at 6:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth.
Parish of the Holy Savior, Rumford
Mary’s Way of the Cross
On the Wednesdays of Lent (starting March 1), all are welcome to gather at St. Athanasius & St. John Church on 126 Maine Avenue in Rumford at 3 p.m. to follow the mother of Jesus as she walks the road to Calvary. The deep reflection will unite one’s pain and suffering with Jesus on the cross through the sorrowful heart of his mother. For more information, call 207-364-4556.
Parish of the Precious Blood, Caribou
Real Presence: What does it mean? Why does it matter?
Father David Raymond, Father Anthony Korir, SMA, Father Simon Assogba, SMA, and Deacon Carl Gallagher will lead study groups using Timothy O'Malley's book: Real Presence: What does it mean? Why Does It Matter?
The sessions will be held:
- Mondays at 10 a.m. with Father Dave (in person only) at Holy Rosary Church, 34 Vaughn Street in Caribou
- Wednesdays following the 6 p.m. Mass at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 333 Main Street in Presque Isle (In person and via Zoom)
- Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. with Deacon Carl from St. Mark Church in Ashland (Zoom only)
- Thursdays with Fr. Simon following the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Denis Church, 147 Main Street in Fort Fairfield (Both in person and via Zoom.)
The cost of the book is $3.50. Groups will begin meeting the week of February 27.
Call the Parish of the Precious blood at 207-498-2536 to register.
Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion
Filmed on location in the Holy Land, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion is a five-part video series, which, along with the companion full-length book, reveals Christ's amazing love for us. Bestselling author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ's life in this biblical pilgrimage. While taking this study or reading this book, you will walk step-by-step with Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Mount of Calvary.
Every step of the way, biblical experts reveal how Old Testament prophecies, messianic expectations, biblical symbolism, and historical context shed light on the mystery of Christ's suffering and death. With these insights, Catholics can come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's immeasurable and unconditional love–drawing closer to Jesus than they ever have before.
The sessions will take place Thursdays 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (following Mass) in the hall of Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Jackman
Lenten Teachings
Lenten Teachings with Father Hyacinth Fornkwa at St. Faustina Church, 370 Main Street in Jackman on the Sundays of Lent from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook
Gospel of John
A Bible study on the Gospel of John will be held on the Sundays during Lent, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., beginning February 26. The sessions will be held at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham. We will discuss one chapter per week. Please bring your Bible. FMI: Contact Rob Poissant 572-6913.
Lenten Book Group at St. Anne Church in Gorham
During the six weeks of Lent, you are invited to join in reading and discussing No Greater Love, A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion by Edward Sri. This group will give you an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus in your Lenten journey and understand Christ’s Passion in a deeper way.
The group will meet on the Fridays of Lent, February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham. The sessions will begin with a 30-minute video followed by discussion. Books can be purchased online (EWTN and Ascension Press have them in stock) or at The Abbey in Scarborough. There are also a limited number of books available at St. Anne Church. Please ask about availability.
Please RSVP by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough
Ancient Wisdom: The Wisdom of Solomon and the Gospel of John
Join Dr. John Kenney for a discussion group that will take participants on a journey that will begin with the fascinating work of Hellenistic Jewish thought and the wisdom of Solomon from the Old Testament and then lead them into the Gospel of John, where they will consider the theology of that Gospel from a new perspective.
Beginning on February 28, the meetings will be held Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough.
Ecumenical Worship & Soup
St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough, will host two Lenten reflections sponsored by the Scarborough Clergy Association. Each luncheon session will include a half-hour ecumenical Liturgy of the Word incorporating Scripture, silence, reflection and singing at 11:30 a.m. and then will be followed by soup, bread, and fellowship in the parish hall. Pastor Michael Dalton of the Scarbrough Free Baptist Church will be the presenter on Wednesday, March 1, and Rev. Linda Hey from the First Congregational Church in Scarborough will be the speaker on March 15.
St. John Vianney Parish, Fort Kent
Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist
Father Jean Paul Labrie, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent will lead a Bible study on the Mystery of the Eucharist on the Tuesdays of March from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is limited to 14 participants so register early by calling the parish at 207-834-5656.
St. Joseph Parish, Farmington
"Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues"
Dive more deeply into the season of Lent and this time of preparation by participating in a seven-session study based on Bishop Robert Barron's video series, "Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues."
The sessions will be held on Sundays, February 19 - April 2 in the basement of the St. Joseph Parish Center, 133 Middle Street in Farmington and on Tuesdays, February 21 - April 4, in the parish hall of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay. The Sunday sessions are noon to 1:30 p.m., and the Tuesday sessions are 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
FMI: St. Rose of Lima Parish at 207-897-2173 / [email protected] or St. Joseph Parish at 207-778-2778 / [email protected].
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Houlton
Becoming Eucharistic People
Becoming Eucharistic People: Adult Faith Sharing groups will meet on the Sundays of Lent from 9:05 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. in St. Anthony's Hall at St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Houlton or from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the parish center. St. Mary of the Visitation is located at 110 Military Street in Houlton. Advance registration is not required.
St. Matthew Parish, Limerick
The Creed
On the Mondays of Lent, a Holy Hour will be held at 5 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, followed by Mass at 6 p.m. and then a short presentation on The Creed from Father Bill Labbe, pastor. The same program will be held at Holy Family Church in Sanford on the Thursdays of Lent.
St. Michael Parish, Augusta
Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration
The Maine Diocesan Council for Catholic Women will present “Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration” at St. Monica Chapel, 5 Kendall Street in Augusta, on March 11 beginning at 9 a.m. Father Nathan March, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Augusta, will lead the presentation and adoration.
If you would like to attend, please email Sandy Breton from MDCCW at [email protected].
The Secrets of the Eucharist
All are welcome to join in a faith-sharing class on the "Secrets of the Eucharist" on the Tuesdays of Lent (Beginning February 21) at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of St. Joseph Church, 110 School Street in Gardiner. The group will be using the book 7 Secrets of the Eucharist by Vinny Flynn. Books can be purchased online for approximately $10.
For more information, contact Jim Hebert at 207-582-0056 or [email protected].
Rediscover the Power of the Rosary
An authentic encounter with Christ leads to our transformation and sanctification. Mysteries of the Rosary integrate deeply reflective insights on the life of Christ, theological truths, and captivating stories. This series includes seven powerful episodes: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning of Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, and the Pathway to Paradise.
Sessions will be held in the hall of Sacred Heart Church, 7 Summer Street in Hallowell on February 21, February 28, March 7, March 14, March 21, April 4, and April 11, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
To register: Gina Czerwinski at [email protected] or 207-623-8823, ext. 212.
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor
Catholicism: The Pivotal Players: St. Augustine & St. Benedict
Deacon Mike Whalen will lead a four-week study using Bishop Robert Barron's course "Catholicism: The Pivotal Players." The study will focus on St. Augustine and St. Benedict. St. Augustine is possibly the best example of how faith in Christ changed a person. Augustine’s narrative of personal transformation in his book Confessions provides a template for life in Christ that still rings true today. Many would argue that St. Benedict, the monk, contributed more to saving western Christian culture than anyone else. Born just after Rome fell, Benedict founded the religious community that would, in time, preserve the best of the old and allow for the emergence of an authentic, Christian way of life.
The presentations will be offered on Tuesdays February 21, February 28, March 7, and March 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., and on Thursdays, February 23, March 2, March 9, and March 23. (No classes March 14 or 16.) The sessions will be held in the parish hall at St. John Church, 207 York Street in Bangor.
There is a $20 registration fee, which covers all materials. For information and to register, call the parish office at 207-217-6740.
The Spirituality of Fasting Parent Book Group & Discussion
A parent book group and study based on Msgr. Charles Murphy's book The Spirituality of Fasting will be held on six consecutive Sundays, beginning February 26 and continuing through Palm Sunday, April 2.
Sessions will be held at St. Matthew Church, 70 Western Avenue in Hampden, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (Lower Level) or at the St. Mary's campus of All Saints School, 768 Ohio Street, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (Also, lower level). Books are available at the parish or may be purchased online.
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Jay
Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues
Dive more deeply into the season of Lent and this time of preparation by participating in a seven-session study based on Bishop Robert Barron's video series, "Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues."
The sessions will be held on Sundays, February 19 - April 2 in the basement of the St. Joseph Parish Center, 133 Middle Street in Farmington and on Tuesdays, February 21 - April 4, in the parish hall of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay. The Sunday sessions are noon to 1:30 p.m., and the Tuesday sessions are 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
FMI: St. Rose of Lima Parish at 207-897-2173 / [email protected] or St. Joseph Parish at 207-778-2778 / [email protected].
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford
The Creed
On the Thursdays of Lent, a Holy Hour will be held at 5 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue in Sanford, followed by Mass at 6 p.m. and then a short presentation on The Creed from Father Bill Labbe, pastor. The same program will be held at St. Matthew Church in Limerick on the Mondays of Lent.
