Lifelong Faith Formation Association (LFFA)

The Lifelong Faith Formation Association (LFFA) is a peer network of parish leaders in catechetical ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

Click to view the current brochure (updated August 24, 2023)

The LFFA became a diocesan wide organization in June 2010 after the Cumberland and York County Coordinators' Association (CYCCA) took advantage of technology advances to open membership to the whole state. 

We are a networking group who support each other in catechetical ministry for all ages - children through adults. Our meetings usually feature a guest speaker who helps us explore a topic in catechetical ministry relevant to our times. Anyone may participate in a LFFA meeting, though only those who are paid members will receive meeting notes, email reminders of upcoming meetings/events and access to the LFFA member directory. Look below or please click to see a current schedule (coming soon).

We hope you will join us as part of the association!

Complete the online form and pay $35 annual dues to become part of the association. The dues help with the costs of speakers, printing, and cards/gifts for members who experience a death, serious illness, or retire. A limited number of partial scholarships are available if cost is a deterrent to membership.

Meeting Schedule

November 9, 2023
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Post-Sacramental Prep – Fostering Ongoing Family Involvement & Engagement

January 11, 2024
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Building Youth Ministry

March 14, 2024
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Adult Faith Formation

May 8-9, 2024 
St Joseph Chruch, Brewer - LFFA Retreat "Finding Peace through Prayer" Click for details

Meeting Locations

LFFA meetings use a hybrid model for gathering. Individuals may travel to one of four regional sites hosted by a board member for in-person interactions or may choose to connect via video conference hosted on Microsoft Teams. All in-person sites and remote sites will interact with one another through the Teams video conference. See the current LFFA brochure for locations.

LFFA Leadership Board 

The LFFA is organized by a leadership board of catechetical/youth ministry leaders currently serving parishes in Maine and have been members of LFFA for at least two years. Please see the listing of the current board members below and reach out to any of us with any questions you may have about our association or to make comments or suggestions to support our shared mission in the Church.

Officers

Carolyn HoustonCarolyn Houston 
Chair

Email
Phone: 207-985-6252
Holy Spirit Parish
236 Eldridge Rd.
Wells, ME 04090


Jeanine WrightJeanine Wright
Vice Chair

Email
Phone: 207 483-4142
St Peter the Fisherman Parish
Machias, ME


Joanne Fortier  
JoanneTreasurer

Email
Phone: 207-583-4284 (Landline)
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish
32 Paris Street
Norway, ME 04268


Clare Desrosiers 
ClaireSecretary

Email
Phone: 207-538-2871
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish
112 Military St.
Houlton, ME 04730


Vicariate Representatives

Vicariate I: Clare Desrosiers (St. Mary of the Visitation, Houlton)

Vicariate II: Jeanine Wright (St. Peter the Fisherman, Machias)

Vicariate III: (open)

Vicariates IV: Tyler Nadeau (Prince of Peace, Lewiston)

Vicariates V: Joanne Fortier (St Joseph, Bridgton/St Teresa of Calcutta, Norway)

Vicariate VI: Carolyn Houston (Holy Spirit, Wells)

Ex Officio Members: Staff of the diocesan Office of Lifelong Faith Formation

Lori Dahlhoff (Director of Lifelong Faith Formation)

Shawn Gregory (Coordinator of Youth Ministry)

Georgette Dionne (Coordinator of Children and Adult Ministries)

Hannah Gonneville (Assistant Coordinator)