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.
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. Click here to view the current brochure (updated August 28, 2025)
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 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
Thursday, September 11, 2025
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Modern Challenges Facing the Church and How to Address Them - Presenter: Fr. Daniel Greenleaf
Thursday, November 13, 2025
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Best Practices in Family Faith Formation - Group Reading & Discussion
Thursday, January 8, 2026
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Family Integration Model - Presenter: Kathie Amidei
Thursday, March 12, 2026
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - How to Confront Resistance to Change & Help the Parish Move Forward - Presenter: Bishop James Ruggieri
Wednesday-Thursday, May 13-14, 2026 St. Joseph’s Church, Bangor
LFFA Spring Retreat: Living as a Disciple of Christ in a Secular World - Presenter: Fr. Joel Cyr
Meeting Locations
Each meeting is offered virtually and in-person. There are four in-person locations for each LFFA meeting.
- Chancery Offices at 510 Ocean Avenue, Portland.
- Holy Family Church at 607 Sabattus Street, Lewiston.
- St. Joseph Church, at 531 North Main Street, Brewer.
- Holy Rosary Parish Center, 34 Vaughn Street, Caribou.
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 Houston
Chair
Email
Phone: 207-985-6252
Holy Spirit Parish
236 Eldridge Rd.
Wells, ME 04090
Melissa Babin
Vice Chair
Email
Phone: 207-728-7531
Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish
307 St. Thomas Street
Madawaska, ME 04756
Joanne Fortier
Treasurer
Email
Phone: 207-583-4284 (Landline)
St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish
32 Paris Street
Norway, ME 04268
Clare Desrosiers
Secretary
Email
Phone: 207-538-2871
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish
112 Military St.
Houlton, ME 04730
Vicariate Representatives
Vicariate I: Melissa Babin (Notre Dame du Mont Carmel, Madawaska)
Vicariate II: Dawn McKay and Julie Sanclemente (St. Paul the Apostle, Bangor)
Vicariate III: Shawn Gregory
Vicariates IV: Tyler Nadeau (Prince of Peace, Lewiston)
Vicariates V: Vacant
Vicariate VI: Roseanne Smith
Ex Officio Members: Staff of the diocesan Office of Lifelong Faith Formation
Kim Suttie (Director of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation)
Hannah Gonneville (Assistant Coordinator)
