Diocesan News
Diocese of Portland

Father Bill Garrott, O.P., to lead missions at three Maine parishes

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Image of three churches

Father Bill Garrott, O.P., nationally known for his inspirational and uplifting presentations, will offer missions at three parishes in Maine this September and October. The first of the missions will be hosted by St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Houlton from September 17-19. The second will be offered by the Parish of the Precious Blood in Caribou from September 24-26, and the third will be offered by Christ the Divine Mercy Parish in East Millinocket from October 1-3.

A member of the Dominican Order, Father Garrott is known for both his preaching ability and musical talent. He has led over 200 parish missions throughout the United States and Canada, using word and song to help people experience God’s unconditional love and bring them into a personal encounter with Jesus. 

“You might call my ministry a ministry of encouragement,” Father Garrott has said. “I’m preaching the theological version of hope. God has a plan, and God provides always.”

“I hope that those who attend will be spiritually uplifted and renewed with the grace of God,” said Father Kevin Martin, pastor of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Houlton and St. Agnes Parish in Island Falls. “I hope that many in our community will take time with their families and plan to attend these days of prayer and reflection.”

The September 17-19 mission will be held at St. Mary of the Visitation Church, 110 Military Street in Houlton. Each evening will begin with the Rosary at 5:30 p.m., followed by Father Garrott’s presentation at 6 p.m. The theme of the mission is “Christ-Lock: Identity Theft No More!”

“The Christ-Lock mission is a unique, grace-filled evangelical moment in the life of a parish which aims to help parishioners enter more deeply into the love of the Holy Trinity and experience God’s merciful touch through the sacraments,” said Father Martin.

The September 24-26 mission will be held at 6 p.m. each night at Holy Rosary Church, 34 Vaughn Street in Caribou. The theme is “Trifecta of Divine Mercy.”

The October 1-3 mission will be held at St. Martin of Tours Church, 19 Colby Street in Millinocket. The theme will be the same as in Houlton, “Christ-Lock: Identity Theft No More!” Each night of the mission will begin with the Rosary at 5:30 p.m., followed by the presentation by Father Garrott at 6 p.m. The October 2nd session will include a eucharistic procession and adoration. Each night, there will also be the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation following the mission talk.

“Because this is the Eucharistic Revival year for the Church, I hope that through this mission people come to understand more about the Eucharist and the importance of the Eucharist,” said Father Dominic Savio, HGN, administrator of Christ the Divine Mercy Parish in East Millinocket and St. Benedict Parish in Benedicta.

All are welcome to attend the free mission talks. For more information about the Houlton mission, call (207) 532-2871. For the Caribou mission, call (207) 498-2536, and for the mission in Millinocket, call (207) 746-3333. If you would like to learn more about Father Garrott, visit https://dominicanpreachers.com.