Father Lionel Gerard Chouinard

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Reverend Lionel Gerard Chouinard, 79, a priest of the Diocese of Portland, who was called to his eternal reward by the Lord on Saturday morning, February 23, 2019.

Lionel was born in Lewiston on October 24, 1939, to Alcide and Gratienne (Ouellette) Chouinard.  His formal education began at St. Mary’s School in Lewiston; he then attended high school and college seminary at St. Charles Seminary, Sherbrooke, Quebec.  He studied philosophy at St. Mary’s Seminary (Paca Street) and theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University (Roland Park), Baltimore.  Upon completion of his seminary formation, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1965, by the Most Rev. Daniel J. Feeney, the Eighth Bishop of Portland.

During his 52 years of active, full-time ministry, Fr. Chouinard served in the following assignments:

  • Parochial Vicar/Assistant Pastor
    • St. Christopher Parish, Peaks Island (Summer 1965)
    • St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Madawaska (1965-1968)
    • Holy Cross Parish, Lewiston (1968-1976) – During these years, he also served as part-time chaplain at St. Dominic High School (1973-76) and as temporary administrator of the parish (1974-76).
  • Pastor
    • Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Machias (1976-1982)
    • St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish, Mexico (1982-1990)
    • St. Augustine Parish, Augusta (1990-2000)
    • Holy Trinity Parish, Lisbon Falls (2000-2017) – from 2006-2007, Fr. Chouinard also served as administrator of Holy Family Parish, Lewiston; in 2008, Fr. Chouinard also assumed responsibility for Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Sabattus, and its mission, St. Francis, Greene. Although he reached retirement age in 2009, he continued to serve as administrator of the parish communities in Lisbon Falls, Sabattus, and Greene until May 1, 2017.

On the occasion of Father Chouinard’s retirement, Bishop Robert Deeley wrote: “For you, an assignment to a parish meant that you would become a part of the community and get to know your people…you have been generous far beyond the normal age of retirement in offering your pastoral heart to others.” 

Father Chouinard was also generous in his service to his bishops, diocese, brother priests and the lay faithful in the following capacities:

  • Knights of Columbus
    • Chaplain:  Council #2638, Madawaska; Fr. AJ Barry Assembly, 4th Degree, Rumford; Fr. John E. Bellefontaine Council #8918, Hallowell; Rev. Napoleon P. Cournoyer Council #2358, Lisbon Falls
    • Faithful Friar:  Fr. Michael J. McGivney Assembly #2296, Hallowell
    • Knights of Columbus State Friar:  State Council 4th Degree Staff
  • Daughters of Isabella
    • Chaplain: St. Timothy Circle #504, Rumford; St. Agnes Circle #713, Augusta
    • State Chaplain:  State Circle (2006-2015; reappointed 2015-2017)
  • Ordinary Confessors, Sisters of the Holy Rosary (1968)
  • Chaplain: Human Relations Services, District II (1975)
  • Member of the Priests’ Senate/Priests’ Council (Presbyteral Council) (1976; reelected 1981)
  • Member of the Board/College of Consultors (1979-84; 1984-89; 1989-94)
  • CYO Deanery III, Moderator (1978)
  • Vicar Forane (Dean):  Oxford & Franklin Counties (1985-88; reappointed 1988-91); Deanery VII – Androscoggin County (2005-2010)
  • St. Dominic Regional High School Board (2006-2009)
  • St. Peter’s Cemetery Board (2009-2010)

Please pray also for the consolation of his sister, Martha Bissonnette, and his many two nieces and five nephews and their families.

May Father Chouinard's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.