Special Offerings and Masses Set for Hispanic Ministry in Diocese of Portland During Lent
PORTLAND---Regular Masses in Spanish are set for eight Maine communities during Lent, and the Diocese of Portland’s Office of Hispanic Ministry has also announced special Lenten observances, including Stations of the Cross services, adoration, and a healing service.
Masses in Spanish During Lent
Augusta
St. Monica Chapel
5 Kendall Street
Every Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Brewer
St. Teresa Church
425 S. Main Street
Every Sunday at 1 p.m.
Cherryfield
St. Michael Church
51 Elm Street
Palm Sunday, April 2, at 1 p.m.
Lewiston
Holy Cross Church (Rivier Adoration Chapel)
1080 Lisbon Street
Every Saturday at 6 p.m. (livestreamed at www.princeofpeace.me)
Pittsfield
St. Agnes Church
238 Detroit Street
Friday, March 17, at noon
Portland
Sacred Heart Church
65 Mellen Street
Every Sunday at 1 p.m.
Sanford
Holy Family Church
66 North Street
Sunday, March 12, and Sunday, March 26, at 5 p.m.
In addition, Masses will also be held in Showhegan on selected Sundays. To obtain an updated schedule for those Masses, call 207-705-3752.
Stations of the Cross in Spanish
Stations of the Cross are often included in Lenten observances because it is a season in which we are called to deeper prayer and reflection on Christ’s Passion and death. The Stations of the Cross began in the days of the early Church when pilgrims would journey to Jerusalem to retrace the final steps taken by Jesus Christ. The Stations of the Cross traditionally follow the same 14 steps, beginning with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and concluding when he is laid in the tomb. The Stations of the Cross will be presented in Spanish every Sunday of Lent after the 1 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church, located on 65 Mellen Street in Portland.
Eucharistic Adoration
The Office of Hispanic Ministry will host two periods of eucharistic adoration: every Tuesday during Lent from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Rivier Chapel at Holy Cross Church (1018 Lisbon Street in Lewiston). Eucharistic adoration is an opportunity for faithful Catholics to pray and spend time with Jesus in his very presence in the Holy Eucharist. Those who participate in eucharistic adoration say it has strengthened their relationship with the Lord and deepened their love for him, has helped them to grow in their appreciation for the gift of the Mass, has provided them a sense of peace and a respite from the worries of the world, and has given them the strength to face life's challenges.
Healing Service in Spanish
A healing service in Spanish will be held on Friday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church on 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston. The theme of the entire gathering is healing, from the celebrant to the music to the participants to prayer teams. Every situation is different but most involved say they receive an increase in awareness of Jesus being present and bringing peace and renewed strength.
Funded largely by the annual Catholic Appeal, the Office of Hispanic Ministry assists the Hispanic community living and working in Maine by offering Masses in Spanish and sacramental preparation, including marriage and baptismal preparation; faith formation for adults and children; education on social service support in the state; and help to individuals and families in becoming more involved in parish life. With the Latino community in Maine estimated at more than 20,000, the need for outreach has never been greater. If you or someone you know might benefit from the services of the Office of Hispanic Ministry, please contact Fr. Michael Sevigny, OFM Cap., at 207-705-3752; Sister Elsa Telón, RSR, at (207) 618-2156; Rosario Starratt at (207) 312-4716; or José Pérez at (207) 653-5609.
