Advent events for all ages offer opportunities to reflect and rejoice
Parishes from Kittery to Caribou are hosting the following events over the next three weeks of Advent. These include blessings, music, pageants and more.
Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow - Blessing of Creches
The faithful are invited to bring a piece of their Christmas Nativity scene, or the entire creche to be blessed during the 10:30 a.m. Mass on December 3 at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street in Winslow. The creches should be placed in front of the altar before the Mass for the blessing. A soup and bread reception, hosted by the Secular Franciscans, will follow in the church hall.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - Advent Mission: "Let there be Light" & Advent by Candlelight
St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook will hold an Advent mission, "Let there be Light," featuring Frank Runyeon, an Emmy-nominated actor known for bringing Scripture to life through drama and humor.
The mission will be held Sunday-Tuesday, December 3-5, at 6:30 p.m. at the three churches of St. Anthony of Padua. On December 3, the topic of the presentation will be "Signs, the Gospel of John." It will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. On December 4, the theme will be "The Letter of James." It will be held at St. Hyacinth Church, 268 Brown Street, and on December 5, "3 1/2 Stories of Christmas" will be presented at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham.
Women are invited to attend Advent by Candlelight, a beautiful night of quiet reflection, inspirational music, and fellowship on Wednesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Anne Church in Gorham. The featured presenter will be Ellen Kasprzyk who will share "A journey through Mary's heart at the Annunciation." Following the presentation, a reception of petite desserts and sparkling cider will be held in the church hall. To register, call Nancy Scott at 207-650-7712.
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord, Kittery - Blessing of the Christmas Tree & Christmas Caroling
All are invited to the annual blessing of the Christmas tree at St. Christopher Church, 4 Barrell Lane in York on Saturday, December 9, following the 4 p.m. Mass. There will be caroling, cookies, and cocoa to put participants in the Christmas spirit!
St. Thomas School & St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford - Children's Christmas Celebration
A special Christmas celebration featuring the children of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish and St. Thomas School in Sanford will be held Sunday, December 10. The 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Family Church will be a special family Mass, where children will learn about Saint Nicholas and his role in the Christmas season.
The children will then proceed across the street to St. Thomas School, singing Christmas carols and spreading Christmas joy (weather permitting)! There will then be a gathering in the St. Thomas School cafeteria for a chance to meet Santa and enjoy delicious snacks and warm beverages. All are welcome!
St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - Christmas Pageants
Children from St. John Paul II Parish will put on Christmas pageants on Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17, following the 10:30 a.m. Masses at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road in Scarborough.
St. Michael Parish, Augusta - Christmas Carol Celebration
St. Michael Parish will present a Christmas Carol Celebration, an evening of delicious food and the singing of traditional Christmas carols, on Saturday, December 16, in the hall of St. Augustine Church, 75 Northern Avenue in Augusta. Bring an ornament (new, used, or homemade) to exchange with another parishioner and pray for them throughout the new year!
Parish of the Precious Blood, Caribou - A Child is Born
A Child is Born, which will include the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and music by the St. Louis Catholic Church Choir, will be held December 17 at 2 p.m. at St. Louis Church, 106 Main Street in Limestone. The choir will share song selections from Kenny Rogers and Amy Grant. There is no cost to attend, but any donations will go towards the parish fuel fund.
Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow - Christmas Sing-along
Corpus Christi Parish will hold a Christmas sing-along at Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours Church, 116 Silver Street in Waterville, on Saturday, December 16, 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. All are invited!
Parish of the Holy Eucharist – Christmas Pageant
This year’s Christmas pageant will be held at St. Gregory the Great in Gray on December 17 at 10 am. Plan to come watch this adorable tradition! Reception to follow. If you would like to join, please email Kathy at [email protected].
