Parishioners and parish staff are always quick to assist when there is an opportunity to help women facing unplanned pregnancies in the communities comprising the Parish of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Martyrs Church, Falmouth; Sacred Heart Church, Yarmouth; St. Gregory Church, Gray; St. Jude Church, Freeport) and beyond.

In an effort to promote solidarity throughout the hemisphere by providing support for pastoral projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Diocese of Portland will hold a special collection at all weekend Masses in Maine churches on the weekend of January 21-22. Last year, even during the pandemic, dioceses across the country raised nearly $6 million that were distributed to 281 ministries in Mexico, Central/South America, and the Caribbean.

Young adults, ages 18-35, are encouraged to gather for “A Retreat with the Beloved Disciple” at the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center on 10 Evans Road in Biddeford on February 24-26.

On Tuesday, March 14, teens from St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and Holy Spirit Parish in Kennebunk and Wells will do what they do on the second Tuesday of every month: serve a free meal and cheer to anyone in need of either.

St. Valentine is the patron of married love who continued to marry young people during the Roman Empire after the emperor had forbidden it. He was dedicated to celebrating the genuine love that is at the heart of marriage and makes the week of Valentine’s Day the perfect time for a present-day celebration of that same love.

A sacramental marriage preparation program will begin in the Guild Hall of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on Sunday, February 5, and all engaged couples getting ready for marriage are encouraged to participate.