To help address the critical blood shortage, the Gorham Knights Council 10221 will hold a blood drive in the basement of St. Anne Church from 12 noon to 5 p.m. The Knights of Columbus has been involved in blood donations with the American Red Cross since 1938. All people making a blood donation or giving the gift of life are accomplishing a loving and selfless deed that makes a large difference to the local community.  

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.

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.

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.

St. Paul the Apostle Parish will be hosting a Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 1, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., in honor of St. Francis of Assisi's Feast Day. The blessing will take place outdoors in the parking lot of St. Mary Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor, weather permitting. (No rain date will be scheduled.)

Each year on October 3, the anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death, Franciscans around the world gather in prayer to celebrate his Transitus or passage from earthy life to everlasting life. That tradition will be carried on this October at 5 p.m. at the St. Anthony Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunk.