Please click to complete the online form to become part of the association.
Downloadable 2020-2021 flyer
The Lifelong Faith Formation Association (LFFA) is a network of parish leaders in catechetical ministry in the Diocese of Portland. The LFFA became a diocesan wide organization in June 2010 after the Cumberland and York County Coordinator's Association (CYCCA) took advantage of technology advances to open membership to the whole state.
We are a networking group who support each other in catechetical ministry for all ages - children through adults. On the Second Thursday of September to April and June, we have regular monthly meetings and plan an annual retreat for the first week of May. Our monthly meetings usually feature a guest speaker who helps us explore a topic in catechetical ministry relevant to our times. Anyone may participate in a monthly LFFA meeting, though only those who are paid members will receive notes from the monthly meetings and email reminders of upcoming meetings/events. To see a current schedule, please click schedule (2020-2021 topics coming soon).
We hope you will join us! Please click 'To Join' to complete the online form to become part of the association. The $35 annual dues help with the costs of speakers, the book for the annual group-read, and cards/gifts for members who experience a death or serious illness. A limited number of partial scholarships are available if cost is a deterrent to membership.
Month |
Speaker/Topic |
Discussion Topic |
September 10, 2020 |
Julianne Stanz excerpt "Start with Jesus…" Faith Forum |
Collaborating with Catholic Schools? |
October 8, 2020 |
Tim Welch – Use of Digital Tools for Faith Formation |
Take away from discussion re: Faith Forum? |
November 12, 2020 |
Shannon Fossett – Sacramental Practice/Canon Law |
Technology; What has worked and what has not? |
December 10, 2020 |
Fr. Kyle Doustou – Advent |
What were the high points of Canon Law in Sacramental practice? |
January 14, 2021 |
Book Read – Break Out Groups – Renewing Catholic Family Life |
How did we make use of Fr. Kyle’s Advent insights? |
February 11, 2021 |
Franciscans – The Joy of Lent |
What stuck with you from our Book Read last month? |
March 11, 2021 |
Steve & Kathy Beirne- Support for Married Couples |
How did we apply what we learned from Franciscans? |
April 8, 2021 |
Georgette Dionne - Psychology of Jesus |
What can we do to support Married couples? |
May 4-6, 2021Spring Retreat - Marie Joseph Center |
Sr. Ann Boyle – Eucharist as Source & Summit for Spirituality of Catechetical Leadership |
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June 10, 2021 |
Michelle Valcourt – Middle School Ministry |
What does Evangelization look like in our parishes? |
The LFFA is organized by a board of catechetical/youth ministry leaders currently serving parishes in Maine and have been members of LFFA for at least two years. Please see the listing of the current board members below and reach out to any of us questions you may have about our association or to make comments or suggestions to support our shared mission in the Church.
Contact LFFA Board Members
OFFICERS | |
Kris Torrey E-mail Phone: (207) 807-5694 |
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Donna Deschaine E-mail Phone: (207) 316-5758 Cell Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish |
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Joanne Fortier Email Phone: (207) 583-4284 St. Joseph Parish |
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Clare Desrosiers E-mail Phone: (207) 538-2871 St Mary Parish |
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VICARIATE REPS | |
Vicariate I: Barbara Pelletier (St John Vianney, Fort Kent) Vicariate II: Jeanine Wright (St Peter the Fisherman, Machias) Vicariate III: (vacant) Vicariates IV & V: Melissa Mauris (Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes) Vicariate VI: Carolyn Houston (Holy Spirit, Wells/Kennebunk) |
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EX OFFICIO MEMBERS diocesan staff of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation |
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Lori Dahlhoff (Director of Lifelong Faith Formation) Shawn Gregory (Coordinator of Youth Ministry) Georgette Dionne (Coordinator of Children and Adult Ministries) Hannah Gonneville (Assistant Coordinator) |