Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) grants support local parish initiatives that aim to solve community-wide problems, empowering the poor to make life changes that allow them to become more self-sufficient.
Diocesan News
This year, the donations totaled 334 pairs of sneakers, 1,506 pairs of socks, and monetary donations of $2,567 for local children in need.
In commemoration of All Souls' Day, Bishop Robert Deeley celebrated a Mass of Remembrance at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
“The words of our mission statement are ‘Loving God and Neighbor Without Distinction,’” said Sister Judy Donovan, CSJ. “We generally point to those words on the wall and briefly explain them whenever someone new arrives.”
Many Maine parishes are planning special Masses, services, and commemorations for All Souls’ Day (Wednesday, November 2) as Catholics pray for the souls of those who have died and are still in purgatory, being prepared for eternal life in heaven. All Souls’ Day is not a holy day of obligation.
The long-admired artwork of Fr. Paul Plante, which connects you with the beauty of God’s creation, is available for purchase on a website (www.paulplante.com) that serves as both a canvas of his immense talent and a tribute to his indelible legacy.
For years, individuals and families looking to purchase a burial plot at St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford would need to head to the unlikely destination of the basement at the Good Shepherd Parish offices in Saco. At long last, the solution has come in the form of a new office at the cemetery which was blessed by Bishop Robert Deeley at a special ceremony on Wednesday, October 26.
Our Lady of Hope Parish (St. Pius X Church, St. Joseph Church, and St. Brigid School, all in Portland) invite all to gather for a major fundraiser for the parish that will also include the opportunity to participate from home.
The successful “Christmas in July” project at All Saints Parish in Brunswick has received the Margit Cook Award, given annually to a community business or people who have demonstrated exemplary volunteer service to Tedford Housing, which offers a variety of services for the homeless and others in need in the Brunswick area.
St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent is offering the opportunity for those with deceased loved ones in 10 parish cemeteries to purchase a solar lit “wreath of remembrance” in advance of All Souls’ Day (November 2), Advent, and Christmas.
Praying the Rosary is a powerful way to strengthen the Church and remind all of the love of God and the need to serve each other.
Dogs, cats, and their lucky human companions gathered outside St. Mary Church on Sunday, October 9, for a Blessing of the Animals service on a beautiful day in Bangor
"This is a fun and rewarding way for individuals, families, and even faith formation classes to share the love of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas."
In an effort to fund several necessary building improvements, Christ the Divine Mercy Parish launched a capital campaign on October 1. St. Martin of Tours Church opened in 1970, while St. Peter Church was dedicated in 1966.
From the earliest days of the Franciscan Order, the followers of St. Francis of Assisi have gathered on the anniversary of his death to celebrate his Transitus (passage from earthly life into everlasting life).
In celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, which is October 4, Fr. Lou Phillips, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook, visited the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland where he blessed about 30 cats, dogs, bunnies, and birds looking to be adopted.
Parishioners gathered with Bishop Deeley for a Mass commemorating the church’s golden anniversary.
Three sought-after speakers known nationally for their effective and memorable presentations and faith-filled messages will appear at retreats in Old Town, Auburn, and Bangor in October and November.
The Latino Food Festival draws hundreds to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland
Teens from St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor participate in the Jared Box Project.
A garage sale held at St. Louis Church raised $13,376 for St. John Vianney Parish.
Play a round of mini-golf at one of three courses and raise money for CourageLIVES.
The festival will include music, costumes, handmade crafts, and the opportunity to sample many Central and South American dishes.
Bishop Deeley Serves as “Supply Priest” at Star of the Sea Church
A Day of Reflection on the Legacy of Vatican II will take place September 10 at St. Pius X Church in Portland.
News
The capital campaign will benefit all five of the parish's churches.
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“Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life," a retreat aimed at helping people discern God’s presence in their lives. will be offered via Zoom starting in October.
The Project Linus Group at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor sews handmade blankets for children in need.
After the completion of a yearlong investigation, Fr. Robert Vaillancourt will be returned to active ministry, effective immediately. Two allegations of sexual abuse of minor girls in the 1980s were determined to be unfounded
In appreciation for their service, altar services from the Cluster 2 parishes gathered for a day of food and fun at Mizpah in Grand Isle.
The St. Thérèse Food Closet in Sanford was the 2022 recipient of Catholic Charities Maine Parish Social Ministry's Matthew 25 Award, given to support social ministry programs.
Dr. Scott Hahn will do a presentation in Old Town, Fr. Bill Garrott, O.P., in Auburn, and Fr. Larry Richards in Bangor
The Catholic Foundation of Maine distributed more than $1 million in dividends from endowment funds.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, the head of the Church in Rwanda, celebrates Mass with Maine's Rwandan community
The Rivier Adoration Chapel in Lewiston is open for longer periods of time, an invitation for people to come and adore Jesus.
An unplanned pregnancy support group is offering women from a variety of backgrounds with the opportunity to hear and learn from people who have already walked the path they are traveling.
