In an effort to help countless children and families in need, Corpus Christi Parish and Catholic Charities Maine are working together to host “Jolly Gifts,” an initiative that aims to warm hearts and offer support to community members as they prepare for Christmas. All are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to the “Jolly Gifts” displays at church. The gifts will be distributed to young children up through early teens. Popular items include board games, arts and crafts kits, model cars, sports items, and dolls. Cash donations are also accepted. Donations will be accepted through Sunday, December 12. All items donated will be given to Catholic Charities Maine which will distribute them to families in need that have been referred to the organization by community partners. “We see the power of giving every day at Catholic Charities Maine,” said Bill Wood of Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry. “To see these children and families smiling as they receive these gifts is so impactful. You realize that these are more than gifts, they are feeding the spirit as well.” For more information on “Jolly Gifts,” contact Bill at (207) 956-1457 or bwood@ccmaine.org.
Experience free, daily video reflections on the Advent Gospel readings and head into 2021 with the happiest, shiniest soul you’ve ever had! Join Us for BEST ADVENT EVER 2020! Click here to go to the Dynamic Catholic website to sign up to have these videos delivered daily to your inbox.
Please note: Beginning Sat., Nov. 13, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated from 2:30-3:15PM on Saturdays at Notre Dame. Please enter through the ramp door at the back of the church.
The Diocese of Portland’s Office of the Tribunal will lead a presentation and discussion on the annulment process in the Catholic Church in Augusta this November. The event will be held at St. Augustine Church, located on 24 Washington Street in Augusta, on Tuesday, November 16, at 6:30PM. Click here for more information.
The 2021 Maine Catholic Men’s Conference will feature a nationally renowned speaker and best-selling author as well as Mass with Bishop Robert Deeley on Sat., Nov. 13, at the St. John’s Community Center, located on 43 Pleasant Street in Brunswick. Catholic men are invited to attend the conference which will dive deeply into the concept of living and leading with “courageous humility.” The program will run from 8:30AM - 2:30PM and also includes local presenters, lunch, the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, and eucharistic adoration. Admission to the conference is $60 and includes lunch. Click here for more information or to register.
Bishop Robert Deeley has authorized a special collection at all weekend Masses on Saturday, September 18, and Sunday, September 19, to provide assistance after a recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti. In recent weeks, the Church has promoted, and continues to promote, giving options that provide immediate aid to Haitians in need through Catholic Relief Services and the Pontifical Mission Societies. This weekend’s special collection will serve a different purpose. “All proceeds from this collection will be turned over to the president of the Haitian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Chibly Langlois, for use by the Church in rebuilding churches, schools, convents, and rectories,” said Bishop Deeley. "The devastation is monumental and heartbreaking. The prayers of the faithful in the Diocese of Portland continue to be with the victims of this catastrophe. The true measure of a people’s character is how they respond in another’s moment of need. Such aid is at the very heart of our Christian faith.” Hundreds of Catholic churches and buildings, including the country's Catholic cathedral, were damaged during the storm. For those who are unable to attend Mass this weekend but still wish to contribute to the special collection, click here.
Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners and friends, we have raised over $4,000 to purchase sneakers for area teenagers in need! To see a list of winners click here.
This Sunday (September 12) marks National Grandparents Day, established in our country as a way in which to educate our youth about the important contributions that grandparents have made throughout history. That has certainly been the case during these months of pandemic. In so many cases, it is grandparents who have helped with childcare, a contribution to family life of great value in a difficult time. The day set aside to honor them reminds us to be grateful for their wisdom and their experience in life. Listening to them gives us lessons in living. For us in the Church, grandparents are often a source of great grace. They help pass on our faith in the love of God. In my conversations with young people, they often speak of what they have learned from their grandparents and how important the influence of their grandparents has been on their own commitment to living their faith. Grandparents hold a very special role in the handing on of our faith, including the generous way in which many help with tuition for their grandchildren to attend Catholic schools in Maine. They know the importance of drawing strength and hope from the relationship they have with God in Jesus Christ, and we can truly be grateful for that witness. Let us appreciate, and affirm, the gift of grandparents who remind us, in their own sharing, lives, and love, the true meaning of faith.
Twenty years. It seems impossible and yet, images from that day can sometimes bring us right back to the shock and sadness that we felt, the heroism that we observed, and the patriotism that we shared on September 11, 2001. To read the full statement, click here.
Because of another event, there will be no Confessions at 2:00PM at St. John this Saturday, September 4. The regular schedule will resume next Saturday.
There is a position available, with a small stipend, for a part time coordinator of ministry between our parish and Colby. Please see Fr. Dan if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity.
For just $5.00 you can purchase a ticket for our September Sneaker-fest raffle. A winner will be drawn each day for one of many prizes. Proceeds will be used to purchase sneakers for teenagers in need. Click here for the calendar with the entry ticket or stop by the Parish Office to pick one up.
Starting Saturday, July 17, the weekly Mass in Spanish in Waterville will be celebrated at the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, located on 101 Silver Street, at 4:00PM. It had been held at Notre Dame Church.
Did you know that Corpus Christi parishioner Christine Quirion is a member of the Totus Tuus teaching team coming to our Parish on June 26? Christine is a Winslow native and a senior at St. Anselm's College. She is looking forward to meeting new people and helping encourage young people towards a fruitful relationship with their faith. We are excited to welcome Christine and the other 3 members of Team Caritas for our week of Totus Tuus, June 27-July 2! Click here for more information about Totus Tuus.
Bishop Deeley has signed a purchase and sale agreement for the Sacred Heart property including the church, rectory, and office building. To our understanding it will be used for community purposes. During the week of May 10, our parish office will move to the St. John Campus in the former convent/faith formation building. Renovations are in progress featuring improved heating/cooling, an ADA bathroom, and a new accessible ramp. The office in Waterville will be closed during the week of May 10 and re-open in Winslow on Monday, May 17.
Good St. Joseph is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. Although he enjoys many designations (Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patron of the Universal Church, Head of the Holy Family), on May 1, we celebrate another of St. Joseph’s esteemed titles- St. Joseph, the Worker. Click here to go to the blog.
n Good Shepherd Sunday (April 25, 2021), Catholics reflect on how Jesus, who speaks of himself as the “good shepherd,” lays downs his life for his sheep and how we, the faithful, can become more like the Good Shepherd in our daily lives through self-sacrifice, love, and uniting together under our loving God. Fittingly, it is the day that has been selected for “One Shepherd, One Flock,” a live, virtual, and interactive gathering for all Maine Catholic youth on Sunday, April 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. As was done last year, you can meet as a group at one location or individually at home. Click here for the full story.
As I stated in December in regards to COVID-19 vaccines, we must thank God for the scientific advancement and dedication of those in the medical field that have led to these lifesaving vaccines during a global pandemic. When it is your turn to receive a vaccine, you can receive the one that is offered to you without moral reservation. To read the full statement click here.
