Pope Francis has asked Catholic dioceses all over the world to take part in the preparations for the Synod on Synodality that will culminate with its celebration in Rome in October 2023. Bishop Deeley is asking the people of Maine to participate in this exercise of listening and discernment through parish and group consultations and/or by answering the questions in the brief, anonymous survey below. This survey will be open through Monday, April 18. All the responses submitted will be collated and prayerfully analyzed to identify themes about how the Holy Spirit is prompting the Church to live communion, achieve participation, and open Herself to mission. These themes will be reported to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in the Summer of 2022 as well as to the public in Maine. Click here to fill out the survey.
On the first weekend of Lent, Bishop Robert Deeley presided over the celebrations at three churches: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Presque Isle, St. John the Baptist Church in Winslow, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. Click here to read the full article.
Catechumens and candidates will participate in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion celebrations on March 6, the first weekend of Lent. Bishop Robert Deeley will celebrate all three Masses. During the Rite of Election, catechumens (those who have not been baptized in any Christian faith tradition) publicly express their desire for baptism to the bishop. Candidates (those who were baptized in another Christian faith tradition) celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion by professing their faith in and coming into full communion with the Catholic Church. we welcome Bishop Deeley and Catechumens and Candidates from area parishes to Corpus Christi Parish.
United with people of good will around the world, our hearts break when we are shown the images of an unthinkable number of Ukrainians being displaced and even killed as a result of the brazen attack on their country perpetrated by the Russian government. It has been comforting to see the loud and clear condemnation of these actions by leaders and countries around the globe. It is inspiring as well to observe the selfless heroism of brave Ukrainians risking their lives in defense of their freedoms, liberty, and their democratic way of life. Click here to read Bishop Deeley's full statement.
Join members of our music ministry in song before our 4:00PM Mass this Saturday beginning at 3:15PM. This event will also be streamed live on our Parish Facebook page.
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.