The deadline for the completion of the Disciple Maker Index survey has been extended. If you still want to participate you can do so by returning a paper copy to the Parish Office by Thurs., Apr. 2 or by completing the survey online by clicking here. Thank you to all who have been part of this important process.
Another suggestion in the Books for Catholic Kids series is now on our Faith Formation Blog. For parents who wonder how they can possibly teach their children about the beauty…the grandeur…the mystery of Holy Mass--The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith is the book for you! Click here to read the Blog Post.
Bishop Robert P. Deeley will celebrate a Mass each Sunday at 10AM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. The Mass will be closed to the public but shown live on the Diocese of Portland’s website. All are welcome to participate by clicking here.
In an effort to help individuals and families find resources for spiritual growth during the COVID-19 crisis, the Diocese of Portland’s Office of Lifelong Faith Formation is offering a website with resources and links to help channel time and energy in positive ways while adjusting to more time at home. The website is entitled “Pray, Learn, Connect from Home” and can be found by clicking here. It offers ways and resources to maintain a fulfilling prayer life despite the temporary suspension of Masses and many in-person, parish activities; links to past and present parish bulletins; materials that help feed both spirit and mind with faith; and suggestions on how to connect with the community. The resources and materials will be updated frequently.
Pope Francis Calls on World to Pray Together on March 25; Extraordinary Urbi et Orbi Blessing in Response to Coronavirus Set for March 27. Click here for more details.
With guidance from the Center for Disease Control, Bishop Deeley is temporarily suspending all daily and Sunday Masses and religious services throughout the diocese, effective immediately. Baptisms, funerals, and weddings may continue but only with immediate family present. Although we are unable to attend Mass in person, it is important that we continue to support our parish as best we can to continue to carry on the mission of the Church. Please consider mailing your weekly offering to the Parish address. Thank you! Click here to see other ways to participate in Masses on several platforms.
The diocese wishes to remind the general public that if they or someone in their family are sick or already have any type of cold or flu-like symptoms, they are asked to stay home from Mass, both for their well-being and that of others. When individuals are ill, they are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation. When one is unable to participate in Mass because of an illness or due to an increased risk of becoming ill, there are still ways to participate in Masses on several platforms. Click here for a list of Masses online, on TV and on radio.
Following Bishop Deeley's precautions regarding non-essential gatherings, starting this weekend, all forms of gathered parish faith formation will be suspended until at least Easter (April 12) to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. This includes Children's Faith Formation, Junior High & High School Youth Ministry, RCIA, the Entering the Abundant Life program and all prayer groups. This decision is made for the common good and for the people of God entrusted in our care —many of whom are considered high risk and vulnerable. Parish liturgical celebrations including Masses and Stations of the Cross will continue as scheduled. Thank you for your understanding of this policy and your prayers for the health and well-being of our community.
Corpus Christi Parish in Waterville and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon in Winslow will co-host “Living with Depression” on Sunday, March 8, from 2:00-3:30PM in the hall of Notre Dame Church. Marc Sirois, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Dr. Robert Croswell, longtime psychiatrist and Medical Director at MaineGeneral Medical Center will share on depression: it's causes and treatments as well as strategies for living with depression and supporting those who do. This event is being sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon and our Corpus Christi Parish Knights of Columbus Councils.