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.