Today’s decision reaffirms the truth that every life is sacred, and it promotes protection for women and children from the grave injustice of abortion. We welcome the possibility of saving the lives of countless unborn children as well as sparing many women and families from pain. The Diocese of Portland will continue to accompany any woman, regardless of faith, who is experiencing difficulties in pregnancy through our various Catholic agencies in Maine, including pregnancy help centers and parish-based initiatives like Walking with Moms in Need. As well, we will support and assist those who have been involved in an abortion through our Project Rachel program. God is merciful, and it is of paramount importance that people who experience distress grow in understanding of this truth and are guided on a path to emotional and spiritual healing. To learn more about programs and initiatives in the Diocese of Portland and across the country that care for and promote healing for women and families in need, click here.
Twenty-five couples, who have been married for a combined 1,119 years, registered to attend the Silver & Gold Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham. Click here for the whole story with pictures from the Mass.
The Catholic Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests on Friday, June 24. Established by Saint John Paul II in 2002, the celebration occurs annually on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this day, the Church encourages priests to prayerfully reflect upon the gift of their vocation. To read the full text from the Diocese of Portland click here.
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.