Every day we should thank God for the blessings of liberty, freedom, and democracy. These are the characteristics of the American experience on full display today in our nation’s capital with the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. I join with my brother bishops in congratulating him on his election and inauguration. An inauguration is a beginning. That really means that the work of all of us has just begun as together we build our nation.
From invocation to closing prayer, the inauguration of a U.S. president provides a patriotic vision of the fabric and essence of America, an opportunity for rebirth, and a reminder of the liberty and democracy that defines our nation.
The National Catholic Risk Retention Group (National Catholic) has announced that Bishop Robert Deeley has been elected as its chairman of the board. Since July of 2019, the bishop has served as the company’s episcopal moderator and as a member of its board of directors. Bishop Deeley’s appointment as chairman is in addition to his duties as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Portland.
When searching for reasons to smile during the pandemic, a common source of comfort has been the sacrifices made by many Mainers as they have looked past their own needs in hopes that those in greater danger might be helped.
Traditionally, hundreds of people brave frigid temperatures to participate in the “Hands Around the Capitol” rally and march each January in Augusta. The event has been held annually for 47 years since the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion. Participants rally, march, and encircle the statehouse to pray that all will come to realize the value of human life from conception to natural death.
A light in the window at Christmas is said to be an Irish custom. The candle, placed in the front window of a home, becomes an invitation to the Holy Family passing by seeking a place to stay that this home would welcome them.
WINSLOW---Starting on Monday, December 21, the Sisters of St. Joseph in Winslow invite all to join them in praying the 6 p.m. Angelus together for the next month.
Last week, students at St. Michael School in Augusta participated in a “Week of Giving” food drive that generated not only a massive collection of food (four pictures below) for people in need, but reinforced the importance of giving back to the community that has given them so much.
Thanks to the kindness of a parishioner, St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor is now offering signed Masses for members of the deaf community each Sunday.
A free, virtual Advent reflection evening for young adults entitled “Advent at the Intersections” will be held on Friday, December 11, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
During Advent, Bishop Robert Deeley will host a special, virtual prayer and blessing gathering for all Maine families on Sunday, December 13, at 5 p.m. The live presentation, which should last around ten minutes, will be available on Lifesize.
On the weekend of December 12-13, parishioners and community members in the Diocese of Portland will have the opportunity to give to those who have given a lifetime.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! For many of us, this Thanksgiving is very different from the celebrations we have come to enjoy throughout our lives.
Through December 21, all are encouraged to check gifts off their Christmas shopping list by visiting the St. Michael School Christmas Fair, being presented virtually due to the pandemic, at https://sites.google.com/smsmaine.org/smschristmasfair.
The annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection will be held at Maine churches this weekend (November 21-22). From this collection, 25% of the proceeds remain in Maine to support local efforts. The remaining 75% is distributed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to larger-scale projects at the national level for which Maine organizations that address the systemic root of poverty can apply.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), including Bishop Robert Deeley, will gather virtually for the 2020 Fall General Assembly on November 16-17. In August, after consultation with the Holy See, the bishops voted to approve the convocation of this year’s November meeting in a virtual format in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PORTLAND---During his homily at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday morning, Bishop Robert Deeley spoke to those in attendance and those participating in the Mass online about the McCarrick Report, released by the Vatican this week, and what it means to Catholics and the Church moving forward.