Please pray for the repose of the soul of
Reverend Lionel Gerard Chouinard, 79, a priest of the diocese of Portland, who was called to his eternal reward by the Lord on Saturday morning, February 23, 2019.
Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as the family has finalized them and informed the Office of the Bishop.
Lionel was born in Lewiston on October 24, 1939, to Alcide and Gratienne (Ouellette) Chouinard. His formal education began at St. Mary’s School in Lewiston; he then attended high school and college seminary at St. Charles Seminary, Sherbrooke, Quebec. He studied philosophy at St. Mary’s Seminary (Paca Street) and theology St. Mary’s Seminary & University (Roland Park), Baltimore. Upon completion of his seminary formation, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1965 by the Most Rev. Daniel J. Feeney, the Eighth Bishop of Portland.
During his 52 years of active, full-time ministry, Fr. Chouinard served in the following assignments:
Parochial Vicar/Assistant Pastor
St. Christopher Parish, Peaks Island (Summer 1965)
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Madawaska (1965-68)
Holy Cross Parish, Lewiston (1968-1976) – during these years, he also served as part-time Chaplain at St. Dominic High School (1973-76), and as the Temporary Administrator of the parish (1974-76).
Pastor
Holy Name Parish, Machias (1976-82)
St. Theresa Parish, Mexico (1982-1990)
St. Augustine Parish, Augusta (1990-2000)
Holy Trinity Parish, Lisbon Falls (2000-2017) – from 2006-2007, Fr. Lionel also served as Administrator of Holy Family Parish, Lewiston; in 2008, Fr. Lionel also assumed responsibility for Holy Rosary Parish, Sabattus and its mission, St. Francis, Greene; although he reached retirement age in 2009, he continued to serve as Administrator of the parish communities in Lisbon Falls, Sabattus and Green until May 1, 2017
On the occasion of his retirement, Bishop Deeley wrote:
“For you, an assignment to a parish meant that you would become a part of the community and get to know your people…you have been generous far beyond the normal age of retirement in offering your pastoral heart to others.”
Fr. Chouinard was also generous in his service to his bishops, diocese, brother priests and the lay faithful in the following capacities:
Knights of Columbus
Chaplain: Council #2638, Madawaska; Fr. AJ Barry Assembly, 4th Degree, Rumford; Fr. John E. Bellefontaine Council #8918, Hallowell; Rev. Napoleon P. Cournoyer Council #2358, Lisbon Falls
Faithful Friar: Fr. Michael J. McGivney Assembly #2296, Hallowell
Knights of Columbus State Friar: State Council 4th Degree Staff
Daughters of Isabella
Chaplain: St. Timothy Circle #504, Rumford; St. Agnes Circle #713, Augusta
State Chaplain: State Circle (2006-2015; reappointed 2015-2017)
Ordinary Confessor, Sisters of the Holy Rosary (1968)
Chaplain: Human Relations Services, District II (1975)
Member of the Priests’ Senate/Priests’ Council (Presbyteral Council) (1976; re-elected 1981)
Member of the Board/College of Consultors (1979-84; 1984-89; 1989-94)
CYO Beanery III, Moderator (1978)
Vicar Forane (Dean): Oxford & Franklin Counties (1985-88; reappointed 1988-91); Deanery VII – Androscoggin County (2005-2010)
St. Dominic Regional High School Board (2006-2009)
St. Peter’s Cemetery Board (2009-2010)
Please pray also for the consolation of his sister, Martha Bissonnette, and his many two nieces and five nephews and their families.
May Fr. Lionel’s soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.