Pope Francis’ prayer service from the front of St. Peter’s Basilica and “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city of Rome and the world”) blessing in response to the coronavirus pandemic will be broadcast live on CatholicTV
From additional livestreams of private Masses to “drive-thru” confessions, many Maine priests and parishes have announced special opportunities for parishioners to connect as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts normal Mass and parish schedules. As events are confirmed, they will be added to the Diocese of Portland’s Coronavirus Response page at www.portlanddiocese.org/content/response-coronavirus.
With attention to the guidance from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and upon consideration of the size of the usual congregations, Bishop Robert P. Deeley is temporarily suspending all daily and Sunday Masses and religious services throughout the Diocese of Portland (covering the entire state of Maine), effective immediately. The bishop is also issuing a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass for Maine Catholics during this time.
Due to the current situation regarding COVID-19 that continues to evolve globally, all of Maine’s Catholic schools will close through at least March 29. All future decisions regarding school closures will be based upon guidance from the Maine Department of Education and protecting the health and safety of our school communities.
As more information develops with regard to COVID-19, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland continues to work to ensure the health and safety of Maine Catholics and the wider community.
Members of youth ministry and students at Maine Catholic schools will present the Living Stations of the Cross around the state leading up to Easter Sunday, April 12.
St. Michael Parish in Augusta will offer the community a taste of Italy during a special supper that aims to celebrate Maine’s bicentennial while raising money for an important cause.
PORTLAND---Young Catholics from around Maine raised over $15,000 and collected thousands of food items during a wildly successful “Souper” Bowl of Caring.
While the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will be racking up points during Sunday’s Super Bowl, young Catholics from around Maine will be busy scoring donations to benefit those in need through the “Souper” Bowl of Caring.
With heads tucked beneath hats and hoods, hundreds braved temperatures that barely made it into the double digits to participate in the Hands Around the Capitol rally in Augusta. The event is held annually to call for an end to abortion and for the protection of human life from conception to natural death.
Upon reviewing the parish’s consultative process which led to the recommendation by the pastoral council, finance council, and school board of Corpus Christi Parish, Bishop Robert P. Deeley has acknowledged their decision to close St. John Regional Catholic School, located on 15 South Garand Street in Winslow, at the end of the 2019-20 school year.
Free presentations on the topic of improved mental health will be offered by parishes in Augusta and Waterville in the coming weeks. All are welcome to attend either presentation.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, which covers the entire state of Maine, is taking steps in response to the current widespread cases of influenza by reinstituting a number of precautions during Masses and other celebrations.
A heavenly light moved shepherds from their fields and Magi from their homeland. Together, they gathered around the manger with the newborn child. He is Emmanuel, God with Us.