Respect Life Month is celebrated each October, providing opportunities to reflect more deeply on the value of each human life and on efforts to protect life from conception to natural death.
The month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. On October 7, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother. October was also the month in which Mary appeared for the last time to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, urging them to "say the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world."
A Men's ACTS Retreat will be held October 15-18 at the Camp Kerith Retreat Center in Lyman. ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service.
The 18th Harvest Ball is set for Saturday, October 24, at the Holiday Inn By the Bay on 88 Spring Street in Portland. The ball, hosted by Bishop James Ruggieri, will include a social hour, silent auction, dinner, the music and great company.
Bishop Ruggieri will celebrate a closing Respect Life Month Mass. A reception will follow the Mass and will include Respect Life Awards for a youth awardee, a young adult awardee, and an adult awardee.
In commemoration of the faithful departed, All Souls' Day, a special Mass will be held on Monday, November 2, at 6 p.m. at St. Martha Church, 30 Portland Road in Kennebunk. A reception will follow in the church hall.
In observance of our country’s 250th birthday, Prince of Peace Parish will host “We Remember and Give Thanks,” a community-wide Veterans Day prayer service in Lewiston.
Holy Spirit Parish's annual Holiday Fair will be held at St. Martha Church in Kennebunk on November 14, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Good Shepherd Parish will hold its annual Christmas fair, featuring hand-knitted and crocheted items, food, and much more, at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford.
Fr. Brad Morin and Fr. Erin Donlon of the Office of Vocations will be traveling around the state to preach about vocations to the priesthood. Their third visit will be to St. Peter Chanel Parish in Van Buren
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish will host its annual Christmas by the Lake Fair at St. Philip Church on November 21, 2026. Delicious home-made items and beautiful greens will be for sale, plus so much more ,including a big raffle.
The annual St. Michael School Christmas Fair features dozens of vendors, a baked goods table, concessions, and the famous raffle baskets! Proceeds support St. Michael School.
The Office of Lifelong Faith Formation will be hosting a Diocesan Faith, Family & Fun day entitled "Blast with the Bishop" at Holy Family Church in Old Town.