Every day, men and women across Maine find themselves in hospital rooms facing illness, injury, surgery, or the uncertainty of a life‑changing diagnosis. In these moments of vulnerability, the Church’s care becomes especially essential. The Diocese of Portland is committed to ensuring that no Catholic faces hospitalization without access to the sacraments, compassionate listening, and the spiritual support that brings the hope of Christ into places of suffering.

Through Ministerial Services, the diocese oversees a dedicated team of priests and lay hospital chaplains who serve in Maine hospitals and medical centers. Their ministry offers reassurance to patients and families, spiritual care to the sick, and a visible reminder that the Church accompanies her people in every moment of life — including moments of fear, healing, and transition.

Contact a Chaplain

The Diocese of Portland provides hospital chaplaincy coverage in Maine through a combination of full‑time priest chaplains, part‑time priest coverage, and trained lay chaplains.

Priests serve in Maine’s major medical centers, including in Bangor, Portland and Lewiston where they visit patients daily, celebrate the sacraments, and participate in interdisciplinary care teams. They also serve night and weekend on‑call rotations to ensure that urgent sacramental needs — especially the Anointing of the Sick — are always met.

Trained Catholic lay chaplains provide compassionate spiritual care, visit patients, pray with families, and bring Holy Communion to those who cannot attend Mass. Their ministry extends the reach of the Church to communities where full‑time priestly coverage is not possible.

Hospitalization can be overwhelming. Patients often experience fear, loneliness, or grief. Catholic chaplains are trained to meet people in these vulnerable moments, offering a listening ear, prayer and encouragement, support for families, and guidance rooted in faith. This ministry reminds patients that they are not alone — God is with them, and the Church is beside them. 

When a person is nearing death, Catholic pastoral care becomes especially important. Chaplains walk with families, offer prayers for the dying, and provide the sacraments that prepare the soul for the final journey. Their presence offers peace, dignity, and reassurance during some of the most difficult hours a family can face.

Jesus’ ministry was marked by healing, compassion, and accompaniment of the suffering. The Church continues that mission today through her chaplains. Whether they are offering a sacrament, holding a patient’s hand during a difficult moment, or simply listening with love, chaplains make the mercy of Christ visible in our hospitals every day.