Ministry to Priests

Ministry to Priests strengthens and supports the ongoing spiritual, personal, and pastoral well‑being of every priest serving in the Diocese of Portland, accompany them throughout their vocation by offering retreats, formation opportunities, mentoring, and ongoing fraternal care—ensuring that those who serve are themselves supported, encouraged, and renewed.

Priests serve tirelessly in parishes, schools, hospitals, and specialized ministries throughout Maine—often in demanding or isolated settings. To sustain their spiritual health and pastoral effectiveness, the Church must provide intentional care and ongoing formation.

When a priest becomes a pastor today, he takes on far more than sacramental responsibilities. He inherits complex administrative systems, multiple buildings, pastoral planning, staff leadership, financial oversight, and the spiritual care of entire communities.

Many new pastors feel the weight of this transition deeply. Through one‑on‑one mentoring and structured diocesan training, Ministry to Priests walks with these men as they enter leadership. We offer guidance, support, and practical tools that help them grow in confidence and peace.

We aim to form a presbyterate that is holy, healthy, united, and well‑equipped to lead the Church in Maine. Future goals include expanded mentoring, more regional formation, stronger ongoing formation, and greater access to spiritual direction and leadership training.