News - March 2024 RSS Feed

The light coming out of the darkness. “In the sadness of the passion and death of the Lord we were in darkness. But now, in the light of the newly lit Paschal candle, symbol of the Risen Christ, we are in the light,” Bishop Robert Deeley said.

Continuing a long tradition and beginning a new one, the faithful gathered at St. Louis Church in Portland and St. Mary Church in Bangor on Holy Saturday for the blessing of Easter baskets.

"In the sadness of the Passion and death of the Lord, we were in darkness. But now, in the light of the Easter fire and the newly lit Paschal candle, symbol of the Risen Christ, we are in the light.”

The organ was silent and the altar bare, as Bishop Robert Deeley, wearing a red chasuble, symbolizing martyrdom and blood, processed into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for Good Friday services.

As Catholics around the world began the celebration of the holiest days of the liturgical year, the faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday evening for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Bishop Robert Deeley served as the celebrant to begin the three-day period of the Sacred Triduum which commemorates Christ's Passion, death, and resurrection.

C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S to two Maine Catholic school students for winning top honors in spelling and hockey!

Giving families a fresh start! This month, Saint James School students collected about 500 items heading to refugee families through Catholic Charities Maine. It was part of the school’s S.A.F.E. (service, academics, faith, and excellence) mission to help the community. Donation items focused on providing families “a place to freshen up” including bathing and hygiene items and giving families “a clean start” to keep their homes safe and clean.

The Catholic Foundation of Maine Board of Trustees today announces the appointment of Kristen Wells as the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer. In this newly created role, Wells is responsible for directing, managing, and growing all aspects of the fundraising program for the Catholic Foundation of Maine (CFM), and will collaborate with entities supported by CFM funds, including diocesan offices, Catholic Charities Maine, Maine Catholic schools, parishes and more.

It will be soon easier for parishioners to hear Mass at Portland’s St. Pius X Church. Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland has installed a Sanctuary Listening Assist System, which will be available in early spring.

"Top o' the mornin' to you!" That is how Bishop Robert Deeley greeted the faithful attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, March 17. St. Patrick has particular significance in the Diocese of Portland given the rich history of Irish in Maine, as well as his status as a secondary patron of the diocese.

Bishop Deeley experienced the enthusiasm of the St. Thomas School community on Wednesday, April 13 when he visited the Sanford school for the day. Joining classes from pre-K through grade 8, the bishop enjoyed interactive sessions across the disciplines. This was the bishop's concluding school visit of the 2023-2024 year.

You are enough. You’re worth it. And you are loved just as you are. That was the message that keynote speaker Danielle Bean shared with more than 200 women gathered on Saturday, March 16, for the 11th Maine Catholic Women’s Conference.

Holy Cross School in South Portland has been named the "Best of the 207 Awards - Gold in Best Private School.” The honor recognizes the school's dedication to providing an exceptional educational environment. This award is part of the annual Best of the 207 Awards, a comprehensive resource guide celebrating Maine's most outstanding businesses, services, and attractions.

On Saturday, March 2, more than 60 gathered at Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours Church in Waterville for the annual Maine Catholic Men's Conference. The theme for the 2024 conference was Eucharist to Life: Sharing Our Faith on the Journey and the featured speaker was Father Alejandro Lopez-Cardinale of the Archdiocese of Boston. Throughout the day, participants were able to engage in both structured and unstructured discussions to foster education, prayer and camaraderie.