Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
510 Ocean Avenue Telephone: (207) 321-7810 Portland, ME 04103-4936 Facsimile: (207) 773-0182
Office of Communications
WEEKLY MAILING January 30, 2015 [email protected]
I. Diocesan Offices Varia (February 2015) Varia – Special Edition: Lent & Easter 2015 (Revised) 2015 Synod of Bishops Online Survey Now Available Diocesan Pilgrimage to World Meeting of Families (Sept. 22-27) Announcements for Parish Marriage Ministries Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat (April 10-12)
II. From the Catholic Community 2015 White Mass in Lewiston (Feb. 8) Scholarships for Basic Parenting Classes at Saint Andre Home Mardi Gras Breakfast in Portland (Feb. 15) Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide Group in Kittery (Starting Feb. 16) Fat Tuesday Cabaret in Portland (Feb. 17) Clinical Pastoral Education program in Portland (March 5-July 12) Saint Thomas Seminary Reunion in Connecticut (May 15) Quebec Province Pilgrimage (June 15-18) Bulletin Item from The Presence Radio Network Bulletin Item from Worldwide Marriage Encounter
III. Employment Opportunities
For updated news and features from the diocese, visit: www.portlanddiocese.org.
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Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
510 Ocean Avenue Telephone: (207) 773-6471 Portland, ME 04103-4936 Facsimile: (207) 773-0182
Office of the Moderator of the Curia
To: All Priests, Deacons, Seminarians and Pastoral Associates Date: Friday, January 30, 2015 Re: VARIA – FEBRUARY 2015
General Announcements
2015 Celebrets for Priests of the Diocese of Portland: Celebrets for 2015, for all active priests of the Diocese of Portland were mailed on Thursday, January 29, 2015. If you do not receive your celebret by February 10, 2015, please contact either Sr. Rita-Mae Bissonnette or Christine Pitteroff at the Chancery (207) 773-6471, ext. 7818 and 7821, respectively.
Chancery Hours: The Chancery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Holidays: In observance of the following holy days/holidays, the Chancery will be closed: Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2015 Good Friday-Day of Prayer: Friday, April 3, 2015 Patriots’ Day: Monday, April 20, 2015 Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2015
Independence Day: Saturday, July 4, 2015 (diocesan employees are reminded that this will be a “floating” holiday, which must be taken anytime during the month of July)
The Year of Consecrated Life – Wake up the World: Pope Francis has proclaimed this year of prayerful and active observance, beginning on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2014, continuing throughout 2015, and concluding on February 2, 2016, the World Day of Consecrated Life (Feast of the Presentation of the Lord). For more information and prayer resources, visit www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/consecrated-life/year-of-consecrated- life/index.cfm.
Clergy Events – Please mark your calendars: Annual Clergy Institute 2015: Monday, May 18, through Thursday, May 21, 2015, Atlantic Oceanside, Bar Harbor.
Diocesan Directory: Go to www.portlanddiocese.org/diocesandirectory13. As changes are made, a notice is sent out in the Weekly Mailing identifying the changes.
Rest in Peace: Please pray for the repose of the soul of: Mrs. Bertha H. Jensen, 91, mother of Rev. Larry Jensen (pastor of St. Joseph Maronite Rite Catholic Church, Waterville), who died on Monday, December 22, 2014 in Muskegon, Michigan. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, December 26, 2014, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Muskegon, M, with Rev. Fr. Larry Jensen presiding. Sr. Pauline Lamirande, SCIM, 90, who died on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, in Biddeford. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, January 16, 2015, at the St. Joseph Convent Chapel, Biddeford. Mary Joan Silva, 56, who died on Monday, January 19, 2015, in Augusta. Mary Jo is the daughter of former diocesan Comptroller, Anthony Silva (now deceased) and his wife, Patricia. Mary Jo also worked as a Director of Religious Education in Madawaska. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at Holy Cross Church, South Portland. Mrs. Helen McAuliffe, 95, mother of Deacon John McAuliffe, Jr., who died on Wednesday, January 22, 2015, Rockport, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2015, at St. Bernard Church of St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, Rockland. Sr. Mary Immaculate Dumont, RSM, 98, who died on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at St. Joseph Rehabilitation & Residence, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 2, 2015, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland. Sr. Dorothy Doyle, OSU, 93, who died on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at d’Youville Pavilion, Lewiston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at the Chapel of St. Mary’s Residence (formerly Maison Marcotte), Lewiston. Please pray also for the consolation of their families and friends, natural and religious.
Liturgical Notes & Upcoming Events
Liturgy of the Hours: Ordinary Time: Begin using Volume III on Monday, January 12, 2015, through Tuesday, February 17, 2015. Lent-Easter Seasons: Begin using Volume II on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015, through Sunday, May 24, 2015 (the Solemnity of Pentecost). Lent & Easter Seasons – Please see the attached special VARIA (updated) for Lent-Easter.
Finance & Administration
Mileage Reimbursement Rate: Effective April 1, 2014, the diocese has authorized the use of the previously approved (January 1, 2014) IRS reimbursement rate of $0.56/mile for “business travel.” Upon presentation of documentation that indicates the day, the main points of travel, the distance, and the nature of the business travel, parishes and diocesan offices are permitted to reimburse at the rate of $0.56/mile. The travel must be related to one’s assigned duties for the parish or the diocese, have proper documentation, and cannot include commuter miles (that is, miles driven between your residence and primary office/place of work). Addendum: Effective January 1, 2015, the IRS has set a new standard mileage rate of $0.575: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/New-Standard-Mileage-Rates-Now-Available;- Business-Rate-to-Rise-in-2015. However, diocesan policy does not allow for an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate so as not to impact negatively parish and diocesan budgets for the current year. Parishes should plan on the new mileage rate effective July 1, 2015.
Special Collections: These collections will be taken in all churches of the diocese on the designated weekend. Unless otherwise indicated, all collections must be remitted to the Diocesan Finance Office by the second Friday after the collection. Links provide resources to assist you in promoting these collections through bulletin inserts, pulpit announcements, prayers, etc. Please encourage parishioners to be generous stewards by supporting the important needs that exist in your parish, at the diocesan level, and for the universal Church.
Name of Collection: Church of Central and Eastern Europe & Solidarity Fund for Africa NOTE: Our diocese combines these two collections, the proceeds of which are shared equally. Date of Collection: February 18, 2015 (Ash Wednesday) Deadline to Remit: March 6, 2015 Online Resources (bulletin articles, pulpit announcements, flyers, intercessions, facts): Central & Eastern Europe (2015)---www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for- giving/central-and-eastern-europe/collection/index.cfm Solidarity Fund for Africa (2014 resources)---www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities- for-giving/solidarity-fund-for-africa/collection/index.cfm
Name of Collection: Native American & Black Missions NOTE: Our diocese receives an annual grant to assist with our outreach to the Native Americans in Maine; last year, we received and distributed $30,000 for the benefit of the two reservations in Washington County and at Indian Island, Old Town. In addition, we have received a grant of $20,000 to assist with our outreach to Black Catholics (immigrant populations) in the greater Portland area. Date of Collection: February 21/22, 2015 Deadline to Remit: March 13, 2015 Online Resources (bulletin articles, pulpit announcements, flyers, intercessions, facts): www.blackandindianmission.org/about-us/bimo-collection/
Sacraments & Related Information
Requests for Information from our Sacramental Registers: The USCCB Office of the General Secretary recently reaffirmed their decision of April 5, 2008 (Prot. #20080365) and reminded all bishops that requests from the Mormons (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) and their Genealogical Society of Utah for access to our sacramental registers are to be denied; all information contained therein is considered confidential and not for viewing or duplication by any and all parties outside of the Catholic Church. For more information, contact either Sr. Rita- Mae Bissonnette, Chancellor, or Msgr. Andrew Dubois, Moderator of the Curia, at the Chancery.
Death Registers – Recommendation: Death registers should include all funerals that are done in the parish, whether the ministry includes the entire Rite of Christian Burial (Vigil/Wake Service, Mass of Christian Burial, Committals/Burials), or simply one or more parts of the entire Rite. The death register should include the names of all the deceased on whose behalf the parish has exercised this ministry, not only for registered parishioners. If a deceased had a funeral in another parish or diocese and is being brought home to your parish or back to Maine for burial, then the presumption is that the deceased’s name is already recorded in the death register of another parish. On the other hand, if the deceased did not have any kind of funeral service elsewhere, then the committal service you perform should be recorded in your parish’s death register.
Sacraments Celebrated in Institutions: Hospitals - When baptisms and other sacraments that require recording in official registers occur at local hospitals, they are to be recorded in the sacramental books of the local parish. Colleges - All sacraments celebrated for college students are to be recorded in the sacramental books of the local parish. In particular, all weddings on college campuses are now recorded in the marriage register of the local parish and the PMI file is to be kept in the parish files.
When Annulments are Pending and/or Restrictions have been Imposed: Please remember that all weddings, including convalidations, may not be scheduled if there is an annulment pending for one or both of the parties. A wedding may not even be “penciled in” until the decree of nullity has been finalized. Occasionally, parties receive a restriction (vetitum) from remarriage. This is a medicinal measure aimed at preventing a repetition of serious problems that were present in a prior marriage. If there is a restriction, a party is not free to marry. A wedding may not be scheduled, even tentatively, unless a restriction has been lifted by the appropriate authority. Please contact the Tribunal with any questions about scheduling a wedding or lifting a restriction.
Requesting & Processing of Marriage Dispensations: All requests for marriage dispensations should be sent to the Department for Canonical Services. If you have any questions regarding a dispensation, please contact Shannon Fossett at (207) 773-6471, extension 7854.
UPDATED: Celiac Sprue Disease & Low-Gluten Hosts: The number of individuals suffering from celiac sprue disease is increasing, as are the number of requests for accommodations (i.e., low-gluten hosts). To facilitate such requests, two letters should be sent to the Bishop’s Office (510 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME 04103-4936): the communicant should ask their physician to provide the Bishop's Office with a written testimony of the diagnosis and a recommendation for the use of low-gluten hosts, and the pastors of these individuals should write the Bishop’s Office and request permission to use low-gluten hosts. For more information about how to obtain permission to use or to contact vendors to purchase low-gluten hosts, please contact the Moderator of the Curia, the Chancellor, or the Bishop’s Executive Assistant, Mrs. Christine Pitteroff at [email protected] or (207) 773-6471 ext. 7821.
Miscellaneous
Changing Address? If a priest or parish has a change of address for any location with mail delivery (whether residence, office, parish center, church, school, etc.), please send the old and the new addresses to [email protected]. By using this centralized system, Chancery will be able to collect, update and notify all of its departments/offices of address changes simultaneously. Thank you for your cooperation with this process that is intended to serve you better.
Directives for Visiting Priests (clarification) - Distinction between the need for a Celebret vs. a Letter of Suitability: Please remember that pastors should always exercise caution in admitting priests to ministry in the parish, especially when they are unknown to them or their parishioners. Even if known personally by the priests of the parish, a visiting priest must have his canonical superior (bishop or religious superior) send a letter of suitability to Bishop Deeley. If the letter is sent directly to the parish, then a copy must be provided to the bishop. If the bishop receives the letter, a COPY of the original will be emailed to the parish, and the original will be kept in the parish file at Chancery.
The only time a celebret suffices is if the cleric is visiting the area (i.e., relatives) and will be in attendance as a concelebrant (neither as the principal celebrant nor as the homilist). The celebret must be dated within the year. If there are any concerns relative to the status of a visiting priest, please consult Sr. Rita-Mae Bissonnette, Chancellor.
Conversely, if a priest or deacon of the Diocese of Portland is going to exercise ministry outside our diocese, then a Letter of Suitability should be requested from the Bishop’s Office, ideally two to three weeks before the event. It is understood that advance notice may not be possible if you are going to celebrate a funeral, but all other requests should be planned.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
510 Ocean Avenue Telephone: (207) 773-6471 Portland, ME 04103-4936 Facsimile: (207) 773-0182
Office of the Moderator of the Curia
VARIA - SPECIAL EDITION: LENT & EASTER 2015 Revised January 9 & 30, 2015 Season of Lent
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015, and goes until the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2015.
Fast & Abstinence Ash Wednesday & Good Friday - Both February 18, 2015, and April 3, 2015, are days of fast and abstinence (from meat) in the universal Church. Every Friday of Lent - All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence (from meat) in the Church in the United States. The Law of Abstinence - Binds Catholics aged 14 and older. The Law of Fasting - Binds Catholics aged 18 and over, until the beginning of their 60th year (through age 59).
Lenten Environment & Music - During Lent, the decoration of the altar with flowers is not permitted; musical instruments may be played only to give necessary support to the singing. Exceptions to these rules include Laetare Sunday, Solemnities and Feasts.
Liturgy of the Hours - Beginning with Morning Prayer on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, Volume II of the Liturgy of the Hours is used throughout the Lent and Easter seasons (through Sunday, May 24, 2015).
Ash Wednesday - The following rubrics are to be followed: The Penitential Act is omitted. After the usual greeting, the priest offers the Collect. The Blessing and Distribution of Ashes take place after the homily. The approved words for the Distribution of Ashes are: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel." OR "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Rite of Election 2015 - Bishop Robert Deeley will be the principal celebrant and homilist at each celebration, which will take place at the following times and locations: Saturday, February 21, 2015 @ 4:00 PM - Holy Rosary Church, Caribou (within Mass). Sunday, February 22, 2015 @ 10:30 AM - St. John Church, Bangor (within Mass). Sunday, February 22, 2015 @ 3:30 PM - Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, Lewiston (outside Mass). Sunday, February 22, 2015 @ 7:00 PM - Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland (outside Mass). More information, including the registration process, has been emailed to all parishes, priests, and RCIA Coordinators. To register online, please click on the following link: www.portlanddiocese.org/olff/rite-election.
RCIA Retreat Days for Elect & Candidates – Saturday, March 21 (all locations) The Office of Lifelong Faith Formation announces the following "regional" pre-Easter retreat day opportunities for the elect and candidates, their sponsors and godparents, as well RCIA team members: St. Mary’s Church, Presque Isle, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon) St. John’s Church, Bangor, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM St. Charles Borromeo, Brunswick, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM St. Maximilian Kolbe, Scarborough, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon) For more information, including the registration process, please click on the following link: www.portlanddiocese.org/olff/lenten-retreat.
The Light is On for You (Approved by the Presbyteral Council) - Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, has been designated as the week for our diocese to host "The Light is On for You" during Lent 2015. All parishes/clusters are asked to offer the Sacrament of Penance (confessions) in at least one of their parish churches from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please note the following: Based upon local needs and available personnel, extended times, dates and locations are permissible. As in previous years, the Diocese will promote “The Light is On for You” through a press release, the website, and if possible, The Presence Radio Network. We encourage local parishes to make use of local newspaper ads, bulletin articles and inserts, and pulpit announcements. In a special way, many thanks to our retired priests who help our priests and parishes in so many ways, including with this vitally important sacramental moment.
The Annunciation of the Lord - This solemnity is celebrated on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. This is not a holy day of obligation. During the recitation of the Creed, all should genuflect at the words: “…and by the Holy Spirit, was incarnate of the Virgin Mary.”
Holy Week & the Sacred Triduum* *Please see the special insert entitled, "Lent & Holy Week Rubrics".
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord - Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, 2015
Chrism Mass - Please reserve the date! With the clergy serving in the diocese, the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., will preside and preach at the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at 5:45 PM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland. All priests and deacons should bring an alb and a white stole.
Mass of the Oils – Please reserve the date! With the clergy serving in northern and eastern Maine, the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., will preside and preach at the annual Mass of the Oils on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at 7:00 PM at St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, Van Buren.
Daylight Savings Time: Clocks are set ahead one hour beginning at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8, 2015.
Added – Sacraments During the Sacred Paschal Triduum: During the Triduum, the sacraments of penance and anointing of the sick may continue to be celebrated. Holy Communion may be given to the sick and homebound immediately after the liturgies of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, but only as viaticum to the dying on Holy Saturday.
Holy Thursday & the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper - Thursday, April 2, 2015
Good Friday & the Passion of the Lord - Friday, April 3, 2015
Holy Saturday & the Easter Vigil Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 4, 2015 - Based upon the estimated time of sunset in various locations throughout the state (from 7:00 PM to 7:18 PM), the Easter Vigil may begin at 8:00 PM (post-twilight). Advisory on the Time of the Easter Vigil Concerns have been submitted to the Office of the Bishop that the time announced for the proper celebration of the Easter Vigil has not been followed uniformly throughout the diocese. Times varied from as early as 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 PM. As is noted above (and will be repeated in the February VARIA), the Easter Vigil 2015 is to be celebrated at 8:00 PM throughout the diocese, after nightfall (i.e., not sunset, but after the sky has grown completely dark), in order to be in compliance with liturgical law. As regards the proper time of the celebration of the Easter Vigil, the Roman Missal states, “The entire celebration of the Easter Vigil must take place at night, so that it begins after nightfall and ends before daybreak on Sunday” (#3). The Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts from the Congregation for Divine Worship (1988), says, “This rule is to be taken according to its strictest sense. Reprehensible are those abuses and practices that have crept into many places in violation of this ruling …” (#78) and the USCCB Committee on the Liturgy has stressed on numerous occasions that it is a misunderstanding of the nature of the celebration of the annual Pasch to have an untimely scheduling of the Easter Vigil. Their (almost) annual advisory notes that nightfall actually takes place 45 minutes to 1 hour after sunset for setting the time of the celebration of the Easter Vigil, which is how this year’s (2015) time of 8:00 PM has been determined. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Chancery.
Season of Easter
Easter Sunday is on April 5, 2015; the season of Easter runs through Evening Prayer II of the Solemnity of Pentecost on Sunday, May 24, 2015.
Easter Duty - In the dioceses of the United States, the obligation to receive Holy Communion at least once a year may be satisfied from the First Sunday of Lent (February 21/22) to Most Holy Trinity Sunday (May 30/31). For a just cause, the Easter duty may be fulfilled at some other time of the year (Canon 920).
Divine Mercy Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter) – April 11/12, 2015.
REVISED: Regional Confirmation Masses for Already Baptized Catholic Teens and Adults – Because “the ordinary minister of confirmation is the bishop” (Canon 882), the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, Bishop of Portland, invites teenagers and adults who already have been baptized in the Catholic Church to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at one of the following three locations throughout the diocese: Friday, April 10, 2015, 7:00 pm, St. John Church, Bangor Friday, May 8, 2015, 7:00 pm, Cathedral, Portland Friday, May 29, 2015, 7:00 pm, St. Mary’s Church, Presque Isle If some of these already baptized Catholic candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation also require the reception of First Eucharist/Holy Communion, they, too, should be included in one of these celebrations.
Please note that it is always appropriate to include already baptized Catholic teens and adults in the local parish celebration that Bishop Deeley also will celebrate.
More information, including the registration process, will be emailed to priests, PCL and RCIA coordinators in the near future.
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord - Thursday, May 14, 2015. This is a holy day of obligation. A vigil Mass may be celebrated on the evening of Wednesday, May 13, 2015. A pro populo Mass (for the people) must be offered. Funeral and nuptial/wedding Masses are not permitted.
The Solemnity of Pentecost - Saturday Vigil, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, 2015. Please review the rubrics in the Roman Missal, which provide details for both options of the Vigil of Pentecost (i.e., "Extended Form" and "Simple Form").
Neophyte Mass (Approved) – A Neophyte Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley on Sunday, May 31, 2015 (Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity) at 10:00 AM Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland. All of the newly baptized as well as those who completed their initiation at the Easter Vigil are invited to join Bishop Deeley for this special Mass at which they will be prayed for and blessed. Priests and deacons are invited to concelebrate and assist, respectively; please bring an alb and a white stole.
For those who will not be able to travel to the Cathedral for this Mass, we ask all pastors to encourage the newly baptized and those who completed their initiation at the Easter Vigil to meet Bishop Deeley when he celebrates Mass in your local parish.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
510 Ocean Avenue Telephone: (207) 321-7810 Portland, ME 04103-4936 Facsimile: (207) 773-0182
Office of Communications
2015 Synod of Bishops Online Survey Now Available
The Catholic Church is being engaged over a two-year period in a process of reflection on the family and the pastoral challenges encountered in ministering to families. A survey has been prepared to provide an opportunity for Catholics around the world to offer their views in advance of the next Synod in October of this year. Your responses, along with those of Catholics worldwide, will be of assistance in the preparation of the Synod’s working document. To complete the survey, visit: www.portlanddiocese.org/synodsurvey.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
510 Ocean Avenue Telephone: (207) 773-6471 Portland, ME 04103-4936 Facsimile: (207) 773-0182
Office of Lifelong Faith Formation
Diocesan Pilgrimage (September 22-27)
The Diocese of Portland is offering a pilgrimage to the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) in Philadelphia on September 22-27. The group will depart from Portland and travel by deluxe motor coach to Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 22. The pilgrimage is being organized by Canterbury Pilgrimages & Tours, Inc., and will be hosted by Bishop Robert P. Deeley. Visit www.portlanddiocese.org/world-meeting- families for more information and a pilgrimage flyer. Slots are expected to fill by Easter, so we encourage you to contact Canterbury Pilgrimages & Tours as soon as possible at 1-800-653-0017. To register online, visit www.groupminder.com/internet/resEvt.cfm?cstId=101.
Announcements for Parish Marriage Ministries
A list of parish marriage preparation programs for 2015 can be found on the diocesan website at www.portlanddiocese.org/marriage/marriage-preparation. Please share this link with engaged couples searching for a program.
A retreat day for parish marriage preparation teams is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Guild Hall, part of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. Please extend an invitation to marriage preparation team couples, potential team couples, and other volunteers involved in preparing engaged couples for marriage. For an event flyer, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/marriage/marriage-preparation.
The 2015 Silver & Gold Mass will be on Saturday, June 27, at 4 p.m. at Holy Family Church in Lewiston. More details to come.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat on April 10-12
It’s okay not to feel okay about an abortion. Come to a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat weekend in southern Maine on April 10-12, ending on Divine Mercy Sunday. Enjoy a private room for two nights while joining others who also want to move beyond the pain. Experience, through Scripture, the profound mercy and love of God. Pre- registration is required with a registration deadline of Monday, April 6. For more information, visit www.rachelsvineyard.org. To discuss registration, contact Annette Rioux at (207) 321-7885 or at [email protected].
From the Catholic Community
2015 White Mass, Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in Lewiston
Bishop Robert P. Deeley will celebrate the White Mass on Sunday, February 8, at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston. The Mass recognizes and prays for the service of those in the health-care profession and all who carry on the healing ministry of Christ. Doctors, nurses, EMTs, lab technicians, dentists, hospital chaplains, and caregivers are invited to attend the Mass to receive the bishop’s blessing. A reception will follow. The White Mass is traditionally held on the weekend closest to February 11, which is the World Day of the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. For more information, contact Prince of Peace Parish at (207) 777-1200 or [email protected].
Scholarships for Basic Parenting Classes at Saint Andre Home in Biddeford
Saint Andre Home recently received a grant from the United Way of York County to offer a limited number of scholarships for their basic parenting classes at the new Center for Parenting and Play, located at 11 Adams Street in Biddeford. These classes offer new information about how understanding the stages of brain development in babies and young children is key in knowing how to be an effective parent. Parents learn practical techniques for keeping themselves calm and strategies for parenting effectively when their child exhibits challenging behavior. The result is a more peaceful home! For more information, please call the Center for Parenting and Play at (207) 282-3351.
Mardi Gras Breakfast at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish on Feb. 15
Start your Lenten journey by attending a Mardi Gras Breakfast at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish, located on the corner of Sherman and Mellen Streets in Portland, on Sunday, February 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The suggested donation for the breakfast is $4 for a child, $6 for an adult, or $12 for the family. The proceeds will benefit the Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Capital Campaign. There are Masses at 10:30 a.m. (English) and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish). The parish community looks forward to welcoming new and returning Catholics to our beautiful church and hall. For more information, call (207) 773-7746.
Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide Group in Kittery Starting Feb. 16
Divorced & Seeking Support? The Catholic's Divorce Survival Guide is a 12-week group that will begin on Monday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the parish center at St. Raphael Church on 6 Whipple Road in Kittery. The cost of $15 per person includes refreshments, materials for the group, and a “personal survival guide” for all 12 weeks. Find comfort and counsel consistent with Catholic teachings. Sorry, no childcare available. FMI or to register, contact Frank at (207) 363-8208. You can also visit www.CatholicsDivorce.com.
Fat Tuesday Cabaret at Guild Hall in Portland on Feb. 17
With an eye-popping variety of music and incredible food, who could ask for a better Mardi Gras? The music ministry at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is proud to host a Fat Tuesday Cabaret at Guild Hall, part of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, on Tuesday, February 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The show will feature many local musicians with dinner provided by Maria’s Restaurant. Tickets are $20 per person or $150 for a table of eight. All proceeds will benefit the music ministry at the Cathedral. To purchase tickets, call (207) 232-9231 or email [email protected]. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Clinical Pastoral Education program at Maine Medical Center (March 5-July 12)
The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland, an accredited program of the U.S. Department of Education, is accepting applications for a unit of training beginning on March 5. CPE enables clergy of all faiths, seminarians, and qualified lay people to enhance self-understanding, compassion, and professional and pastoral relationships within a multi-cultural, multi-faith setting. The Department of Spiritual Care at MMC provides religious, pastoral, and spiritual care for patients, families, friends, staff members, and visiting professionals. CPE students work with chaplains as part of the interdisciplinary team, assuring that a patient’s spiritual needs are addressed. One unit of CPE consists of 400 hours of training. The training is a combination of class time and “clinical time” visiting with patients. The time commitment is 21 hours a week for twenty weeks (March 5 through July 12). The unit runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an additional five hours of clinical time required each week. Clergy, seminarians, and qualified lay people may apply. The tuition is $850. Course credit is offered by most seminaries. There is no application fee. For more information, call the department at (207) 662-2951 or email the Rev. Kitty Garlid, director and CPE supervisor, at [email protected].
Saint Thomas Seminary Reunion in Connecticut on May 15
Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, will host a reunion for all clergy and lay alumni of the distinguished institution on Friday, May 15. Enjoy an evening of catching up with former classmates and professors while returning to the magnificent building and grounds. For more information or to register, visit the event’s website at http://stthomasseminaryreunion2015.eventbrite.com or email [email protected].
Quebec Province Pilgrimage on June 15-18
The parishes of St. Joseph (Bridgton) and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (Norway) are organizing a Quebec Province Pilgrimage to be led by the parishes’ pastor, Fr. Innocent Okozi, SMA, on June 15-18. Planned by Dube Travel, packages will include chartered bus transportation to Quebec City, accommodations, and guided tours. To view an itinerary for the trip or to register, visit: www.portlanddiocese.org/sites/default/files/files/QuebecProvincePilgrimage.pdf.
Bulletin Item for The Presence Radio Network
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY Mondays-Fridays at 4:30 a.m., 10:20 a.m., and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Join us daily to implore God’s mercy on our world, ourselves, and our loved ones by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy taught by Jesus to St. Faustina.
Jesus said to Sister Faustina: "Say unceasingly this chaplet that I have taught you. Anyone who says it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as the last hope. Even the most hardened sinner, if he recites this Chaplet even once, will receive grace from My Infinite Mercy. I want the whole world to know My Infinite Mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy...."
The Presence Radio Network is your listener-supported Catholic radio which can be found on 106.7 FM in Greater Portland, 90.3 FM in Greater Bangor, 89.7 FM in Bath- Brunswick, 89.5 FM in Greater Augusta, 97.5 FM in Fort Kent (Affiliate), online at www.thepresence.fm, and on smartphones with the TuneIn Radio app.
Bulletin Item for Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Learn to celebrate your marriage every day! Start a new love affair with your spouse that goes beyond your wildest dreams. It can happen on the Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend set for Caribou on April 10-12. You don’t want to miss this chance to renew, restore, and rekindle your relationship. The registration fee is $50, and a freewill donation will be accepted at the end of the weekend. For more information or to register, contact Bill & Coco Watkin at (207) 668-4885 or visit www.wwmemaine.org.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
510 Ocean Avenue Telephone: (207) 773-6471 Portland, ME 04103-4936 Facsimile: (207) 773-0182
Office of Human Resources
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Campus Minister Colby College, Waterville
Corpus Christi Parish in Waterville seeks to hire a part-time campus minister to serve Colby College, also in Waterville. The campus minister will foster the personal and spiritual growth of young people by empowering them to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in today’s world; draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community and the life of the campus community; and provide leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the campus ministry program. The position also coordinates weekly Mass; recruits, trains and schedules Newman Center members as liturgical and music ministers; and assists students in taking on a leadership role. This position is for the school year only, not year round. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: Ms. Kim Suttie, Corpus Christi Parish, 70 Pleasant Street, Waterville, ME 04901-5404.
Bookkeeper (Part-Time) Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth
The Parish of the Holy Eucharist, serving Falmouth, Gray, Freeport, and Yarmouth, has an immediate opening for a part-time bookkeeper (20 hours a week, with possible overtime). The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, handling all accounting activities (i.e. AP/AR, payroll, etc.), reconciling bank statements, and completing all monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting. The successful candidate will have a solid background in bookkeeping/financial accounting. This position is eligible for benefits and includes paid time off. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: Ms. Linda Howard, Parish of the Holy Eucharist, 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME 04105-1729. Applicants can also email their materials to [email protected].
Director of Music Holy Spirit Parish, Wells
Holy Spirit Parish in Wells has an immediate opening for a full-time director of music to serve at churches in Wells, Kennebunk, and Ogunquit. The successful candidate will be proficient at the organ, the piano, and choral direction; have the ability to vocally lead; and strengthen a prayerful, active, singing assembly. Two years of experience in Catholic liturgical music programs and a BA in music or music theory are preferred. This position provides benefits and a competitive salary range. A complete job description is available at www.holyspiritme.org. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and three references to: Music Director Search Committee, c/o Fr. Thomas Murphy, 236 Eldridge Road, Wells, ME 04090-4050. Applicants can also email their materials to [email protected].
Custodian (Part-Time) St. Agnes Parish, Pittsfield
St. Agnes Parish in Pittsfield has an opening for a part-time custodian (10 hours a week). The custodian will clean, mop, and vacuum the church, parish center and, occasionally, the rectory. To view a full job description and application, visit www.stagnes-me.org. For more information about the position, call the parish office at (207) 924-7104.
Organist/Choir Director Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Boothbay Harbor
All Saints Parish seeks an organist/choir director for Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Boothbay Harbor. The organist/choir director will have familiarity with the Catholic faith and will lead the music program by playing at weekend Masses, directing the choir, and playing the organ for weddings and funerals. The successful candidate will also play at weekly choir practice, holy days, and at seasonal services throughout the year. Interested parties should apply with a cover letter and resume to: Music Coordinator, All Saints Parish, 132 McKeen Street, Brunswick, ME 04011-2980.
Cook and Kitchen Helper (Two Positions) Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford Pool
Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford Pool is looking for both an experienced cook and a part-time kitchen helper. To apply, please e-mail your resume to [email protected] or contact Claire Breton at (978) 682-5135.