The World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be celebrated by the Catholic Church on Sunday, April 21, 2024. The Fourth Sunday of Easter is commonly referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday” for the Gospel reading about the shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, just as Jesus did for us.

A proposed bill to create new rights for “gender-affirming care” and “reproductive health care” in Maine law is a direct attack on the beauty and truth of human life as embodied in the natural reality of the human family. It is both unconstitutional and immoral. [click for more...]

Catholic Charities is collecting hygiene items, kitchen gear, bedding, towels, and other essentials to create welcome kits that new arrivals need to set up their homes in Maine. If you are able to contribute, please visit our Amazon Wish List. When purchasing items, please select 307 Congress Street, Portland, Maine for your “Ship to” address, so your donation comes directly to our office. Thank you for welcoming a stranger!

Women and men impacted by an abortion experience often feel pain, grief, and regret. Project Rachel offers hope and healing by offering God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion in a safe nonjudgmental environment during our Rachel’s Vineyard retreat. The retreat provides an opportunity for anyone affected by abortion to release their pain and embark on a journey of healing.

February 11 is commemorated as the World Day of the Sick. The day was established by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992 to offer prayers for those who are suffering from illnesses. In establishing the day, Pope John Paul II said that he desired it to be "a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one's suffering for the good of the Church, and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of mankind."

On February 8, Catholics around the world are encouraged to join in prayer to combat and raise awareness of human trafficking. Through prayer, we not only reflect on the experiences of those that have suffered through this affront to human dignity but also comfort, strengthen, and help empower survivors.

How do we enlarge the area for our (ecclesial) church ‘tents’ to enable the entire body of Christ to enter? That is the question an inclusion initiative launched by the diocese's Office of Lifelong Faith Formation will explore. The goal is to create a unifying, comprehensive framework to help parishes in the diocese grow in awareness and inclusion of persons with disabilities. [Click for more...]

“9 Days for Life,” a novena for the intention that all human life be respected, will begin on January 16 and continue through January 24, 2024. [click for more]

Dioceses throughout the United States observe the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on January 22. It is a day set aside in a particular way to pray for pre-born children and to pray for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. It is also an opportunity to reflect upon the gift of life and to thank God for that gift. Click for resources & more.

The World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life is celebrated by the Catholic Church on Friday, February 2, 2024, and parishes are encouraged to commemorate the day on the following weekend.

Creative Catholics from all over the country are invited by the National Eucharistic Revival to share their talents in exploration and celebration of the Eucharistic mystery, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of Eucharistic art.

The 11th Maine Catholic Women’s Conference will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Holiday Inn By the Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland, 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dynamic speaker, author, and podcast host Danielle Bean will explore the theme “Loved as I AM,” touching on God’s gracious love that meets us where we are. The day will include keynotes by Bean, a witness talk, opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation, a chance to shop our exhibit hall, Mass with Bishop Robert Deeley, and more. The cost is $85/person.

During the third week of Advent (December 18-23, 2023), parishes across the Diocese of Portland will offer additional times for the sacrament of reconciliation. Parishes all over the United States have participated in "The Light is On for You" campaign as a way to promote penance as a means of experiencing God's infinite mercy...

The World Day of the Poor is on Sunday, November 19. The day was established by Pope Francis in 2017 for Catholics to "reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel." The theme for 2023 is "“Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor” (Tob 4:7). To learn more about the day, including ways you can help, visit the special section on the Diocese of Portland website by clicking here.

The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week on November 5-11. It is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and it is an opportunity to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.