‘Light Is On’ confession opportunity

PORTLAND — Bishop Robert P. Deeley of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has announced opportunities for confession from Monday, March 14, through Friday, March 18.

Each participating parish will offer at least three opportunities for confessions between 6 and 7 p.m. during the week through “The Light is On and the Door of Mercy is Open for You.”

Those who have been away from the sacrament may worry that they no longer know how to go to confession. In that case, they should tell the priest that it’s been a while since they have received the sacrament and ask for help to make a good confession. The priest will guide them through the ritual.

FMI: 207-321-7810, [email protected], www.portlanddiocese.org/light-is-on-parishes.

Great Gift of Mercy in Jay

JAY — In celebration of the Holy Year of Mercy, St. Rose of Lima Parish will host “Father, Forgive Them: The Great Gift of Mercy” at 6 p.m. Friday, March 18, at 1 Church St. 

All are welcome to attend the service, which will include a presentation of the Stations of the Cross by youth ministry; Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with music performed by Josh Houde, youth ministry coordinator at Good Shepherd Parish in Saco; and the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation with the Rev. Joseph Daniels, pastor of St. Rose of Lima, and the Rev. Seamus Griesbach.

FMI: 207-897-2173, www.portlanddiocese.org/holy-year-of-mercy.

Women’s Seminar at St. Matthew’s

LISBON — St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 496 Lisbon St., is offering a free women’s seminar, “Just Be Held,” led by the Rev. Allison VanderLinden from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 19.

“Do you struggle with anxiety, grief, anger, boredom, loneliness?” VanderLinden said. “Join us as we discover how the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ can help us overcome these frustrating feelings.” 

A free lunch is provided, and reservations are required. 

Casco church Holy Week itinerary

CASCO — Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ, 941 Meadow Road, has announced its Holy Week itinerary.

Palm/Passion Sunday, March 20: 10 a.m. workshop.

Thursday, March 24: “Come to the Table” dramatic Maundy Thursday Service with the choir singing and communion served at 7 p.m.

Good Friday, March 25: Hunger Walk at 5:30 a.m. at the Raymond Village Community Church UCC. FMI: 207-627-4282.

Holy Vigil, March 25: Sanctuary will remain unlocked for a 24-hour Holy Vigil from noon on Friday, March 25, to noon Saturday, March 26. 

Easter Sunday, March 27: Daybreak service behind the church 6:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served by the CVC men. Celebrational Service of Worship will be at 10 a.m. 

Wayne Community Church Easter observances

WAYNE — Wayne Community Church, 22 Old Winthrop Road, has announced its Easter observances. Everyone is welcome.

Palm Sunday, March 20, 9:30 a.m.: The choir will sing and palms will be shared with all.

Good Friday, March 25: The sanctuary is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome for prayer or meditation.

Easter Sunday, March 27: There will be a 7 a.m. sunrise service at the Cook’s lakeside property, 30 Pond Road. There will be an informal gathering overlooking Pocasset Lake with local musicians and a short message celebrating Easter.

There will be a community breakfast at the church at 7:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, hosted by the men of the church.

Easter Service is at 9:30 a.m. at the church, and will include the choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus, Easter flowers adorning the sanctuary and activities for the children.

FMI: 207-685-3505.

Local Stations of the Cross

PORTLAND — Men, women and children will present the Living Stations of the Cross at Catholic churches and schools around Maine leading up to Easter Sunday, March 27.

The Stations of the Cross began as the practice of pious pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to retrace the final journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary. They have been prayed for centuries, allowing Christians who are unable to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to spiritually follow in the steps that Jesus took from his arrest and judgment to his crucifixion, death and burial.

There are local churches offering Stations of the Cross in Auburn and Raymond.

Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn: Eighth-graders at the academy will present at 11 a.m. Friday, March 25, 121 Gracelawn Ave.

St. Athanasius & St. John Church in Rumford: Members of the parish’s youth ministry group will present at 7 p.m. on Palm Sunday, March 20, at St. Athanasius & St. John Church, 126 Maine Ave. 

FMI: www.portlanddiocese.org/content/stations-cross, www.portlanddiocese.org/lent-resources.

St. Luke’s Holy Week, Easter services

WILTON — St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will offer the following service times in Holy Week and Easter:

Sunday, March 20: Palm Sunday Eucharistic Service including the reading of the Passion at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 24: Maundy Thursday Eucharistic Service at 7 p.m.

Friday, March 25: Good Friday Liturgy and self-led Stations of the Cross (booklet provided) at noon.

Saturday, March 26: Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) in the church from 4 to 5 p.m. 

Sunday, March 27: Easter Sunday Eucharistic Service at 9:30 AM followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the children.

Easter story on Resurrection eggs

FARMINGTON — Farmington Baptist Church will share the story of Easter through Resurrection Easter Eggs at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at 194 Whittier Road.

There will be a brief story time for all ages. Then, children through sixth grade will hunt for candy-filled Easter eggs. The event is rain or shine. Every child will receive their very own set of handmade Resurrection Easter Eggs.

FMI: 207-491-9117.