Parishes to offer experiences to grow, share faith during Lent

During Lent, many parishes offer opportunities for Bible study or faith-sharing groups. A list of many of the programs offered are listed alphabetically by city/town.

Updates and additions will be made at portlanddiocese.org.

AUBURN
• Gospel of John, starting Tuesday, Feb. 28
Fr. Bob Vaillancourt will offer Lenten Scripture teachings on the Gospel of John on the Tuesdays of Lent. Sessions will be held 8:30-10 a.m. in hall of Sacred Heart Church on 8 Sacred Heart Place, and 6-7:30 p.m. at the St. Philip Church Hall on 2365 Turner Road. Vaillancourt will journey through the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus and will also discuss what the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth of Jesus, teach about Jesus’ sufferings and death. For more information, call 207-782-8096.

AUGUSTA
• Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, Saturday, March 11
The Maine Diocesan Council for Catholic Women will present “Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration” beginning at 9 a.m. at St. Monica Chapel on 5 Kendall St. Father Nathan March, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Augusta, will lead the presentation and adoration. To attend, email Sandy Breton at the council at sanbret@roadrunner.com.

BANGOR
• Catholicism: The Pivotal Players: St. Augustine & St. Benedict, started Tuesday, Feb. 21
Deacon Mike Whalen will lead a four-week study using Bishop Robert Barron’s course “Catholicism: The Pivotal Players.” The study will focus on St. Augustine and St. Benedict. The presentations will continue from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 28, March 7, and March 21, and Thursdays, Feb. 23, March 2, March 9, and March 23. No classes March 14 or 16. The sessions will be held in the parish hall at St. John Church, 207 York St. For information and to register, call the parish office at 207-217-6740.

• The Spirituality of Fasting Parent Book Group & Discussion, starting Sunday, Feb. 26
A parent book group and study based on Msgr. Charles Murphy’s book The Spirituality of Fasting will be held on six consecutive Sundays, beginning Feb. 26 and continuing through Palm Sunday, April 2. Sessions will be held 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the St. Mary Campus of All Saints School on 768 Ohio St.

BRUNSWICK
• “The Chosen” Video Series and Discussion Group, starting Wednesday and Thursday, March 15 and 16
Those who attend will learn about the different followers of Jesus and experience how they saw him. Beginning March 15-16, weekly sessions will be held 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and repeated again on Thursdays in the library at Charles Borromeo Church on 132 McKeen St. Those interested can attend as many sessions as they wish. To register or for more information, contact Marcy Brenner at marcy.brenner@portlanddiocese.org of 207-725-2624.

• “Jesus Feeds the Masses: No One Left Behind, ” starting Wednesday, March 1
Sessions will be held on four Wednesdays in Lent: March 1, March 8, March 15, and March 22. Sessions at St. Charles Borromeo Church on 132 McKeen St. will begin with Mass at 6 p.m., followed by a light supper at 6:30 p.m. and the retreat session at 7 p.m. This series of one-hour retreats is presented by Fr. Peter Uhde. Sessions will include presentations as well as opportunities for sharing and asking questions. Attend just one or all of them. To reserve a spot online on the All Saints Parish website, visit allsaintsmaine.com or call 207-725-2624.

CARIBOU
• Real Presence: What does it mean? Why does it matter? starting Monday, Feb. 27
Study groups will be led by Father David Raymond, Father Anthony Korir, Father Simon Assogba, and Deacon Carl Gallagher, using Timothy O’Malley’s book, “Real Presence: What does it mean? Why Does It Matter?” The sessions will be held on at 10 a.m. Mondays at Holy Rosary Church on 34 Vaughn St. To register, call 207-498-2536.

EAST MILLINOCKET
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, starting Wednesday, March 1
Filmed on location in the Holy Land, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion is a five-part video series, with the companion full-length book. Bestselling author Edward Sri guides participants through the last hours of Christ’s life in this biblical pilgrimage. The sessions will take place 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Peter Church on 58 Cedar St. All are welcome. For more information, call 207-746-3333.

FALMOUTH
• Holy is His Name — Lenten Scripture Study, starting Monday, Feb. 27
Father Paul Marquis and Arturo Juarez-Ayala, a candidate for the permanent diaconate, will lead a Bible study based on a 12-part video series by Scott Hahn, in which he traces the meaning of holiness from its origins in Scripture to its appearance in one’s own lives today. Participants are invited to watch the videos online and then participate in a weekly discussion group led by Marquis and Juarez-Ayala. Sessions will take place 7-8 p.m. the Mondays of Lent, Feb. 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27 at Holy Martyrs of North America Church on 266 Foreside Road . To register, email pothe.faithformation@portlanddiocese.org.

FALMOUTH
• Mother Teresa — A Sign of Contradiction, starting Tuesday, March 7
On Tuesdays in March, Joe Moreshead, the director of faith formation at the Parish of the Holy Eucharist, will offer a series of talks on Saint Teresa of Calcutta, examining how faith and care for the least among us intersect and what lessons Mother Teresa can teach us. The topics: March 7 — Mother Teresa: A Sign of Contradiction; March 14 — The Call within the Call; March 21 — Feeding the Hunger for Love; March 28 — Choosing Poverty and Emptiness. The talks will take place at 8:15 a.m. at Holy Martyrs of North America Church on 266 Foreside Road. This will also be livestreamed.

FARMINGTON
• “Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues,” through Sunday, April 2
Dive more deeply into the season of Lent and this time of preparation by participating in a seven-session study based on Bishop Robert Barron’s video series. The sessions will be held noon-1:30 p.m. Sundays through April 2 in the basement of the St. Joseph Parish Center on 133 Middle St. For more information, call 207-778-2778.

FORT FAIRFIELD
• Real Presence: What does it mean? Why does it matter? starting Wednesday, March 1
The study groups will be led by Father David Raymond, Father Anthony Korir, SMA, Father Simon Assogba, SMA, and Deacon Carl Gallagher using Timothy O’Malley’s book, “Real Presence: What does it mean? Why Does It Matter?” The sessions will be held Thursdays following the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Denis Church on 147 Main St., in person and via Zoom. To register, call 207-498-2536.

FORT KENT
• Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist, starting Tuesday, March 7
Father Jean-Paul Labrie, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, will lead a Bible study on the Mystery of the Eucharist 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays in March. For more information, call 207-834-5656.

FRENCHVILLE
• The Imitation of Christ, starting Friday, Feb. 24
Lenten reflections on the Imitation of Christ will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the Fridays of Lent at the Christian Life Center on 444 U.S. Route 1.

GARDINER
• The Secrets of the Eucharist, started Tuesday, Feb. 21
All are welcome to join in a faith-sharing class on the “Secrets of the Eucharist” at 6:30 p.m. on the Tuesdays of Lentin the basement of St. Joseph Church on 110 School St. The group will be using the book “7 Secrets of the Eucharist” by Vinny Flynn. For more information, contact Jim Hebert at 207-582-0056.

GORHAM
• Gospel of John, starting Sunday, Feb. 26
A Bible study on the Gospel of John will be held 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the Sundays during Lent at St. Anne Church on 299 Main St. For more information, call 207-572-6913.

• Lenten Book Group, starting Friday, Feb. 24
During the six weeks of Lent, all are invited to join in reading and discussing “No Greater Love, A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion” by Edward Sri. This group will give one an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus in their Lenten journey and understand Christ’s Passion in a deeper way. The group will meet 10-11:30 a.m. on the Fridays of Lent, Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, at St. Anne Church on 299 Main St. The sessions will begin with a 30-minute video followed by discussion. RSVP by emailing kimberly.sue.walton@gmail.com or kroussel@gmail.com.

GREENVILLE
• Lenten Teachings, starting Tuesday, Feb. 28
Lenten teachings with Father Hyacinth Fornkwa are set for 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays of Lent at Holy Family Church on 145 Pritham Road.

HALLOWELL
• Discover the Power of the Rosary, started Tuesday, Feb. 21
An authentic encounter with Christ leads to one’s transformation and sanctification. Mysteries of the Rosary integrate deeply reflective insights on the life of Christ, theological truths, and captivating stories. This series includes seven powerful episodes: The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning of Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, and the Pathway to Paradise. Sessions will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. continuing Tuesdays, Feb. 28, March 7, 14 and 21, and April 4 and 11, in the hall of Sacred Heart Church on 7 Summer St. To register, contact Gina Czerwinski at gina.czerwinski@portlanddiocese.org or 207-623-8823.

HAMPDEN
• The Spirituality of Fasting Parent Book Group & Discussion, starting Sunday, Feb. 26
A parent book group and study based on Msgr. Charles Murphy’s book “The Spirituality of Fasting” will be held 9:30-10:15 a.m. on six consecutive Sundays, beginning Feb. 26 and continuing through Palm Sunday, April 2. Sessions will be held in the lower level of St. Matthew Church on 70 Western Ave.

HOULTON
• Becoming Eucharistic People, starting Sunday, Feb. 26
An adult faith sharing group will meet 9:05-10:20 a.m. on the Sundays of Lent in St. Anthony’s Hall at St. Mary of the Visitation Church in the parish center at 110 Military St. Advance registration is not required.

JACKMAN
• Lenten Teachings
Lenten Teachings with Father Hyacinth Fornkwa will be held 6-7 p.m. on the Sundays of Lent at St. Faustina Church on 370 Main St.

JAY
• “Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues,” started Tuesday, Feb. 21
Dive more deeply into the season of Lent and this time of preparation by participating in a seven-session study based on Bishop Robert Barron’s video series. The sessions will be held 6-7:30 p.m. continuing Tuesdays through April 4 in the parish hall of St. Rose of Lima Church on 1 Church St. For more information, call 207-897-2173.

LEWISTON
• “No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion,” starting Thursday, Feb. 23
Filmed on location in the Holy Land, “No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion” is a five-part video series. Bestselling author Edward Sri guides one through the last hours of Christ’s life in this biblical pilgrimage. The sessions will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays following Massin the hall of Holy Family Church on 607 Sabattus St.

LIMERICK
• The Creed, starting Monday, Feb. 27
On the Mondays of Lent, a Holy Hour will be held at 5 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, located on 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, followed by Mass at 6 p.m. and then a short presentation on the Creed from Father Bill Labbe.

MILLINOCKET
“No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion,” starting Sunday, Feb. 26
Filmed on location in the “Holy Land, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion” is a five-part video series, along with the companion full-length book. Bestselling author Edward Sri guides you through the last hours of Christ’s life in this biblical pilgrimage. The sessions will take place 8:30-10 a.m. Sundays at St. Martin of Tours Church on 19 Colby St. All are welcome. For more information, call 207-746-3333.

NEWCASTLE
• “Jesus Feeds the Masses: No One Left Behind,” starting Wednesday, March 1
Sessions will be held on four Wednesdays in Lent: March 1, 8, 15, and 22. Sessions at St. Patrick Church, located on 380 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle, will begin with noon Mass, followed by a 12:30 p.m. light lunch, and then the 1 p.m. retreat sessions. This series of one-hour retreats is presented by Fr. Peter Uhde. Sessions will include presentations as well as opportunities for sharing and asking questions. Attend just one or all of them. To reserve a spot online on the All Saints Parish website, visit allsaintsmaine.com or call 207-725-2624.

PORTLAND
• Lenten Bible Study, started Tuesday, Feb. 21
Lenten Bible Study will be held at 6 p.m. on the Tuesdays of Lent in the upper sacristy of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on 307 Congress St. The sessions will focus on the last seven words of Christ with reflections from Venerable Fulton Sheen. For more information, email jsidelinger88@gmail.com.

PRESQUE ISLE
• Real Presence: What does it mean? Why does it matter?, starting Wednesday, March 1
The study groups will be led by Father David Raymond, Father Anthony Korir, SMA, Father Simon Assogba, SMA, and Deacon Carl Gallagher using Timothy O’Malley’s book, “Real Presence: What does it mean? Why Does It Matter?” The sessions will be held on Wednesdays following the 6 p.m. Mass at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church on 333 Main St., in person and via Zoom. To register, call 207-498-2536.

RUMFORD
• Mary’s Way of the Cross, starting Wednesday, March 1
On the Wednesdays of Lent, starting March 1, all are welcome to gather at 3 p.m. at St. Athanasius & St. John Church on 126 Maine Ave. to follow the mother of Jesus as she walks the road to Calvary. The deep reflection will unite one’s pain and suffering with Jesus on the cross through the sorrowful heart of his mother. For more information, call 207-364-4556.

SACO
• Lent, Lunch, and Learn, starting Sunday, Feb. 26
Good Shepherd Parish in Saco will present “The Search,” a video series by the Augustine Institute, on the Sundays of Lent, Feb. 26-March 26. The sessions will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the St. Joseph Church Hall on 178 Elm St. in Biddeford and include a complimentary lunch, viewing, and discussion. Topics include “What do you seek?,” “Who are you?,” “Why a God?,” “What’s our story?,” “Who is Jesus?” and “Am I saved?”

SANFORD
• The Creed, starting Thursday, Feb. 23
On the Thursdays of Lent, a Holy Hour will be held at 5 p.m. at Holy Family Church on 66 North Ave., followed by Mass at 6 p.m. and then a short presentation on the Creed from Father Bill Labbe.

SCARBOROUGH
• Ancient Wisdom: The Wisdom of Solomon and the Gospel of John, starting Tuesday, Feb. 28
Join Dr. John Kenney for a discussion group that will take participants on a journey that will begin with the fascinating work of Hellenistic Jewish thought and the wisdom of Solomon from the Old Testament and then lead them into the Gospel of John, where they will consider the theology of that Gospel from a new perspective. The meetings will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church on 150 Black Point Road.

WELLS
• Lenten Faith Sharing, started Wednesday, Feb. 22
All are welcome to join together for Lenten faith sharing every Wednesday after the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Church on 236 Eldridge Road. The sessions will be held in the upstairs parlor.

YARMOUTH
• Mother Teresa — A Sign of Contradiction, starting Tuesday, March 7
On Tuesdays in March, Joe Moreshead, the director of faith formation at the Parish of the Holy Eucharist, will offer a series of talks on Saint Teresa of Calcutta, examining how faith and care for the least among us intersect and what lessons Mother Teresa can teach us. The topics will be: March 7 — Mother Teresa: A Sign of Contradiction; March 14 — The Call within the Call; March 21 — Feeding the Hunger for Love; March 28 — Choosing Poverty and Emptiness. The talks will take place at 6:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church on 326 Main St.

In addition, one can join the priests of Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston at its rectory every night via livestream during Lent at 9 p.m. for Night Prayer (Compline), the prayer of the church before one retires for the night. One can access the livestream each night on parish’s website or on its Facebook and YouTube pages. One can also deepen their Lenten journey with 15 minutes of Lenten prayer through Zoom with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon in Waterville at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 6. For more information or to register, visit csjmaine.org or call 207-873-4512.

A special section has been created on the Diocese of Portland’s website featuring resources during one’s Lenten journey. To visit the site, which will be updated continually before and during Lent, visit portlanddiocese.org.