THE CHURCH HAS ALWAYS SURVIVED THANKS TO THE CHARITY OF THE FAITHFUL.
Dear Parishioners, this is a very special weekend to us given the pastoral visit of our chief Shepherd, Msgr. James Ruggierri. He is present to celebrate the Eucharist, administering the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist for the first time to some of our brothers and sisters, and Confirmation. This is in fulfillment of the command of Jesus Christ to his apostles: “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19-20). The Diocese of Portland Maine strives to empower Catholics to fully embrace their baptismal call to discipleship. It seeks to lead the faithful in an authentic encounter with the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, and inspires everyone to grow daily in their relationship, enriched by the spirituality of stewardship.
The church in Portland Maine Diocese is challenged, to make the Church of Jesus real and tangible in the world today, especially to the poor, the vulnerable and the sick so that all might know the loving mercy of God. In response to this, she carries out Canonical Services, Hospital Chaplaincy, Campus Ministry, St. Andre Home, Prison Ministry, Native American and Black Missions in Calais and Old Town, Deaf Ministry, Hispanic Ministry and Catholic Charities Maine. This is put in place so that when we will meet the Lord, we will be told: “…Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the World. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” (Matt. 25:34-36).
Our priests give their lives entirely for the service of the Church in their brothers and sisters, thousands of parishioners. It is essential that we commit ourselves to supporting their ongoing training and caring for their spiritual and physical well-being. Here, we have Ministry to Priests, Vicar for Priests and Clergy relief services. “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple – amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” (Matt. 10:42).
Alongside the ongoing formation of the Clergy is the formation of the next generation of disciples and ministers. The Church worth the name must take into consideration the continuity and sustainability of its ministers in the coming years. This takes care of the formation of Seminarians, the Public Policy and Pro-Life Program, Christian Life Center, Lifelong Faith Formation Center and Catholic Schools. In Lumen Gentium we read: “The laity have the right, as do all Christians, to receive in abundance from their spiritual shepherds the spiritual goods of the Church …” and Optatam Totius, “the Church emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive and ongoing formation for all priests, both diocesan and religious. This formation is crucial to ensure priests are adequately prepared to fulfill their ministry and to grow in their faith and holiness.”
Your Catholic Appeal gift will transform countless lives by bringing Jesus to many others in ways in would never imagine. Please be generous enough to help either of our parishes reach the targeted margin to ensure fruition or success. Our Lady of the snows $025.000 and St. Agnes $15.000. May God’s Spirit inspire and guide you in your generosity. Happy Sunday to you all!