Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland

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This episode continues the series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, diving deeper into Part Two: the Celebration ...
06/02/2026

This episode continues the series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, diving deeper into Part Two: the Celebration of the Christian Mystery. Drawing from the Catechism and the Second Vatican Council's Sacrosanctum Concilium, Bishop Ruggieri explores four essential questions about the sacred liturgy: Who celebrates it? How is it celebrated? When is it celebrated? And where is it celebrated?

Along the way, he reflects on the connection between the Church on Earth and in heaven, the place of signs and symbols, music, and sacred images in sacramental celebration, and the sanctifying rhythm of the liturgical year, and the Liturgy of the Hours. He also addresses the role of the souls in purgatory within the Church and closes with a personal invitation to rediscover the sacredness of the Lord's Day.

Whether you are new to the Catechism or deepening a lifelong faith, this episode offers a rich and accessible guide to understanding why the liturgy is not simply ceremony, but the very work of Christ in and through his Church.

You can listen to this episode on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. The full transcript is also on our site: ⁠https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-51

The Diocese of Portland has appointed Allison Eilers as the first headmaster of Frassati Classical Catholic High School ...
06/02/2026

The Diocese of Portland has appointed Allison Eilers as the first headmaster of Frassati Classical Catholic High School in Brewer, which will open in September 2026. Eilers brings extensive experience in founding, managing, and advancing classical and faith-based schools, and will officially assume the role on July 1, 2026.

Frassati Classical Catholic High School, one of two Cabrini Schools opening in the diocese in September 2026, is part of the Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative. Through Catholic education, the initiative seeks to proclaim the Gospel, bring others to Jesus Christ, and build the Reign of God. As headmaster, Eilers will serve as the school’s chief administrator and spiritual leader.

“The opportunity to apply my experience to launching this new Catholic school in the Diocese of Portland is a thrilling one,” said Eilers. “I look forward to working with Bishop Ruggieri, Superintendent Wheeler, and others to create a faith-filled, supportive, and academically stimulating school community where students can thrive.”

Read the full release on our website: https://portlanddiocese.org/news/diocese-portland-names-first-headmaster-frassati-classical-catholic-high-school

Dr. Joseph McCleary, an experienced educational leader with more than 30 years of work in school administration, curricu...
06/01/2026

Dr. Joseph McCleary, an experienced educational leader with more than 30 years of work in school administration, curriculum development, and community engagement, has been named the inaugural headmaster of Seton Classical Catholic High School in Brunswick, effective July 1, 2026. He will also serve as headmaster of Saint Dominic Academy, the diocese’s pre-K to grade 8 Catholic school in Auburn.

As headmaster of Seton Classical Catholic High School, Dr. McCleary will serve as the school’s chief administrator and spiritual leader when it opens in September 2026. Seton Classical Catholic High School is part of the Diocese of Portland’s new Cabrini Schools initiative, which forms young men and women into faith-filled, responsible adults grounded in their Catholic identity and prepared to contribute meaningfully to the Church, their families, and society.

As headmaster for Saint Dominic Academy, Dr. McCleary will lead the academic, spiritual, and community life of the school. Current principal Dawn Theriault will transition to the role of director of mission advancement, which includes marketing, enrollment, and fundraising.

Read the full release on our website at https://portlanddiocese.org/news/diocese-portland-appoints-headmaster-seton-classical-catholic-high-school-saint-dominic

Friday, June 12 is the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, which is observed annually on the Solemnit...
06/01/2026

Friday, June 12 is the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, which is observed annually on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In observance of this prayerful day, Bishop Ruggeri will preside over a Holy Hour to pray for the sanctification, perseverance, and renewal of all priests.

Please join us on June 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception as we pray for our faithful priests.

Congratulations to the young adults who received the sacrament of confirmation from Bishop James Ruggieri at St. Teresa ...
05/30/2026

Congratulations to the young adults who received the sacrament of confirmation from Bishop James Ruggieri at St. Teresa Church in Brewer on Friday, May 29. The newly confirmed came from St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, Christ the Divine Mercy Parish in East Millinocket, St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Houlton, the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord in Old Town, and St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Camden.

Sister Jacinta Coscia, FSE has been appointed as campus ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Portland, effective July...
05/29/2026

Sister Jacinta Coscia, FSE has been appointed as campus ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Portland, effective July 1, 2026. As coordinator, Sr. Jacinta will serve as a central point of contact for campus ministers at colleges and universities across the diocese, fostering communication, collaboration, and shared mission.

“We have several campus ministers at small colleges who don’t have the benefit of colleagues," said Sr. Jacinta. "I will work to foster relationships that will allow individual campus ministers to feel less alone, bounce ideas off each other, and get valuable feedback.”

Originally from Connecticut, Sister Jacinta professed her final vows with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 2004. She holds a Doctor of Ministry, a Master of Theology, and a Master of Science in Education. She served as a teacher for nearly 15 years, as well as for seven years as secretary to the vice prefect at the Vatican Apostolic Library in Rome, Italy. She began her ministry in Maine in 2023 and currently serves as an OCIA catechist at Prince of Peace Parish and as campus minister at Bates College, both in Lewiston. She will continue to serve as campus minister as she begins her new role.

Sr. Jacinta is picture here in the upper right with Bates College students.

Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting their May Family Festival this coming Sunday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St....
05/29/2026

Good Shepherd Parish will be hosting their May Family Festival this coming Sunday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Philip Church in Lyman. All are welcome to join!

Visit https://goodshepherdparish.us/ for more info

Today is the last day to register for the upcoming Graduate Celebration Mass with Bishop James Ruggieri. This is an open...
05/27/2026

Today is the last day to register for the upcoming Graduate Celebration Mass with Bishop James Ruggieri. This is an open invitation for any graduate of elementary school, high school, or college, including homeschoolers at equivalent levels.

This special Mass will be celebrated on June 2 at 6:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with a cake and punch reception to follow.

You can register using this form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=HJhY_3ZWUUC55GMUqdel2SZr4fvFN3dNgv0Os8-yMCFUQkpJRjhOV1ZJVzI3SjUxOEQzWEcyU1BOUy4u

His Excellency Bishop James T. Ruggieri has announced the following new priest assignments, effective June 1, 2026.Rever...
05/27/2026

His Excellency Bishop James T. Ruggieri has announced the following new priest assignments, effective June 1, 2026.

Reverend Ezekiel Banla Yisi has been appointed as parochial vicar for St. Agnes Parish in Island Falls, St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Houlton, and St. Benedict Parish in Benedicta. Father Yisi was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 23 and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Portland and the Diocese of Kumbo in his native Cameroon. He graduated from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. Father Yisi is familiar with two of the parishes, having had a summer assignment at St. Agnes and St. Mary of the Visitation while at seminary.

Reverend Evans Bongwun-nyuy Yongyee has been appointed parochial vicar for St. John Paul II Parish in Scarborough. Father Yongyee was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 23 and is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Portland and the Diocese of Kumbo in Cameroon, his native country. He graduated from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. Father Yongyee already celebrated Mass at one of the churches of the parish, having chosen St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough for his Mass of Thanksgiving the day after his ordination.

Join us in praying for Father Yisi and Father Yongyee!

Bishop James Ruggieri introduces Part Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Celebration of the Christian Myst...
05/26/2026

Bishop James Ruggieri introduces Part Two of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Celebration of the Christian Mystery. Exploring the vital link between belief and worship, he explains how the liturgy makes present the saving work of Christ through the sacraments.

From the central role of the Paschal Mystery to the action of the Trinity in every liturgical celebration, this episode highlights how the Church’s worship forms, nourishes, and sends believers into mission.

Bishop Ruggieri also unpacks key concepts like mystagogy, anamnesis, and epiclesis, offering a deeper understanding of how Catholics encounter divine grace through the sacramental life.

You can stream this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. A full transcript is available on our website at ⁠https://portlanddiocese.org/news/auspice-maria-ep-50

Address

510 Ocean Avenue
Portland, ME
04103

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12077736471

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