The Diocese of Portland’s Office of Lifelong Faith Formation will partner with William H. Sadlier, Inc., to offer a free webinar for parents, guardians, catechists, and parish leaders.

Governor Janet Mills’ new executive order promising expanded gathering limits at Maine’s Catholic churches is not helpful to Maine Catholics who have diligently followed each of the protocols put in place regarding religious gatherings since the start of the pandemic.

Each year since 1992, when Pope St. John Paul II began its observance, the Church has set aside the day of February 11, the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, as a special day of prayer for the sick. Lourdes is a place of great blessing and consolation for the sick. There, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, who appeared in the grotto on the side of a hill to St. Bernadette, many sick have been healed and many more have found peace in their suffering.

Part of the mission of Maine Catholic schools is to accentuate the importance of service with the hope of building a lifelong commitment and appreciation in each student to give back to those in need. Last week, that lesson was on full display at schools across Maine during Maine Catholic Schools Week as students designed and completed many service projects to help local organizations.

Teacher, vice principal, and advisor are just a few of the many titles that Jennifer Hoffman successfully holds at St. Michael School, earning her the respect and reverence of the students, teachers, families, and staff.

"A central aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others. When students take part in service activities, both local and beyond, they demonstrate the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education, learn how to make the world a better place, and gain an appreciation for how they can continue to serve others their entire lives.”

As the calendar gets ready for a page turn to February, it means that, even in an unprecedented school year, Maine Catholic Schools Week is upon us, an annual celebration that offers an opportunity to reflect upon the mission of Catholic schools as centers of faith, academic excellence, community, and service.