An award-winning author and speaker and Mass with Bishop Robert Deeley are among the many highlights planned for the 2022 Maine Catholic Women’s Conference set for Saturday, April 2, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.

Catholic dioceses all over the world are taking part in the preparations for the Synod on Synodality that will culminate with its celebration in Rome in October 2023. Bishop Deeley is asking the people of Maine to participate in this exercise of listening and discernment through parish and group consultations and/or by answering the questions in the brief, anonymous survey.

An independent audit of safe environment procedures has found the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, which includes all 141 churches in Maine, in full compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The audit, which reviewed the period of July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, was conducted by StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York.

Effective immediately, the Diocese of Portland is removing the “strong recommendation” for all parishioners to wear masks at Masses celebrated in Maine’s 141 Catholic churches. Those who still wish to wear a mask are welcome to do so.

---“Thank you, Heavenly Father, for opening my eyes.” Allan Birtwell’s comment was one of relief and gratitude, and echoed the sentiments felt by the many people around him on Sunday night at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception as they prepared to participate in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, another step towards full communion with the Catholic Church.