Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland 510 Ocean Avenue Telephone: (207) 321-7810 Portland, ME 04103-4936 Facsimile: (207) 773-0182 Office of Communications Dispensation from Obligation to Attend Mass Lifted for Maine Catholics Effective June 19 PORTLAND---Effective Father’s Day Weekend (June 19-20), the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has lifted the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation throughout the state of Maine. Issued due to the pandemic, the dispensation has been in place for Maine Catholics since March 18, 2020. In addition to the Diocese of Portland, the Archdiocese of Boston, Diocese of Fall River, and Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts, as well as the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire, will also be lifting the dispensation starting June 19-20. “The obligation to attend Mass reflects the character of who we are as Catholics. There is no greater form of prayer as we praise God for his many blessings and strengthen one another in faith and hope,” said Bishop Robert Deeley. “At Mass, we have an encounter with Jesus which brings true meaning to our lives, and the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, is the primary place in which we are community.” As is always the case, the obligation does not apply to those who have serious reasons for not attending Mass like individuals who are seriously ill, caring for an ill person, homebound, suffering from a compromised health condition, or otherwise unable to attend Mass in person. Livestreamed Masses will also continue to be offered at Maine parishes. Individuals with questions about any specific needs or concerns are advised to contact their parish. Pastors, who have the authority to dispense in individual cases, can be helpful in addressing individual fears and concerns. The diocese has been guided by experts, local and national agencies, and science in making decisions throughout the pandemic. “We have acted with caution and continue to do so,” said the bishop. “Our use of vaccinations has grown sufficiently to allow us to safely reopen and gratefully welcome people back as there is no substitution to experiencing Jesus in person.” To view updated Mass times as well as church addresses throughout Maine, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/content/parish-mass-times.

July 17, 2021 Summer Festival @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help 919 Roosevelt Trail Windham Food, Crafts, Yard Sale Raffles, Kids Activities, Books, Jewelry, Baked goods, Fun and Fellowship If you would like to volunteer please contact the office 839-4857.

Parachuting with Angels June 21-25 2021 9-12noon

Fr Lou will meet with parishioners after the 8am and 9:30am Mass March 14th to answer questions besides the meeting after the 11am Mass .

St Anne 9am & 5:30pm St Anthony 7:30am &12:15pm Our Lady's 8am &5:30pm

Please read the full letter from Fr. Lou on reopening of Sebago Lake Region Parish Churches on June 1, 2020. This article, although lengthy, describes the plan to re-open and all of the critical CDC Guidelines that must be followed to attend the scheduled masses.

DRIVE-IN MASS AT ST. ANNE'S -on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. St. Anne Church (299 Main Street) Mass will be held from the second story deck of the rectory (balcony).

Last weekend, Fr. Lou spoke after the conclusion of the live-streamed Masses about the current state of our parishes and our plans for how we will continue to adapt and adjust to the Covid-19 crisis. Click link above for full article

Live-Streamed Masses There have been some inquiries from parishioners about why we are live-streaming Masses rather than (or in addition to) video-taping Masses and making the pre-recorded versions available on our web site.

Many of our Parishioners enjoyed working together by assembling Christmas Baskets for the needy. It was a great way for many families to work with the community and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas. 207-839-4857 - Parish Office Helen Andronaco (Coordinator with Barb Welch)