Christmas Celebrations in Parishes
On December 25, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord, the birth of our Savior. Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter. It is the feast of the Incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we come together for Mass to celebrate this joyous occasion. Mass times may be found here. Several parishes also have other activities planned for the Christmas season, which continues through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday, January 8.
December 25
Christmas Carols - St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor
All are invited to join in singing Christmas carols on Christmas morning at 9:30 a.m., prior to the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. John Church, 207 York Street, Bangor.
Community Christmas Dinner - Parish of the Holy Savior, Rumford
All are invited to a community Christmas Dinner on Christmas afternoon at 1 p.m. in the hall of St. Athanasius & St. John Church, 126 Maine Avenue in Rumford.
December 30
Feast of the Holy Family Celebration - Holy Family Parish, Greenville
To celebrate the parish’s patronal feast, Holy Family Parish in Greenville will hold a celebration on the Feast of the Holy Family (Friday, December 30) with a Mass at 11 a.m. followed by soup and fellowship in the parish hall, located on 145 Pritham Avenue. All are welcome.
Healing Service - Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
A healing service, presented in Spanish, will be held at Holy Family Church, located on 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston, on the Feast of the Holy Family (Friday, December 30) at 6 p.m. All are welcome to participate. The theme of the entire gathering is healing, from the celebrant to the music to the participants to prayer teams. Every situation is different but most involved say they receive an increase in awareness of Jesus being present and bringing peace and renewed strength.
Octave of Christmas Party - Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Auburn
A family Christmas holiday gathering will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 8 Sacred Heart Place in Auburn, on December 30, at 5:30 p.m. The potluck dinner will include children's games with prizes, face painting, a sing-a-long, a silent auction and more.
December 31
Live Nativity Play - St. Michael Parish, Whitefield
A live nativity play, performed by parish children, will be presented on Saturday, December 31, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Denis Church on 298 Grand Army Road in Whitefield. The play will be followed by Mass at 4 p.m.
January 7
Christmas Season Dinner - All Saints Parish, Boothbay Harbor
A Christmas season dinner at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, located on 82 Atlantic Avenue in Boothbay Harbor, will be held on Saturday, January 7, at 5 p.m. in the parish hall. All are welcome to gather and are also invited to bring a Yankee swap item and a canned good donation. For more information, call Elaine at 207-380-4851.
College Students Welcome Home for Christmas - St. Rose of Lima Parish, Jay
College students who are home for Christmas are invited to an evening with Father Paul Dumais on Saturday, January 7, 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Rose Faith Formation Center, 1 Church Street in Jay. Come hungry and reconnect with friends.
RSVP: [email protected] or call the parish office at 207-897-2173 ext. 1301.
January 8
Epiphany Cookies and Conversation - Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville
All are welcome to gather on Epiphany Sunday (January 8), for Cookies and Conversation in the hall of Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours Church on 116 Silver Street after the 9 a.m. Mass. Meet others, reflect on the Epiphany, and enjoy some treats. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Epiphany Pageant - St. Anthony of Padua Parish - Gorham
Participants in the family faith formation sessions at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham, will put on an Epiphany Pageant on Sunday, January 8, at 9:30 a.m. in the church. All parishioners are welcome to attend!
Epiphany Pageant - St. John Vianney Parish, Fort Kent
Children participating in faith formation will present an Epiphany pageant on Sunday, January 8, during the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Louis Church, 26 East Main Street in Fort Kent.
Teaching Mass - Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
Fr. Dan Greenleaf, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston, will celebrate a “teaching Mass” on Sunday, January 8, at 5 p.m. at Holy Family Church on 607 Sabattus Street in Lewiston. During the Mass, Fr. Greenleaf will stop to explain different aspects of Mass. From the sign of the cross to the readings and homily to the Eucharist, even the collection, participate in their own way in this encounter with God. Regardless of level of understanding or even if you haven’t attended for some time, all are welcome to attend.
