Lifelong Faith Formation Association (LFFA)
The Lifelong Faith Formation Association (LFFA) is a peer network of parish leaders in catechetical ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.
Click to view the current brochure (updated August 24, 2023)
The LFFA became a diocesan wide organization in June 2010 after the Cumberland and York County Coordinators' Association (CYCCA) took advantage of technology advances to open membership to the whole state.
We are a networking group who support each other in catechetical ministry for all ages - children through adults. Our meetings usually feature a guest speaker who helps us explore a topic in catechetical ministry relevant to our times. Anyone may participate in a LFFA meeting, though only those who are paid members will receive meeting notes, email reminders of upcoming meetings/events and access to the LFFA member directory. Look below or please click to see a current schedule (coming soon).
We hope you will join us as part of the association!
Complete the online form and pay $35 annual dues to become part of the association. The dues help with the costs of speakers, printing, and cards/gifts for members who experience a death, serious illness, or retire. A limited number of partial scholarships are available if cost is a deterrent to membership.
Meeting Schedule
September 14, 2023
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Making Adoration Accessible for Families
November 9, 2023
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Post-Sacramental Prep – Fostering Ongoing Family Involvement & Engagement
January 11, 2024
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Building Youth Ministry
March 14, 2024
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Adult Faith Formation
May 7-9, 2024
Time and Location TBD - LFFA Retreat "Finding Peace through Prayer"
Meeting Locations
LFFA meetings use a hybrid model for gathering. Individuals may travel to one of four regional sites hosted by a board member for in-person interactions or may choose to connect via video conference hosted on Microsoft Teams. All in-person sites and remote sites will interact with one another through the Teams video conference. See the current LFFA brochure for locations.
LFFA Leadership Board
The LFFA is organized by a leadership board of catechetical/youth ministry leaders currently serving parishes in Maine and have been members of LFFA for at least two years. Please see the listing of the current board members below and reach out to any of us with any questions you may have about our association or to make comments or suggestions to support our shared mission in the Church.
Officers
Carolyn Houston
Chair
Email
Phone: 207-985-6252
Holy Spirit Parish
236 Eldridge Rd.
Wells, ME 04090
Jeanine Wright
Vice Chair
Email
Phone: 207 483-4142
St Peter the Fisherman Parish
Machias, ME
Joanne Fortier 
Treasurer
Email
Phone: 207-583-4284
St. Joseph Parish
225 South High St
Bridgton, ME 04009
Clare Desrosiers 
Secretary
Email
Phone: 207-538-2871
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish
112 Military St.
Houlton, ME 04730
Vicariate Representatives
Vicariate I: Clare Desrosiers (St. Mary of the Visitation, Houlton)
Vicariate II: Jeanine Wright (St. Peter the Fisherman, Machias)
Vicariate III: (open)
Vicariates IV: Tyler Nadeau (Prince of Peace, Lewiston)
Vicariates V: Joanne Fortier (St Joseph, Bridgton/St Teresa of Calcutta, Norway)
Vicariate VI: Carolyn Houston (Holy Spirit, Wells)
Ex Officio Members: Staff of the diocesan Office of Lifelong Faith Formation
Lori Dahlhoff (Director of Lifelong Faith Formation)
Shawn Gregory (Coordinator of Youth Ministry)
Georgette Dionne (Coordinator of Children and Adult Ministries)
Hannah Gonneville (Assistant Coordinator)
