Lifelong Faith Formation Association (LFFA)
The Lifelong Faith Formation Association (LFFA) is a network of parish leaders in catechetical ministry in the Diocese of Portland.
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. Usually on the second Thursday from September to April and June, we have monthly meetings and plan an annual retreat for the first week of May.
Our monthly meetings usually feature a guest speaker who helps us explore a topic in catechetical ministry relevant to our times. Anyone may participate in a monthly LFFA meeting, though only those who are paid members will receive notes from the monthly meetings, email reminders of upcoming meetings/events and access to the LFFA member directory. To see a current schedule, look below or please click schedule
We hope you will join us as part of the association!
Complete the online form to become part of the association. The $35 annual dues help with the costs of speakers, the book for the annual group-read, and cards/gifts for members who experience a death or serious illness. A limited number of partial scholarships are available if cost is a deterrent to membership.
Meeting Schedule
February 9, 2023
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - TBD - Practical Family Formation
March 9, 2023
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - The Franciscans--Lenten Reflection
April 13, 2023
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - TBD
May 2-4, 2023
7 a.m. - Noon - LFFA Retreat - Judy Michaud - Praying with the Psalms
June 8, 2023
9 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Kevin Dowd - "Open Wide Our Hearts"
LFFA Board Members
The LFFA is organized by a 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
Kris Torrey
Chairperson
Email
Phone: 207-807-5694
St. Anthony of Padua Parish
PO Box 69
Westbrook, ME 04098
Carolyn Houston
Vice Chairperson
Email
Phone: 207-985-6252
Holy Spirit Parish
236 Eldridge Rd.
Wells, ME 04090
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: (vacant)
Vicariates IV & V: Melissa Maurais (Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes)
Vicariate VI: Carolyn Houston (Holy Spirit, Wells/Kennebunk)
Ex Officio Members
Diocesan Staff of the 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)
