Isaiah offers a touching reflection in the penultimate verse of the pericope used for our first reading this Sunday. All children long for the comfort of their mother or mother figure. There are times in life when our mothers are unavailable to provide us with comfort. While this is a hard truth, it allows for the opportunity to learn to rely more heavily on the Lord and on our Blessed Mother Mary. Isaiah states that “I” will be your comfort. This “I” he is using is of course the first-person singular of the Lord. Our mothers and mother figures have consistently provided for us throughout our lives and seem to always know what we may need or when something is wrong. The Lord knows our hardships and remedies perfectly. He longs to bring us to Himself so that we may all be one in Him. The Jerusalem that Isaiah speaks of in Isaiah 66:13 is not only the earthly city, but the reality of the New Jerusalem in Heaven and at the end of time. We see in today’s Gospel, because the Lord wishes for all to partake in this comfort of the New Jerusalem, Christ will not leave his flock without shepherds. Knowing this, we recognize the great line from Our Lord, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few, so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” as the quintessential rallying call for priestly vocations in our world today. Working through the sacraments, God grants grace as a medicinal remedy for the trials of this world. Without the work of the priest, these sacraments would not be possible. To enter the new Jerusalem alluded to in Isaiah, it is important to remain close to the sacramental nature of the Church, which leads to a life of grace. Let us rejoice that the Kingdom of God is at hand for us and let us please pray for more vocations to the priesthood in Maine!
The CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER'S 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign is almost complete. As of 6/26/2025, the campaign has collected $103,841.00 in donations and $850.00 remain in pledge receivables.
St. John Vianney Parish is in need of Faith Formation Director. This person would be responsible for our Release time program, oversee our Junior High and our High School programs and help to implement an Adult Formation program in our Parish. Some experience in Faith Formation is preferred but not required. Hours would be about 30 hours a week with benefits.
July 14-17 8am-10am St. Louis Church Youth Room. Registration Forms can be picked up at the rectory. Call: 834-5656 for more information, ask for Barb.
Through the new Mother Cabrini Maine Catholic Education Initiative, the Diocese of Portland seeks to support Catholic education in the state and to serve the mission of the Church more effectively. Funded by a generous private donation, the initiative will create the foundation and resources needed to enhance the already inspiring and quality Catholic education available in Maine. To learn more, visit: https://mainecatholiceducation.org/
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Since our celebration of the Paschal Triduum and the conclusion of Eastertide on Pentecost, the Church has continued its celebration with the highest solemnity on the days of Corpus Christi and Trinity Sunday. This Sunday is no different. The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul honors the life, and especially the martyrdom, of these two great Apostles. Saints Peter and Paul were men who both experienced extraordinary receptions of grace in their lives. The conversion of Paul is well documented by Paul himself through the writings of Luke in Acts of the Apostles.
Collection starts on June 3, Tuesday & Wednesday: 8-10 AM & 4-6 PM. Items NOT accepted: electronics & clothing. For mor information or question call: 834-3984 (Faith Formation Center).
The Fort Kent Ladies of St. Anne are delighted to recognize the recipients of their two $500 scholarships for the 2025 academic year. These scholarships are awarded in support of the children and grandchildren of Ladies of St. Anne members, with selections based on academic excellence, community involvement, and other eligibility criteria [click for more...]
Shortly before he was called to his eternal reward, Pope Francis bestowed the honorable title of “Chaplain to the Holy Father” upon two priests from our diocese, in recognition of their lifetime of faithful priestly ministry to the Church in Maine. When you see them, please congratulate both MSGR. JEAN-PAUL LABRIE & MSGR. FRANK MURRY on their ecclesial recognition.