It has been said that “blind faith is the most difficult to pass on and the easiest to lose.” Thankfully we Catholics have reasons for the hope that is in us.  But how well do you know the reasons for church teaching on topics that are currently challenging our culture, and how well do you know how to explain these teachings?
 
Join us for a 12-part study that will present the reasons for church teaching on contraception, marriage, divorce, modesty and related moral issues, and equip you to explain these teachings to your children, friends and family. 
 
The study will follow the outline of the book “Made This Way” by Leila Miller and Trent Horn, with frequent reference to Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  All materials presented will be in accord with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
 
This study will meet at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church Monday evenings 6:30-8:00pm beginning September 16^th. 
 
$20.00 participation fee includes the book “Made This Way” and related study materials.
 
For more information and to register contact Jay Duffy at jdamx@aol.com.

The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an appropriate spiritual formation according to each person’s needs. This process of formation is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Not only is it the Church’s way of welcoming new members, but it is also intended to renew and deepen the belief of each Catholic. The entire parish community is entrusted with sharing its life with new members and with offering them support and encouragement on their journey of faith. Parishioners also participate as sponsors of individual candidates or catechumens as companions on the journey, providing personal attention and support, and serving as a witness to the community of the catechumen’s readiness for each state in the process.
    Adults eligible for this program include those adults who have never been baptized, those adults who were baptized in another Christian denomination whose baptism is recognized by the Catholic Church, and those adults who were baptized as infants but have not yet received the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

For more information please contact: 
Joanne Fortier, Cluster Catechetical Leader
Joanne.fortier@portlanddiocese.org

All are welcome to come and ask questions and join in the discussion. Find out about the Catholic Church today and review what we really believe. We're looking forward to meeting you and sharing our faith. 
    For more information, please call Deacon Frank at 647-2334 or 743-2606 or contact Ellen Andrews.

Being the man God wants you to be: TMIY addresses the pressures men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive.
It begins Saturday September 21st, 2019 at 6:00 a.m.at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Please preregister with Jay Duffy (SEAS/ St. Joseph) #609-558-5228 or jdamx@netscape.net.

An Ignatian prayer group for women, Part 1 (on the Christian Virtues) is in progress at St. Catherine. Contact Tricia McCaughin #207-583-7187 or Ellen Andrews for details. Part 2 for women, based on St. Ignatius' 30-day Retreat began Thursday, September 7^th at St. Catherine for 27 weeks with a break over the holidays. Pre-requisite Part 1 must have been taken. Part 3 on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit for women will take place at St. Joseph on Saturdays starting September 15^th at 2:00-3:30 p.m. Prerequisite is to have taken Parts 1 & 2. Contact Joanne Fortier 207-583-4284 or Joanne.fortier@portlanddiocese.org to register for Part 2 or 3 for women.

Young adults can stay connected to the Church and to each other through various activities on the Portand Diocese, such as hikes, retreats, and "Theology on Tap." To get connected, log in to www.facebook.com/YoungAdultCatholicsMaine