SCARBOROUGH, ME (February 17, 2023) – St. John Paul II Parish announces its Lenten season Mass schedules, spiritual programming, social events, faith formation opportunities and charitable efforts spanning from February to April.

Spiritual Programming

The schedule for Ash Wednesday services and Masses on Wednesday, February 22 can be viewed on https://jp2me.org/events/ash-wednesday-2023

The Stations of the Cross is a Lenten devotion on Fridays that offers witness to the Jesus’ Passion and Death. At each station we use our senses, our imagination to reflect prayerfully upon Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection and to simply experience Christ’s abundant love for us. View our schedule or pray along with us virtually here https://jp2me.org/stations-of-the-cross

Lent is a time to deeply reflect on our relationship with Jesus. “The Light is on for You” offers parishioners an extra opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation from Monday, March 27 till Saturday, April 1, which turns our hearts and lives back to Jesus, who wants us to come, be forgiven and receive the many graces He has for you as we prepare our hearts for Easter. To view the schedule for this special gift visit https://jp2me.org/lenten-reconciliation

Tenebrae Service – Please join us at 7pm on Sunday March 26 at St. Maximilian Kolbe (150 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074) for the service of Tenebrae, or darkness, that grew out of a combination of Night Prayer and early Morning Prayer. It features a series of Scripture readings commemorating Jesus’ final week, ending with his burial is also part of the service. At the end of each reading a candle is snuffed out, until the final candle, the Christ candle, is carried out, leaving the room in darkness. This is a powerful experience of Christ’s passion and death and a beautiful way to prepare us to the Sacred Triduum. To learn more go to https://jp2me.org/events/tenebrae-2023

Charitable Efforts

40 Cans of Lent – Join our “40 Cans for Lent” effort organized by Knights of Columbus Councils #8144, #11747 and #2344 to donate 6,500 pounds of food to the South Portland Food Cupboard. Go here for more information: https://jp2me.org/40-cans-of-lent

An annual staple in Lenten charitable efforts is the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl. Visit https://jp2me.org/lent-and-catholic-relief-services-rice-bowls to learn more.

Adult Faith-Formation Opportunities

Monday Afternoons – Marian Cenacles – The Marian Cenacle meets at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church each Monday afternoon from 2 to 3:15pm for this beautiful devotion to Our Lady, including Eucharistic Adoration.

Tuesday Mornings – Opening the Word Co-Ed Faith Sharing Group – Join Faith Formation Director Michelle Valcourt for coffee, baked goods, and a discussion about the upcoming Sunday’s readings.

Tuesday Evenings – Ancient Wisdom: The Wisdom of Solomon and the Gospel of John – Join Dr. John Kenney in this discussion group that will begin by reflecting on a fascinating work of Hellenistic Jewish thought, The Wisdom of Solomon, from the Old Testament Apocrypha. We will then follow its themes into the Gospel of John and consider the theology of that gospel from a new perspective.  We will be meeting Tuesdays in Lent at 7 p.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Wednesday Mornings – Ministry of Presence – Each Wednesday at 8:30am in the St. Maximilian Kolbe Chapel, Morning Prayer from Liturgy of the Hours is prayed in common. This is a chance to pray the Church’s official prayer. We will supply the materials; you can supply your voice. Afterward, parishioners are invited to pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours and discuss what the day’s readings are asking of us and how we can be prayerfully present to each other and our families.

Saturday Mornings – St. John Paul II Parish Men’s Group – The St. John Paul II Parish Men’s Group meets weekly and is open to men of all ages who desire to grow closer to God. The Men’s Group meets from 7:30-8:30am (coffee’s on at 7am!) each Saturday morning (with the exception of holiday weekends) at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough. Each Saturday morning begins with a teaching, followed by conversation that focuses on how to bring Christ into our daily lives. Members encourage each other to become better Catholic men for our families, friends, workplaces, parish, and community.

Social Events

Knights of Columbus Council #8144 hosts weekly Haddock Dinners on Fridays in Lent – The Knights of Columbus Council 8144 will hold our famous Lenten Baked Haddock Dinners from 5-6:15PM at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish Hall on Fridays during Lent beginning Friday February 24, 2023 and continuing every Friday until March 31, 2023. Meals will be eat-in or take out and will consist or Baked Haddock, Macaroni and Cheese, Potato, Mixed Vegetables, Coleslaw and Dessert. Coffee and Punch are included with eat-in meals. The cost for the dinner will be $12 for an adult, $5 for children under 12 and $30 for a family. Face Masks are optional. Please maintain spacing while in the buffet line. Minors 18 and under will need to be accompanied by an adult to purchase a ticket, stand in the buffet line or get dessert.

A St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon – A St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon (Take-Out or Eat-In) will be held in person at St. Bartholomew’s on March 12 beginning at 12:00 p.m.  Each meal will contain, corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and Irish soda bread. The cost for each meal is $15.00. For those who wish for a takeout meal, please plan to arrive between 11:15 – 11:45 only. Pre-orders can be made by contacting Angela Best at 207-233-4216 or via email bestn92@gmail.com Orders for pick up only will be accepted through March 8th. Cash and checks (payable to St. John Paull II Parish) will be accepted at time of pickup.

In July of 2020, St. Bartholomew Parish in Cape Elizabeth, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Scarborough, and St. John and Holy Cross Parish in South Portland joined to form the new St. John Paul II Parish. The three churches maintained their individual names under the common patronage and intercession of St. John Paul II. For more information, visit www.jp2me.org.

GORHAM, ME (February 17, 2023) — Are you looking for an opportunity to get back into running or improve your pace? Join Gorham Recreation Department for the Shamrocks to Flowers Running Program starting March 23rd!

Who: Run/Walk training for folks who are new to running, walkers who are looking to improve fitness and complete a 5K, or for runners looking to ease back into training!

When: Starting Monday & Thursday evenings at 5:30pm for first 4 weeks then weekly on Thursday evenings for last 4 weeks.

Where: Gorham Recreation Department – We will meet in the parking lot of the Gorham Rec and warm up in Robie Park before heading out on a mix of road and trails.

How Much: $50 for 8 week program (includes Race entry into Target Race)

Target Race: Portland Sea Dogs Mother’s Day 5k – Sunday, May 14th

FMI: https://gorhamme.myrec.com

GORHAM, ME (February 14, 2023) — We need your help, Gorham! Class of 2023 Project Graduation is in its planning stages and we are hoping to give this class a night to remember!

How can you help? Consider making a donation to this amazing event. SENIORS are all around you each day – they are your neighbors, babysitters, tutors, restaurant servers, ice cream scoopers, creative arts teachers, athletic volunteers, and so much more!

Project Graduation is fully funded by donations. Please consider making a donation and help make this night one to remember forever.

GORHAM, ME (February 17, 2023) — ‘Into the Woods’ kicks off March 3! Join the USM Dept of Theatre and the Osher School of Music for this beloved modern classic from Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Directed by Elizabeth Carlson with Musical Direction by Ed Reichert. Runs through March 10th! USM.Maine.edu/Theatre for tickets!

Lapine and Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless piece and a rare modern classic.

Into the Woods follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

GORHAM, ME (February 10, 2023) — Donation Request! Gorham High School has seen an increase in the number of students accessing the BackPack Program and the need for snack items throughout the day. If you are interested in making a food donation, the following items are being collected: granola bars; microwave popcorn; microwave mac and cheese (individual serving cups); individual snack bags (cheez-its, goldfish, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc.). 

Any size donation is appreciated and can be dropped off at the GHS office during school hours! 

Thank you so much!

GORHAM, ME (February 10, 2023) – The following are notes from the Town of Gorham Manager’s Office.

Gorham Climate Priorities Survey & Climate Resilience Community Workshop 

The Town of Gorham is working to enroll in the Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation, and the Future (GOPIF)’s “Community Resilience Partnership,” which will make the Town eligible for funding for projects that meet objectives included in the state’s Maine Won’t Wait four-year climate action plan. 

Gorham Climate Priorities Survey 

All citizens are invited to help the Town determine climate priorities to protect key infrastructure, safeguard our natural resources, and support local agriculture by sharing input via a survey at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c43e6fca31514025b1925c81f5d6a58a. 

Climate Resilience Community Workshop 

The community can also join a workshop to learn how climate change impacts Gorham and help decide which climate projects should be prioritized for funding opportunities. 

Employment Opportunities 

A municipal career at the Town of Gorham allows employees to work with a close-knit team, and to make a real impact on the lives of friends, family, and neighbors from the very start, while earning a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, and paid time off (for eligible employees). 

We are currently hiring for several positions, including Administrative Assistant for the Assessing Division, Youth Services Librarian for the Baxter Memorial Library, Driver Operator for the Public Works Department, Summer Camp Counselors for the Recreation Department, and Police Officer for the Gorham Police Department. 

To view openings and apply, folks can visit the Employment Opportunities page on the Town website at https://www.gorham-me.org/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities.

(February 10, 2023) — We at Mt. Abram are incredibly excited to be partnering with L.L.Bean on Tuesday, February 21st to offer a FREE ski day. With the pricing of skiing and snowboarding going up this creates less opportunity for families to have the opportunity to even try these sports. We are incredibly proud to be providing this opportunity with the hopes of many first time skiers and riders joining us.

Event Includes: FREE Lift Tickets, FREE Rentals, FREE Uphill Passes, and FREE Live Music.

Expect Delays + Lines: This day will not have a capacity on number of tickets. Please expect lines and busy conditions around the mountain. Our team is working as hard as we can to provide the best experience for everyone there. However, we are expecting one of our busiest days ever.

Live Music: We have two groups playing for the day! Lee Stearns will be preforming from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Chris Goodenough will be preforming from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Tickets: Tickets will be available day of at the L.L. Bean boot mobiles parked next to our ticket booths on both the Main Side and West Side. There are no online ticket reservations for the day.

Rentals: Rentals will be available day of at our rental shops. Rentals are first come first serve. There are no online rentals reservations for the day. Uphill rentals are not included in the free rentals.

Parking and Carpooling: Our parking lots are only so big and we want to encourage carpooling. With this in mind starting at 8:00 AM the first 50 cars with four passengers or more will receive a $10 off return to visit voucher

GREATER PORTLAND, ME (February 9, 2023) — Habitat homes are for affordable, energy-efficient and for people who never thought they could own a home!

Think you don’t qualify? A family of four can earn up to $73,255!

Future homeowners must make no more than 65% of the area median income and demonstrate a need for affordable housing, an ability to pay a low interest mortgage, and a willingness to partner with Habitat.

How to Apply:

1.      Download an application or request a mailed copy online at habitatportlandme.org/apply OR pick it up at 659 Warren Avenue, Portland, ME

2.      Ask questions and get help filling out your application:  Group sessions available March 4-7 (Scarborough); March 8-9 (Standish); March 13-14 (Gorham); March 15-16 (Windham); One-on-one meetings available by request

3.      Completed applications due by noon on April 5, 2023

Questions? Email Family Services Director, Molly, at molly@habitatme.org or call 207-772-2151 x 104.

GORHAM, ME (February 3, 2023) — Project 1413 is hosting an afternoon of fun to serve families affected by disabilities. Caregivers and siblings are also invited for a time of games, crafts, snacks, and FUN on February 25 from 1-4 PM.

If you plan on attending or would like more information, please register at https://summitmaine.churchcenter.com

Project 1413 is a ministry of Summit Community Church. We have a burden for individuals and families affected by disabilities. You can find more information about Project 1413 here. https://summitmaine.org/project1413/

GORHAM, ME (February 3, 2023) — Remember that delicious (and remarkably popular) chili fundraiser the library held back in 2021? Well, it’s back! On Friday, February 10 from 4:30 to 7:00pm, Baxter Memorial Library will be offering quarts of homemade chili along with two pieces of cornbread for just $15! Choose from beef, poultry, or vegetarian. It’s the perfect meal to stave off those winter doldrums! Pre-order by Monday, February 6, and pay by cash or check when you pick up at the library. Put away those pots and pans and save your Friday night for other things!

To pre-order, send an email stating which type of chili and how many quarts you’d like to sharonbaxterlibrary@gmail.com

(If you’re interested in cooking up a pot of beef, chicken, or vegetarian chili – or baking cornbread – just email Marian at marbee999@gmail.com)