Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest
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The Diocese of Portland created an informational booklet regarding Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. The booklet will help you understand the current situation of the Church in Maine and how all of us can work together to continue worshiping God as he calls us to his Word and to sharing in Communion. Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest are one pastoral response available to Catholics.
Click here to read a digital version of the informational booklet. Print copies are available at our churches.
Questions addressed in the booklet:
- Why do Catholics need to gather at church on Sunday?
- Does going to church on Sunday "count" if we do not receive holy Communion?
- Why are we considering Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest for parishes in Maine?
- What can I expect at a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest?
- What are the similarities and differences between Mass and Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest?
- Who does what during a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest?
- Why are two laypeople but only one deacon needed to lead a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest?
- How are lay leaders of prayer chosen and appointed?
- What factors help determine when a Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest should be scheduled?
- Why is it important to make Sunday different from other days of the week?
- Which resources can help me prepare for Sunday liturgy?
- What are corporal works of mercy?
- What are spiritual works of mercy?
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Prayer for VOcations
A Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood (p. 11)
Loving Father, you sent your Son so that all might come to know the truth and be saved.
With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you continue his work through the Church.
Your Son reminded his disciples that the harvest was indeed plentiful but the laborers few.
Following his instructions, we beg you to call many to ordained priesthood.
Grant them the grace to hear you and to respond wholeheartedly.
May Mary Immaculate, the mother of your Son and the patroness of our diocese, intercede for us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer composed by Most Rev. Joseph John Gerry, O.S.B., 10th Bishop of Portland
