We know that for some among us the joy of the Christmas season may be difficult, even painful. The reasons for this are many: illness, bereavement, being part of families that are at odds, being rejected (now or in the past) by family, friends, the church, being alone and lonely.   Recognizing this reality we invite you, particularly if you haven’t always been invited or felt invited, to gather on December 21, at 7 PM at St Pius Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland.  

We gather to be a place and a people of welcome to all of our brothers and sisters, siblings. We gather to acknowledge the pain and the struggle and but also to hear ancient words of blessing and love.  On this longest night of the year we can name some of the darkness and look to the coming of the light.   Sensitive to the continuing presence of covid we ask that masks be worn.  This prayer will also be livestreamed at our website  www.ladyofhopemaine.org.

This event hosted by Our Lady of Hope Parish and St. Brigid's School.