Women Religious
Women religious consecrate their lives to the Lord Jesus. They are invited to share a special relationship with him, dedicating their lives to prayer, to the service of others, and to building up his Church and his early kingdom. Women religious most often belong to religious orders, whose members share a common charism or mission and way of life. There are contemplative communities, dedicated to prayer, and active ones, dedicated to serving in communities and parishes. You will find religious sisters at work in many different ministries. They teach our children, care for the sick, aid the poor, advocate for justice, welcome immigrants, fight for the unborn, pray on our behalf, and so much more.
Currently, there are 18 different congregations of religious women represented in the Diocese of Portland.
If you are interested in learning more about vocations to religious life, call 207-773-6571. You may also contact the vocations offices of the religious communities.
Celebrate the service of our sisters in Maine
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon celebrate their Maine roots
On September 14, 1906, six sisters from Lyon, France, arrived in Jackman, Maine, in the middle of the night, not knowing what to expect but committed to the mission that brought them there — to teach the children of the area. One hundred fifteen years later, current members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon journeyed to the western Maine town to join in celebrating and remembering the gifts those first sisters brought and the legacy they left. [Read the story.]
Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon reflect on the Year of St. Joseph
Pope Francis declared this to be the Year of St. Joseph in hopes more people would learn about the saint who went about his life quietly but with great trust in the Lord. As we celebrate this year, some members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyons share why they have long had a devotion to the saint. [Read the story.]
Stories of service from the Mexican border to the Bering Sea
From snowstorms to sandstorms, from temperatures well below zero to those soaring past 100°, two Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon share stories of their works of service, not in far-reaching corners of the world, but here in the United States. Sister Rita Bujold, CSJ, served in the Diocese of El Paso, along the Mexican border, in the early 2000s, while Sister Angela Fortier, CSJ, served more than 3,300 miles away in the Diocese of Fairbanks beginning in 1989. [Read the story.]
"Jesus has always been my best friend"
Sister Theresa “Terry” Gauvin, SCIM, the provincial of the Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary's American province, says her first response to the Lord when feeling called to a vocation was "Who me?" but she recently celebrated 54 years in religious life. [Read the story.]
St. André Home: Celebrating 80 years of compassionate care
The Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, more commonly known as the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec, are celebrating the 80th anniversary of St. André Home. While the ministry’s work has evolved, its mission has remained the same: helping women in distress with tenderness and mercy. [Read the story.]
A mission of Mercy and hope in Haiti
Seeing the overwhelming poverty and need for better living conditions for the people of Haiti, the Sisters of Mercy formed Mercy Focus on Haiti, a group that consists of Sisters of Mercy, Mercy associates, and friends who work with the religious community. [Read the story.]
Celebraing 50 years of joy-filled service
Known for her infectious laugh and unpretentious manager, Sister Carol Martin, PFM, recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of her profession the Little Franciscans of Mary. Sister Carol currently serves at St. Michael Parish in Augusta, a job she says she loves because "it's just neat to journey with people." [Read the story.]
150 Years of Walking Among Us
From the first bishop of Portland until today, the Sisters of Mercy have been teaching, healing, and serving the community in whatever ways have been needed. [Read the story.]
