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 19 different congregations of religious women represented in the Diocese of Portland.   

If you are interested in learning more about vocations to religious life, you may contact Sister Rita-Mae Bissonnette, the diocesan delegate for Religious, at 207-773-6471 or [email protected]">[email protected]. You may also contact the vocations offices of the religious communities.

Celebrate the service of our Sisters in Maine

Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyons 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 more.]

Celebrating an Extraordinary Life Sister Aurelie Michaud, D.W., a Saint Agatha native, celebrates the 80th anniversary of her profession to the Daughters of Wisdom on February 2, 2020.  During her many years of service, Sister Aurelie educated children with developmental disabilities, treated boys suffering from polio, and cared for those with AIDS, at a time when the disease was still much misunderstood. [Read more].

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.  Whilte the ministry’s work has evolved, its mission has remained the same: helping women in distress with tenderness and mercy. [Read more.]

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 more].

Dominican Sisters celebrate jubilees Saying that God has always been present in their lives, two members of the Dominican Sisters of the Roman Congregation mark their jubilees with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley.  Sister Francesca Cloutier celebratted her 60th jubilee and Sister Therese Demers her 50th.[Read more].

Celebrating 50 years of joy-filled service Known for her infectious laugh and unprententious mannger, 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 more]

Giving Rise to Hope CourageLives, a program of St. Andre Home in Biddeford, founded by the Good Shephed Sisters of Quebec, is focused on caring for, healing, and rebuilding the lives of survivors of human trafficking.  It is the only residential facility of its kind in Maine. [Read more]

150 Years of Walking Among Us  From the first bishop of Portland until today, the Sisters of Mercy have been teching, healing, and serving the community in whatever ways have been needed. [details]

Sister Anne Fitzpatrick: Still Climbing Mountains Sister Anne Fitzpatrick, RSM, continues to serve others and live out the charism of the Sisters of Mercy despite physical limitations resulting from multiple sclerosis.  Read how Sister Anne is "still climbing mountains,"  as featured in the July / August issue of Harvest magazine. [more]

Garage sales support Loaves & Fishes in Sabattus Every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until noon, the Dominican Sisters hold a garage sale to benefit the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.  Located at the sisters’ convent in Sabattus, Loaves & Fishes has been providing food and clothing to area residents in need since 1997. [learn more]