Parish of the Precious Blood

The new mass Schedule as from July 1, 2025 This is a tentative schedule till September when we shall have a review of the mass times. Cluster 32: Saturday. 4:00PM St Mary’s, 6:00PM St Josephs Sunday 8:30AM Our Lady of Lakes, 11:00AM St Mary’s Mondays 1:30PM Leisure Village Tuesdays 6:00PM St Mary’s Wednesdays Fr’s Off Day Thursday 6:00PM St Marks Friday 8:30AM St Mary’s Cluster 3: Parish of the Precious Blood Saturday 4:00PM St Theresas, 6:00 PM St Catherines Sunday 8:30AM St Denis 10:30AM Holy Rosary Monday 8:30 AM Holy Rosary Tuesday 8:30AM St Denis Wednesday Fr’s Off Day Thursday 6:00PM Holy Rosary Friday 8:30AM Holy Rosary Cluster 31: Peter Chanel Parish Saturday 4:00 PM Sacred Heart Sunday 7:45AM St Joseph’s 9:15AM St Louis 11: AM St Bruno and Remi Monday 6:00PM St Bruno and Remi Tuesday 8:30AM Sacred Heart (starting on July 15) Wednesday 6:00PM St Bruno and Remi Thursday Fr’s Off day Fridays 2nd and 4th week Nursing Homes Border View and Rising Hill NB: Other weekday masses of the Nursing Homes and in assisted living will be added as time goes on thank you.

On Tuesday of the Holy Week, my family notified me that my dad was rushed to the hospital, and he was in a very critical condition. I had to leave immediately on the same day. I reached home on Thursday and spent three days with my dad. I was able to talk with him and be there for him during his last days. He passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday morning in the presence of his family. The same evening, I celebrated his funeral mass. As I sit down to reflect on these past days of my life, my heart is overflowing with appreciation for the incredible love and support you’ve given me. Your kindness during one of the most difficult times in my life means a lot to me. Thank you for standing by me and for holding me and my family in your prayers. You’ve been there for me, offering support when I needed it most, and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you. It was with all your assistance; I was able to make it home and spend time with dad. God made it possible for me through this faith community. At this moment, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for all that you have done to me. It is such a blessing to be with you all. On behalf of family and on my behalf, I thank you. May the Lord be with you and bless you! Fr Thomas Xavier SAC 6 Roberts Street Presque Isle, ME - 04769

Parish Restructure Update for Cluster 3 Background Since February 20, 2025, when Bishop James Ruggieri met with parish leaders (Finance and Pastoral Council members) and representatives from each worship site on the vision of the parish, the priests of Cluster 3 have been engaging with parishioners to explain the proposed restructuring. Throughout March, we informed the faithful about potential worship site combinations and listened to their feedback. Community Response The idea of restructuring has generated mixed feelings, primarily due to concerns about possible church closures. Over four weeks, we held town hall meetings at each worship site to address questions and gather suggestions. Survey Results. This past weekend, a survey was conducted, particularly focusing on churches proposed to join Van Buren, Caribou, or Presque Isle. The responses were as follows: Presque Isle Preference • St. Joseph (Mars Hill): 40 were present—all opted for Presque Isle. • Our Lady of the Lakes (Portage): 36 were present—30 chose Presque Isle, while 6 were open to either Caribou or Presque Isle, stating they would attend Mass wherever it was held. • St. Mark (Ashland): 32 were present—all preferred Presque Isle. Some of those present also proposed naming the new cluster "Immaculate Conception Parish." Caribou Preference • St. Denis (Fort Fairfield): 50 were present—45 chose Caribou, while 5 preferred Presque Isle. • St. Catherine (Washburn): 20 were present—15 opted for Caribou, while 3 preferred Presque Isle due to better winter road maintenance. (I agree with this reasoning, having experienced the same travel conditions.) and the two others were not bothered where they will be associated to so long as there is mass being offered in Washburn. • St. Theresa (Stockholm): 18 were present—all favored Caribou; none chose Van Buren. • Sacred Heart (North Caribou): 39 were present—27 preferred Van Buren, while 12 chose Caribou. o Reasons for choosing Caribou:  Different mindset compared to the Valley.  Questioned why two churches in the same town would be separated.  Lack of faith formation at their worship site. • St. Louis (Limestone): 38 were present (lowest attendance)—22 chose Van Buren, while 16 preferred Caribou. Normally the attendance is between 50 and 70. Proposed Way Forward From the survey it means that Van Buren will go with Hamlin, North Caribou and Limestone, Caribou will take Washburn, Fort Fairfield and Stockholm and Presque Isle will go with Mars Hill, Ashland and Portage Lake.