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PORTLAND — The Rev. Michael Sevigny has been appointed as the Diocese of Portland’s new director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry.
Sevigny is a Sanford native and succeeds Sr. Patricia Pora who stepped down as director on Nov. 27 after more than a decade of service. Porta will continue as a member of the Hispanic Ministry team on a volunteer basis.
The Office of Hispanic Ministry assists the Hispanic community living and working in Maine by offering Masses in Spanish and sacramental preparation, including marriage and baptismal preparation; faith formation for adults and children; education on social service support in the state; and help to individuals and families in becoming more involved in parish life. With the Latinx community in Maine estimated at more than 20,000, the need for outreach has never been greater, the diocese said.
Heavy interest has led to a new and expanded schedule for Spanish Masses at Maine parishes, including at 6 p.m. every Saturday at Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, 122 Ash St., in Lewiston and 12:15 p.m. every Sunday at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St. Waterville. The Lewiston Masses are live-streamed at www.princeofpeace.me. Spanish Mass is also celebrated in Brewer, Portland and Sanford.
“I feel that the Lord has me where He wants me to best serve His people,” Sevigny said. “I’m just very grateful because I am truly enjoying what I am doing. This ministry continues to energize and enhance my enthusiasm. I am looking forward to visiting new places and encountering many new people. I’m also grateful to Bishop Deeley for his trust in me and thankful for all the groundwork that has already been done through the diocese and the hands of Sr. Patricia Pora.”
Sevigny is a Franciscan with the St. Mary Province of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, White Plains, N.Y., who strive to live the Gospel with the same simplicity and fervor as their founder, St. Francis of Assisi. Since arriving in Maine in August, he has served the Hispanic community through celebrating Masses and holding Holy Hours in Spanish, organizing sacramental preparation classes, and finding new ways to connect despite the ongoing pandemic.
Sevigny, who grew up in Sanford, was ordained to the priesthood at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in 1978, and his path to Hispanic ministry began shortly after his priesthood did, and has served at spanish parishes in Brooklin and Massachusetts, as well as in Honduras and Guatemala.
“We want to invite members of the Hispanic community into a deeper spiritual life as well as incorporating them into the parish life through sacramental participation,” Sevigny said. “Another focus is building leadership teams in different areas to animate and support the ministry and dynamically keep the faith alive and vibrant.”
For more information on services offered by the Office of Hispanic Ministry, contact Sevigny at 207-777-1200 or José Lopéz at 207-653-5609, or visit the office’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MaineHispanicCatholics.
