The Portland Catholic Center for Faith launched programs to enrich summers with the joy of Christ and the richness of the Catholic faith during the summer of 2024. The weeklong program for K-5 from June 24-June 28 and middle and high school from July 22-26 offered the opportunity for children and youth to build friendships, encounter the sacred, engage in acts of service, and learn more about the faith. Please read more about these program and keep your eye out for the dates for the programs in the summer of 2025.
The middle school and high school program will immerse youth into an intentional, community life throughout the week. Students will spend time with one another in service, recreation, and prayer. Middle and high school students will form into separate groups to make and serve each other meals, lead projects around the churches, and relax and get to know one another more.
Each day begins with breakfast at 8:30AM, although youth preparing breakfast will arrive earlier. Dinner will be at 5:30PM, followed by social time until 8PM, as parents are able to pick up their kids/kids are ready to head home.
Students can attend the whole week or for just some of the days.
Cost for the week: $75
Cost per day: $15
In addition to the overview of the daily schedule below, the week will include:
An excursion day with a nature trip
A variety of servce opportunities
Daily Schedule Overview:
8:30AM—9:30AM—Morning Prayer & Breakfast at St. Peter’s Hall (72 Federal St., Portland, ME)
9:30AM—10:30AM—Faith Enrichment Activities
10:30AM—11:45AM—Service Activities
11:45AM—12:00PM—Daytime Prayer
12:15PM—Mass, Cathedral Chapel
1:00PM—Lunch
1:30PM—Prayer, Adoration, Quiet Activities
2:30PM-3:15PM—Small Group Discussion
3:15PM—Break
3:30PM-5:00PM—Service
5:00PM—Evening Prayer
5:30PM—Dinner
6:00PM—Cleanup
6:15PM—Recreation
7:30PM—Night Prayer & Campfire
8:00PM-8:30PM--Pickup
Does my child have to attend the entirety of the summer program in order to register?
We are happy to welcome children to participate in the program whether it is for the entire week or just for a day or tow. Attending the entirety of the summer program will allow students to get the most out of the program and not miss any of the activities, however, if students are unable to attend the whole program, they are still encouraged to register and indicate when they will be able to come!
What should my child bring? What should my child wear?
On the first day of the program, families should bring out a printed and completed copy of the release form found here. Children and youth should bring a refllable water bottle for the day. Children/youth should wear comfortbale cothing (shrts, t-shirts, sneakers, etc.). They should bring a light jacket or sweatshirt in the event of rain or cooler weather.
Will food be provided?
Yes! Breakfast and lunch will be provided for the summer programs.
If your child has allergies, we will do our best to accomodate dietary restrictions. Please note allergies in the registration form and communicate any questions. If you feel more comfortable arranging for your child to bring in a lunch from home, please let the team know upon check-in and they will be able to store the food until meal time.
Is there a cost for the program?
The registration fee is $75 per student with a max of $120 per family. If a child cannot attend the entire week, the cost per day is $15. Tuition assistance is available. Please [email protected] to inquire about tuition assistance.
Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to participate in this weeklong program to build friendships and encounter the sacred. The theme of the summer program is the Eucharist: the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The day will include common prayer, meals, lessons focused on the Eucharist, service and fun recreation time. The majority of the day will be spent on the Cathedral campus. Drop off will be at St. Peter's and there will be some off campus excursions and service.
Students can attend the whole week or for just some of the days.
Cost for the week: $75
Cost per day: $15
In addition to the overview of the daily schedule below, the week will include:
An excursion day where children will be brought off campus
A variety of fun activities and service opportunities
Hands on learning and prayer time
A family prayer time & picnic on Friday evening to close out the week
Daily Schedule Overview:
8AM – Drop off at St. Peter’s Hall (72 Federal St., Portland, ME)
8AM-8:30AM --Breakfast
8:30AM-9:30AM –Opening Assembly & Social
9:30AM—10:30AM—Faith Enrichment Activities
10:30AM-10:45AM—Snack/Break
10:45AM—11:30AM—Faith Enrichment Activities
11:45AM-12PM—Mass Prep
12:15PM—Mass, Cathedral Chapel
1:00PM-1:30PM—Lunch in Guild Hall
1:30PM—3:00PM—Service Time (a variety of service projects children can choose from)
3:00PM-3:15PM—Snack
3:15PM-4:15PM—Recreation
4:15PM—5:00PM—Prayer/Adoration/Closing Activity
5:00PM-5:30PM—Recreation & Pickup in the Guild Hall
During the week there will be a recreational excursion and a variety of service activities.
Please register here. Please reach out to [email protected] or 207-773-7746 ext. 106 with questions.
In addition to staff that will lead the program, catechists and volunteers will help support the summer program. From helping prepare meals, to leading songs, to teaching lessons, and more, catechists will help make this program vibrant and meaningful for children and youth. All staff and volunteers are compliant with diocesan safe environment protocols.