A Retreat on the Parable of the Good Samaritan
2025-03-16 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Zoom
“Do this and you shall live.” Lk10:28
Pope Francis, in his letter to US Bishops 2/10/25, writes what “must be promoted is that which we discover by meditating constantly on the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’ (cf. Lk10:25-37), that is, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception. [3]”
We will listen to Jesus through scripture, prayer, reflection, sharing and music to better understand who is our neighbor and how to love our neighbor.
To register: contact Martha Brodeur: msim.brodeur@gmail.com by March 14.
Pax Christi Lenten Retreat flier 2025 (Autosaved)

Pax Community Conversation #3
2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:15
PAX Community Conversations
Thursday March 27, 2025 7:00-8:15 pm (zoom)
Join us!
We will gather again this month as a faith community for sharing and discussion.
We welcome Pax Christi regulars and newcomers all!

Fred Brodeur, a long time member, will facilitate this opportunity for sharing together
focused on Fr John Dear’s recent podcast “The Nonviolence of Jesus: 10 Essentials”
The times we are experiencing right now, day to day, are an urgent call to action! As Fr John explains, “From the Sermon on the Mount to his bold civil disobedience in the Temple; from his command to ‘put down the sword’ at Gethsemane to the radical, new covenant made at the Last Supper, we’ll explore how Jesus wasn’t just teaching peace, he embodied it in action.”
How can we put our heart and soul into following Jesus’ Way of Nonviolence? What supports do we need? Let’s explore what Jesus’ lived example means for us today!
Please contact Mary Ellen by March 27th to receive a zoom link – memquinn@peoplepc.com

Pax Community Conversations #4
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
Pax Christi Community Conversations
Thursday April 24, 2025 7:00-8:15 pm (zoom)
Join us
This month, we welcome Barbara Moss, long time Pax Christi activist, to lead a conversation about U.S. policies affecting immigration. Pope Francis recently proclaimed the true meaning of Ordo Amoris found in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In his letter to U.S. Catholic bishops, our Pope wrote, “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups.”
Concerns about nationalism valued over human dignity were also addressed by Pope John Paul II: In Sollicitudo Rei Socialis and Centesimus Annus, John Paul II warns against nationalism that prioritizes self-interest at the cost of global justice. His concept of solidarity critiques ideologies that distort patriotism into exclusionary policies. By linking the Ordo Amoris with global responsibility, John Paul II challenges attempts to justify isolationist policies using Aquinas’ framework. Suggested reading & reflection questions are in your email invitation to this event.
At Easter, Jesus reminds us that we are called to be People of the Resurrection!
Please contact Mary Ellen by April 23rd to receive a zoom link – memquinn@peoplepc.com

Journey of Peace and Friendship
2025-04-29 08:30 - 13:00 | Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St, Augusta, ME, 04330, United States
Join the last day of the Journey of Peace and Friendship! We’ll be walking 2 miles into Augusta and stopping at the State House for a closing ceremony.
For more details:
Journey of Peace and Friendship Daily Schedule

Pax Community Conversation #5
2025-05-29 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
Pax Christi Community Conversations
Thursday May 29, 2025 7:00-8:15 pm (zoom)
Join us!
Our PAX Community Conversation this month will celebrate and honor the life and ministry of Pope Francis! As a faith community, we look forward to gathering together to share our reflections about this faithful servant of God.
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis offered Catholics and the whole world a lived example of Jesus’ Way of unconditional love, inclusion, acceptance, forgiveness, mercy, peace, justice, nonviolence and so much more. We invite you to bring a favorite quote, a reflection or simply share how Pope Francis’ life and teaching touched your heart and mind.
This podcast recorded by Fr. John Dear on the papacy of Pope Francis is offered as a resource. It is 33 minutes long. Many have found it to be a wonderful reflection.
https://beatitudescenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Podcast-S1E17-on-Francis-the-most-radical-Pope.mp3
Please contact Mary Ellen by May 28th to receive a zoom link – memquinn@peoplepc.com

Pax Christi Maine Spring Assembly
2025-06-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
Join us for the PCM Spring Assembly to be held on Monday June 2nd from 6:30-8:30pm.
Grounded in prayer, scripture and song, we will gather as a faith community to share a review of our past year, elect officers and Council members for the coming year, share opportunities for involvement and more.

Pax Christi USA National Conference July 25 - 27 in Detroit
2025-07-25 - 2025-07-27 | Detroit Marriot, Detroit, United States
Reclaiming the power of nonviolence in a broken world
In a time of global challenges, Pax Christi USA invites you to join us in Detroit for a transformative weekend of hope and action!
Use this link to learn more and to register to attend in person or virtually.
Scholarships are available for people who cannot pay the full cost.
Pax Christi USA holds national conference in Detroit July 25-27, 2025

Bread Not Bombs
2025-08-06 13:30 - 15:00 | Davenport Park, 245 Main Street, Bangor, ME, 04401, United States
Pax Christi Maine and the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine invite you and your community to gather as people of faith and conscience to share prayers, reflections, music and periods of silence to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the horrific atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States.
Our grave concern about the use of nuclear weapons continues today. Given the recent bombings in Iran and Israel, the genocide in Gaza and so many other atrocities, the threat of nuclear war currently weighs heavily on our hearts and minds. The times in which we live, call us to raise our collective voices for peace, for justice and for the implementation of nonviolent strategies that build a culture of life and a sustainable environment in which all living beings may flourish.

Remembrance and Reflection - 80th Anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings
2025-08-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Friends Meeting House, 1837 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103, United States

Pax Community Conversations
2025-08-28 19:00 - 20:15
Join us to discuss current issues from the perspective of the Gospel of Peace.
This will be an open discussion led by long-term Pax Christi Maine member Denny Dreher.
Topic to be announced.
For a copy of the Zoom link, contact Mary Ellen at memquinn@peoplepc.com

September Pax Community Conversation
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:15
“O wad some pow’r the giftie gi’e us, tae see oorsel as ithers see us!” (original Scottish)
“Oh would some power only give us, the gift to see ourselves as others see us!” (English translation)
Was it the famous poet Bobbie Burns who wrote those words? I’m not sure, but they rose from my memory as I began to write this invitation to our upcoming PAX Community Conversation. I’ll leave those words dangling before us as you think about joining us next week. Mike Murphy will be our discussion leader as we probe the role of humility in our lives and the struggles we might each have with living in true humility. Some questions to ponder… how does humility factor into the way we look at ourselves in relationship to others? What is the role of humility in seeking empathy for others? How does humility factor into our desire or ability to judge others? What role does humility play in our ability to offer forgiveness to others? We encourage you to reflect and share your experiences, challenges and hard earned insights.
For a copy of the Zoom link, contact Mary Ellen at memquinn@peoplepc.com

October PAX Community Conversation
2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
PAX COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Thursday, October 30, 2025
7:00-8:15 p.m. (Zoom)
JOIN US!
We are very pleased to be welcoming Jessica Sun to our next community conversation!
Jessica serves in a leadership role with the Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus and is an
active member with Christians for a Free Palestine.
This is an excellent opportunity to hear about Jessica’s faith journey and to deepen our
understanding of some of the challenges that today’s world pose for young people.
Jessica will share her experience with the Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus (PCYAC), an
active faith community dedicated to Jesus’ way of love, compassion and nonviolence.
We will explore the following questions and more… what are young adult spiritual
seekers looking for? How do young adults view our Catholic Church and the growing
traditionalist movement? What factors draw young adults to be interested in the Catholic
peace and justice movement?
Please bring your own questions and reflections to this exciting opportunity for dialogue.
This is just the beginning of our efforts to engage more effectively with young adults.

Jessica Sun (she/they) is a 2nd generation Chinese U.S.- a zillennial from Virginia with a passion for community organizing. An adult convert to Christianity, she is an experienced local volunteer community advocate. Christians for a Free Palestine and Pax Christi USA are her organizing homes, and served two terms on the leadership team for the Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus. She is currently in the discernment process with the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Prior to her religious formation, she was a full-time backend software engineer for years as a Computer Science graduate of the Virginia Tech College of Engineering.
This will be an open discussion led by Pax Christi Maine co-coordinator Mary Ellen Quinn.
Please rsvp to Mary Ellen at memquinn@peoplepc.com by October 29th to receive the zoom link. We look forward to your participation in this important dialogue!

One Church One Family - Catholic Public Witness for Migrants
2025-11-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Cumberland County Jail, 50 County Way, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
Please join us for a public witness in support of our immigrant sisters and brothers!
Pax Christi Maine is organizing a prayer vigil as part of a nationwide campaign titled “One Church One Family – Catholic Public Witness for Migrants”, initiated by the Ignatian Solidarity Network. The vigil will held on Thursday November 13, 2025 at 2:00pm outside of the Cumberland County Jail in Portland. Under a contract with the U.S. Marshal’s Service, this facility continues to be used by I.C.E. for immigrant detention in Maine.
The One Church One Family campaign invites Catholics across our country to participate in a public witness on November13th, to stand in solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers who are currently experiencing increasing levels of fear, cruelty, displacement and incarceration at the hands of government agents in our cities and towns.
You can find more details on this campaign at this link https://1family.us/
Your support and participation is very much needed!
In accord with Jesus’ teachings and Catholic Social Teaching, we know we are called to treat all people with dignity and respect; to welcome the stranger; to lift up those suffering; to speak up for the most vulnerable among us.
These are unprecedented times of great turmoil in our country. As followers of the nonviolent Jesus, we are called to stand with our migrant sisters and brothers as they experience so much violence due to mass deportations and are forced to endure the crisis of displacement and family separation.
Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken about the Catholic Church’s obligation to pray and to act in support of the immigrant community. His Holiness has sent a clear message, “The Church cannot stay silent before injustice. You stand with me, and I stand with you.”
Please join us on Thursday November 13th at 2:00pm. We will pray together. Signs that reflect Jesus’ teachings, express solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers and concern for their mistreatment are welcome. Contact Mary Ellen if any questions. memquinn@peoplepc.com
If you are unable to be present with us in Portland on November 13th, we urge you to join us in prayer for our immigrant sisters and brothers; to pray for an end to violence and all cruel and unjust systems that inflict harm.
Blessings of hope and possibility,
Mary Ellen Quinn and Denise Dreher
Co-Coordinators, Pax Christi Maine

PAX Community Conversation - November
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
“To Walk in Humility-Lessons Learned in Indian Country”

‘Critical encounters’ in education and health care are experiences that drop from the head to the heart and change us. They can result from an encounter with a book (as in scripture) , a significant event, or another most importantly, a person different from ourselves. This evening Pax Christi Maine member John Yasenchak will share a few such encounters I had over twenty years that deepened my conviction that mental health and social justice are two sides of the same coin.
John’s sharing will lead us into discussion of our own experiences in learning about humility. John suggests we read the attached articles in preparation for our discussion. Feel free to invite others who may be interested.
PLEASE RSVP to receive the zoom link and suggested articles which will be sent Thursday morning.
THANK YOU!
Blessings of hope and possibility, Mary Ellen memquinn@peoplepc.com

The Way to Peace Mini-Retreat
2026-01-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Pope Leo XIV wrote to Pax Christi USA for their 2025 National assembly saying, “…efforts to promote nonviolence are all the more necessary.” In that spirit, Pax Christi Maine is developing a series of mini retreats, to promote living the nonviolent life, based on John Dear’s book The Nonviolent Life, with scripture reading, reflection, sharing our stories and song.
The Way to Peace, the first mini retreat on the Nonviolent Life will be offered by Pax Christi Maine Sunday January 11, 2026, from 2 -5 PM on ZOOM.
Our retreat will focus on the participants developing a closer connection to God, to help us know who we are, more fully, as beloved children of God.
email Mary Ellen Quinn for more details and to receive a link to the retreat. memquinn@peoplepc.com

January Pax Community Conversation
2026-01-29 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
PAX COMMUNIT Y CONVERSATION
Thursday, January 29, 2026
7:00-8:15 p.m. (Zoom)
JOIN US!

We are very pleased to be welcoming Michelle Sherman and Camila Perez to our next community conversation! Both Michelle and Camila are an integral part of the PCUSA staff and active members of the Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus (PCYAC).
Since one of our primary goals for this year is to increase our connection with young adults, this is an excellent opportunity to learn more from two young women who are committed to following Jesus’ way of nonviolence. We will learn about their spiritual journeys and what attracts young people to our Catholic peace and justice movement.
As part of their mission and ministry, both Michelle and Camila provide outreach and engagement to young adults on high school and college campuses.
They will share some of their insights related to their outreach efforts and help to deepen our understanding of the challenges that today’s world poses for young people.
As a community, we will discuss ideas for outreach to young adults here in Maine and outline next steps to address our goal. Hope you will participate with us in this important conversation!
Please RSVP to Mary Ellen at memquinn@peoplepc.com by January 28th to receive the zoom link.

PAX Community Conversation - February 2026
2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
PAX COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Thursday, February 26, 2025
7:00-8:15 p.m. (Zoom)
JOIN US!
BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH SONGS OF PRAISE AND PROTEST
Join us for a time to explore our memories, thoughts and personal connections
about and through music as inspiration and expression of our personal and
collective efforts toward peace and justice in our world.
I am not a musician, no longer much of a singer, but the music, the songs, still
evoke something deep within my spirit that reaches out to connect and resonate
with my response to what is happening in our world today.
Does this strike a familiar chord for you? Is music still an important way for you
to participate in working for peace and justice?
Hoping you will share in this conversation,
Denny
Please rsvp to Mary Ellen Quinn memquinn@peoplepc.com by February 25th to receive the Zoom link

Singing Our Solidarity
2026-03-07 15:00 - 17:00 | St John’s Episcopal Church, 225 French St, Bangor, ME, 04401, United States

Mini-Retreat: Nonviolence Towards Self and Others
2026-03-22 14:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Please join us for the second retreat in our series on Living the Nonviolent Life, inspired by Fr. John Dear’s book. This retreat will focus on “Practicing Nonviolence Toward Ourselves”.
Through prayer, scripture (Luke 4:1-13), meditation, reflection, music and sharing, we will take the time to explore how we cope with all the thoughts and feelings that can draw us away from remembering our true identity, that we are beloved daughters and sons of our God of Peace.
Please register before March 20th by contacting Martha Brodeur. Zoom link will be sent on March 20th.

Pax Community Conversation
2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
Pax Community Conversation
Thursday, March 26 7:00 – 8:15

For Zoom link, contact Fred Brodeur at fredsnonviolencework@myfairpoint.net

April PAX Community Conversation
2026-04-30 19:00 - 20:15 | Zoom
PAX COMMUNIT Y CONVERSATION
Thursday, April 30, 2026
7:00-8:15 p.m. (Zoom)
JOIN US!
“Finding Authentic Community in our Church”
We invite you to join a conversation about your experience of community in your local
parish or faith tradition.
Authentic community provides a sense of belonging; brings people together; offers
mutual support; often reflects a common vision; is intentionally inclusive and welcoming,
demonstrates respect for all people and their views and more…
In his public life and in his writings, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his vision of
a Beloved Community, one that recognizes and honors the image of God in every human
being.
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How/where do we find that in our parishes? How can we create community given the
clustering of churches within our diocese? How do we navigate the divisions which exist
due to different understandings of Christian discipleship? What opportunities exist to
strengthen collaboration between clergy and laity?
Please RSVP to Mary Ellen at memquinn@peoplepc.com by April 29th
to receive the zoom link.

Faith Leaders Summit on Nuclear Weapons Abolition #1
2026-05-16 10:00 - 23:30 | Zoom
Inspired by the leadership of Archbishop John Wester, who published a seminal pastoral letter over four years ago and has organized the Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, we, the Pax Christi New England Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (PCAN), have organized a virtual summit in four 90-minute sessions, each featuring four – six Catholic and other faith leaders sharing their views on how we can best mobilize the Catholic population in nuclear abolition work.
MAY 16 – SAT, 10 – 11:30 AM EDT
Marie Dennis, Catholic Institute for Nonviolence
Ira Helfand, Back from the Brink, ICAN, IPPNW
Giulia Bordin, Pax Christi International
David Cortright, Cornell University
Maria Udalova, Students for Nuclear Disarmament
To register: https://paxchristima.org/pax-christi-new-england-campaign-to-abolish-nuclear-weapons-pcan/

Pax Christi Maine Retreat - PRACTICING NONVIOLENCE TOWARD ALL OTHERS
2026-05-17 14:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Join us for the third retreat in our series on Living the Nonviolent Life
PRACTICING NONVIOLENCE TOWARD ALL OTHERS
Sunday May 17, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 pm (zoom)
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Through prayer, meditation, scripture, reflection, music and sharing, we will explore the various ways we can practice nonviolence toward all others in our everyday lives.
Anchored in our identities as beloved children of God … How can we become more nonviolent to those we know and meet? Who challenges our practice of nonviolence most? How do we find the God of Peace in these relationships?
How can small day-to-day encounters help us strengthen our commitment to nonviolence so that we will be better able to be nonviolent toward others in our places of employment, in tense situations, toward creation and all creatures?
Register by 5/16/26: Contact Martha Brodeur msim.brodeur@gmail.com /207.333.1236
There is no fee for retreat. Donations to Pax Christi Maine can be sent
c/o Mary Ellen Quinn 91 Baker Rd. Winterport, ME 04496

Pax Christi Maine Annual Assembly
2026-05-30 15:00 - 16:15 | Zoom
MEETING FOR MEMBERS 3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Please join us as we gather together as a community of faith committed to following Jesus’ Way of Nonviolence. We will review the activities of the past year, reflect on current/future goals, elect officers and council members and look ahead to the future.
Following the business meeting, we will invite the public to join us in learning about peace literacy in the age of artificial intelligence from speaker Paul K Chappell. (See separate event post.)

Public Lecture - Paul K Chappell on Zoom
2026-05-30 16:30 - 18:15 | Zoom
Pax Christi Maine welcomes International Peace Educator,
Paul K. Chappell
West Point Graduate, Iraq War veteran
Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Literacy Institute
Saturday May 30, 2026 4:30 – 6:15 pm (zoom)
“Navigating Our Fragile Future: Understanding Spiritual Poverty, Trauma
and the Tech Tsunami”
Will the new technologies help us or hinder us? Will they be used to enhance our self-worth, our need for belonging, purpose and meaning? Will they take the place of nurturing relationships? How might the tangles of trauma such as alienation, rage, nihilism and addiction affect how these technologies get used and/or abused?
Paul’s presentation offers language, perspective and practices that help us resist dehumanization and interrupt cycles of violence – within ourselves and our communities. He states, “our understanding of peace is only as good as our understanding of the human condition and trauma.”
Chappell provides a new peace paradigm for skillfully navigating the promises and perils of these technologies and humanity’s future. In addition to his work directing the Peace Literacy Institute, Paul K. Chappell is the author of six books, most recently Soldiers of Peace. He also teaches college courses, workshops and leads a Peace Literacy curricular development team for grades K-12 and higher education. www.peaceliteracy.org
Free and Open to the Public. Registration required by May 28th- For more information and zoom link contact – Mary Ellen memquinn@peoplepc.com

Faith Leaders Summit on Nuclear Weapons Abolition #2
2026-05-31 15:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
Inspired by the leadership of Archbishop John Wester, who published a seminal pastoral letter over four years ago and has organized the Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, we, the Pax Christi New England Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (PCAN), have organized a virtual summit in four 90-minute sessions, each featuring four – six Catholic and other faith leaders sharing their views on how we can best mobilize the Catholic population in nuclear abolition work.
MAY 31 – SUNDAY, 3:00 – 4:30 PM EDT
Claire Schaeffer-Duffy, Catholic Worker
Ken Butigan, Catholic Nonviolence Initiative
Michele Dunne, OFS, Franciscan Action Network
Michael Martin, U.S. Marine Corps, retired
Frida Berrigan, War Resisters League
Jerry Powers, Notre Dame University
To register: https://paxchristima.org/pax-christi-new-england-campaign-to-abolish-nuclear-weapons-pcan/

Faith Leaders Summit on Nuclear Weapons Abolition #3
2026-06-06 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
Inspired by the leadership of Archbishop John Wester, who published a seminal pastoral letter over four years ago and has organized the Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, we, the Pax Christi New England Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (PCAN), have organized a virtual summit in four 90-minute sessions, each featuring four – six Catholic and other faith leaders sharing their views on how we can best mobilize the Catholic population in nuclear abolition work.
JUNE 6 – SATURDAY, 2:00 – 3:30 PM EDT
Bishop John Stowe, Bishop President, Pax Christi USA
Maryann Cusimano Love, Catholic University
Dan Moriarty, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Kevin Ahern, Manhattan University
Archbishop John Wester, Partnership for a World without Nuclear Weapons
To register: https://paxchristima.org/pax-christi-new-england-campaign-to-abolish-nuclear-weapons-pcan/

Faith Leaders Summit on Nuclear Weapons Abolition #4
2026-06-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Inspired by the leadership of Archbishop John Wester, who published a seminal pastoral letter over four years ago and has organized the Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, we, the Pax Christi New England Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (PCAN), have organized a virtual summit in four 90-minute sessions, each featuring four – six Catholic and other faith leaders sharing their views on how we can best mobilize the Catholic population in nuclear abolition work.
JUNE 14 – SUNDAY, 7:00 – 8:30 PM EDT
Nick Mele, PCUSA Nuclear Disarmament Working Group
Sr. Bridget Bearss, Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Fr. Stephen Newton, Association of U.S. Catholic Priests
Camila Perez, PCUSA Young Adults Caucus
Joseph Gerson, Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, & Common Security
To register: https://paxchristima.org/pax-christi-new-england-campaign-to-abolish-nuclear-weapons-pcan/
