Diocese clears priest of abuse allegations, assigns him to Auburn parish

The Rev. Robert Vaillancourt spent roughly one year on administrative leave while church officials investigated allegations of sexual abuse in the 1980s. The diocese said in July that these allegations have not been substantiated.

Bishop Deeley calls proposal to allow abortions late in pregnancy ‘beyond troubling’

While the leader of Maine's Catholics is vocal in his opposition to Gov. Mills' bill, other religious leaders are divided.

Catholic parishes collect new toys, clothes for children, teens

Timeline of alleged abuse

Thirteen lawsuits have been filed against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland so far this year, all alleging the church failed to stop priests and other employees from sexually abusing children. The complaints lay out a timeline of abuse, much of which the church has acknowledged, that spans decades. 

Portland Diocese observes slavery, human trafficking prevention month

The diocese offers outreach resources, online education, and dates to remember.

Portland Diocese challenging 2021 Maine law lifting statute of limitations on childhood abuse claims

Attorneys for the diocese and the 13 plaintiffs suing the church will argue the case before Superior Court Justice Thomas McKeon later this month.

New lawsuit claims Augusta-area priest ‘groomed’ 13-year-old hoping to enter priesthood

Three new lawsuits against the Catholic Diocese of Portland were filed Monday, brought on by a change to state law that lifted the statute of limitation on sexual abuse claims.

Scarborough woman suing Portland’s Catholic Diocese for failing to stop known abuser in 1960s

The Rev. Lawrence Sabatino, who died in 1990, was one of 20 priests the diocese publicly identified in 2005 for abusing children. Ann Allen's suit was made possible by a change in state law that removed the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases.

Catholic Diocese of Buffalo settles AG suit by agreeing to strengthen clergy oversight

Criticism of the diocese led to the 2019 resignation of Bishop Richard Malone, who had been leader of the Catholic Church in Maine before transferring to Buffalo.

Diocese plans Walking with Moms in Need event in Hallowell

Weekly open houses continue in Freeport.