The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has reviewed the flu prevention protocols for Maine parishes that were put in place in late January. The research indicates that in most of the state, the incidence of influenza has considerably lessened. In some corners of the state, however, it continues to be a concern.

As such, Bishop Robert P. Deeley has decided to lift the protocols. He has, however, informed pastors at parishes throughout the diocese, which covers the entire state of Maine, to use their best judgment in deciding if the protocols should continue because of the situation in their local area.

Where the influenza protocols will be relaxed, the bishop continues to advise that if individuals have a fever, sore throat, cough or flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and not attend Mass until fully recovered. When individuals are ill, they are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation.

With the protocols lifted, the distribution of the shared consecrated wine for the faithful is reinstated and parishioners may shake hands during the Sign of Peace.

All ministers of holy Communion will continue to sanitize their hands before and after distributing holy Communion, a practice that was in place prior to the protocols.

For more information, contact Dave Guthro, Communications Director for the Diocese of Portland, at (207) 321-7810 or dave.guthro@portlanddiocese.org.

Left, Hagen Wallace. Right, Conor Skehan.

The White­field Lions Club hosted the annual Speak Out contest at their March 22nd meeting.

The contestants, both juniors at Erskine Academy delivered a talk of allotted time that they feel strongly about.

The students were accompanied to the Lions meeting and contest by their parents and Nicholas Waldron, the acting advisor for speech and debate teams at Erskine Academy.

First place was presented to Hagen “Joki” Wallace who is also active in FBLA and speech and debate teams at Erskine.

Second place was awarded to Conor Skehan who is on the math team and the founder of the Erskine Film club.

The winner moved on to compete in the Region 5 Speak Out contest on March 27 at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, in Skowhegan.

Students and parents from China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Waterville and Chelsea at the White House, in Washington, DC.

Submitted by Jane Golden

The American Heritage tour, offered through the Boys and Girls club and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth Center, is an educational journey for eighth grade middle school students to learn about America’s history and how to contribute effectively as citizens. This educational trip is offered to many of the local schools every Spring.

The first trip of this year was with students from China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Waterville and Chelsea. Tour destinations included: The Liberty Bell and U. S. mint in Philadelphia; Gettysburg National Park, where the students visited different battleground sites and the museum; Arlington Cemetery where they witnessed the changing of the guard; Washington D. C. where they visited the Pentagon 9/11 memorial, Smithsonian museums, the Holocaust museum and George Washington’s Mt. Vernon; and the final destination was New York City where they visited the 9/11 memorial, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.

This year the China parents and students decided to raise funds to allow scholarships for students that needed financial assistance to go on the trip. Thanks to generous businesses in the local area, a couple of scholarships were awarded and those students were able to participate in a once in a life time experience. Much thanks goes to the following businesses that supported these students: Lakeview Lumber, MAJEK Seafood, Windsor Veterinary Clinic, Reed & Reed, Fieldstone Quick Stop, Whitt’s Garment Works, Hannaford and China Lake Auto Sales and Service.

China students and their parents at the White House. (Photos courtesy of Jane Golden)