About St. Raphael (Parish of the Ascension of the Lord) · Kittery, Maine
St. Raphael Church is one of four worship sites of the Parish of the Ascension of the Lord, a Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Portland in Maine that serves the communities of Kittery, York, York Beach, and South Berwick. Located at 6 Whipple Road in Kittery, the parish was formed in 2011 by merging the four local churches (per GCatholic's records), and today offers daily and Sunday Mass in English, with many services livestreamed. The parish is led by Pastor Rev. Scott M. Mower with Rev. Robert D. Lariviere in residence, and ministries span faith formation for children and teens, sacramental preparation, hospitality, and community-building events.
- Established
- 2011
- Patron
- St. Raphael the Archangel
- Rector
- Rev. Scott M. Mower
- Diocese
- Diocese of Portland in Maine
Why belong here
The Parish of the Ascension of the Lord warmly welcomes Catholics and visitors across Kittery, York, York Beach, and South Berwick through four historic worship sites, with daily and weekend Masses in English — many livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Families can grow in faith through parish-based sacramental preparation for children and teens (with classes held at Our Lady of the Angels and St. Christopher), while adults find community through OCIA, faith discussions, and parish-wide events like the Lenten meals, Advent potlucks, and the annual parish picnic.
Mass times at St. Raphael (Parish of the Ascension of the Lord)
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:00 PM or by appointment
- Monday: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM (half hour following 9:00 AM Mass)
Parish of the Ascension of the Lord
The Parish of the Ascension of the Lord is a Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Portland in Maine that serves the southern seacoast communities of Kittery, York, York Beach, and South Berwick. According to GCatholic, the parish was formed in 2011 by merging four local churches, and today operates across four worship sites under one pastoral team led by Rev. Scott M. Mower.
- Formed by merger in 2011 (per GCatholic)
- Diocese of Portland in Maine
- Pastor: Rev. Scott M. Mower
- Priest in Residence: Rev. Robert D. Lariviere
St. Raphael Church (Kittery worship site)
St. Raphael Church is the Kittery worship site of the Parish of the Ascension of the Lord, located at 6 Whipple Road, Kittery, ME 03904. It hosts the parish's Kittery office (207-439-0442) and serves as a central hub for many of the parish's ministries and sacramental offerings.
- Address: 6 Whipple Road, Kittery, ME 03904
- Phone: 207-439-0442
- Website: www.pal-me.org
Companion Worship Sites of the Parish
In addition to St. Raphael Church in Kittery, the Parish of the Ascension of the Lord includes three other worship sites serving the wider seacoast region. Together they form one Catholic community across four historic churches.
- St. Christopher Church — 4 Barrell Lane, York, ME 03909; Saturday 4:00 PM (English, Livestream), Sunday 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM (English)
- Star of the Sea Church — 13 Church Street, York Beach, ME 03910; Sunday 9:00 AM (Memorial Day Weekend – Columbus Day)
- Our Lady of the Angels Church — 4 Angels' Way, South Berwick, ME 03908; Saturday 4:00 PM and Sunday 9:30 AM (English)
Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation
The parish runs a structured Faith Formation program for children and teens, with sacramental preparation classes beginning each September. Families with children in public, private, or homeschool settings are required to participate in their local parish classes to receive sacraments with the parish, and the program expects weekly Mass attendance plus participation in family formation gatherings.
- Contact: Veronica Richards, 207-475-0192
- St. Raphael's office: 207-439-0442 (Kittery)
- St. Christopher's office: 207-363-2111 (York)
- Our Lady of the Angels office: 207-384-7006 (South Berwick)
- Classes start in September
- Our Lady of the Angels (South Berwick): Sunday mornings at 8:00
- St. Christopher (York): Sunday mornings at 9:30
- OCIA classes for teens — time and location TBA
Parish Life, Ministries & Community Events
Guided by the Parish Life Commission and the scriptural theme 'Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you' (Romans 15:7), the parish builds community through a blend of social, spiritual, and outreach gatherings. The commission fosters hospitality, welcomes new Catholics and parishioners, and encourages engagement through sharing of time and talent.
- Social Events: Easter Vigil Alleluia Celebration, Lenten Meals, Ascension of the Lord Feast Celebration, Annual Parish Picnic, Ecumenical Meal, Advent Potlucks, Volunteer Appreciation Gathering
- Spiritual Growth: Matthew Kelly Book Program, Catholic Book Discussions & Study
- Special Guest Speakers & Musicians, Parish Field Trips
- Welcome & Outreach: Welcoming new Catholics and parishioners
- Time & Talent: Community engagement through sharing of gifts
Online Faith Resources
The parish website links to several core Catholic resources to support ongoing learning and daily devotion for parishioners.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Daily Readings
- Saint of the Day
- Word on Fire
Clergy & Staff
The Parish of the Ascension of the Lord is served by a small team of clergy, with one pastor and one priest in residence listed on the Diocese of Portland directory.
- Pastor: Rev. Scott M. Mower
- In Residence: Rev. Robert D. Lariviere
- Faith Formation contact: Veronica Richards (207-475-0192)
Getting in Touch
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish through the Kittery worship site office or by mail. The parish's online home is pal-me.org, and additional contact details are available through the individual worship sites.
- St. Raphael (Kittery): 207-439-0442
- St. Christopher (York): 207-363-2111
- Our Lady of the Angels (South Berwick): 207-384-7006
- Website: www.pal-me.org