Caroling, festivals, retreats, Christmas-themed gatherings, and encounters with Santa are set for churches around Maine during Advent.

More than 50 events have been confirmed. As additional activities are announced, they will be added to portlanddiocese.org/advent, according to a news release from Dave Guthro, Office of Communications, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

Second Week of Advent (Dec. 4-10)

Advent Concert (Auburn)

An Advent concert will be held 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Sacred Heart Church, 8 Sacred Heart Place. All are welcome at the concert which will feature music, carols, and choral meditations.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration (Lewiston)

A celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul on 122 Ash St. The Rosary will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. followed by a bilingual (English/Spanish) Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley at 12:15 p.m. After the Mass, a procession with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held, followed by a social gathering and raffle. For more information, call 207-653-5609. The event is being hosted and organized by the Diocese of Portland’s Office of Hispanic Ministry.

Third Week of Advent (Dec. 11-17)

Bambinelli Sunday (Lewiston, Sabattus, Lisbon Falls)

Bambinelli Sunday is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Advent. The blessing will be offered at all Masses of Prince of Peace Parish on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11 (Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 122 Ash St., Lewiston; Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus St., Lewiston; Holy Cross Church, 1080 Lisbon St., Lewiston; Holy Trinity Church, 67 Frost Hill Ave., Lisbon Falls; and Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 131 High St., Sabattus.

Festival of Lessons & Carols (Jay)

All are welcome to gather for this presentation at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church St. The evening will feature chant, polyphony, carols, and readings of the season, allowing participants to prepare for Christmas with sacred music. The sounds of the season, and the evening, will come from the historic Tilton organ under the direction of organist Philip Fournier.

Fourth Week of Advent (Dec. 18-24)

Christmas Concert (Lewiston)

This Christmas concert will benefit a fund for a new piano at 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus St. The choir of the church will perform under the direction of Paul Caron.

Christmas Pageant (Gray)

The pageant will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at St. Gregory the Great Church, 24 N. Raymond Road in Gray. To sign up a child or children to participate in the pageant, email pothe.faithformation@portlanddiocese.org.

For more information, visit the Diocese website.

Check out other upcoming area events!