BATH
Catholic or Protestant, Christians agree on one thing this time of year: It’s time to celebrate the birth of the Messiah.
Given that, The Presence Radio Network — the only Catholic radio network in Maine — has begun its annual special Advent programming, from now until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There will be sacred music, reflections on Advent from Timothy Cardinal Dolan and live Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses from the Vatican.
“Really, it’s all about preparation,” said Cynthia Nikless, executive director of The Presence.
The Christmas music, of course, sets the mood. At 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23, The Presence will air Mary Anne LaHood performing pieces such as “O Holy Night” and “Ave Maria.”
Now that The Presence has established an FM radio outlet (89.7) out of the Bath- Brunswick area, people who live in the Mid-coast can listen in pretty much wherever they are — south of Millinocket, that is.
“You can listen pretty much from Biddeford to Island Falls,” Nikless said. “You can get that Bath signal, usually, from Falmouth to Camden.”
Nikless praised the Bath Knights of Columbus for helping The Presence acquire its construction permit for a tower in Boothbay. It transmits 10.5 kilowatts — the most of all the station’s four transmission sites.
The Presence began broadcasting on 89.7 FM on Aug. 16.
In addition to nationallysyndicated programming, the station broadcasts community events, and has board members in all four communities. Broadcasts emanate from the K of C studios in Auburn.
“We fulfill the local requirements of the community,” Nikless said.
Included in the state or local programming: The Bishop’s Rosary, a prayer for priests, prayer for deacons, prayer for women’s religious groups, community calendar, local news and weather, emergency broadcasts, local ministries such as Catholic Charities, Lifelong Faith Formation and local Eucharistic adoration.
The Presence is not officially affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, instead serving as a lay apostate.
“Certainly we’re answerable to the Catholic Church so we’re in direct contact with the Diocese,” Nikless said. “We’re the Catholic voice.”
The Presence does not yet fully fund itself through advertisements.
“We still very much rely on the donations of our listeners,” Nikless said. “We’ve just had floods of testimonials as to what the station means to people on their faith journey. We’ve heard from Catholics and non-Catholics alike that The Presence has made a difference in their lives. One reason for its being is to proclaim the truth about the Catholic church. But many non-Catholics are listening.”
Twice monthly, the station airs a two-hour forum for non-Catholics.
It’s really an opportunity to shed light on the church, Nikless said.
Some people, Nikless said, have decided to attend church because of the station’s message.
Special Christmas Eve programming begins at 7 p.m. with “Adeste Fideles,” the Christmas story in word and song. Christmas music, Gospel messages, Mass, meditations and more follow.
lgrard@timesrecord.com
| Greater | 106.7 FM | ||
| Portland | |||
| Greater | 90.3 | FM | |
| Bangor | |||
| Augusta | 89.5 | FM | |
| Bath | 89.7 | FM |
ADVENT PROGRAMMING The Presence Radio Network has scheduled an extensive lineup of special Advent programming to help listeners prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. A summary: — Tuesday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m., and again on Saturday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. Christ Comes, with Cardinal Dolan, part III. The liturgical rhythms of Advent, with inspirational and moving reflections for each week. — Friday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. Christmas with Colin Raye, featuring Andrea Thomas. In this EWTN original special, country music star Raye presents some of the most cherished songs of the Christmas season. Thomas lends her beautiful voice to this uplifting Christmas special. — Sunday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Christ Comes, with Cardinal Dolan, part IV. — Sunday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m., Backstage Christmas Special. — Sunday, Dec. 23, 10 p.m., “A Christmas Carol.” The production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic adapted by Dennis D. Skirvin for five readers to present dramatically. — Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Papal Midnight Mass, from the Vatican Basilica, live at 4 p.m. (EST); rebroadcast, midnight (EST). Sacred music. — Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Papal Mass, from Saint Peter’s Square, live at 6 a.m. (EST), rebroadcast at 10 a.m. (EST). Sacred music.
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