As part of the Year of Mercy celebration declared by Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Catholic Diocese of Portland is holding the first-ever Mass for Educators at St. John the Baptist Church in Brunswick on Sunday. Bishop Robert P. Deeley will lead the Mass and welcomes all educators — regardless of their faith — to come celebrate as the school year approaches.

“This is the first time anywhere in the state that we have had a mass for educators,” said Dave Guthro, communications director at diocese. “We’re not sure what the turnout will be, but all teachers and administration from Portland to Augusta are invited. We’d like to make this an annual Mass and grow from here.”

Guthro said the diocese has also reached out to a number of college professors as well as religious education teachers.

“We’re not indifferent to the fact that (Aug. 28) is right before school and a lot of people might have plans, but we hope for a large turnout,” said Guthro.

Jim King, superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools, helped to coordinate the event and will be in attendance.

“We are looking at one of the (Pope’s) works of mercy, (in which he) counsels the doubtful by sharing knowledge and faith,” said King. “This is very important to us Catholics. By becoming more informed and a critical thinker you can come to know God better.”

Bishop Deeley had a similar take on the idea of knowledge.

“Our gathering will bless and honor those who form our young people in understanding our world, and discovering how to live in it as individuals possessing spirit and knowledge,” Deeley said.

To help thank the educators of Maine for spreading knowledge, the diocese have invited prominent Mainers to write in and provide a gallery of quotes reflecting on the impact of educators on their life. The quotes will be posted around the church during the event.

Contributors include Gov. Paul Lepage, Sen. Susan Collin, and members of the State Police, said Guthro.

In his letter, LePage wrote: “One of my mentors a long time ago shared with me 10 two-letter words, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’ These words remind me that teachers who teach are valuable, but teachers who mentor are invaluable.”

Guthro said the mass itself will be traditionally Catholic, with Bishop Deeley celebrating the gallery of quotes and saying prayers for the educators. There will be a reception afterward, where all those who have gathered can chat about the upcoming school year.

The church is in the same parking lot as the new St. John the Baptist school that’s being built.

“It’s symbolically a great choice for this event because Catholic education is growing in the state,” said Guthro. “People in the community are donating their hard-earned money and supporting the capital campaign for that facility, ensuring a great future for education.”

“It’s very exciting to draw together all of these people who are involved in teaching,” said King. “Occasions like this cause us all to give pause and be thankful of those folks.”

The Mass for Educators will begin at 11 a.m. Teachers who are attending the mass are asked to register at portlanddiocese.org. There is no fee to attend.

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com