BANGOR, Maine — St. Paul the Apostle Parish is partnering for the first time with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bangor to construct a home this summer.
The parish, which includes Catholic churches in Bangor, Brewer, Hampden and Winterport, is working to raise $130,000 for construction, according to Ruth Rogers, communications director for the parish. The exact location will be announced once the donation of the Bangor lot is made final.
The collaboration is a response to “Pope Francis’ challenge to generously and intentionally observe the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” she said Thursday in an email.
“A project of this scope is constructive in so many ways,” she said. “St. Paul’s House will bring together our entire parish community — the family that meets the eligibility requirements will commit to a no-interest 30-year mortgage and spend ‘sweat equity’ hours building alongside our parish volunteers, the city will gain a committed taxpayer and the [Bangor] neighborhood will gain an invested homeowner.”
Fundraising efforts are ongoing with a Bach concert set for 7:30 p.m., Monday, at St. John Catholic Church, 217 York St., Bangor. The concert will mark the 330th birthday of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
Church organist Kevin Birch will be joined by mezzo-soprano Marcia Gronewold Sly, French hornist Scott Burditt and cellist John Frankland for a concert titled “Bach by Candlelight.”
The concert is free but donations for St. Paul’s House will be accepted.