Lewiston man to enter seminary for priesthood

LEWISTON — Colby Perron of Lisbon, a member of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, has been accepted as a seminarian for the diocesan priesthood.

Born in Lewiston, Perron graduated from Lisbon High School in May and has been assigned to the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence in Providence, R.I. During an interview with the Sun Journal just before Easter, Perron said he hoped his career would eventually bring him back to serve at the Basilica.

According to a news release from the Portland Diocese, Alex R. Boucher of Biddeford also has been accepted as a seminarian and has been assigned to Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Mass., beginning in spring semester 2015.

In making the announcement about Perron and Boucher, Bishop Robert P. Deeley said, “Colby and Alex are responding to a call they have heard to serve others. They begin seminary in order to respond to that call and discern whether God is inviting them to the priesthood and this life of joy and sacrifice which is in the service of God’s people.”

Asking Maine’s Catholics to join him in praying for the seminarians, Deeley also said he prays “that our diocese will continue to identify and encourage other young men in Maine to answer God’s call. Our Church derives its life and strength from the Eucharist, and for this, priests are needed. I thank all of the faithful in our diocese who are creating an environment of support for those considering the religious life.”

Perron, 17, was born in Lewiston and has been an active member of Prince of Peace Parish, including as an altar server, as a member of the choir and in various youth ministry activities. According to Deeley’s news release, Perron credits his beloved grandmother, who passed away in 2013, for being the most influential person in his discernment by always fostering his faith.

Boucher, 24, was born in Portland but was raised primarily in Biddeford. A graduate of Cheverus High School, he was active in parish life and youth ministry as a teenager and served two years as a member of the Maine Diocesan Council for Catholic Youth, presenting workshops and leading retreats around the state.

He is on pace to earn a bachelor’s degree in theology and religious studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he also works for two national Catholic organizations and as an intern at the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. He previously served as a pastoral associate in the Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes, providing assistance to the rector of the Cathedral and the pastoral life coordinator.