FORT KENT, Maine — Even as a child, Father Antony Alexander Maria Doss, HGN, (“Fr. Alex”) was drawn to painting and drawing. Sometimes, too much, as evidenced by his mom once having to take his art supplies away.
“I wasn’t doing my homework,” said Fr. Alex.
Naturally, as he grew up, he struck the right balance. Fr. Alex is now a skilled and accomplished painter, but also the parochial vicar of St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent and director of the Christian Life Center in Frenchville.
He wants to help young people in Maine develop a similar appreciation for painting, and in that spirit, Fr. Alex will host a children’s paint session to teach youngsters the basics of painting on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 2-5 p.m. in the youth room of St. Louis Church, located on 26 East Main Street in Fort Kent.
The session, entitled “Paint with Father Alex,” is open for any interested child, from kindergarteners to 12th graders, but any child in kindergarten, first, or second grade must be accompanied by a guardian. The cost is $10 per canvas to pay for supplies.
Fr. Alex believes that passing on the things he has learned and sharing his passion is a great way to build community.
“I’m doing what I love. Reaching out to the community as a whole helps the Church and lets people know we are always here for them. It is nice to see people stay kind. If we are strong in our faith, all other areas will be strong.”
Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, Fr. Alex has served in Maine parishes since 2015. He is a member of the Heralds of Good News, a missionary society of apostolic life started in India in 1984. The specific aim of the Heralds is to promote vocations to the priesthood and the training of seminarians. Currently, there are ten members of the society serving in the Diocese of Portland.
For more information about “Painting with Fr. Alex,” call 207-834-3984 or email stjohnvianneyparish@portlanddiocese.org.
