St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

“Alarming news continues to arrive from the Middle East, especially from Iran,” said Pope Leo on Sunday at the Angelus address.

The Holy Father’s words came just hours after US bombers struck nuclear sites in Iran, as Israel and Iran carry out strikes on each other’s territory.

“In this dramatic scenario, which includes Israel and Palestine,” continued the Pope, “the daily suffering of the population—especially in Gaza and other territories—risks being forgotten, even as the need for adequate humanitarian aid becomes ever more urgent.”

“Today more than ever, humanity cries out and pleads for peace,” he said…

As part of the annual Missionary Cooperative Program, Bishop Raymond Wickramasinghe of the Diocese of Galle, Sri Lanka, will be with us at all Masses this weekend. Bishop Raymond’s diocese sits at the southern tip of his island country. There are 2.1 million people in his diocesan but Catholics are less than 1% of the population. This means his 47 priests and 70 sisters travel great distances over difficult terrain to bring the Word of God to the people.

Proceeds from this weekend’s collections will help Bishop Raymond educate and catechize workers on remote tea plantations, support a large ministry to families with disabled children, and reach out via home visits to the elderly who live a great distance from Catholic facilities…

Sunday, June 8 marked a day of special celebration in our Collaborative community: the dedication of The Warren and Patricia Cross Bell Tower and rededication of The DeFazio Family Bell at St. Paul Church!  Calling upon the Holy Spirit, the 11AM Pentecost liturgy concluded with a special blessing of new memorial plaques in the church gathering space and a celebration on the front lawn.

As our Collaborative community celebrated on the front lawn of St. Paul, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the sea of smiles and celebration was undeniable! Thank you to everyone who made this joyful occasion such a success!

At the end of our last Sunday 5pm Youth Mass before the summer break, Fr. Lesley called the high school seniors forward to receive a special blessing as they prepare to step into a new chapter of life.  After imparting the blessing, he reminded them: 

“And now seniors, turn toward the community –
See the faces that have loved you and prayed for you.
Know that as you go forth, you are never alone.
Go, not in fear, but in faith.
Called to be heralds, even amid hardships, always magnify love.”