The children at the NPH home in Miacatlan, Mexico sent a special video message to Fr. Jim this week, to share their love and prayers and send him some extra strength!
A Video Message for Fr. Jim from NPH
Synthesizing Our Collaborative Synod Journey
Thank you to the many hundreds of people who engaged in the work of the Synod by sharing their faith, hopes, and dreams for the Church. We are now the synthesis phase, preparing to share the fruits of our listening
Cardinal Seán O’Malley Statement Regarding Supreme Court Ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson
Statement from Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley:
For all of us who have spoken, written, worked, marched, and prayed to reverse Roe v. Wade, today’s Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson is deeply significant and encouraging. This decision will create the possibility of protecting human life from conception; it calls us to recognize the unique burden faced by women in pregnancy; and it challenges us as a nation to work together to build up more communities of support — and available access to them — for all women experiencing unplanned pregnancies…
Friday, June 24: Fr. Jim Update
We’d love to provide a more detailed update, but there isn’t much to report – Fr. Jim’s recovery, as anticipated, is slow but steady. When Fr. Jim has more to share be assured we will share it with you!
He has, however, asked us to let you know how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support – and for all the cards and notes he has received! In fact, he noted after the last delivery that he has received so many lovely cards that he might actually run out of space to display them on the walls of his room!
He also wants everyone to know how much he appreciates the time and space he’s been afforded to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation.
NPH Update
The recent campaign on behalf of our friends at NPH was a tremendous success! Our goal was $37,000 to fund education for children in the Mexico home. Thanks to our youth fundraisers, parishioners who fundraised and all of you who donated, we exceeded the goal by collecting $54,431.
John Deinhart, CEO, NPH USA and Andrea Nahigian, the new Donor Relations Director on the East Coast, recently paid us a visit to thank us in person. John says: “The St. John-St. Paul community has been a true blessing in the lives of countless children of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. This community truly embodies our Gospel call, ‘whatever you do for the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you do for me.’ With your help, NPH can now send 42 students to school to receive a 7th education…
Important Announcement: St. Paul Church Bell Tower Project
As you know, the St. Paul bell, installed in 1926, has been silent for many years. This is partly because the bell’s ringing mechanism is no longer functioning. However, the more important issue is that the wood framing for the 3,000lb bell is failing and in urgent need of replacement. In addition, the bell tower’s masonry and parapet also require significant repair. These are critical issues of safety and stability, and this work cannot be put off.
The total cost is budgeted to be $487,200.
On behalf of Fr. Jim and Fr. Hehir, we are asking you for your help. St. Paul parishioners have a long history of giving generously to support our parish. Please take a moment to prayerfully reflect on how you can contribute. To give now…
Adoration Will Pause for the Summer Months
Our current schedule for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (Mondays at 1:00pm at St. Paul Church and Fridays at 1:00pm at St. John Church) will continue through the month of June. Adoration at both churches will pause for the summer and resume in the fall.
There will be no Adoration at either church during the months of July and August.
Our final Adoration in June will take place Monday, June 27 at 1:00pm at St. Paul Church.
Friday, June 17: Fr. Jim Update
Fr. Jim has asked us to let you know, once again, how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support, and how much all your cards and notes mean to him.
While Fr. Jim is away from the Collaborative, the Archdiocese of Boston has given Fr. Bryan Hehir the authority to handle the administrative functions of the parishes, allowing Fr. Jim to focus on his recovery. Fr. Jim will, of course, continue to be in contact with Fr. Hehir and the Collaborative staff, providing input and guidance as we navigate through the days and weeks ahead.
Fr. Jim requests that folks continue to rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus all his energy on this important stage of his recovery.
Friday, June 10: Update from Fr. Jim
Fr. Jim has asked us to let you know, once again, how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support, and how much your cards and notes mean to him.
He is pleased to report that he is progressing well and has now moved into the rehabilitation phase of his recovery. He knows it will be a long road and a lot of hard work, but he is taking it one day at a time and is encouraged by his progress.
Fr. Jim requests that folks continue to rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus all his energy on this important stage of his recovery.
As always, your prayers for his complete and speedy recovery and return to us are still the best way to support him at this time. He will continue to let us know how we can best support him through every stage of his recovery.
Monday, June 6: Message and Request from Fr. Jim
Fr. Jim asked us to pass along to all of you how much he appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and concern for him. The unbelievable outpouring of support from parishioners, friends, and of course his family, has been a tremendous comfort.
As anyone who has gone through a serious accident or illness, surgery, and a hospital stay knows, the experience is exhausting, and one of the most important factors in recovery is rest. Fr. Jim has asked that, for now, folks rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus on rest and recovery.
He promises to update us regularly, and we promise to keep you updated!
Thank you so much for your understanding –
St. John-St. Paul Collaborative Staff