Lenten Gift Story Part 1: Build the Faith

Lenten Gift Story Part 1: Build the Faith

BUILD THE FAITH was inspired by the unwavering faith in God exhibited by Christina Dangond Lacouture, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in December 2012, at the tender age of 6. In the months and years after her diagnosis, Christina and her parents, Monica Lacouture and Fernando Dangond, members of our Collaborative, began to organize rosary groups and retreats. The family also heard of a proposed Catholic church in their home country of Colombia that was to be built in an area stricken with poverty and in need of funding. They held fundraisers and collected donations, and together made rosaries to sell for the cause. In 2016, they founded Build the Faith as a non-profit to “help build the Catholic faith around the world.”  

In 2017, Christina and her family flew to Colombia to present the church with a check for $20,000, and in February of 2018, a month after Christina died, Monica flew back to Colombia to present the church with another check, this time for $25,000…

Friday, March 21 at 5:00pm: Teen Reconciliation and Worship Service at St. John the Evangelist Church

Friday, March 21 at 5:00pm: Teen Reconciliation and Worship Service at St. John the Evangelist Church

An open invitation to all teens – particularly those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this spring – to experience God’s love and mercy.

There will be music, a brief reading from scripture, a short reflection, and a walk through an examination of conscience. The Youth Ministry team will help guide you through all the steps to leaving a little lighter and filled with God’s mercy! 

Interested, but not sure if you’ll feel ready to receive the sacrament?  That’s OK, there will be no pressure – please come to the service anyway, and encourage your friends to come too!

Young Adult Ministry: “Theology at the Table” – March 22 and April 4

Young Adult Ministry: “Theology at the Table” – March 22 and April 4

This Lent, Young Adults in and around the Collaborative are invited to join us for “Theology at the Table.” A unique spin on Theology on Tap, using the dining room table the SJSP Young Adult Ministry has come to love, these dinners will offer an opportunity to gather with a special guest to discuss topics and grow in faith and community. 

Our guest on March 22, Kayla August, a PhD Candidate at Boston College, will share with us about her own call as a preacher and to explore and reflect on the Burning Bush moments of our own lives.  Our guest on April 4 needs no introduction – our pastor, Fr. Jim!

These dinners are open to young adults aged 21 to 40. Please register for one or both of these wonderful evenings by visiting…

Thursday, March 20: Lenten Gift Lecture – “Turning Dreams into Reality with Build the Faith”

Thursday, March 20: Lenten Gift Lecture – “Turning Dreams into Reality with Build the Faith”

Please join us on Thursday, March 20 at 7:00pm in St. John Powers Hall for “Turning Dreams into Reality with Build the Faith.”  The evening will offer a comprehensive introduction to our 2025 Lenten Gift recipient, Build the Faith, and their current project which our gift will support – the building of a church in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon. 

Monica Lacouture and Fernando Dangond will share the story of Build the Faith, which was inspired by the unwavering faith in God exhibited by their daughter, Christina Dangond Lacouture, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the tender age of 6.

Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Lesley, who both served as pastor in this community before joining us here in Wellesley, will share their experiences…

An Important Message from Archbishop Henning about the Catholic Appeal

An Important Message from Archbishop Henning about the Catholic Appeal

Please take a moment (it’s only 90 seconds long!) to view this important message from Archbishop Richard Henning about the Catholic Appeal, which launches across the Archdiocese this weekend. 

One of the most meaningful ways that we deepen the impact of our Archdiocese’s schools, parishes, and ministries is by supporting the Catholic Appeal. Your partnership and participation carry Christ’s love into our communities and spread hope.

If you have not yet had a chance to respond to the Appeal, commitment envelopes will be available in the churches on the weekend of March 22-23, and donations can be made online at any time by visiting bostoncatholicappeal.org.

Question for the First Week of Lent: In what area of your life do you most need God’s presence…

Question for the First Week of Lent: <i>In what area of your life do you most need God’s presence…</i>

This year, as a Collaborative, each week in Lent we will offer a Question of the Week which will be related to the Sunday readings. The questions will be published in the bulletin and on the website, and proposed briefly before the final blessing at every Mass during the Lenten season. This is an opportunity for our Collaborative community to be praying in companionship with one another, while simultaneously examining our individual spirituality. Consider this a collaborative-wide Lenten mini retreat!

QUESTION FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT: Our Responsorial Psalm today is a petition to God – “Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble”.

In what area of your life do you most need God’s presence and when have you seen the Lord provide for you when you were in trouble? Do you consider your need for God a strength or weakness? 

Come Sing in the Collaborative Children’s Choir on Easter Sunday!

Come Sing in the Collaborative Children’s Choir on Easter Sunday!

Children in Grades 3-7 are invited to join the Collaborative Children’s Choir to sing at the 9:00am Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church on Easter Sunday, April 20.  

We will be holding a special rehearsal prior to Easter – stay tuned for more information! 

But why wait – start singing at the Family Mass now!

The Collaborative Children’s Choir sings the 9:00am Family Mass every Sunday during the school year. The Choir is open to children in grades 3-7 (with some flexibility, just ask!)  We meet at 8:30am Sunday mornings to rehearse before the 9:00am Family Mass – come join us!

Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner: Saturday, March 15 at 5:00pm in St. Paul Parish Hall

Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner: Saturday, March 15 at 5:00pm in St. Paul Parish Hall

Join Us for Food, Drinks, Music, Coffee and Dessert!

Meal Options: Corned Beef Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Vegetarian Sandwich

Attention Bakers! Please bring a dessert to share!

Tickets are $20 for Adults and $10 for Children (families with children maximum $50)

Please make your reservations by March 10 to help with planning – thank you!

Please reserve online NOW! Click this link:  sjspwellesley.org/st-patricks-dinner

Bible Study: “Women in the Old Testament Part Two” – Begins March 11

Bible Study: “Women in the Old Testament Part Two” – Begins March 11

As Catholics, we often stick to the familiar stories from Scripture that we hear at Mass, but what about those stories that are few and far between in our lectionary?

This Lent, join us as we explore the creativity, courage, and leadership of women in the Old Testament and come to know ourselves and God more deeply through the lens of their stories.  Using the Little Rock Scripture Study guide, Women in the Old Testament, Part Two, we will explore stories of women of the Bible such as such as Judith and Esther, whose complexities and gifts broke stereotypes and continue to reveal God to us. Please come to the first session prepared to discuss Lesson 1. No prior knowledge is required  – only an open heart and mind, and a willingness to meet these holy figures in prayer and community. 

Online registration has now closed – if you are interested please contact…