“Steadfast Spirits in an Age of Upheaval”

<i>“Steadfast Spirits in an Age of Upheaval”</i>

A Column in Global Sisters Report – January 30, 2026 by Colleen Gibson, SSJ

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a local coffee shop with a woman I had never met before. She was interested in religious life, and through a mutual friend, I had been deemed a fitting conversation partner.

Looking at her across the table, I wondered what, if anything, might come of our conversation. She was about my age, late in her thirties and pondering if and to what God might be calling her. Gripping my mug of tea, I listened attentively as she told me about the sisters she had met in her discernment journey thus far.

She had met with several women religious already and our friend thought I might be able to offer a friendly ear free of the pressures of a more formal conversation…

Watch the Recording: “Contemplative Prayer in a Polarized World” with Guest Speaker Dr. Brian Robinette

Watch the Recording: “Contemplative Prayer in a Polarized World” with Guest Speaker Dr. Brian Robinette

On Tuesday, February 3, “Evening for Women” welcomed Dr. Brian Robinette, Professor of Theology at Boston College (and St. Paul’s Parishioner!) to speak about the theology and practice of contemplative prayer and how contemplation can help us in the context of a polarized world. 

We wanted to share his engaging lecture with the whole Collaborative!

Winter Walk Postponed to Sunday, March 22!

Winter Walk Postponed to Sunday, March 22!

From the organizers: “Due to external factors directly associated with the impact of the recent record snowstorm and sustained frigid temperatures, the Winter Walk event cannot be set up on Boston Common this month, and has been rescheduled to March 22, 2026.”

If you already registered, registrations and donations for “Capuchin Mobile Ministries” will carry over to the new date.

Stay tuned for more information about plans for Sunday, March 22!

An Update on the Progress at St. John Paul II Church in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon

An Update on the Progress at St. John Paul II Church in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon

Last year’s Lenten Gift campaign supported BUILD THE FAITH’s project to construct a church for the St. John Paul II community in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon where Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Lesley both served as pastor.  This thriving, faith filled community was celebrating the sacraments in a converted chicken coop that only held about half the congregation.  

Our gift is helping BUILD THE FAITH turn the dream of a proper church where the community could worship together into a reality! Please see this post from last spring for an important recap of this amazing project – and check out the amazing progress pictures below!

Family Faith Formation: Salt & Light (6-7) this Sunday, February 1 at 4pm at St. John

Family Faith Formation: Salt & Light (6-7) this Sunday, February 1 at 4pm at St. John

This is a Family Session – students accompanied by a parent/guardian. Children may not be “dropped off” without a parent or guardian for Family Sessions. 

This Family Session will begin with an opening prayer and “Focus on Faith” reflection on “The Sacraments of Initiation” with Sr. Colleen Gibson.  We will talk about what a sacrament is and what is meant by “sacramental grace,”  focusing in particular on the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation.  These are the sacraments that welcome us into the Christian community and provide the foundation for our lifelong journey in the faith…

Important Update from the Pastoral Care Team

Important Update from the Pastoral Care Team

Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy, will be away from the Collaborative on medical leave following a planned surgery from January 29 until mid-March. 

During this time, please reach out to Sister Colleen Gibson SSJ, Coordinator of Pastoral Care, for all Pastoral Care concerns. Sister Colleen can be reached by email at cgibson@sjspwellesley.org or by calling either parish office.

We will, as a Collaborative community, hold Kelly in our prayers while she recovers. Please know that she will continue to hold us in hers.

Archbishop Coakley: “Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter…”

Archbishop Coakley: “Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter…”

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, released the following reflection and invitation on Wednesday, January 28:

“Many people today feel powerless in the face of violence, injustice, and social unrest. To those who feel this way, I wish to say clearly: your faithfulness matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter. 

I am deeply grateful for the countless ways Catholics and all people of good will continue to serve one another and work for peace and justice. Whether feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, accompanying the lonely, visiting the imprisoned, or striving daily to love their neighbors, no work of mercy or act of justice is ever wasted in the eyes of God. While proper laws must be respected, works of mercy, peacefully assembling, and caring for those in your community are signs of hope, and they build peace more surely than anger or despair ever could…”

February 3 Evening for Women: “Contemplative Prayer in a Polarized World” with Guest Speaker Dr. Brian Robinette

February 3 Evening for Women: “Contemplative Prayer in a Polarized World” with Guest Speaker Dr. Brian Robinette

February 3, 2026 at 6:30pm
St. John the Evangelist Church – Lower Level

“Evening for Women” is excited to welcome Dr. Brian Robinette, Professor of Theology at Boston College (and St. Paul’s Parishioner!) to speak about the theology and practice of contemplative prayer and how contemplation can help us in the context of a polarized world.  

Followed by a potluck dinner in Powers Hall – bring a friend and a dish to share!

Please visit the Evening for Women page for more information and the full schedule for the year.

We’re Joining Capuchin Mobile Ministries for “Winter Walk 2026” on Sunday, February 8!

We’re Joining Capuchin Mobile Ministries for “Winter Walk 2026” on Sunday, February 8!

Please consider joining us on the Capuchin Mobile Ministries Winter Walk Team to help raise awareness and vital funds for those experiencing homelessness. All are welcome – individuals, families, adults, kids – even dogs! It’s a great opportunity to join together in service with other members of our SJSP community! While those who are able to fundraise or make a personal donation for Capuchin Mobile Ministries are encouraged to do so, it not required to participate in the walk…

A group from the Collaborative is taking the Green Line in to Boston from the Riverside T Station in Newton…

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