Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Lind (1927-2026)

Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Lind (1927-2026)

It is with combined sadness and gratitude for a beautiful life of ministry that we let you know that Msgr. Joseph Lind, beloved longtime pastor of St. Paul Parish, went home to God yesterday. What a remarkable gift he has been to us and to the Church – how many lives he has blessed with his presence and faith!

Visitation will be at St. Paul Church on Tuesday, July 21, from 5:00-8:00 PM.

The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St Paul Church on Wednesday, July 22, at 11:00 AM.

Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Lind who served the Archdiocese of Boston for 61 years, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. He was born in Newton, MA in 1927, the son of Frank P. Lind and Winnifred (Joyce) Lind, and grew up in St. John the Evangelist Parish, where he celebrated his first Mass after being ordained to the priesthood…

Sisters Mark Milestone Anniversaries – Including Sister Evelyn Ronan!

Sisters Mark Milestone Anniversaries – Including Sister Evelyn Ronan!

On June 28, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur gathered at Emmanuel College to honor 10 Jubilarians, including Sister Evelyn Ronan, beloved Pastoral Associate at St. John from 1993-2016 and a 70 Year Jubilarian! The sisters participated in Mass, renewed their vows and celebrated with family and friends. Sister Pat  O’Brien gave the homily, which included these thoughts:

As I bring these reflections to a close, I invite you to bring to mind the Jubilarians we celebrate today and to recall a time when one of them blessed you with one of the gifts of which Saint Paul writes – a time when she bore with you or treated you gently; when she treated you with compassion or kindness; when she modeled humility; when she forgave you; when she brought peace or unity; when you felt her love, even if it was tough love. Hold that moment in your heart, give thanks for the encounter and for the woman who brought it to you, and pray for the grace to give that gift to someone in your life…”

Family Faith Formation News from Fr. Jim

Family Faith Formation News from Fr. Jim

I am writing to let you know that Linda Messore is no longer working as Director of Children’s Faith Formation for the Collaborative. We are thankful for her many years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors.

We have begun a formal search for a Director of Family Faith Formation to lead our Mustard Seeds (K-2), Loaves & Fishes (3-5), and Salt & Light (6 & 7) programs, as well as our programs for First Reconciliation & First Communion preparation (typically Grade 2), and Confirmation preparation (Grade 8 and up.)

We will share more information later in the summer about the coming year as we continue our ongoing renewal of our faith formation ministry…

A Word from Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy

A Word from Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy

It is with thankfulness I share exciting news of where the Holy Spirit has led me. In late August, I will step into the role of Director of Vocal Music at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. The mission of Sacred Heart Schools – to form courageous, globally-minded young women for leadership – is in direct concert with the ways God continues to call me in ministry. I’m inspired to join the seasoned faculty, empowering young women in strong social awareness, active faith, intellectual values, service, and personal growth.

I will always hold a space of deep gratitude and sacredness for my time working at St. John-St. Paul Collaborative…

Day 15: Tuesday, June 30 | Gathering the Graces: Santiago de Compostela

Day 15: Tuesday, June 30 | Gathering the Graces: Santiago de Compostela

At the entrance of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the “Portico of Glory,” the triumphant entry way that pilgrims traverse to make their way into their final destination (though some will continue on to the sea at Finisterre (“The End of the Earth”).  Upon passing through the portico, we will find the pillar where thousands of pilgrims have come before, placing their hand in the worn-out space: a mark of a journey many have made and continue to make.

From there we will go to the Pilgrim Mass and have our Camino passport stamped. We have officially completed the Camino!

Day 14: June 29 – Part 2 | We Made It!

Day 14: June 29 – Part 2 | We Made It!

We made it! Thirteen days of walking- tired toes, aching bodies, a plethora of personalities, and lots of hard work… and we did it!

We departed our camp this morning with the intent of making this final day’s journey together. This might seem easy but with 30 pilgrims (including 24 high school girls), any time we go together we make waves. Still, we persevered and stuck together. Over hills and through the woods, we held together. A sign of unity on the trail, that many pelegrinos commented over our weeks that they delighted in seeing…

Special Second Collection July 18-19, 2026: Venezuela Relief Efforts

Special Second Collection July 18-19, 2026: Venezuela Relief Efforts

Noting the immense suffering and loss of life occurring in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes, Archbishop Richard G. Henning has asked parishes to consider taking up a special collection to aid relief efforts.  Our Collaborative will take up this collection on the weekend of July 18-19.   

For this special collection, parishioners are asked to address their checks to their parish, with “Venezuela Relief” in the memo. To donate online…

Day 14: Monday, June 29 | An End in Sight: Rúa to Santiago de Compostela

Day 14: Monday, June 29 | An End in Sight: Rúa to Santiago de Compostela

This is the final stretch! You’ll note the final distance (20.3km) doesn’t come with a label (Easy, Intermediate, or Expert). It simply is, because no matter how difficult it is, we must complete it to reach our destination. 

Having followed the scallop shells this far and by putting one foot in front of the other, we arrive at our destination: The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

As we near the conclusion of our journey, there is much to make an account of: the prayers we’ve prayed, the miles we’ve walked, the things we’ve learned…

Day 13: Sunday, June 28 – Part 2 | Grace and Gratitude

Today marked our next to last day of walking on the Camino de Santiago. With our final destination in sight (and heart) you can feel the shifting energy in the group. Students have begun to reflect on the lessons of the Way, others are ready to go home to family and friends. Tomorrow will mark 2 full weeks of travel, which for many is a new experience.

In many ways, our walk today was uneventful and that is a welcome state of being. We’ve come to know our bodies and paces (and to push both, whether up hills or to slow down when you “just want the walk to be done”) and so details can get lost in the familiarity of the way…

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