St. Paul Giving Tree: Take a Tag or Scan a Code!

St. Paul Giving Tree: Take a Tag or Scan a Code!

St. Paul Giving Tree is an Advent tradition spreading Christmas cheer from our parish to hundreds of people through several local organizations. 

We now have two boards set up in the St. Paul Sanctuary with gift tag requests. (Christmas trees will replace the boards after Thanksgiving!)

Several of the organizations we are supporting have also provided Amazon & Target Wish Lists to make giving easier – simply click the links below or scan the QR codes in the bulletin or on the posters in the church, select the items you would like to gift, and they will be shipped directly to the organization!

Special Pastoral Message on Immigration by the Bishops of the United States

Special Pastoral Message on Immigration by the Bishops of the United States

“We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.”

On November 12, 2025, and for the first time in 12 years, the U.S. bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. Collectively, the bishops have invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops.

In this video, some of those bishops come together to give voice to the message, which advocates for a meaningful reform of immigration laws and the recognition of the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.  Archbishop Henning participated in the drafting of the statement and also appears in the video.

November 18: Raising Hope for Climate Justice: A Message from Pope Leo

November 18: Raising Hope for Climate Justice: A Message from Pope Leo

Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00pm
Powers Hall, Lower Level St. John the Evangelist Church

Join the SJSP Care for Creation Committee for a Zoom webinar with Fran Ludwig, co-chair of Boston Catholic Climate Movement and delegate to the recent Raising Hope for Climate Justice conference in Rome. Hear about Pope Leo’s challenge to us to protect our common home and all who inhabit it — particularly the poor and vulnerable who are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Munchies will be served!

Can’t attend in person? Click here to register for the webinar…

Saint John School Trees & Trimmings Coming Saturday, December 6 – Pre-Order Wreaths & Greens Now!

Saint John School <i>Trees & Trimmings</i> Coming Saturday, December 6 – Pre-Order Wreaths & Greens Now!

For over 50 years, Saint John School’s Annual Trees & Trimmings Christmas Market has helped to celebrate the season while also supporting Saint John School. Mark your calendar for this year’s market on Saturday, December 6th! 

But why wait until then to support SJS? Order wreaths and greens now! Early Access WREATHS & GREENS are on sale NOW online at treesandtrimmings.com Advent Wreaths, boxwoods, wreaths, and mantle pieces can be ordered NOW online through November 20 for afternoon curbside pick-up on November 24 – 25.

November 13, 2025: Collaborative Book Club – “My Life with the Saints” by Fr. James Martin

November 13, 2025: Collaborative Book Club – “My Life with the Saints” by Fr. James Martin

Our next meeting will be this Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 pm in the St. Paul office. Join us as we begin a discussion of My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin. This week we’ll discuss Chapters 1-6.

Newcomers are always welcome! Meetings are in person on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of each month. For questions or information about joining us, email: bookclub@sjspwellesley.org

November 15-16: Second Collection for Hurricane Melissa Relief

November 15-16: Second Collection for Hurricane Melissa Relief

On October 28th, a category 5 hurricane with winds of 180mph slammed into Jamaica. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, as well as Cuba and the Bahamas, have experienced deaths, injuries, and widespread damage. Recognizing the immediate and expected need for assistance, Archbishop Henning has requested pastors consider taking up a voluntary special collection to support Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS is already on the ground and will provide lifesaving support—including emergency shelter, clean water, and essential supplies—to families most at risk.

St. John-St. Paul Collaborative will hold a special second collection next weekend, November 15-16. Parishioners are asked to address their checks to their parish (St. John or St. Paul) with “Hurricane Melissa Relief” in the memo.

November 1 Confirmation Retreat Recap: Beloved by God, Called to Be a Light in the World

November 1 Confirmation Retreat Recap: Beloved by God, Called to Be a Light in the World

On All Saints’ Day, more than 60 Confirmation candidates took part in the first Confirmation retreat of the year. In keeping with the feast day, the retreat focused on the call to holiness each of us is given as beloved children of God. Filled with witness talks, skits, walk & talk reflection time, and small group activities, the day was a wonderful opportunity for the young people of our Collaborative to see themselves through God’s eyes and to grow in faith and fun with one another as they prepare for Confirmation.

As night fell, the group joined in night prayer in St. Paul Church, where they lifted their voices in praise and worship…

Watch Sr. Colleen Gibson’s Homily for All Souls Day

Watch Sr. Colleen Gibson’s Homily for All Souls Day

Who wants to think about death – their own or that of others? The temptation is to pass over talk of death in favor of new life. Yet if our faith teaches us anything, it is that the negative space of death has the ability, like negative space in art, to reveal the beauty of the bigger picture.

All Souls’ Day, coupled with All Saints’ Day, invites us right into that space. It invites us to bridge the gap between life and death. It asks us to put our faith on full display. Faith in the resurrection. Faith that in the dying and the rising of the everyday we grow closer to Christ. Faith that no matter who we lose in this life to death, they are never lost to God.

Click play to watch video…

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