“Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power”

“Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power”

“Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.”  -Pope Leo XIV

The opening words of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, summarize its underlying reasons and purpose. The Pope signed the encyclical on May 15, the 135th anniversary of the promulgation of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum novarum.

Read more at VaticanNews.va

Congratulations Fr. James!

Congratulations Fr. James!

Please join us in congratulating Fr. James Taah on his graduation with a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) from the Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) at Boston College!

We’re thrilled to let you know that Fr. James has been accepted into the Doctorate in Sacred Theology program at the CSTM, which means he will  be remaining with us here at the Collaborative for at least a few more years!

Spring 2026: First Communion at the St. John-St. Paul Collaborative

Spring 2026: First Communion at the St. John-St. Paul Collaborative

In keeping with our new Family Faith Formation model and the guidance of the Archdiocese of Boston, this spring children began receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion with their families at a Sunday Mass – the same way they will receive the sacrament throughout their lives.

During April and May, 65 children in our Family Faith Formation program received their First Holy Communion at our Family Masses. Please keep them and their families in your prayers as they continue to grow in love and faith!

Boston Catholic Appeal Update

Boston Catholic Appeal Update

As we pause to assess participation in this year’s Catholic Appeal, we want to thank all who have generously supported the effort thus far! We know there are many good causes vying for your attention, and we are grateful for every gift that supports the Appeal…

Each year, the Archdiocese sets an assessment for each of its parishes. When parishioners’ giving surpasses the assessment, the parish receives a rebate (roughly 40% of the overage) from the  Archdiocese. Here at the Collaborative, an estimate of the expected Catholic Appeal rebate (based on recent history) is included in each parish’s annual operating budget. If, however, a parish has a shortfall (the amount given by parishioners is less than the assessment), the parish is responsible for the difference between the parishioners’ donations and the assessment…

Honoring Laudato Si’ Week, May 17-24!

Honoring Laudato Si’ Week, May 17-24!

May 17-24 marks the 11th Anniversary of Laudato Si’,  Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for Creation – one of the 7 basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching. 

This year’s anniversary theme is “From Hope to Action.”  All Catholics are challenged to take at least one action that will help address the cry of the earth which, as Pope Leo has pointed out, cannot be separated from the cry of the poor. What will your action be? 

Check out some concrete suggestions below..

Spring 2026: The Sacrament of Confirmation at the Collaborative

Spring 2026: The Sacrament of Confirmation at the Collaborative

Over the past two weeks more than 100 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Robert Reed. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit and grow in their faith.

In 2024, the Archdiocese of Boston announced that the ordinary age of Confirmation would be lowered from Grade 10 to Grade 8. This change was made to facilitate a renewal in family engagement in the life of the parish, especially Sunday Mass, and a renewal of youth ministry within parishes – one that goes beyond sacramental preparation.

Service and Outreach Opportunites with Partakers, Ignatian Volunteer Corps, and A Faith That Does Justice

Service and Outreach Opportunites with Partakers, Ignatian Volunteer Corps, and A Faith That Does Justice

Partakers: Partakers works every day to reduce prison recidivism through essential educational opportunities, key skills training, and the power of community and Mentor relationships.

Ignatian Volunteer Corps: The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) connects adults 50+ with community-based organizations where they make a meaningful impact through long-term service and spiritual growth.

A Faith That Does Justice: A Faith That Does Justice welcomes people of all backgrounds to put their faith into action to create a more just world.