What’s Been Happening in Family Faith Formation? The Sacraments of Initiation

What’s Been Happening in Family Faith Formation? The Sacraments of Initiation

In January, we welcomed families back to Family Faith Formation and our new theme – The 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.  

In early January, Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy, led sessions for our Loaves & Fishes (3-5) and Mustard Seeds (K-2) families.

On February 1, Sister Colleen Gibson, Coordinator of Pastoral Care, led the Salt & Light (6-7) session on the Sacraments of Initiation for students and parents…

Another Fun-Filled Evening at the Annual Father-Daughter Dance!

Another Fun-Filled Evening at the Annual Father-Daughter Dance!

This year’s annual Father-Daughter Dance was held on Friday, February 6 in a beautifully decorated St. Paul Parish Hall with a packed-house of dads, daughters, and special friends.  The DJ kept the party going with great music and fun games and prizes, and great time was had by all!

This annual event is organized and run by dads – a big thank you to Russ Morton and friends for making the event a huge success! 

February 22, 2026: “Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of Black Catholics in Boston” at St. Ignatius Church

February 22, 2026: “Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of Black Catholics in Boston” at St. Ignatius Church

The St. Ignatius Racial Justice Committee will host a showing of the new film Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of Black Catholics in Boston. Produced by the Archdiocese, the documentary explores the history of Black Catholics through insightful interviews with members of Boston’s Black Catholic community. After the half-hour screening, a small panel will reflect on the themes of the documentary and share their insights and lived experiences.

There will be time for Q&A, and a light supper will be offered. RSVP is strongly encouraged so we can plan on seating and food.  RSVP here…

From Build the Faith: Men’s Weekend Retreat “Encountering Christ, Becoming One” – February 27-March 1

From Build the Faith: Men’s Weekend Retreat “Encountering Christ, Becoming One” – February 27-March 1

You’re invited to a soulful Lenten retreat for men of faith. Step away from the noise, slow your pace, and reconnect with your soul in the presence of God.

Join Fr. Michael Harrington, Fr. Edward Riley, and the Build the Faith / HFI Retreat Team for a powerful weekend at the Damascus Men’s Retreat, happening February 27th – March 1st.

This year’s theme, “Encountering Christ, Becoming One” is an invitation to step away from the noise and step fully into life with Christ. This retreat calls you to encounter Jesus in a personal and powerful way—through prayer, reflection, and brotherhood—and to rediscover the joy of walking closely with Him in every moment. More than a break from routine, it is a time to be spiritually renewed, strengthened in faith, and united with other men who are seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord. Come ready to be refreshed, challenged, and transformed…

February 19, 2026: Law, Conscience, and Migration Today – An Interdisciplinary Conference at Boston College

February 19, 2026: Law, Conscience, and Migration Today – An Interdisciplinary Conference at Boston College

Over the past year, the United States has witnessed sweeping changes to its immigration policy, communities and families torn apart by mass deportations, and a sharp rise in fear and uncertainty due to new enforcement tactics. Amid this landscape, voices of prophetic courage on the local, national, and global scenes have provided signs of hope, insisting on the contributions immigrants make and on a human dignity that crosses borders.

Speakers include scholars and graduate students from a variety of disciplines, policy experts, ecclesial and civic leaders, as well as representatives from community-based initiatives. Additionally, the conference offers an advocacy training session and spotlights local, impact-driven opportunities. In this way, the conference aims to both inform as well as provide participants with opportunities to take action…

A Message from Our Friends at NPH

A Message from Our Friends at NPH

As we begin 2026, I’d like to share a story of hope and resilience from one of our NPH homes.

The NPH home in the Dominican Republic is a place of love and stability for more than 600 children and adults. Among its many programs is one especially close to our hearts: providing a safe home, therapies, and lifelong care for more than 31 individuals with severe disabilities and special needs—19 of whom will be lovingly supported by NPH for the rest of their lives.

Today, I want to introduce you to one of these children: a little boy named Kervens, whose life has been transformed thanks to the generosity of supporters like you…

“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!

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