RCAB Mask Mandate Begins Saturday, December 18

In the light of spiking numbers of new COVID cases and the likely increase in those numbers in the upcoming holiday season, Cardinal Seán O’Malley has mandated the wearing of masks when attending public Masses, including weddings and funerals, throughout the Archdiocese of Boston, beginning next Saturday, December 18.
Masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status, beginning next weekend, December 18-19.
Christmas Mass Schedule 2021
“Spirit of Sharing” Gift Collection for St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence

For over two decades, a group of St. John-St. Paul parishioners and St. John School families has organized a collection and distribution of Christmas gifts for children struggling with poverty and hunger in Lawrence. The Spirit of Sharing, is co-sponsored by Saint Patrick’s Parish in Lawrence under the leadership of Fr. Paul O’Brien. The program benefits hundreds of people in that community who lack the financial means to provide their children with Christmas gifts. Thank you to Fr. Jim Laughlin for his abiding support of Spirit of Sharing over the years and to all parishioners for your participation…
POWIR Update: Meet the Family!

On Friday, November 19, we welcomed with joy a beautiful Refugee Family from Kabul, Afghanistan. Iqbal (dad), Khatol (mom), Shahzad (2 year old boy) and Huda (1 year old girl) are settled into their home in Boston. Iqbal is eager to begin the process of finding a job, and with his solid English skills and strong work ethic, we are confident he’ll be employed quickly!
We can not thank you enough for your generosity in contributing to their resettlement efforts…
Wednesday, December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Evening for Women: Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30pm at St. John

Mary Rita Weschler is Director of The Women’s Table which was established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston in 2008 to improve the lives of women and their families. Women from all walks of life are served: young, homeless moms living in shelters, older women grieving the loss of a spouse, mothers of children with disabilities, immigrant women in search of community and more. Coffee and dessert to follow in Powers Hall. Program available on Live Stream and will be recorded.
Mass marks beginning of synodal process in Archdiocese of Boston
Sunday, December 5 at 2pm: Christmas Pops Concert at St. Paul

The St. Paul Adult Choir, directed by Mary Lee Cirella, is pleased to announce that the Christmas Pops Concert is back! The program will open with the joyful work Te Deum by Mozart. The Te Deum is one of the ancient prayers of the Church and a joyous hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for all of His help in this difficult time. There will be a group of inspirational works in remembrance of our loved ones as well as Christmas Carols, old and new, accompanied by orchestra, harp and organ. With special guest soloist, Fr. Jim Laughlin! Donations to the St. Paul Music Program will be gratefully accepted.
Upcoming Retreats for the Grieving

The St. John-St. Paul Collaborative is dedicated to both the prayerful and practical support of those experiencing loss. In the coming months, we will be hosting two special retreats.
In December, we will host “Blessed Are Those Who Mourn”, a half-day retreat offering Christ-centered consolation in the midst of grief.
In February, we will be hosting a one-day retreat with The Emmaus Ministry, which was founded to serve the unique spiritual needs of grieving parents…




