Adult Faith Enrichment – Page 3 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Tuesday, March 3 Evening for Women: “Potluck Prayer”

Tuesday, March 3 <i>Evening for Women</i>: “Potluck Prayer”

Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30pm
St. John Chapel and Powers Hall

All women of the collaborative are invited to an hour of “Potluck Prayer” – a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel with an invitation for all gathered to share music, poems, readings, art, and anything else that may be preparing our hearts for our Lenten journey or inspiring our prayer life.

After our Holy Hour we will gather in Powers Hall for a potluck dinner and fellowship.

Bring a dish or beverage to share and invite a friend or neighbor to come along!

Our Question of the Week for the First Week of Lent

Our <i>Question of the Week</i> for the First Week of Lent

In our responsorial psalm today, we hear the psalmist sing, “Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me…”

In what ways does your heart need to be purified?

What grace do you need to receive from God in order to maintain a steadfast spirit?

Lent 2026: A Message from Fr. Jim

It is impossible to miss the irony of this passage from Matthew’s gospel as it is proclaimed on Ash Wednesday. As Jesus exhorts us to pray and fast in secret, we receive ashes on our forehead that proclaim to all we see that we are fasting! There is no magic in the ashes. Unlike the Eucharist, which confers grace, ashes are a sacramental, a sacred sign which disposes us to receive grace. Jesus is not decrying ritual or communal prayer. Rather he points to centrality of our “internal” transformation. Lent is a time for us to focus on that internal transformation by turning to the presence of the Triune God, who dwells within us.

I have read and re-read a book which has been very helpful in my own prayer. It is called The Impact of God: Soundings from St. John of the Cross by Fr. Iain Matthew, an English Carmelite priest…

Lent 2026: Catholic Social Teaching Series with Fr. Ken Himes

Three Thursday Evenings: February 26, March 12, March 26
7-8:30pm at St. Paul Parish Hall or on Zoom

Catholic Social Teaching has been called the “best kept secret in the Catholic Church.” Join us as we dive deeper into this hidden gem of our faith with Fr. Ken Himes as a guide on the way! This three-session series will explore the pillars of Catholic Social Teaching and how they can call us to faith-filled action in our world today. Drawing from life experience and Gospel principles, this program promises a foundational understanding of CST and will bolster you spirit in the season of Lent and beyond!

Offered in a hybrid-format – participate online via Zoom or in-person in the St. Paul Parish Hall for fellowship and sharing as we learn from Fr. Himes and reflect together on the social implications of living out our faith! Registration is required – please register below…

Care for Creation Lenten Resources

Looking for ways to incorporate Care for God’s Creation in your Lenten prayer, fasting and almsgiving plans?

Check out Catholic Climate Covenant’s Lenten Resources!

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

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

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…

“Steadfast Spirits in an Age of Upheaval”

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

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!