“One Body, One Family” A Reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family

“One Body, One Family” A Reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family

By Kelly Meraw for the BUILD THE FAITH BLOG

This reflection is being penned the day after another horrific mass shooting; innocent people murdered and wounded, parents left reeling, and students left with a life-long trauma that no surgeon could bind up. Yet another atrocity in a country so accustomed to gun violence that we have settled for it as an unchangeable reality. It’s unlikely this event will persevere in the headlines past the obligatory 72-hour news cycle. Our level of grief and outrage can simply not be sustained now that we’ve collectively resigned ourselves to living like this, deciding meaningful reform is unachievable…

Start the New Year With a Gift to Creation!

Start the New Year With a Gift to Creation!

Our homes were graced with beautiful Christmas trees this season.  We invite you to show your gratitude and “pay it forward” by planting a tree (or 2 or 3) to start the new year.  Many organizations, including the Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted, the USDA Forest Service Plant-a-Tree Program, the National Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy make it easy to plant trees from the comfort of your home.  

Better yet, plant one in your yard or at the home of a loved one!  It’s a gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime!

Adult Faith Enrichment: Wednesday Morning Discussion Group on “The Chosen”

Adult Faith Enrichment: Wednesday Morning Discussion Group on “The Chosen”

Wednesday Mornings from 10am – 11:30am
St. Paul Office – Lower Level Conference Room

Join us for an exploration of the Gospel through the lens of “The Chosen”, a video series about the life and ministry of Jesus, the people he met, and the people who followed him. It is primarily set in the first century and has been viewed by over 300 million people. 

All are welcome, no registration needed! Join in at any time – each session is a stand-alone discussion.

Adult Faith Enrichment: Calling Out From the Depths: The Book of Psalms – a 7-Week Psalm Study in Partnership with Temple Beth Elohim (BEGINS JANUARY 8!)

Adult Faith Enrichment: <i>Calling Out From the Depths: The Book of Psalms</i> – a 7-Week Psalm Study in Partnership with Temple Beth Elohim (BEGINS JANUARY 8!)

In a time when we are divided in so many ways, Calling Out from the Depths will explore the beliefs we share in common and the ways we can grow in faith and knowledge as beloved children of One God. 

This 7-session study beginning January 8 will be team-taught by Dr. Andrew R. Davis, Professor of Old Testament at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry, and Rabbi Or Rose, founding Director of the Hebrew College Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership.

Thursday Evenings from 7:00-8:30pm. Begins January 8 – the first three sessions will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church, and the remaining four sessions will be at Temple Beth Elohim. Cost: $350 Registration and payment through the Hebrew College website..

January 3: Young Adults 3 Kings Game Night!

January 3: Young Adults <i>3 Kings Game Night!</i>

As we celebrate the Christmas season, why not engage in a little friendly fun?!

 Young Adults (21-40) are invited to the annual Young Adult Ministry Three Kings Game Night on Saturday, January 3rd at St. John Rectory at 6PM/following the 5PM Vigil Mass.

Dinner will be provided, participants are encouraged to bring a snack or dessert to add to the revelry! Bring a game or a friend to share in the fun!

For more information or to let us know you’re coming: RSVP or email Sr. Colleen for more information.

NEW DATE! Evening for Women Advent Liturgy
Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30pm at St. John

NEW DATE! Evening for Women Advent Liturgy<br>Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30pm at St. John

Hope is the light that breaks through the darkness. But, at a time when it does feel like the darkness is winning, it is a discipline to conceive hope… John’s prologue and the season of Advent reminds us that God’s version of greatness is never in what we’d expect…

All women of the Collaborative are invited to an evening of music, scripture, guided meditation, prayer, and reflection.

Followed by a potluck dinner in Powers Hall – bring a friend and a dish to share! We look forward to seeing you there!

Young Adult Ministry: Advent Theology at the Table on Saturday, December 6 at St. John

Young Adult Ministry: Advent Theology at the Table on Saturday, December 6 at St. John

Young Adults in and around the Collaborative (age 21-40) are invited to an Advent theme “Theology at the Table” event on Saturday, December 6th at the St. John Rectory following the 5pm Vigil Mass. Join us for dinner and discussion with special guest Fr. Bryan Hehir as we deepen our understanding of “what we’re waiting for” in Advent.

RSVP appreciated but not required.

Visit RSVP for Theology at the Table or email Sister Colleen (cgibson@sjspwellesley.org) to register or with any questions.

Advent Lectio Divina: “Encountering the Living Word” – A 3-Week Series Beginning December 2

Advent <i>Lectio Divina</i>: “Encountering the Living Word” – A 3-Week Series Beginning December 2

Come explore the practice of Lectio Divina  (literally “divine reading”), by prayerfully listening to the Sunday scriptures for Advent and reflecting with a group on where the Spirit is drawing your prayer.  These small group sessions are designed for those who want to deepen their encounter with the Word made Flesh that dwells within the depth of our heart and the fullness of Scripture.   

We will me on Tuesdays, from 9:30-10:30AM in the Chapel at John the Evangelist Church (lower level of the church building) on December 2, 9, and 16.

Questions? Contact Sister Colleen Gibson  Registration required – please register below…

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