In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus breaks societal and social barriers to give the Woman at the Well “living water”, transforming her from “outcast” to “messenger” in her community.
What barriers need to be moved in your heart in order to be an effective witness to the Gospel?
As we pray for steadfast spirits this Lent, join in this one-night discussion of Struck Down, Not Destroyed, a spiritual memoir by America Magazine’s Vatican Correspondent, Colleen Dulle.
Exploring the inner workings of the Church and her own faith journey as a Millennial, Dulle’s story helps us reflect on our own journey of faith and what it means to claim our faith as our own in this day and age.
Join us for an evening of sharing and reflecting. Registration appreciated – please register below…
Catholic Social Teaching: The Wisdom that Calls Us to Action – Saturday, Mar 14 from 8am to 3:30pm at Boston College High School
Join us in person for a day filled with reflection, dialogue, and action as we learn about Catholic Social Teaching and how to apply it to our faith! Let’s come together to make a difference!
· Opening Mass with Archbishop Richard Henning
· Keynote: Dr. Brian Corbin, Executive Vice President, Catholic Charities USA
· Resource Center and Workshops
· Light Breakfast/Lunch
For more information and to register visit: Archdiocese of Boston Social Justice Ministry
In today’s second reading, St. Paul advises Timothy to “bear your share of hardship for the gospel.”
In your own life, what part of the message of the Gospel do you find hardest to live out?
How is God inviting you to listen more closely to Jesus this week?
A Weekly Exploration of Different Prayer Practices Led by Members of Our SJSP Young Adult Ministry
We are celebrating the Lenten season in a special way as a young adult community at St. John-St. Paul by “Practicing Lent”! Every Tuesday in Lent, join us for a different prayer experience from 7-8PM in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Paul Church. Join us as fellow young adults lead these experiences and we draw closer to God in prayer this Lent!
ALL YOUNG ADULTS (AGE 21-40) WELCOME!
On February 12, Sr. Colleen sat down with Father Dave Dwyer, CSP, host of the Busted Halo Podcast, to talk about loss, presence, and how faith and community can hold us when words fall short.
We all walk through different seasons of life, and Father Dave welcomes Sister Colleen Gibson to discuss accompanying those in times of grief. Sister Colleen belongs to the Sisters of Saint Joseph [of Philadelphia], and co-hosts the “Beyond the Habit” podcast. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Pastoral Care at St. John-St. Paul Catholic Collaborative in Wellesley, MA, where among many things she helps run a bereavement ministry called “Seasons of Hope.”
Sister Colleen first discusses her religious order. “Sisters of St Joseph are ready for any good work… “
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!
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?
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…
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…