Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter 2 – “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”

Revisiting <i>The Joy of the Gospel</i>: Chapter 2 – “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”

In Pope Francis’ second chapter, “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”, we explore the need to become a community which resists those things that deprive us of life and instead embraces the love of God.

To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own…

Collaborative Book Club – “Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week”

Collaborative Book Club – “Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week”

The SJSP Book Club will meet on Thursday, March 14 at 7:00pm in the St. Paul Rectory to begin our discussion of Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week by  Pope Benedict XVI.  Benedict invites us to accompany Jesus from the entrance into Jerusalem to the resurrection.  This week we will discuss chapters 1-3.

Newcomers welcome! For questions or information about joining us, please email bookclub@sjspwellesley.org

Friday, March 15: “Evening for Women” Lenten Retreat – “Tending to the Present with God”

Friday, March 15: “Evening for Women” Lenten Retreat – “Tending to the Present with God”

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 FROM 5:00 – 7:00PM
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH SPIRITUALITY CENTER
71 WALNUT PARK NEWTON

Facilitator Crista Mahoney will invite us into a moment of pause, to tend to the present moment with Jesus.

All women of the Collaborative are warmly invited – dinner will be served and carpool arrangements are available. (Please see Registration page for carpool details.)

REGISTRATION REQUIRED – sjspwellesley.org/evening-for-women-retreat

Donations to the St. John-St. Paul Adult Faith Enrichment program to help defray the costs associated with this offsite retreat gratefully accepted…

Lenten Lecture: “Spiritual Resources for the Street” – Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00pm at St. John

Lenten Lecture: “Spiritual Resources for the Street” – Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00pm at St. John

Br. Anthony and Br. Paul will talk about the history, mission, and work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries, the recipient of this year’s Lenten Gift. Come learn more about this wonderful organization and the ways you can support them – both financially and by volunteering with their outreach efforts.

Come learn more about their mission and work and how you can help!

Taizé Prayer Service with Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Monday, March 11 at 7:00pm at St. Paul

Taizé Prayer Service with Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Monday, March 11 at 7:00pm at St. Paul

Taizé is an ecumenical monastic order in Burgundy, France, with a strong devotion to peace and reconciliation through prayer, meditation, and song. The repetitive sung simple prayers draw you deeply into communion with the Holy Spirit and allows the clutter of your thoughts to subside. Holy Scripture and silence are interwoven in the experience in order for worshipers to be attentive to God’s voice. There will be opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout.

There can be no better way to prepare for Holy Week than to approach it full of God’s abundant grace.

Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter One – “The Church’s Missionary Transformation”

Revisiting <i>The Joy of the Gospel</i>: Chapter One – “The Church’s Missionary Transformation”

In itself mercy is the greatest of the virtues. –St. Thomas Aquinas

Last week, we continued our discussion by diving into Chapter One: “The Church’s Missionary Transformation”. Our conversation centered on embodying a Church that goes forth and a house with the doors always open. Please find below some questions for your personal prayer…

Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Introduction

Revisiting <i>The Joy of the Gospel:</i> Introduction

Last week, we opened our study with the Introduction… Here are some questions for your prayer and consideration to support your study of the Introduction: 

1. Have you ever experienced a powerful sensation of joy in the midst of what would otherwise be a challenging time? 
2. What does a renewed personal encounter with Christ look like this Lenten season?
3. What are some examples in scripture of people who have experienced an overwhelming joy whose source is the Lord?

This week, we will be diving into “Chapter One: The Church’s Missionary Transformation”. To enrich your study we are offering a Lenten Podcast featuring our beloved late Priest in Residence, Father John Connelly…

Poetry Reading with Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick, SJ – Sunday, March 3 at 2:00pm at St. John

Poetry Reading with Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick, SJ – Sunday, March 3 at 2:00pm at St. John

Please join us in the lower Chapel at St. John for a Lenten afternoon poetry reading and discussion led by Rev. Tom Fitzpatrick, SJ, from Weston’s Campion Center.

Father Tom has been a Jesuit for 64 years and a priest for 51. His writing reveals a lifelong spiritual journey with God. He uses humor and images of nature, with simple and direct language, to make God real for us.

Fr. Tom founded the Jesuit Center in Amman, Jordan, and remained as director for 14 years. He also served as director of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem for 10 years, and taught for more than 10 years at Fairfield University.

“Love (III)” from “Lenten Poetry and Prayer” with Sr. Mary Sweeney

“Love (III)” from “Lenten Poetry and Prayer” with Sr. Mary Sweeney

On the first Friday in Lent, this poem by George Herbert – and its theme of God’s love and forgiveness – was a focus of discussion and prayer.

Love (III)

Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked anything.

A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:
Love said, You shall be he

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