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!
Care for Creation 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!
Important Update from the Pastoral Care Team
Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy, will be away from the Collaborative on medical leave following a planned surgery from January 29 until mid-March.
During this time, please reach out to Sister Colleen Gibson SSJ, Coordinator of Pastoral Care, for all Pastoral Care concerns. Sister Colleen can be reached by email at cgibson@sjspwellesley.org or by calling either parish office.
We will, as a Collaborative community, hold Kelly in our prayers while she recovers. Please know that she will continue to hold us in hers.
February 3 Evening for Women: “Contemplative Prayer in a Polarized World” with Guest Speaker Dr. Brian Robinette
February 3, 2026 at 6:30pm
St. John the Evangelist Church – Lower Level
“Evening for Women” is excited to welcome 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.
Followed by a potluck dinner in Powers Hall – bring a friend and a dish to share!
Please visit the Evening for Women page for more information and the full schedule for the year.
Leaving Lives of Certainty – A Reflection for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time by Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy
The readings from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time offer us a timely glimpse into our often unpredictable and erratic human experience. The reading from the Prophet Isaiah shares the redemption story of a people liberated to abundant joy and great rejoicing after a period of distress, darkness, and anguish.
Our Psalmist today stokes a fire of trust in the Lord through her refrain “The Lord is My Light and My Salvation” in an almost conscious, effortful recollection of God’s provision. It is as if she has built an altar in her heart, an interior refuge, dedicated to the moments God has met her in turmoil and delivered her from fear. An altar she needs to visit and revisit, to remind herself of what is true, particularly in times of darkness…
February “Evening for Women” with Guest Speaker Dr. Brian Robinette
February 3, 2026 at 6:30pm
St. John the Evangelist Church – Lower Level
“Evening for Women” is excited to welcome 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.
Followed by a potluck dinner in Powers Hall – bring a friend and a dish to share!
Please visit the Evening for Women page for more information and the full schedule for the year.