A Christmas Message from Our Pastor

A Christmas Message from Our Pastor

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! (Phil 4:4). As I write these words, we have just celebrated the Third Sunday of Advent, know as Gaudete Sunday. The rose vestments and candle on the Advent wreath remind us that the Lord is near. And therefore, there is always cause for rejoicing. As I write I am also cognizant of the fact the for the second year, as we celebrate Christmas, the global pandemic continues to upend our lives on so many levels. People are weary. So many are suffering terribly. Injustices continue to be unveiled. And in our ever increasingly polarized society, the proverbial “peace on earth” declared by the angels seems elusive. Given all of this, how do we rejoice?

Clergy Trust Christmas Collection

Clergy Trust Christmas Collection

The Christmas collection will benefit Clergy Trust so that they can continue caring for the health and well-being of our wonderful diocesan priests in good standing. By supporting this collection, you are helping our active priests receive the support they need to continue their ministry, and our senior priests live in community with access to quality care. This collection is a primary source of funding for the Trust and your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping support our priests this Christmas.

“Spirit of Sharing” Gift Collection for St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence

“Spirit of Sharing” Gift Collection for St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence

For over two decades, a group of St. John-St. Paul parishioners and St. John School families has organized a collection and distribution of Christmas gifts for children struggling with poverty and hunger in Lawrence. The Spirit of Sharing, is co-sponsored by Saint Patrick’s Parish in Lawrence under the leadership of Fr. Paul O’Brien. The program benefits hundreds of people in that community who lack the financial means to provide their children with Christmas gifts. Thank you to Fr. Jim Laughlin for his abiding support of Spirit of Sharing over the years and to all parishioners for your participation…

Sunday, December 5 at 2pm: Christmas Pops Concert at St. Paul

Sunday, December 5 at 2pm: Christmas Pops Concert at St. Paul

The St. Paul Adult Choir, directed by Mary Lee Cirella, is pleased to announce that the Christmas Pops Concert is back! The program will open with the joyful work Te Deum by Mozart. The Te Deum is one of the ancient prayers of the Church and a joyous hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for all of His help in this difficult time. There will be a group of inspirational works in remembrance of our loved ones as well as Christmas Carols, old and new, accompanied by orchestra, harp and organ. With special guest soloist, Fr. Jim Laughlin! Donations to the St. Paul Music Program will be gratefully accepted.

Trees & Trimmings December 4: New Start Times and Silent Auction

Trees & Trimmings December 4: New Start Times and Silent Auction

Saint John School’s Trees & Trimmings Christmas Market is returning outdoors on December 4, with online pre-sale options if you would like to avoid the crowd onsite. Please note new start times: 8:00 – 8:30am for Seniors and 8:30am – 2:00pm Open to All (while supplies last.)

Are you worried about the US shortage of Christmas trees? Do you hate standing in line in the freezing cold? Want to avoid scratching the roof of your car, or filling the back with needles?

…We have the solution for you!

St. John School is auctioning off 3 Premium Christmas Tree Packages…

Saint John School “Trees & Trimmings” Christmas Market

Saint John School “Trees & Trimmings” Christmas Market

At Saint John School’s Trees & Trimmings Christmas Market, the SJS Community comes together outside to semi-custom decorated wreaths, greenery, Christmas trees and boxwoods to our school, church and local community.

Online, we also have a toy raffle with the hottest toys, a calendar raffle, an opportunity to purchase wreaths (simple and decorated) & greens early, and more. All available online now.

All of the money raised goes toward supporting our beloved Saint John School, its students, activities and operating costs.

Thank you, in advance, for your support!

Christmas Youth Choir

Christmas Youth Choir

We are looking forward to the return of the Christmas Youth Choir (in its 20th year) that will sing at the 4:00pm Mass at St. John on Christmas Eve.

After further consultation with medical experts, and cognizant of the recent example of our SJS students safely participating in school choir activities before the availability of vaccinations for this age group, we are modifying our protocols for the Christmas Youth Choir. While vaccinations are certainly strongly encouraged when medically appropriate, they will not be required for participation. We understand that the decision of when and whether to vaccinate in this age group is a complex one.

We have been reassured by the data, and by the medical experts we have consulted, that the mask requirement is the most important thing we can do to reduce the risks for all involved. Masks are required for all in-person rehearsals and to sing with the choir on Christmas Eve.

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