Fr. Jim Update – A Big Step Forward!

Fr. Jim Update – A Big Step Forward!

We are happy to let you know that after 7 long weeks, Fr. Jim has been cleared to continue his recovery and rehabilitation on an outpatient basis at the rectory.

As you can imagine, it is a great relief for Fr. Jim to finally be back home. It will still be quite some time before he will be able to resume his ministry, but this is a big step forward in his recovery.

Fr. Jim wanted us to share, again, how grateful he is for your prayers and support, and how much he appreciates the time and space you have given him to focus on his recovery.

We are sure that many of you will want to know how you can help Fr. Jim now. He asks only for your continued prayers, which have sustained him through this incredibly difficult time, and your patience as he transitions to this new phase of his recovery.

Please be assured that when Fr. Jim has more to share, we will share it with you!

Friday, July 8: A Message from Fr. Jim!

Friday, July 8: A Message from Fr. Jim!

Words cannot begin to express my profound gratitude to all of you. Your cards, letters, and expressions of support have sustained me through this most challenging period in my life! I am now deep in the work of the rehabilitation phase of my recovery. I suffered multiple fractures of my left leg and knee, requiring extensive surgery, and will not be cleared for weight bearing on that side for some time to come. Despite the frustration this brings and the patience it requires, I am encouraged by the progress I have made…

At the same time, I am acutely aware of the significant trauma caused by the accident – it has truly upended my life in every way possible. While I am very much looking forward to returning to the rectory once I am ready to continue my rehabilitation on an outpatient basis, I understand that it will still be quite some time before I will be able to resume my ministry…

Friday, July 1: Fr. Jim Update

Friday, July 1: Fr. Jim Update

We are happy to report that Fr. Jim’s recovery is continuing at a slow but steady pace. That means that there is no “new” news to report – but that truly is good news! When Fr. Jim has more to share, be assured we will share it with you!

Thank you for the warm welcome you have been giving our many guest celebrants – including Bishop Robert Reed, who celebrated the 9:00am Mass at St. Paul with us…

Friday, June 24: Fr. Jim Update

Friday, June 24: Fr. Jim Update

We’d love to provide a more detailed update, but there isn’t much to report – Fr. Jim’s recovery, as anticipated, is slow but steady. When Fr. Jim has more to share be assured we will share it with you!

He has, however, asked us to let you know how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support – and for all the cards and notes he has received! In fact, he noted after the last delivery that he has received so many lovely cards that he might actually run out of space to display them on the walls of his room!

He also wants everyone to know how much he appreciates the time and space he’s been afforded to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Friday, June 17: Fr. Jim Update

Friday, June 17: Fr. Jim Update

Fr. Jim has asked us to let you know, once again, how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support, and how much all your cards and notes mean to him. 

While Fr. Jim is away from the Collaborative, the Archdiocese of Boston has given Fr. Bryan Hehir the authority to handle the administrative functions of the parishes, allowing Fr. Jim to focus on his recovery. Fr. Jim will, of course, continue to be in contact with Fr. Hehir and the Collaborative staff, providing input and guidance as we navigate through the days and weeks ahead.

Fr. Jim requests that folks continue to rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus all his energy on this important stage of his recovery.

Friday, June 10: Update from Fr. Jim

Friday, June 10: Update from Fr. Jim

Fr. Jim has asked us to let you know, once again, how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support, and how much your cards and notes mean to him.

He is pleased to report that he is progressing well and has now moved into the rehabilitation phase of his recovery. He knows it will be a long road and a lot of hard work, but he is taking it one day at a time and is encouraged by his progress.

Fr. Jim requests that folks continue to rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus all his energy on this important stage of his recovery.

As always, your prayers for his complete and speedy recovery and return to us are still the best way to support him at this time. He will continue to let us know how we can best support him through every stage of his recovery.

Monday, June 6: Message and Request from Fr. Jim

Monday, June 6: Message and Request from Fr. Jim

Fr. Jim asked us to pass along to all of you how much he appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and concern for him.  The unbelievable outpouring of support from parishioners, friends, and of course his family, has been a tremendous comfort.
  
As anyone who has gone through a serious accident or illness, surgery, and a hospital stay knows, the experience is exhausting, and one of the most important factors in recovery is rest.  Fr. Jim has asked that, for now, folks rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus on rest and recovery.

He promises to update us regularly, and we promise to keep you updated!

Thank you so much for your understanding –

St. John-St. Paul Collaborative Staff

Sunday, June 5: Update on Fr. Jim

Sunday, June 5: Update on Fr. Jim

We want to provide, with Fr. Jim’s blessing, a little more information about what happened.

Fr. Jim was running an errand, and while standing next to his car in a parking lot he was struck by another vehicle. He was provided immediate care and taken to a Boston hospital, where he is in great hands and receiving the best possible care as he recovers. He is in contact with Fr. Hehir and the Collaborative staff, providing input as we work to arrange coverage during his absence.

So many of you have reached out to ask what you can do for Fr. Jim at this time. Your continued prayers for his complete and speedy recovery and return to us are the best way to support him while he remains in the hospital. Cards and notes can be sent to Fr. Jim at the St. John rectory (9 Glen Road, Wellesley, MA 02481) or dropped in the rectory vestibule (a box will be provided) or at either parish office and they will be delivered to him.  We will, of course, continue to provide regular updates to you as Fr. Jim shares them with us. He will let us know how best to support him in the days and weeks ahead.

Saturday, June 4: Important Message About Fr. Jim

Saturday, June 4: Important Message About Fr. Jim

As we shared with you via email yesterday, Fr. Jim was in a serious accident on Thursday.  We are so thankful that he OK and is expected to make a full recovery, but he is facing multiple surgeries and will be out of commission for quite some time. Fr. Jim is always our steadfast leader and partner in prayer, and he is comforted knowing that we are praying for him now.

So many of you have reached out to ask what you can do for Fr. Jim at this time. Please know that he is in great hands and receiving the best possible care as he recovers. Your continued prayers for his complete and speedy recovery and return to us are the best way to support him at the current moment.  We will, of course, provide regular updates to you as Fr. Jim shares them with us, and he will let us know how best to support him in the days and weeks ahead.

Cards and notes can be sent to Fr. Jim at the rectory address (9 Glen Road, Wellesley, MA 02481).