From the Pastor – Page 4 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

New Collaborative Weekend Mass Schedule Begins the Weekend of September 11-12

Our current Summer Mass Schedule is in effect through Sunday, September 5 (Labor Day weekend.) As we look to the fall, we are mindful that the pandemic is not completely behind us and that uncertainty remains. At the same time, thanks to the formidable work of scientists and health care workers (not to mention our own vigilance!), we can begin to plan more concretely for the months ahead, and to bring back many of the things that provide a richer Mass experience for our community.

We have developed a weekend Mass schedule for the upcoming fall through spring that…

Fr. John Connelly

I am sad to let you know that our beloved Fr. John Connelly died yesterday afternoon. I was with him for several hours, along with Kelly Meraw, our Director of Pastoral Care, and both Kelly and Fr. Hehir were with him when God took him home. Fr. Connelly lived an amazing 98 years. I know that we have all loved having him with us for the last eight years. We were all enriched by his intelligence, wealth of knowledge and quick wit. He was kind, caring and compassionate and, of course, a man of deep faith. This true disciple of Jesus has touched many lives, including ours, over the last 98 years. We now have a new advocate in heaven, where, I feel certain, Fr. Connelly is basking in the love of the God he has served so faithfully. Requiescat in pace.

Obituary and Services…

A Note from Fr. Jim: Thank You Msgr. Lind

Monsignor Lind, the beloved former pastor of St. Paul Church, recently moved to Regina Cleri, the priests’ retirement home in Boston. Monsignor has continued to celebrate Mass at St. Paul’s and we are grateful for all the ways he has enriched our community with his priestly ministry. We may not be seeing him as regularly now but we will always be happy to welcome him home. I know that you join me in expressing our gratitude for all Monsignor has given to the St. Paul’s community for so many years.

Thank you, Monsignor. Our warmest wishes and prayers go with you. Please come and see us soon!

Important News from Fr. Jim

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Anne Mears will be leaving her position as Coordinator of Pastoral Care for our Collaborative, effective May 17. Anne has decided that because of both family responsibilities and the demands of her academic work in pursuit of a degree in theology, she needs to step back from her ministry for the time being. Anne always gives 100% percent of herself to all she does and came to the realization that there are only so many hours in a day! Anne has been a tremendous asset to our Collaborative and has approached her ministry with energy, dedication, love and care. It has been a joy for me to collaborate with Anne in the mission of our Collaborative. The good news is that Anne is not leaving us altogether…

Saint Paul Parish News

I have some good news that I am thrilled to share with all of you. St. Paul Parish has received a signed lease for the rental of the St. Paul School building from Star Academy Boston. This is a 20 year lease with options to extend up to 30 years.

Star Academy is a private school serving students in Preschool through Grade 8 on their campus in Watertown, and they are very excited to be expanding to Wellesley. They will be giving the inside of the St. Paul School building a much-needed facelift before opening their doors to students on September 1, 2021, and St. Paul Parish will begin to receive rental income from them at that time.

He is Risen! A Message from Fr. Jim on Easter Sunday

My dear friends in Christ,

Jesus’ disciples were feeling utterly destitute. How would they go on without him? In Mark’s account, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome had been there as their beloved Jesus was crucified. These same women made their way to the tomb early in the morning on the third day. As the approached the tomb, they saw that the stone had been rolled back. What could this mean? They had come only to be near his body. They had seen him die an anguished death. Could the angel’s words be true? Could they dare to hope?

A Christmas Message from Fr. Jim

This year is a Christmas like no other in a year like no other. As I write, I have just finished recording my part for our upcoming virtual Lessons and Carols. “Virtual… one of those words we now use daily for reasons we could not possibly have imagined. Yes, indeed, our celebration of Christmas will look very different both in our church and our homes this year. Yet at Christmas this year more than ever, we cling to the eternal truth that never changes. Jesus is the light that shines in darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it…

Introducing Fr. David Brogan

A few weeks ago, we shared the news that Fr. Robert would be leaving us at the end of the summer to take up his new assignment as pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish in Dover and St. Theresa Parish in

Reopening – An Important Message from Fr. Jim

As you know, Governor Baker has announced that houses of worship can resume services, within the specific guidelines he has issued, in Phase 1 of the re-opening plan for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Archdiocese of Boston has provided parishes