An Easter Message from Fr. Jim

An Easter Message from Fr. Jim

A few weeks ago, I spent much of my Monday at Wellesley Middle School.  The sixth graders are doing a unit in Social Studies on world religions.  You may not be surprised to hear that I was on a panel representing Christianity!  Along with a Greek Orthodox priest and a Protestant minister, over the course of four periods, we gave presentations on our Christian denomination, highlighting both unique elements of our traditions as well as the many more beliefs and practices we share in common.  Then the students were given the opportunity to ask questions.  This was by far the most interesting part of the classes.  I found it particularly fascinating as we fielded questions from students who clearly had little knowledge of Christianity outside of this social studies class.  It allowed us Christian leaders to see our faith from the perspective of those who had never before heard the Gospel.

A Holy Week Reflection by Sister Colleen Gibson, SSJ

A Holy Week Reflection by Sister Colleen Gibson, SSJ

By the time Lent comes to a close, we can feel worn down and ready to simply turn the page on an all-too-familiar story. Yet, to truly enter into Holy Week, we must confront the power of paradox. We must grapple with the Paschal Mystery and its ever-present invitation to us: to die and rise with and in Christ.

This is the story, not only of this holiest of weeks, but of our entire lives of faith. Opening our eyes to the world around us, we witness the betrayal; we intuit the suffering; we account for the lengths to which faith and fear can push us; and we find that Christ, our companion and our guide, is with us always… beckoning us to new life. Be it the washing of feet, the breaking of bread, the sting of suffering, or the quiet of grief: Christ is there…

Holy Thursday Washing of the Feet – Volunteers Needed

Holy Thursday Washing of the Feet – Volunteers Needed

On Holy Thursday we celebrate the institution of the Holy Eucharist. We also commemorate a moment of profound humility, servant leadership, and spiritual cleaning when our Lord washed his disciples’ feet. In this ritual, also known as the Mandatum, the feet of 12 parishioners are washed.

If you would like to be part of this sacred moment in the Holy Triduum at our Holy Thursday liturgy on Thursday, April 2nd at 7PM, we warmly invite you to participate. Please email:
kelly.meraw@sjspwellesley.org 

Good Friday Observances

Good Friday Observances

Last fall, many members of our Collaborative participated in the discussion around religious/cultural holidays and the Wellesley Public Schools, and spoke strongly – and ultimately successfully – in favor of retaining Good Friday as a school holiday.

As you know, Good Friday is the day that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified and died, and it stands out in the liturgical calendar as a day of pivotal importance and solemnity for us as Catholic Christians – a day meant for prayer and fasting.

All are encouraged to mark the day with prayer by participating in the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (offered at 3pm at St. Paul and 7:30pm at St. John)  and/or the Stations of the Cross  (12pm Outdoor Walk with the Cross at St. John, 12pm Stations at St. Paul, and 3pm Stations at St. John)

Come Sing in the Children’s Choir on Easter Sunday!

Come Sing in the Children’s Choir on Easter Sunday!

Special Rehearsal for Easter Sunday on Saturday, April 12 from 9:00-10:00am at St. John Church

We are seeking new members for the SJSP Children’s Choir! We are especially excited to welcome new members as Easter approaches, so if your child has been on the fence about joining and singing at the 9:00am Family Mass, there is no better time than now! The Collaborative Children’s Choir will be singing the 9:00am Family Mass on Easter Sunday, April 20 at St. John the Evangelist Church.

To learn more or express interest for your child, please…

Holy Week and Easter at the Collaborative

Holy Week and Easter at the Collaborative

From the solemn our solemn observances of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, through the Easter joy that was felt around our Sacred Fire at the Vigil on Saturday evening, to the very last blessing on Sunday, the SJSP family rejoiced in the resurrection of Our Lord!

Please visit our Previously Streamed Liturgies page to watch our live streamed liturgies. As requested, we have also posted a separate link to Fr. Hehir’s Easter homily…

Schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2023

Schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2023

It is our joy and privilege to assemble so that together we might enter into the Sacred Triduum: three days beginning with Holy Thursday evening, through Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and ending on Easter Sunday evening. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Our liturgies clearly illustrate this reality – you will notice that Thursday’s liturgy has no dismissal, and Good Friday’s liturgy has no entrance and no dismissal.

Once we have entered into this sacred space and time, even when we return home, our hearts and minds remain in a very real way with the Lord Jesus.

Easter Collection for Clergy Trust

Easter Collection for Clergy Trust

Every Easter, all parish collections support Clergy Trust so that they can continue to care for the health and well-being of all active and senior priests in good standing. Our priests have dedicated their lives to serving others, and through their ministry, they create stronger and more compassionate communities. Please consider a generous donation to the Easter collection and join us in supporting the Clergy Trust.

Please take a minute to watch this very brief video featuring Fr. Gerald Souza, pastor of Ascension Parish in Sudbury, who joyfully shares his favorite parts of being a parish priest…

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