Lent – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter 4 – “The Social Dimension of Evangelization”

Revisiting <i>The Joy of the Gospel</i>: Chapter 4 – “The Social Dimension of Evangelization”

In Pope Francis’ fourth chapter, “The Social Dimension of Evangelization”, he reminds us that the heart of the gospel is life in community and engagement with others. If we receive God’s love and love God in return then it follows that we will desire, seek, and protect the good of others. The gospel is not just about a personal relationship with God, it is about the kingdom of God and that includes two important themes: the inclusion of the poor and the importance of peace…

Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter 3 – “The Proclamation of the Gospel”

Revisiting <i>The Joy of the Gospel</i>: Chapter 3 – “The Proclamation of the Gospel”

In Pope Francis’ third chapter, “The Proclamation of the Gospel”, he reminds us that God’s salvation is for everyone. The entire people of God proclaim the Gospel – everyone who is baptized is called to be a missionary disciple. Evangelization can take many forms, including normal, everyday conversations and the witness of our lives.

At the heart of missionary discipleship is the act of listening deeply and accompanying others…

March 16-17: Our 2024 Collaborative Lenten Gift Collection for Capuchin Mobile Ministries

During Lent, the Service Commission has shared the story of Capuchin Mobile Ministries and the Capuchin friars who sponsor and staff the program – how it is born out of their charism of deep commitment to humble service with and for all people, put into action through spiritual caregiving to those on the streets…

Capuchin Mobile Ministries needs our financial support to continue this important work. Our Collaborative Lenten Gift will help fund the ongoing needs of the ministry, including the coffee, snacks, and other supplies that are distributed, as well as the ongoing gas, maintenance, and repair costs for the outreach van. Our financial support will also help to grow the ministry by helping to provide funding for more chaplains and administrative help. Volunteer support is also critical. Volunteers (age 16+) are needed to go on outreach trips, and to organize collection drives and sandwich making (all ages)…

“Too Many to Love” – a Poem by Fr. Thomas J. Fitzpatrick

This week, we are sharing a poem from Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick, S.J., who shared his story and poetry with a rapt audience in the St. John Chapel last Sunday.

Fr. Tom has been a Jesuit for 64 years and a priest for 51. His writing reveals a lifelong spiritual journey with God. He uses humor and images of nature, with simple and direct language, to make God real for us…

Revisiting The Joy of the Gospel: Chapter 2 – “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”

Revisiting <i>The Joy of the Gospel</i>: Chapter 2 – “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”

In Pope Francis’ second chapter, “Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment”, we explore the need to become a community which resists those things that deprive us of life and instead embraces the love of God.

To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own…

Telling the Story Part 2: The Work – A Ministry of Accompaniment

The work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries is spiritual caregiving to our friends on the streets, those who are chronically homeless, hungry not only for food for their bodies but for things of the spirit – to feel part of the community. The focus is on being a ministry of presence, of building relationships, of showing people that they are not alone.

Friars and volunteers go out in the Mobile Ministries van several times a week to locations in Cambridge and Boston where the homeless congregate, sharing food and drink, offering spiritual resources and directing them to social services, and listening to and praying with them…

Friday, March 15: “Evening for Women” Lenten Retreat – “Tending to the Present with God”

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 FROM 5:00 – 7:00PM
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH SPIRITUALITY CENTER
71 WALNUT PARK NEWTON

Facilitator Crista Mahoney will invite us into a moment of pause, to tend to the present moment with Jesus.

All women of the Collaborative are warmly invited – dinner will be served and carpool arrangements are available. (Please see Registration page for carpool details.)

REGISTRATION REQUIRED – sjspwellesley.org/evening-for-women-retreat

Donations to the St. John-St. Paul Adult Faith Enrichment program to help defray the costs associated with this offsite retreat gratefully accepted…

Lenten Lecture: “Spiritual Resources for the Street” – Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00pm at St. John

Br. Anthony and Br. Paul will talk about the history, mission, and work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries, the recipient of this year’s Lenten Gift. Come learn more about this wonderful organization and the ways you can support them – both financially and by volunteering with their outreach efforts.

Come learn more about their mission and work and how you can help!

Taizé Prayer Service with Opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Monday, March 11 at 7:00pm at St. Paul

Taizé is an ecumenical monastic order in Burgundy, France, with a strong devotion to peace and reconciliation through prayer, meditation, and song. The repetitive sung simple prayers draw you deeply into communion with the Holy Spirit and allows the clutter of your thoughts to subside. Holy Scripture and silence are interwoven in the experience in order for worshipers to be attentive to God’s voice. There will be opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout.

There can be no better way to prepare for Holy Week than to approach it full of God’s abundant grace.

Family Adoration: Friday, March 8 from 5:00-5:30pm at St. John Chapel

This family-friendly liturgy is a great way to celebrate Lent with the whole family. The purpose of Family Adoration is to welcome families and to help young children learn to adore Christ present in the Eucharist. This informal program is designed to accommodate children of all ages, and allows for families to arrive and leave as needed. We will have coloring pages, a worship aid with activities, and an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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