Telling the Story – Part 1: Introducing Ukraine Forward and City of Goodness

Telling the Story – Part 1: Introducing Ukraine Forward and City of Goodness

Day after day, we have watched and read about the horrific conditions that have beset Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion. Millions of people have died or fled their homes as refugees. Families have been torn apart and many individuals who have survived are struggling with serious injuries and terrible living conditions.

To find out how best to help, we contacted the pastor of Christ the King Ukrainian Catholic Church in Jamaica Plain, Fr. Yaroslav Nalysnyk. He recommended and vouched for Ukraine Forward, an initiative of the Ukrainian Educational Foundation of Boston…

Myron Kravchuk, a Christ the King parishioner and founder of Ukraine Forward, met with the Service Commission to discuss their history, mission, and current projects. One new project is with City of Goodness, a social service center for women and children. With the onset of the war, it has become a shelter for women and children from across Ukraine…

Second Week of Lent: The Third Word – “Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother.”

Second Week of Lent: The Third Word – “Woman, here is your son. Here is your mother.”

Of all of the phrases uttered by our dying Lord, there are none so tender as these spoken to his mother and to his beloved disciple. This gesture seemed so important to Jesus that it seemed as if it had loomed as the last piece of unfinished business of his earthly life.

Some questions to bring to prayer this week include: 

How might this scene help you to care for the people whom you love in your life?

Do you feel free to ask others for help? Are there certain circumstances or certain people that make it easier or more difficult to ask?

How does this gospel scene impress you as an adult child? How does it touch you as a parent? Watch the news, read the paper, and recognize the faces of other parents who suffer because of their children’s suffering. Pray for them.
 

First Week of Lent: The Second Word – “Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

First Week of Lent: The Second Word – “Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Can you recall a hurt that has taken hold of you, one that you can’t seem to let go? Have you noticed how it can drain your energy and attention? How it can turn you into the sort of person that you really don’t want to be? As you mediate on the words of Jesus this week, consider how he invites you to follow his example.

Here are some thoughts and questions for your consideration during this week:

Imagine this gospel scene. Speak to Jesus about his forgiveness for those who have hurt him.

How does this prayer of Jesus influence the way in which Jesus dies?

A Lenten Message from Fr. Jim

A Lenten Message from Fr. Jim

Last June 2, when I came to consciousness on the pavement after having been hit by a car at high velocity, I truly saw my life flash before me. Somehow, in that moment of shock, pain, and disorientation, I knew that Jesus was with me. Over the next many months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, I had a lot of time to reflect on my experience. I could easily have died on that pavement and yet God spared my life. I have a renewed sense that I am here on this earth for a purpose. And I firmly believe that this is true not only for me but for each one of us. You are in this world for a purpose, one which only you can fulfill. God loves you profoundly and has called you… in your family, your profession, your relationships… to bring His light into the world. I see the fruits of your call every day…

The Week of Ash Wednesday: The First Word – “I Am Thirsty.”

The Week of Ash Wednesday: The First Word – “I Am Thirsty.”

For what do you thirst? Can you be attentive to the words of Jesus as they reveal your own thirst?

Here are some thoughts and questions for your consideration during this week:

Recall your own experiences of thirst. How do they help you to relate to this scene of Jesus on the cross? In your prayer, express to him how you feel.

Consider the people around the world who suffer because of the poor quality or the inadequate supply of water. Remember them to Jesus in prayer. Imagine the face of Jesus.

For what do you thirst this Lenten season? Can you name it? Can you ask for it? How is Jesus the living water for you?

“Seven Last Words for Seven Weeks: Praying with Jesus on the Cross” with Sister Mary Sweeney, SC

“Seven Last Words for Seven Weeks: Praying with Jesus on the Cross” with Sister Mary Sweeney, SC

This Lent we are invited to truly walk with Jesus and journey through the Gospels as we pray simply over one phrase each week spoken by our dying Lord. 

The “Seven Last Words” that Jesus spoke from the cross are not really words, but sentences. No single Gospel account contains all seven last sentences; rather, they are compiled from the four Gospels and they capture the experience of the dying Jesus.

All groups will be facilitated by the author, Sr. Mary Sweeney, SC

Thursday Evenings – Beginning February 16 at 7:00pm on ZOOM

Friday Mornings  – Beginning February 17 at 9:30am at the St. Paul Rectory

Privately – Beginning February 19 Meditate on the seven last words each week in a dedicated section of our Lenten bulletins and on our website.

To learn more and register…

“Let Us Dream Part Three – A Time to Act” with Fr. Bryan Hehir – Thursday, April 7 at 7:00pm at St. Paul Hall

“Let Us Dream Part Three – A Time to Act” with Fr. Bryan Hehir – Thursday, April 7 at 7:00pm at St. Paul Hall

Please join us this Thursday evening  for the final night of our three-part Lenten Lecture Series focusing on Pope Francis’ book, “Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future.” Fr. Bryan Hehir will conclude the series by discussing Part Three – A Time to Act.   

Those wishing to understand Pope Francis’ emphasis on synodality will find many revelations here – we encourage everyone to read this wonderful book and come to the lectures! (But it is not necessary to have read the book to benefit from the lecture – all are strongly encouraged to attend!) 

Taizé Prayer Service with Opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession – Wednesday, April 6 at 7:00pm at St. Paul Church

Taizé Prayer Service with Opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession – Wednesday, April 6 at 7:00pm at St. Paul Church

All are invited for an evening of beautiful Taizé-inspired music and prayer. Taizé is a quieting and mystical experience. 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 is interwoven in the experience in order for worshipers to be attentive to God’s voice.  The evening will be punctuated with the opportunity 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.

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