RCAB – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Massachusetts bishops urge the faithful to say no to physician assisted suicide

The Massachusetts Catholic Conference has been following two bills that would legalize Physician Assisted Suicide in Massachusetts. House Bill 2505 and Senate Bill 1486, “An Act relative to End-of-Life Options.” At present HB 2505 is in the Joint Committee on Healthcare Finance and SB 1486 is in Senate Ways and Means. However, the bills may come to the floor for a vote at any time.

Working together, we can join health care professionals, disability groups, senior citizens, the infirmed and countless individuals in saying NO to assisted suicide and to stop the legislation from moving forward this session…

Collaborative Giving to Second and Special Collections

Throughout the year, members of our Collaborative give generously to second and special collections that support important programs and provide much-needed relief in emergency situations. These include both Archdiocese of Boston collections and SJSP-sponsored second collections such as our Lenten Gift.

The chart below shows giving to these Special and Second Collections during the first three quarters of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026.) All proceeds from these collections are forwarded to the designated program or organization.

Thank your for your generosity!

Boston Catholic Appeal Update

As we pause to assess participation in this year’s Catholic Appeal, we want to thank all who have generously supported the effort thus far! We know there are many good causes vying for your attention, and we are grateful for every gift that supports the Appeal…

Each year, the Archdiocese sets an assessment for each of its parishes. When parishioners’ giving surpasses the assessment, the parish receives a rebate (roughly 40% of the overage) from the Archdiocese. Here at the Collaborative, an estimate of the expected Catholic Appeal rebate (based on recent history) is included in each parish’s annual operating budget. If, however, a parish has a shortfall (the amount given by parishioners is less than the assessment), the parish is responsible for the difference between the parishioners’ donations and the assessment…

Archdiocese of Boston 17th Annual Social Justice Convocation

Catholic Social Teaching: The Wisdom that Calls Us to Action – Saturday, Mar 14 from 8am to 3:30pm at Boston College High School

Join us in person for a day filled with reflection, dialogue, and action as we learn about Catholic Social Teaching and how to apply it to our faith! Let’s come together to make a difference!

· Opening Mass with Archbishop Richard Henning
· Keynote: Dr. Brian Corbin, Executive Vice President, Catholic Charities USA
· Resource Center and Workshops
· Light Breakfast/Lunch

For more information and to register visit: Archdiocese of Boston Social Justice Ministry

“Together We Are One” – 2026 Catholic Appeal

Archbishop Richard G. Henning introduces the 2026 Catholic Appeal, which provides support for Archdiocesan Ministries, ministries that provide invaluable aid to ALL parishes throughout the Archdiocese, parishes like ours. Please take a few moments to watch this short video message.

The Catholic Appeal launches this weekend across the Archdiocese of Boston.

Ash Wednesday Collection for Catholic Charities Boston

Every year on Ash Wednesday, the collection at all Masses in the Archdiocese of Boston is taken up for Catholic Charities Boston.

Catholic Charities Boston serves tens of thousands of our neighbors across the Archdiocese of Boston – families in need of food, shelter, advocacy, and emergency assistance. With your partnership, Catholic Charities can continue to be a beacon of hope, offering immediate assistance and the tools for lasting stability through adult education classes, quality childcare, and job training programs.

As we enter this season of renewal, your gift can be an expression of your faith in action. Every contribution directly helps our neighbors in need…

February 22, 2026: “Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of Black Catholics in Boston” at St. Ignatius Church

The St. Ignatius Racial Justice Committee will host a showing of the new film Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of Black Catholics in Boston. Produced by the Archdiocese, the documentary explores the history of Black Catholics through insightful interviews with members of Boston’s Black Catholic community. After the half-hour screening, a small panel will reflect on the themes of the documentary and share their insights and lived experiences.

There will be time for Q&A, and a light supper will be offered. RSVP is strongly encouraged so we can plan on seating and food. RSVP here…

November 22-23: Collection for Retired Religious Sisters

This coming weekend, November 22-23, the Archdiocese will take up the Collection for Retired Religious Sisters.

This second collection is used to assist religious communities to provide for the retirement and health care needs of Sisters who have served in the Archdiocese.

Please take this opportunity to say thank you to the Sisters who have served the Church of Boston so generously for so many years. Your contribution does make a difference.

Special Pastoral Message on Immigration by the Bishops of the United States

“We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.”

On November 12, 2025, and for the first time in 12 years, the U.S. bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. Collectively, the bishops have invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops.

In this video, some of those bishops come together to give voice to the message, which advocates for a meaningful reform of immigration laws and the recognition of the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. Archbishop Henning participated in the drafting of the statement and also appears in the video.

November 15-16: Second Collection for Hurricane Melissa Relief

On October 28th, a category 5 hurricane with winds of 180mph slammed into Jamaica. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, as well as Cuba and the Bahamas, have experienced deaths, injuries, and widespread damage. Recognizing the immediate and expected need for assistance, Archbishop Henning has requested pastors consider taking up a voluntary special collection to support Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS is already on the ground and will provide lifesaving support—including emergency shelter, clean water, and essential supplies—to families most at risk.

St. John-St. Paul Collaborative will hold a special second collection next weekend, November 15-16. Parishioners are asked to address their checks to their parish (St. John or St. Paul) with “Hurricane Melissa Relief” in the memo.

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