October 21: 15th Annual Archdiocesan Social Justice Convocation

October 21: 15th Annual Archdiocesan Social Justice Convocation

All are invited to join the Archdiocese of Boston in celebrating 15 years of education, inspiration, and collaboration with outstanding people working to promote Catholic Social Teaching, Justice, and Peace. We will also be honoring, with deep gratitude, the contributions of Cardinal Seán O’Malley and Fr. J. Bryan Hehir for their spiritual leadership over the past 15 years. The Convocation is free and virtual.

Fr. Hehir, RCAB Secretary for Health and Social Services, will begin by explaining what he calls the “Moral Triangle” of urgent and intersecting issues in Boston today: lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, and immigration…

Cardinal O’Malley says Hamas attack ‘requires a clear condemnation’

Cardinal O’Malley says Hamas attack ‘requires a clear condemnation’

The sad and tragic historical truth is that the people of the Middle East have long suffered the scars and burdens of war.  Even in this historical perspective, the massive military assault by Hamas on the State of Israel and its citizens stands as one of the worst moments in this long history.  This act of aggression requires a clear condemnation in human, moral and legal terms. Both the purpose of the attack and its barbaric methods are devoid of moral or legal justification.  There is no room for moral ambiguity on this issue. Resisting such terrorism and aggression is the moral duty of states to be carried out within moral limits…

Saturday, September 23: “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent: Rethinking Women’s Participation”

Saturday, September 23: “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent: Rethinking Women’s Participation”

Enlarge the Space of Your Tent: Rethinking Women’s Participation is a Global Synod Gathering hosted at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Boston in Braintree on Saturday, September 23 from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Participants will be invited through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the resources of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to fruitfully contribute to Conversations in the Spirit. The event will include: a gathering and invitational liturgy, small group sharing, personal witnesses, fellowship, and a Vigil Mass celebrated by Father Richard Lennan.

Preregistration required…

August 26-27: Special Collection for Maui Relief

August 26-27: Special Collection for Maui Relief

The images and news reports coming out of the Island of Maui are heartbreaking. The wildfires have killed more than 100 people, left many injured and missing, and destroyed homes and businesses. 

Pope Francis has expressed his solidarity with the people of Maui including all suffering from this tragedy, while also invoking God’s blessing of “strength and peace.”
 
Recognizing the immediate and growing need for assistance, Cardinal Seán has asked that a special collection be taken in all parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston to support Church relief efforts in the Diocese of Honolulu…

Cardinal O’Malley’s Statement on Newton Tragedy

Cardinal O’Malley’s Statement on Newton Tragedy

“As priests, we serve to minister to people in times of great loss and tragedy. Often words are not enough to help families and friends come to terms with the loss of a loved one. We look to God for answers. We seek to understand. Often, we simply cannot make sense of what has happened. But our faith sustains us, and in this moment of enormous pain, we know that God is with us always.

This week and for the weeks, months, and years ahead, the brutal and senseless murders of Gilda D’Amore, her husband, Bruno D’Amore, and Gilda’s mother, Lucia Arpino, will stay with us as we come to terms with this unimaginable loss. They loved Christ and the Church. On the day of their murders, Gilda and Bruno were to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at Our Lady Help of Christians. They lived their Catholic faith proudly and in service to the Church…”

Cardinal O’Malley Statement in advance of the 10th anniversary of the April 15th Boston Marathon bombing

Cardinal O’Malley Statement in advance of the 10th anniversary of the April 15th Boston Marathon bombing

“On April 15, 2013, Boston experienced an unprecedented attack that took the lives of Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, MIT Police Officer Sean Collier and Boston Police Sgt. Dennis Simmonds. We will never forget them. Each of their lives was a unique expression of love, concern for others, and courage. They will remain in our prayers as will their loved ones who continue to mourn their loss. Hundreds were injured that day and, in their recovery, have inspired us with their courage and determination to not let hate deter them from living their lives… 

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…

Please Support the 2023 Catholic Appeal

Please Support the 2023 Catholic Appeal

Please support the 2023 Catholic Appeal, which was launched last weekend in our Collaborative.

To donate online, please click HERE. (Please be sure to select St. Paul, Wellesley or St. John the Evangelist, Wellesley as your home parish when donating online.)

Donations and pledges may also be made by using the Catholic Appeal envelopes available in the pews at both churches – completed envelopes may be dropped in the regular offertory collection at Mass or at either parish office.

Through the goodness of thousands of generous people, the Church is able to provide assistance, support, and encouragement to the essential ministries within the Archdiocese of Boston. In his announcement regarding the launch of the 2023 Catholic Appeal, Cardinal Seán stated, “Parishes and parishioners are putting their faith into action. It begins with all of us.”

The Catholic Appeal provides ongoing and wide-ranging operational support and assistance to our parishes as they focus on building vibrant parish communities and fulfilling Christ’s mission to help those most in need…

March 4-5: 2023 Catholic Appeal Launch

March 4-5: 2023 Catholic Appeal Launch

This weekend, March 4-5, the 2023 Catholic Appeal will officially launch here in our parishes and across the Archdiocese. One of the most meaningful ways that we witness the presence of Christ and deepen the impact of our Church’s ministries is by supporting the Catholic Appeal.

As your pastor, I invite you to prayerfully consider extending your generosity to this year’s appeal. Many of you have already done so and I am deeply grateful. When our parishes reach their goals, a portion of the additional funds received will be returned to us for use in our parishes.

To make a gift online…

Instead of Giving Something Up For Lent, Consider Give Something Back

Instead of Giving Something Up For Lent, Consider Give Something Back

Make a real difference this Lenten Season by helping families struggling to pay bills and put food on the table.

This Ash Wednesday, a special collection will be taken up in every parish across the Archdiocese of Boston in support of Catholic Charities Boston. Catholic Charities helps thousands of families across Eastern Massachusetts, providing food, shelter, utilities assistance, childcare and youth programming, refugee and immigrant services, and adult education with a mission of moving people toward self-sufficiency.