RCAB – Page 5 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Announcement Regarding Lowering Age of Confirmation

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops sets the ordinary age of Confirmation between the age of discretion (around age eight) and about sixteen years of age, as determined by the local bishop. In the Archdiocese of Boston, the ordinary age has been Grade 10. Recently, the Archdiocese of Boston announced that Cardinal Seán has approved a proposal that will lower the ordinary age of Confirmation within the Archdiocese of Boston from Grade 10 to Grade 8, to be implemented over the next 2-3 years.

Why is this change being made? For some time, the Archdiocese has been involved in an extensive consultation on a question of great importance: how to strengthen the participation of young people and their families in the life of faith in Jesus Christ lived out in our parishes, schools, and communities…

Cardinal O’Malley Statement on Fiducia Supplicans

Following is the Cardinal’s statement on “Fiducia Supplicans,” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on December 18, 2023 and approved by Pope Francis.

“We thank the Holy Father for his love and care of all the people in the flock. We caution and make clear that the Holy Father has not endorsed gay marriage, but has recognized all Catholics, including those whose unions are not recognized by the Church, as equally in need of God’s grace and love.

It is the Church’s mission to share God’s blessings…

Archdiocese of Boston Cheverus Awards 2023

We are thrilled to announce that Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care for our Collaborative, was awarded the Cardinal’s Cheverus Award medal this past weekend. These medals are conferred upon selected laypeople, religious, and deacons from around the Archdiocese each year at a prayer service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

The medal recipients are chosen for their service to the Church and God’s people. We know you join us in extending heartfelt thanks to Kelly for her dedicated service to the Church and for the many ways she ministers to the people of our Collaborative and beyond.

Mass of Remembrance and Healing for Pregnancy & Infant Loss

The Pro-Life Office and Project Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston will sponsor a Mass of Remembrance and Healing for Pregnancy and Infant Loss on Wednesday, November 15 at 7:00pm at Bethany Chapel in the Pastoral Center in Braintree. Celebrant and homilist will be Rev. J. Bryan Hehir. A light reception and opportunity for Sacramental Reconciliation (Confession) will also be available after Mass.

A special invitation is extended to parents, grandparents and siblings who grieve the death of children as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or early infant death. These losses may be recent or extend over many years…

“Welcoming the Stranger” – Our Collaborative Response

Cardinal Seán O’Malley has alerted every parish in the Diocese regarding our readiness to assist in an ever-expanding immigration crisis beyond the state’s capacity to respond effectively.

To help make it easier for our parishioners to participate in responding to this critical need, our Collaborative Service Commission has set up “Welcoming the Stranger” donation lines in both churches. Attached to the lines are individual cards listing specific items of clothing, toiletries, and personal care needs.

At Mass this weekend, please pick out and take cards for as many items as you’d like to contribute – the cards serve as a reminder of your commitment to welcoming the stranger. If you miss the chance to pick out specific cards this weekend, know that all items listed below will be welcomed…

“Welcoming the Stranger” – A Message from Cardinal O’Malley

Cardinal Seán wrote to pastors and the parishes of the Archdiocese regarding a growing humanitarian and societal crisis that is building in the Commonwealth and Archdiocese of Boston. The issue involves the fate of immigrants arriving daily in Massachusetts and in need of basic shelter and compassionate care. The Cardinal’s letter is posted in it’s entirety below, and all parishioners are encouraged to take time to read it.

In the coming weeks, the Collaborative, with the help of our Collaborative Service Commission, will make every effort to respond generously and effectively to answer the call to “welcome the stranger” and give aid to our immigrant sisters and brothers. Stay tuned for details!

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”

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…