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

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!

Telling the Story Part 1: The Capuchin Friars – A Deep Commitment to Humble Service

Telling the Story Part 1: The Capuchin Friars – A Deep Commitment to Humble Service

The work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries comes directly from the Capuchin Friars who sponsor and staff CMM. Inspired by the life and ideals of St. Francis of Assisi, the Capuchins are Franciscan Friars who live out the Gospel by serving those in need, living a simple life together as a community of brothers, and drawing closer to God through prayer. They work to make sure that the light of Christ in those persons they serve is not being obscured by ignorance or injustice or poverty of any kind.

Like every religious order, the Capuchins live out a particular charism…

An Exciting Update on “City of Goodness” in Ukraine!

An Exciting Update on “City of Goodness” in Ukraine!

As you know, our 2023 Collaborative Lenten Gift Collection was for the benefit of Misto Dobra (“City of Goodness”) in Ukraine, which provides a home for displaced mothers and children (and their pets!), including victims of domestic violence and those who, due to poverty, face the threat of having their children removed and placed in orphanages. Since the invasion almost 2 years ago, it has also served hundreds of women and children displaced by the war, as well as children orphaned by the violence. City of Goodness provides protection, medical care, psychological support, social rehabilitation, and love.

We learned that City of Goodness was working on a new project – a facility to provide medical care and rehabilitation for medically fragile children. In early summer, our Lenten Gift of $37,678 was presented to Ukraine Forward to disperse to City of Goodness for this effort. In October, we were excited to learn that the project was nearing completion…

This Weekend December 16-17: Our Special Advent Second Collection for Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem

This Weekend December 16-17: Our Special Advent Second Collection for Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem

Greetings from the courageous, highly skilled medical staff associated with the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem, where expectant mothers deliver their infants just 1,500 steps from the Manger of Jesus Christ.

Holy Family Hospital is a touchstone in Bethlehem and a place of hope. It operates a remarkable Level III Neonatal ICU, the country’s only gestational diabetes clinic, and the country’s only menopause clinic.  For remote villages, refugee encampments, and Bedouin communities in the desert, it runs a mobile clinic with 3 specially trained staff members and one well-equipped van…

Advent Collection for Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem

Advent Collection for Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem

SPECIAL SECOND COLLECTION DECEMBER 16-17

Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem is a Catholic teaching hospital located just 1,500 steps from the birthplace of Christ. It is a state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal critical care center serving poor and at-risk women, infants, and children throughout the Bethlehem region. The Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for families regardless of creed, nationality, or ability to pay. No one is ever turned away.

Your generous donations will deliver life, peace, and hope in the Holy Land. This modern-day manger is sustained by generous donations from individuals and parishes throughout the world…

2023 “Spirit of Sharing” Gift Collection for St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence

2023 “Spirit of Sharing” Gift Collection for St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence

Over the past two decades, Spirit of Sharing has brightened Christmas for several thousand young boys and girls struggling from poverty and hunger in the gateway immigrant city of Lawrence. This unique Season of Advent initiative was conceived and launched within our collaborative by a group of St. John-St. Paul parishioners and Saint John School families, and we are deeply grateful for Fr. Jim Laughlin’s enthusiastic continuing support…

Service: “College Behind Bars” Mentoring Program – Zoom Info Session Thursday, November 30

Service: “College Behind Bars” Mentoring Program – Zoom Info Session Thursday, November 30

In an effort re-launch our Prison Ministry work, our Collaborative Service Commission is working with a local organization, Partakers, to help recruit  mentors for their College Behind Bars program.  Partakers  pairs mentors with incarcerated men and women earning college degrees from Tufts University, Emerson College, Boston College, and Boston University… If you’re interested in learning more about the program and what being mentor involves there will be a Zoom Info session on Thursday, November 30 at 7pm. Please RSVP by completing the form available…

St. Paul Giving Tree – Take a Tag or Scan a Code Starting this Weekend!

St. Paul Giving Tree – Take a Tag or Scan a Code Starting this Weekend!

This year’s Giving Tree program begins this weekend, November 11-12, with two boards set up in the St. Paul Sanctuary with gift tag requests. To participate:

Choose a tag or tags from the board/tree
Fill out each tag with your name and phone number
LEAVE the small detachable portion in the box near the board or tree
KEEP the remaining portion of the tag and attach it securely to the wrapped gift so it can be sorted and distributed to the correct location and person

New this year – support the Giving Tree with a click from your phone! Several of the organizations we are supporting this year have provided Amazon Wish Lists to make giving easier… 

“Welcoming the Stranger” – Our Collaborative Response

“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…

This Weekend, November 4-5: St. Francis House (Small/Single Use) Toiletries Drive

This Weekend, November 4-5: St. Francis House (Small/Single Use) Toiletries Drive

A collection of small sizes of personal care items (such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, lotion, etc.) for guests of St. Francis House will take place the weekend of November 4-5. 

Complimentary hotel items are totally acceptable – so check your closets!

Items may be dropped off in the boxes that will be available at the back of both churches. Thank you for your support!