St. Paul Parish – Page 2 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

With Gratitude to Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Rock

Since 2023, St. Paul Parish has received over $95,000 from the estate of Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Rock, a longtime St. Paul parishioner who passed away in 2022.

Dr. Rock joined the faculty at Wellesley College in 1959 and was a Professor of Chemistry there until her retirement in 1992. She was a beloved teacher to generations of students and a treasured mentor to faculty throughout the College. She was also a longtime member of the U.S. Army Science Board (ASB), one of only a handful of women who served at the time she became involved. According to an ASB spokesperson, “Her reputation and her work on the ASB leave a legacy that will never be forgotten.”

The Parish is most grateful for Dr. Rock’s kindness, and her bequest will benefit St. Paul Parish for many years to come.

Fr. Lesley

Fr. Lesley has taken a temporary three month position covering a priest’s sabbatical in New York, and will be away from the Collaborative during this time.

Please keep him in your prayers , and know that you are in his.

Bell Tower Mass and Celebration at St. Paul

Sunday, June 8 marked a day of special celebration in our Collaborative community: the dedication of The Warren and Patricia Cross Bell Tower and rededication of The DeFazio Family Bell at St. Paul Church! Calling upon the Holy Spirit, the 11AM Pentecost liturgy concluded with a special blessing of new memorial plaques in the church gathering space and a celebration on the front lawn.

As our Collaborative community celebrated on the front lawn of St. Paul, the presence of the Holy Spirit in the sea of smiles and celebration was undeniable! Thank you to everyone who made this joyful occasion such a success!

Collaborative Summer Office Hours Begin Friday June 13

Beginning Friday, June 13, our parish offices will be closed on Fridays through Labor Day. As always when the office is closed, if there is an emergency need for a priest you may call either office to leave a message in the Emergency voicemail box. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

St. John Parish Office & Collaborative offices
39 Washington St. 781-235-0045
Summer Office Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm (Monday – Thursday)

St. Paul Parish Office
502 Washington St. 781-235-1060
Summer Office Hours: 9:00am – 12:00pm (Monday – Thursday)

Sunday, June 8, 2025: The Dedication of The Warren and Patricia Cross Bell Tower and Rededication of The DeFazio Family Bell

HISTORY OF THE ST. PAUL BELL AND BELL TOWER PROJECT

The St. Paul Mission was established in 1906 for families in the western part of Wellesley. In 1914, land was acquired on Washington Street for a new church to serve the growing congregation. Ground was broken on August 10, 1915, and construction was completed the following spring. The first Mass was celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 1916. Later that summer a parishioner, Salvatore DeFazio of Wellesley Hills, approached Rev. Edward J. Welch with the offer to contribute and install a bell in the newly completed church…

Memorial Day Remembrances

On this Memorial Day, we pray for all members of the military, especially those who died in service to others.

May we honor them by loving and caring for all those they have left behind.

May they inspire us to live selflessly in our own lives, as Christ calls us to do. Amen.

Sunday, June 8: A Celebration at St. Paul Church

Please join us for the

REDEDICATION OF THE ST. PAUL BELL

AND

DEDICATION OF THE ST. PAUL BELL TOWER

Sunday, June 8, 2025
11:00am Mass
St. Paul Church

Reception following on the Church Lawn

Saturday, May 18: Veterans Memorial Mass at the 4:00pm Vigil at St. Paul

All military veterans and their families are cordially invited to attend a special Veterans Memorial Mass at St. Paul Church at 4:00pm on Saturday, May 21. Organized by the Wellesley Veterans’ Council, this annual event brings Wellesley veterans together as part of the annual Wellesley Wonderful Weekend. Veterans are invited (but not required!) to wear their uniforms and gather in the St. Paul foyer to process in with the celebrant to reserved seats at the front of the church.

During the Mass we will remember those veterans from Wellesley who gave their lives for our country.

Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner: Saturday, March 15 at 5:00pm in St. Paul Parish Hall

Join Us for Food, Drinks, Music, Coffee and Dessert!

Meal Options: Corned Beef Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Vegetarian Sandwich

Attention Bakers! Please bring a dessert to share!

Tickets are $20 for Adults and $10 for Children (families with children maximum $50)

Please make your reservations by March 10 to help with planning – thank you!

Please reserve online NOW! Click this link: sjspwellesley.org/st-patricks-dinner

Msgr. Joseph Lind Marks the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination

On Monday, February 10, Msgr. Lind marked the 60th anniversary of his ordination by celebrating Mass with his brother priests, family, and friends from St. Paul at Regina Cleri.

What a remarkable gift he has been to us and to the Church – how many lives he has blessed with his presence and faith! Please join us in wishing him well!