News and Updates – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Family Faith Formation News from Fr. Jim

I am writing to let you know that Linda Messore is no longer working as Director of Children’s Faith Formation for the Collaborative. We are thankful for her many years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors.

We have begun a formal search for a Director of Family Faith Formation to lead our Mustard Seeds (K-2), Loaves & Fishes (3-5), and Salt & Light (6 & 7) programs, as well as our programs for First Reconciliation & First Communion preparation (typically Grade 2), and Confirmation preparation (Grade 8 and up.)

We will share more information later in the summer about the coming year as we continue our ongoing renewal of our faith formation ministry…

A Word from Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Liturgy

It is with thankfulness I share exciting news of where the Holy Spirit has led me. In late August, I will step into the role of Director of Vocal Music at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. The mission of Sacred Heart Schools – to form courageous, globally-minded young women for leadership – is in direct concert with the ways God continues to call me in ministry. I’m inspired to join the seasoned faculty, empowering young women in strong social awareness, active faith, intellectual values, service, and personal growth.

I will always hold a space of deep gratitude and sacredness for my time working at St. John-St. Paul Collaborative…

Thank You for Your Amazing Support of St. Francis House!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, multiple van trips were required to transport all the donations from St. John and St. Paul!

St. Francis House and their clients are most grateful for your care and support.

Day 15: Tuesday, June 30 | Gathering the Graces: Santiago de Compostela

At the entrance of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the “Portico of Glory,” the triumphant entry way that pilgrims traverse to make their way into their final destination (though some will continue on to the sea at Finisterre (“The End of the Earth”). Upon passing through the portico, we will find the pillar where thousands of pilgrims have come before, placing their hand in the worn-out space: a mark of a journey many have made and continue to make.

From there we will go to the Pilgrim Mass and have our Camino passport stamped. We have officially completed the Camino!

Day 14: June 29 – Part 2 | We Made It!

We made it! Thirteen days of walking- tired toes, aching bodies, a plethora of personalities, and lots of hard work… and we did it!

We departed our camp this morning with the intent of making this final day’s journey together. This might seem easy but with 30 pilgrims (including 24 high school girls), any time we go together we make waves. Still, we persevered and stuck together. Over hills and through the woods, we held together. A sign of unity on the trail, that many pelegrinos commented over our weeks that they delighted in seeing…

Special Second Collection July 18-19, 2026: Venezuela Relief Efforts

Noting the immense suffering and loss of life occurring in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes, Archbishop Richard G. Henning has asked parishes to consider taking up a special collection to aid relief efforts. Our Collaborative will take up this collection on the weekend of July 18-19.

For this special collection, parishioners are asked to address their checks to their parish, with “Venezuela Relief” in the memo. To donate online…

Day 14: Monday, June 29 | An End in Sight: Rúa to Santiago de Compostela

This is the final stretch! You’ll note the final distance (20.3km) doesn’t come with a label (Easy, Intermediate, or Expert). It simply is, because no matter how difficult it is, we must complete it to reach our destination.

Having followed the scallop shells this far and by putting one foot in front of the other, we arrive at our destination: The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

As we near the conclusion of our journey, there is much to make an account of: the prayers we’ve prayed, the miles we’ve walked, the things we’ve learned…

Day 13: Sunday, June 28 – Part 2 | Grace and Gratitude

Today marked our next to last day of walking on the Camino de Santiago. With our final destination in sight (and heart) you can feel the shifting energy in the group. Students have begun to reflect on the lessons of the Way, others are ready to go home to family and friends. Tomorrow will mark 2 full weeks of travel, which for many is a new experience.

In many ways, our walk today was uneventful and that is a welcome state of being. We’ve come to know our bodies and paces (and to push both, whether up hills or to slow down when you “just want the walk to be done”) and so details can get lost in the familiarity of the way…

Thank You from MassBay Community College

Dear Fr. Laughlin,

I am writing to thank you and your parish community for the remarkable generosity shown through this year’s Lenten appeal. Raising over $35,000 for the MassBay Textbook Fund is a powerful act of care for our students, and I am deeply grateful to you, the Service Commission, and your entire organization…

Day 13: Sunday, June 28 | A Sign on the Way: Arzúa to Rúa/Santa Irene area

All along the Camino route, the path is marked by the symbol of the scallop shell. This image reminds us that many routes can lead us to our destination and also that each pilgrim takes their own way to Santiago, but ultimately all points convene on this one place.

The scallop is also a symbol of Saint James, for whom Santiago de Compostela is named. Legend has it that after he was martyred in Jerusalem, St. James’s bodily remains were sent to Spain by his followers. On the way, the boat transporting him sank, only to have his body emerge from the sea covered in scallop shells…

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