Thank You from Birthright of Framingham

Thank You from Birthright of Framingham

On behalf of Birthright of Framingham, thank you for the lovely and generous donation of baby items following your St. Paul Giving Tree drive. Once again, we were overwhelmed and deeply humbled by St. Paul’s incredible outpouring of generosity. There were so many boxes and bags of donated items that my jeep was filled to the brim – twice! What an enormous effort by your Parish and the Giving Tree Ministry! This donation will carry us through much of the year for many of the basic supplies we try to offer our clients, like diapers, wipes, baby blankets, warm clothing, and bathing supplies.  I can tell you that it does truly make a difference to the families who come into Birthright when we are able to provide them with these items…

February 1-2: A Special Second Collection for Catholic Charities Relief Efforts Responding to L.A. Wildfires

February 1-2: A Special Second Collection for Catholic Charities Relief Efforts Responding to L.A. Wildfires

The enormity of the tragedy that has unfolded in Southern California as a result of the wildfires is heartbreaking. The wildfires have killed 28 people with the expectation that number could increase. More than 15,400 structures have been destroyed. 40,000 acres have been impacted. There have been many injures, homes and businesses destroyed, and entire neighborhoods wiped out. Thousands of brave firefighters and other first responders have been working around the clock to contain and put out the fires.

Recognizing the immediate and growing needs, Catholic Charities USA is seeking assistance for relief efforts in response to the wildfires. In the spirit of solidarity, Archbishop Henning has asked for a special collection to support Catholic Charities relief efforts…

Sunday, February 2: The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Sunday, February 2: The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

This year the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2) falls on the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, superseding the readings for the Fourth Sunday and offering us the opportunity to take part in special rituals associated with the Presentation.

Popularly known as “Candlemas,” the Feast of the Presentation celebrates the fortieth day after Christmas and is traditionally marked by the solemn blessing of and procession with candles. To mark this feast, a special blessing of the candles will take place at the beginning of every Mass next weekend, February 1-2…

January 30: “Catholic Women DO Preach: Making Our Voices Heard” – A Book Celebration at Boston College

January 30: “Catholic Women DO Preach: Making Our Voices Heard” – A Book Celebration at Boston College

All are invited to a book celebration sponsored by Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry and FutureChurch for Catholic Women Preach: Raising Voices, Renewing the Church. This publication, edited by Elizabeth Donnelly and Russ Petrus, is a collection of homilies offered by Catholic women from Cycle C in the Catholic lectionary – including our own Sr. Colleen Gibson, SSJ, who is also part of the evening’s panel discussion.

Please Note: In-person capacity has been reached. Please register to join virtually for the panel discussion at 6:00pm…

Sunday, February 9: We’re Joining Capuchin Mobile Missions for Winter Walk 2025!

Sunday, February 9: We’re Joining Capuchin Mobile Missions for Winter Walk 2025!

Please consider joining the Capuchin Mobile Missions Winter Walk Team to help raise awareness and critical funds for their important mission!

All are welcome – individuals, families, adults, kids – even dogs! It’s a great opportunity to join together in service with other members of our SJSP community!

While those who are able to fundraise or make a personal donation for Capuchin Mobile Missions are encouraged to do so, it not required to participate in the walk. To register…

Our Collaborative “Care for Creation” Committee Welcomes New Members to Join!

Our Collaborative “Care for Creation” Committee Welcomes New Members to Join!

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for Creation, Laudato Si’. Our Collaborative Care for Creation Committee is currently making plans for this important ministry in the year ahead. Check out our page on the Collaborative website…

Laudato Si’ Anniversary Contemplative Vigil We invite you to join us on January 25th, in solidarity with others around the globe, for an online contemplative vigil.  

Full details and Zoom link for the vigil are available here…

Sunday, January 26: Family Service Activity for “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” at Coffee & Donuts

Sunday, January 26: Family Service Activity for “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” at Coffee & Donuts

Please join the Religious Ed team for our Family Service Activity on Sunday, January 26 at 10:00am at St. Paul Hall during/after Coffee & Donuts. 

We will be putting together toiletry bags for clients at Bridge Over Troubled Waters an organization that provides effective and innovative services to runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth, helps youth avoid a lifetime of dependency on social services, guides youth towards self-sufficiency, and enables youth to transform their lives and build fulfilling, meaningful futures.

All are welcome – please join us!

Adult Faith Enrichment Series: The Spirituality of Aging

Adult Faith Enrichment Series: The Spirituality of Aging

In a culture that tries to defy the aging process, how do we embrace the fears as well as the spiritual opportunities of growing older?

Join Laurie Jacob, certified spiritual director, for a 3 week series exploring the spirituality of aging. Gathering in a small group faith sharing format, we will explore questions surrounding the challenges and opportunities of aging with a sense of hope and freedom to become one’s truest self.

This group will gather on Friday mornings from 9:30-10:30am at St. Paul Rectory on February 7, 14, and 21 

Participants are asked to please register…

AFE Bible Study: “The Holy Spirit in the Bible”

AFE Bible Study: “The Holy Spirit in the Bible”

“… and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters.” -Genesis1:1

All are invited to join a study group using The Holy Spirit in the Bible, a manual from Liturgical Press. We are offering two groups – a Wednesday morning in-person group at St. Paul and a Monday evening online group on Zoom. Copies of the guide can be purchased on Amazon.

Each lesson is independent, so come when you can! To register…

“Creating Supple Hearts” – A Reflection by Sr. Colleen Gibson

“Creating Supple Hearts” – A Reflection by Sr. Colleen Gibson

Jesus prayed. It might seem like an obvious, and certainly fundamental, part of Jesus’ life, and yet I find myself captivated by the fact that amid everything else, the Gospel author chooses to make note that Jesus prayed.

I wonder what Jesus prayed about? How was the Spirit swirl­ing on that hillside as Jesus looked out over the sea—having just fed the five thousand and watching his disciples struggle to understand everything that was happening? And if I were to sit with him in that moment, what might Jesus say to me?