News and Updates – Page 23 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Week Two of the Synod on Synodality: A Communion That Radiates

On Monday, October 9, the Synod’s General Rapporteur, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, reflected on the previous week’s work on Module A of the Instrumentum Laboris, and introduced Module B.

“In the first module, we reconnected with the experience of the ‘journeying together’ of the People of God over the past two years. We worked to bring the synodal Church into sharper focus as a comprehensive vision… We gained experience in using the methodology of Conversation in the Spirit and can thus feel more at ease in a way of walking together that we will continue to practice. Above all, we have begun to weave relationships and build bonds. We have begun to move from the ‘I’ to the ‘we’.”

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…

October 8: Deacon Good News

Thank you for warmly welcoming Rita and me into the St. John-St Paul Collaborative community. It has only been a few weeks, and I see that this is a special place where God’s grace and His Holy Spirit shine. As a Deacon, I am called to serve in three key areas:

1) I proclaim and preach the Word of God (Proclaiming)
2) I help, and encourage others to help, those needing spiritual support (Service)
3) I reach out to, and inspire others to reach out to, those who are having difficulty getting by (Charity)

I will begin offering office hours to facilitate related discussions in support of Service and Charity…

Attention Young Singers! Join the Christmas Youth Choir!

Sign-up and first rehearsal will take place Sunday, October 29 from 11:15am-12:15pm in the St. John Chapel. Participation is open to all St. John and St. Paul parishioners in grades 1-8. Students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to participate as assistants – Community Service and Confirmation hours/credits are earned. Adult Family members are invited to join our Family Mass Musician Group for Christmas Eve. Attendance at rehearsals is required.

This year, the Christmas Youth Choir will participate in the 4:00pm Christmas Eve Family Mass at St. John (3:30 candlelight procession and prelude.) All rehearsals are in St. John Chapel…

Service: “College Behind Bars” Mentoring Program

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. One of the Corporal Works of Mercy – to visit the imprisoned – is at the heart of Prison Ministry programs.

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…

October 4, 2023: The Synod on Synodality Opens in Rome

Prior to the opening of the Synod on Synodality, voting delegates gathered at Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano for a three day retreat in spiritual preparation for the Synod. A series of meditations were prepared for the retreat by Rev. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., a Dominican Friar and former Master of the Order of Preachers.

In the meditation titled “Friendship”, Fr. Radcliffe shared:

Preaching the gospel is never just communicating information. It is an act of friendship…

St. Paul Bell Tower Project Update

After vendor and supply-chain delays which added months to the project timeline, the structural work on the St. Paul bell tower, including new beams to support the weight of the bell, is now 100% complete.

We have moved into the final phase of the project, which is the replacement of the bell’s electronic ringing mechanisms.

This work is scheduled to be completed within three to four months – we will keep you posted!

Important! Upcoming Work at St. Paul Church and Temporary Mass Changes: October 17 – 20

We are thrilled to let you know that we finally have a date for the replacement of the old speakers at St. Paul Church! The sound system work will begin on Tuesday, October 17 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the day on Friday, October 20. We will not be able to celebrate Mass (including funeral Masses) in the church while this work is taking place.

The 9:00am Weekday Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 18: 9:00am Mass at St. John
Friday, October 20: 9:00am Mass at St. John

The First Global Assembly of the Synod on Synodality Opens October 4

In a letter addressed to bishops and eparchs from all over the world, Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the Synod, invites the faithful from around the world to prayerfully participate in the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that opens in the Vatican this Wednesday, October 4.

The Cardinal reminds everyone that the Synodal Assembly is above all an event of prayer and listening that involves not only the members of the Assembly, but every baptized person. All of us are called to unite in prayer and invocation of the Holy Spirit to guide us in discerning what the Lord is asking of the Church today…