Important Announcement: St. Paul Church Bell Tower Project

Important Announcement: St. Paul Church Bell Tower Project

As you know, the St. Paul bell, installed in 1926, has been silent for many years. This is partly because the bell’s ringing mechanism is no longer functioning. However, the more important issue is that the wood framing for the 3,000lb bell is failing and in urgent need of replacement. In addition, the bell tower’s masonry and parapet also require significant repair. These are critical issues of safety and stability, and this work cannot be put off.

The total cost is budgeted to be $487,200.

On behalf of Fr. Jim and Fr. Hehir, we are asking you for your help. St. Paul parishioners have a long history of giving generously to support our parish. Please take a moment to prayerfully reflect on how you can contribute.  To give now…

Adoration Will Pause for the Summer Months

Adoration Will Pause for the Summer Months

Our current schedule for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (Mondays at 1:00pm at St. Paul Church and Fridays at 1:00pm at St. John Church) will continue through the month of June.  Adoration at both churches will pause for the summer and resume in the fall.

There will be no Adoration at either church during the months of July and August.

Our final Adoration in June will take place Monday, June 27 at 1:00pm at St. Paul Church.

Friday, June 17: Fr. Jim Update

Friday, June 17: Fr. Jim Update

Fr. Jim has asked us to let you know, once again, how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support, and how much all your cards and notes mean to him. 

While Fr. Jim is away from the Collaborative, the Archdiocese of Boston has given Fr. Bryan Hehir the authority to handle the administrative functions of the parishes, allowing Fr. Jim to focus on his recovery. Fr. Jim will, of course, continue to be in contact with Fr. Hehir and the Collaborative staff, providing input and guidance as we navigate through the days and weeks ahead.

Fr. Jim requests that folks continue to rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus all his energy on this important stage of his recovery.

Friday, June 10: Update from Fr. Jim

Friday, June 10: Update from Fr. Jim

Fr. Jim has asked us to let you know, once again, how incredibly grateful he is for your prayers and support, and how much your cards and notes mean to him.

He is pleased to report that he is progressing well and has now moved into the rehabilitation phase of his recovery. He knows it will be a long road and a lot of hard work, but he is taking it one day at a time and is encouraged by his progress.

Fr. Jim requests that folks continue to rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus all his energy on this important stage of his recovery.

As always, your prayers for his complete and speedy recovery and return to us are still the best way to support him at this time. He will continue to let us know how we can best support him through every stage of his recovery.

Monday, June 6: Message and Request from Fr. Jim

Monday, June 6: Message and Request from Fr. Jim

Fr. Jim asked us to pass along to all of you how much he appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and concern for him.  The unbelievable outpouring of support from parishioners, friends, and of course his family, has been a tremendous comfort.
  
As anyone who has gone through a serious accident or illness, surgery, and a hospital stay knows, the experience is exhausting, and one of the most important factors in recovery is rest.  Fr. Jim has asked that, for now, folks rely on the regular updates provided by the Collaborative, rather than texting or calling him directly, so he can focus on rest and recovery.

He promises to update us regularly, and we promise to keep you updated!

Thank you so much for your understanding –

St. John-St. Paul Collaborative Staff

Sunday, June 5: Update on Fr. Jim

Sunday, June 5: Update on Fr. Jim

We want to provide, with Fr. Jim’s blessing, a little more information about what happened.

Fr. Jim was running an errand, and while standing next to his car in a parking lot he was struck by another vehicle. He was provided immediate care and taken to a Boston hospital, where he is in great hands and receiving the best possible care as he recovers. He is in contact with Fr. Hehir and the Collaborative staff, providing input as we work to arrange coverage during his absence.

So many of you have reached out to ask what you can do for Fr. Jim at this time. Your continued prayers for his complete and speedy recovery and return to us are the best way to support him while he remains in the hospital. Cards and notes can be sent to Fr. Jim at the St. John rectory (9 Glen Road, Wellesley, MA 02481) or dropped in the rectory vestibule (a box will be provided) or at either parish office and they will be delivered to him.  We will, of course, continue to provide regular updates to you as Fr. Jim shares them with us. He will let us know how best to support him in the days and weeks ahead.

Saturday, June 4: Important Message About Fr. Jim

Saturday, June 4: Important Message About Fr. Jim

As we shared with you via email yesterday, Fr. Jim was in a serious accident on Thursday.  We are so thankful that he OK and is expected to make a full recovery, but he is facing multiple surgeries and will be out of commission for quite some time. Fr. Jim is always our steadfast leader and partner in prayer, and he is comforted knowing that we are praying for him now.

So many of you have reached out to ask what you can do for Fr. Jim at this time. Please know that he is in great hands and receiving the best possible care as he recovers. Your continued prayers for his complete and speedy recovery and return to us are the best way to support him at the current moment.  We will, of course, provide regular updates to you as Fr. Jim shares them with us, and he will let us know how best to support him in the days and weeks ahead.

Cards and notes can be sent to Fr. Jim at the rectory address (9 Glen Road, Wellesley, MA 02481). 

THIS WEEKEND, June 4-5! St. Francis House Adult Clothing Collection

THIS WEEKEND, June 4-5! St. Francis House Adult Clothing Collection

Please take advantage of Spring cleaning and donate THIS weekend, June 5-6 at the St. John garage (behind the church building) between 9AM-5PM. 

We are so happy to be able to resume our tradition of the June Clothing Collection for St. Francis House! St. Francis House rebuilds lives by providing refuge and pathways to stability for adults experiencing homelessness and poverty. They serve approximately 50 clothing appointments per day (M-F) which is 250 full sets of clothing per week to their guests in need. Please note that 85% of St Francis House guests are men, so men’s items are in most need.  Women’s items are also accepted but CHILDREN’S ITEMS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.  All items must be clean, in good condition, and (at most) gently used. In particular, NEW socks are welcome for their Foot Clinic. Please box or bag everything – no clothing on hangers, please!  

Needed Donation Items…

Summer Mass Schedule Begins This Weekend!

Summer Mass Schedule Begins This Weekend!

Our Summer Sunday Mass Schedule begins this weekend, Sunday, May 29: 

SATURDAY
4:00pm Vigil Mass at St. Paul
5:00pm Vigil Mass at St. John

SUNDAY
9:00am Mass at St. Paul
11:00am Mass at St. John

With this schedule, we anticipate a fuller church at all of our Sunday Masses this summer, which will significantly enhance our worship. Parishioners are encouraged to attend the Masses within the collaborative that are most convenient; envelopes and checks placed in the collection basket will be sent to your home parishes.

Now would be a great time to consider online giving, if you haven’t already…