News and Updates – Page 54 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Synthesis Report for the First Session of the Synod on Synodality Released

In the late afternoon of Saturday, October 28, 2023, the members of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops adopted the “Synthesis Report of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.” The report, which summarizes discussions at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, said the church may need more welcoming pastoral approaches, especially to people who feel excluded, but also acknowledged fears of betraying traditional church teachings and practices. Among the topics addressed in the report were clerical sexual abuse, women’s roles in the church, outreach to poor and the concept of “synodality” itself.

After the voting on the synthesis concluded, the pope said he wanted to remind everyone that “the protagonist of the synod is the Holy Spirit.” He briefly thanked the synod officers and joined members of the assembly in giving thanks to God…

Collaborative Book Club – Thursday, November 9: “The Diary of a Country Priest” –

The SJSP Book Club will meet this Thursday, November 9 at 7:00pm in the St. Paul Rectory to begin our discussion of The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos.

This novel recounts the life of a young French country priest who grows to understand his provincial parish while learning spiritual humility himself. This week we will discuss chapters 1-4.

Newcomers welcome! For questions or information about joining us, please email bookclub@sjspwellesley.org

“Welcoming the Stranger” – Our Collaborative Response

Cardinal Seán O’Malley has alerted every parish in the Diocese regarding our readiness to assist in an ever-expanding immigration crisis beyond the state’s capacity to respond effectively.

To help make it easier for our parishioners to participate in responding to this critical need, our Collaborative Service Commission has set up “Welcoming the Stranger” donation lines in both churches. Attached to the lines are individual cards listing specific items of clothing, toiletries, and personal care needs.

At Mass this weekend, please pick out and take cards for as many items as you’d like to contribute – the cards serve as a reminder of your commitment to welcoming the stranger. If you miss the chance to pick out specific cards this weekend, know that all items listed below will be welcomed…

“Evening for Women” with Kelly Meraw – Tuesday, November 7 at 6:30pm at St. John the Evangelist

All women are invited to join us for the opening session of our Collaborative “Evening for Women” program on Tuesday, November 7 at 6:30pm in the Lower Chapel at St. John the Evangelist Church.

Our featured speaker this month will be our Director of Pastoral Care, Kelly Meraw. She will be sharing about the most recent events in the Church’s Synod on Synodality and what they mean for the important topic of ‘Rethinking Women’s Participation.’

After our program in the Lower Chapel (more info coming soon!) we will gather in Powers Hall for a potluck dinner – please bring a dish or beverage to share! Invite a friend or neighbor to come along! To help us plan for the evening, please RSVP…

It’s the First Sunday of the Month – Family Mass and Youth Mass are at St. John’s this Weekend!

Just a reminder that this Sunday, November 5 is the first Sunday of the month, and that means that the Sunday 9:00am Family Mass and 5:00pm Youth Mass will be celebrated at St. John Church.

Yes, we were at St. John last Sunday too, but that’s because October had three Sundays and we’re at St. John on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month. And yes, it’s a little confusing, but luckily it doesn’t happen too often!

Did you notice flags on the parish lawns this week? When you see a green flag flying on the lawn, that means the Sunday 9AM Family Mass and 5PM Youth Mass are being celebrated at that church…

A Special Conversation on the Synod on Synodality at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross

“What just happened in Rome and what it means for us.”

On Sunday, November 5 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross (1400 Washington Street, Boston, MA) will host a special conversation on the historic Synod on Synodality with Sebastian Gomes, Executive Editor for Audio and Video at America Magazine.

This event is free and includes a light lunch. To register, please visit…

This Weekend, November 4-5: St. Francis House (Small/Single Use) Toiletries Drive

A collection of small sizes of personal care items (such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, lotion, etc.) for guests of St. Francis House will take place the weekend of November 4-5.

Complimentary hotel items are totally acceptable – so check your closets!

Items may be dropped off in the boxes that will be available at the back of both churches. Thank you for your support!

Middle School Social – “Mystery Night” on November 4 from 7-8pm at St. Paul

We’re having a Middle School Youth Ministry Event on Saturday evening, November 4 from 7-8 pm at St. Paul Parish Hall.

Join us for “Mystery” games, activities and refreshments – and bring your friends!

All Middle School students are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Letter of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to the People of God

Dear sisters, dear brothers,

As the proceedings of the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops draw to a close, we want to thank God with all of you for the beautiful and enriching experience we have lived. We lived this blessed time in profound communion with all of you. We were supported by your prayers, bearing with you your expectations, your questions, as well as your fears. As Pope Francis requested two years ago, a long process of listening and discernment was initiated, open to all the People of God, no one being excluded, to “journey together” under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, missionary disciples engaged in the following of Jesus Christ…

“Welcoming the Stranger” – A Message from Cardinal O’Malley

Cardinal Seán wrote to pastors and the parishes of the Archdiocese regarding a growing humanitarian and societal crisis that is building in the Commonwealth and Archdiocese of Boston. The issue involves the fate of immigrants arriving daily in Massachusetts and in need of basic shelter and compassionate care. The Cardinal’s letter is posted in it’s entirety below, and all parishioners are encouraged to take time to read it.

In the coming weeks, the Collaborative, with the help of our Collaborative Service Commission, will make every effort to respond generously and effectively to answer the call to “welcome the stranger” and give aid to our immigrant sisters and brothers. Stay tuned for details!