News and Updates – Page 58 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

“Spirit of Sharing” Gift Collection for St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence

For over two decades, a group of St. John-St. Paul parishioners and St. John School families has organized a collection and distribution of Christmas gifts for children struggling with poverty and hunger in Lawrence. The Spirit of Sharing, is co-sponsored by Saint Patrick’s Parish in Lawrence under the leadership of Fr. Paul O’Brien. The program benefits hundreds of people in that community who lack the financial means to provide their children with Christmas gifts. Thank you to Fr. Jim Laughlin for his abiding support of Spirit of Sharing over the years and to all parishioners for your participation…

POWIR Update: Meet the Family!

On Friday, November 19, we welcomed with joy a beautiful Refugee Family from Kabul, Afghanistan. Iqbal (dad), Khatol (mom), Shahzad (2 year old boy) and Huda (1 year old girl) are settled into their home in Boston. Iqbal is eager to begin the process of finding a job, and with his solid English skills and strong work ethic, we are confident he’ll be employed quickly!

We can not thank you enough for your generosity in contributing to their resettlement efforts…

Wednesday, December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgil Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation.

MASS SCHEDULE
9:00am at St. Paul
9:00am at St. John with Saint John School – all welcome!
7:00pm at St. John

Evening for Women: Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30pm at St. John

Mary Rita Weschler is Director of The Women’s Table which was established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston in 2008 to improve the lives of women and their families. Women from all walks of life are served: young, homeless moms living in shelters, older women grieving the loss of a spouse, mothers of children with disabilities, immigrant women in search of community and more. Coffee and dessert to follow in Powers Hall. Program available on Live Stream and will be recorded.

Mass marks beginning of synodal process in Archdiocese of Boston

From the Pilot: As the global Church began its new liturgical year, a Mass celebrating the initiation of the “synodal way” took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Nov. 27, marking the official opening of the synodal

Sunday, December 5 at 2pm: Christmas Pops Concert at St. Paul

The St. Paul Adult Choir, directed by Mary Lee Cirella, is pleased to announce that the Christmas Pops Concert is back! The program will open with the joyful work Te Deum by Mozart. The Te Deum is one of the ancient prayers of the Church and a joyous hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for all of His help in this difficult time. There will be a group of inspirational works in remembrance of our loved ones as well as Christmas Carols, old and new, accompanied by orchestra, harp and organ. With special guest soloist, Fr. Jim Laughlin! Donations to the St. Paul Music Program will be gratefully accepted.

Upcoming Retreats for the Grieving

The St. John-St. Paul Collaborative is dedicated to both the prayerful and practical support of those experiencing loss. In the coming months, we will be hosting two special retreats.

In December, we will host “Blessed Are Those Who Mourn”, a half-day retreat offering Christ-centered consolation in the midst of grief.

In February, we will be hosting a one-day retreat with The Emmaus Ministry, which was founded to serve the unique spiritual needs of grieving parents…

Trees & Trimmings December 4: New Start Times and Silent Auction

Saint John School’s Trees & Trimmings Christmas Market is returning outdoors on December 4, with online pre-sale options if you would like to avoid the crowd onsite. Please note new start times: 8:00 – 8:30am for Seniors and 8:30am – 2:00pm Open to All (while supplies last.)

Are you worried about the US shortage of Christmas trees? Do you hate standing in line in the freezing cold? Want to avoid scratching the roof of your car, or filling the back with needles?

…We have the solution for you!

St. John School is auctioning off 3 Premium Christmas Tree Packages…

They’re Here!

Our POWIR committee is overjoyed to share with you the arrival of the Afghani family we will be supporting in the coming year. They arrived at Logan Airport on Friday afternoon at 4PM. Mom, Dad, 2 year old boy and 1 year old baby girl are happily settled into their new home in Boston. Our housing volunteers worked tirelessly on Thursday and Friday preparing a warm and welcoming home for the family thanks to all of your generous donations.

We are still gratefully accepting financial contributions to their resettlement efforts, and any volunteer support you feel prompted to give. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for making this massive contribution…

Thursday, November 25: Collaborative Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00am at St. Paul Church

God bless you, and keep you, and walk beside you, at Thanksgiving. . . . and always.

This year, our Thanksgiving Mass for the Collaborative will be celebrated Thanksgiving morning at 9:00am at Paul Church, and will feature music from both the St. John and St. Paul music programs. Please join us – in person or on the St. Paul Livestream!

Please Note: This will be the only daily Mass of the day; there will be no 7:00am Mass at St. John on Thanksgiving.