News and Updates – Page 63 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Special Collection August 28-29: Haiti Earthquake Relief

On Saturday, August 14, a massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti, killing nearly 1300 people, with death toll numbers increasing. The shock leveled homes, leaving thousands without shelter. Countless others are injured and hospitals are already overwhelmed. Haiti is a country already susceptible to hurricanes and still recovering from the disastrous earthquake a decade ago and many in Haiti are already facing widespread hunger due to drought and economic instability.

Recognizing the suffering of the Haitian people and growing need for assistance, Cardinal Seán has asked that a special collection for Catholic Relief Services and the Church in Haiti be taken in all parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston this weekend, August 28-29.

Donations may be placed in the second collection at all Masses this weekend. (Checks should be made payable to your home parish with “Haiti Earthquake Relief” in the memo.)

Donations may also be made online…

This Thursday, August 26 at 7:00pm: Join Us for a “Discerning Deacons” Conversation

In response to the call of the Holy Father to a synodal and listening Church, the SJSP Discerning Deacons Circle is hosting a collaborative-wide evening to explore the role of the Deacon, the history of women in the Diaconate, and the restoration of women to the Diaconate.

“There’s a glove somewhere that’s been thrown down. The women have put up a sign and said, ‘Please listen to us. May we be heard.’ And I pick up that gauntlet.”
Pope Francis

Please join us for conversation and refreshments or join us via Livestream:

Thursday, August 26 at 7:00pm
St. John the Evangelist Parish Sanctuary

Video Message of the Holy Father to the people on the vaccination campaign against COVID-19

Pope Francis and six Cardinals and Archbishops from the US and Latin America have come together for a message of unity in support of COVID-19 vaccines and access for all.

“Vaccination is a simple but profound way of promoting the common good and caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable. I pray to God that everyone may contribute their own small grain of sand, their own small gesture of love; no matter how small, love is always great. Contribute with these small gestures for a better future…”

Weekend Weather Update: Masses On As Scheduled, Sunday 5pm Mass Will Be Inside

Given the latest guidance regarding the storm’s impact on our area, we will plan to celebrate all Masses within the Collaborative as scheduled, with the Sunday 5pm Mass moving inside St. Paul Church.

In the unlikely event that conditions warrant cancelling any Masses, we will make announcements via email and on our website and social media.

August 21-22: Collection of Non-Perishable Items for the New “Free Mini Pantry” in Natick

Are you looking for a way to help fight food insecurity in the local area? The St. John-St. Paul Collaborative will be holding a collection of non-perishable food and personal items for the recently established “Mini-Free Pantry” in Natick this weekend, August 21-22. Please consider supporting this effort by donating unexpired, non-perishable items to the collection bins at either church. At St. Paul the collection bins will be in the foyer of the main doors of the church and at St. John the bins will be at the Glen Road entrance.

Most needed items include: peanut butter, canned fruit, personal care items, diapers and wipes. Thank you!

New Collaborative Weekend Mass Schedule Begins the Weekend of September 11-12

Our current Summer Mass Schedule is in effect through Sunday, September 5 (Labor Day weekend.) As we look to the fall, we are mindful that the pandemic is not completely behind us and that uncertainty remains. At the same time, thanks to the formidable work of scientists and health care workers (not to mention our own vigilance!), we can begin to plan more concretely for the months ahead, and to bring back many of the things that provide a richer Mass experience for our community.

We have developed a weekend Mass schedule for the upcoming fall through spring that…

Join Us Thursday, August 26 at 7pm for a “Discerning Deacons” Conversation

“There’s a glove somewhere that’s been thrown down. The women have put up a sign and said, ‘Please listen to us. May we be heard.’ And I pick up that gauntlet.” Pope Francis

Please join us for conversation and refreshments or join us via Livestream:

Thursday, August 26 at 7:00pm
St. John the Evangelist Parish Sanctuary

Welcome to Our New Coordinator of Pastoral Care, Mary Campion!

It is with great pleasure we introduce our new Coordinator of Pastoral Care, Mary Campion, who will be joining us later this month. Mary is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and has a MA in Hispanic Studies from Brown University and a MA in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College. She has worked in the Archdiocese of Boston since 2005 and is a certified Pastoral Associate. She is very happy to be joining us in the St. John- St. Paul Collaborative. Mary’s past ministry has involved social justice, adult faith formation, ministry management, sacramental preparation and much more…

Tonight’s (8/8) Sunday 5pm Mass Is – Once Again – Moving Inside

Despite the lack of rain in the forecast for the past 24 hours, it has started to drizzle and there is now a 70% chance of rain by 5:00pm. Unfortunately, this means we cannot set up outside.

Tonight’s Sunday 5pm Mass will be celebrated inside St. Paul Church – please join us!

(This Mass will also be available to view via the St. Paul Livestream.)