Service and Outreach – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

Our Collaborative has developed in so many fruitful ways since we began this journey in 2015. Our two parishes, each unique and rich in tradition, culture, and ministry, have continued to thrive as distinct faith communities while simultaneously entwining themselves in organic and God-glorifying ways. The Holy Spirit continues to work with deliberate timing as we discern God’s will for our collaborative, revealing opportunities for even deeper connection for worship, enrichment, and ministry together. It is with great joy that we enter a new phase of collaboration in our service and outreach ministries with the establishment of a Collaborative Service Commission.

Why a Service Commission? We are blessed to have many meaningful and diverse service initiatives at both parishes, with so many dedicated parishioners bringing the comfort and compassion of Christ to those in need, in our community and beyond. Our new Collaborative Service Commission will be a support mechanism to provide assistance and encouragement, as needed, to our existing programs and to those engaged in service, as well as a channel for exploring and incorporating new programs and new opportunities to serve.

Why serve? Christ’s foundational command to love is at the heart of the Gospel message. It is a love that is beyond human comprehension – it grows and builds by the power of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. There is no better expression of our love than the imitation our Lord Jesus Christ who came to serve and not to be served. We serve by the grace of faith, through the strength of God’s supply. Service allows us to discover and develop our personal spiritual gifts and to experience the joy of obedience to God’s will; it surrounds us with other Christians who support us in our walks with Christ and it increases our faith.

During the wedding at Cana Jesus performs a miracle. The guests at the wedding aren’t witnesses to that miracle (although they gratefully enjoy its fruits.) The servers at the wedding witness the miracle. Water turns to wine before their eyes. God’s grace is poured out. Serving allows us to witness miracles. Service allows us to see God’s direct hand in the most beautiful parts of His creation.

What holds us back from service? It’s easy to become overwhelmed with doubt and fear – that we don’t have the right skills, or enough time, or that we aren’t needed or sufficient. Remember that God has used those who doubt and fear to perform unbelievable tasks in His name. From Moses to David to Paul, and of course the Blessed Virgin Mary, God proves we need only say ‘yes’. Indeed, He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.

If you feel called to serve out of gratitude for what God has done for you in your life –

If you want to share God’s goodness with others –

If you want to bring the face of Christ into the lives of our collaborative community and beyond –

Please let us know by contacting the Service Commission at service@sjspwellesley.org

Service News and Events

Adult Clothing Drive for St. Francis House: June 21-22

The clothing program at St. Francis house is the only free clothing distributor for adults experiencing homelessness and poverty in the greater Boston area. Every spring our Collaborative supports this program as a collective force. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the thousands of people who rely on St. Francis House during their most challenging times. Items may be dropped off between the hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm at both the St. John and St. Paul garages on the weekend of June 21-22. Items we Need! Two categories of adult clothing are needed. Items should be gently used (or ...
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An Update from Our Friends at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH)

Dear Parishioners, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) supports over 9,000 vulnerable children and adults annually in nine countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Not only do we provide support to the children that live with us, but we also support children and families living in the community through our community outreach programs. In Guatemala, 55% of the population lives in poverty with over 68% of the country’s child population living in poverty. This number jumps even higher for the country’s indigenous population, with 80% of indigenous group members living in poverty. In 2022 in the city of Chimaltenango, NPH ...

A BIG Thank You from Pregnancy Help Boston!

Our annual Mother's Day Baby Shower was once again a rousing success! On the weekend of May 10-11, our Collaborative community showed up in a big way and showered the mothers of Pregnancy Help Boston with an abundance of blessings to help as they nurture the gift of life. The overflowing pack-n-plays in each church's foyer was a visual reminder of our community's abundant generosity. From bibs and diaper bags to newborn outfits and baby blankets and hats, the staff at Pregnancy Help was very appreciative of our donation and the knitted and crocheted items were especially admired! A ...

Turning Dreams into Reality: An Important Update on Our Collaborative Lenten Gift

When we embarked on this year’s Lenten Gift campaign in support of BUILD THE FAITH’s project to construct a church for the St. John Paul II community in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon, we knew this was a message that would resonate within our Collaborative. We have been the grateful recipients of the outstanding Pastoral Ministry of Fathers Gabriel, Lesley and James. Their presence with us has enriched and expanded our concept of the Global Church. The mission of building a church in their local community in Cameroon was a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of ...

Ignatian Volunteer Corps: A Meaningful Path in Retirement

Are you approaching retirement and wondering what comes next? The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) New England offers a unique opportunity for retired or semi-retired individuals to use their skills, wisdom, and experience to serve communities in need. Through part-time service and reflection in the Ignatian tradition, IVC members build community, engage in work that matters, and embrace this next chapter in life with renewed vitality. IVC connects adults 50+ with social service nonprofits, allowing them to make a meaningful impact while deepening their own sense of purpose and spirituality. New England Ignatian Volunteers ordinarily commit to two days per ...