The St. John-St. Paul Collaborative is blessed to have strong traditions of charitable outreach in each of its vibrant parishes. One such tradition was the St. John the Evangelist Parish Lenten Gift. In 2017 we began a new tradition – the St. John-St. Paul Collaborative Collaborative Lenten Gift.

Our Lenten Gift allows each of us to answer Lent’s clarion call to love extravagantly.

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Our 2026 Collaborative Lenten Gift

MassBay Community College Textbook Assistance Fund

through the MassBay Community College Foundation

Special Second Collection March 21-22

Each year, in preparing for Lent, we make the choice to reach out as a community to one particular place of suffering, amid so many in this world. Last year, we reached across the world, helping Build the Faith construct a church for the St. John Paul II Christian Community in Bamenda, Cameroon.

This year, we will stay very close to home, reaching into our own backyard to help students at our local community college be able to focus on their studies without undue financial stress.

Students at community colleges tend to be stretched thin between a multitude of obligations and financial strains. Many are faced each semester with a choice between purchasing the required textbooks for their courses or being able to make their rent, car, or utility payments.

The MassBay Community College Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, raises funds to support the important work of the college and provide resources to help students succeed. Our gift to the MassBay Community College Foundation for Student Essential Needs in support of the Textbook Assistance Fund will help students prepare for a successful future regardless of economic barriers.