Book Discussion Group Meeting – Thursday, June 18 at 7:30pm

booksThe St. John’s Book Discussion Group was created ten years ago with the basic goal of helping people to understand better the concepts, doctrines, ideas, people, events, institutions, history and relationships that make up the Catholic experience. We have done this through nine or ten meetings a year, held at the parish and focused on a particular book or publication, defined broadly to include, for example, a selection from scripture, an encyclical or a group of poems. There is no membership in the group – it has been open to everyone with an interest and a willingness to contribute to the discussions.

As we enter our second decade and embark on a new relationship with spiritual neighbors from St. Paul’s (and other parishes in the area) we feel it is appropriate to pause and consider ways we might improve the Book Discussion Group – with new members, new approaches to the selection of books and new discussion formats. We are proud of all we have accomplished – the list of books we have read is impressive and we continue to have 10-15 participants at each meetings, an ideal number for lively and fruitful discussion – but we know we can do better.

Thus, we will hold a meeting at the Parish Center (the building on the opposite side of the parking lot from the school) on Thursday evening, June 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. to discuss the future of the book group.

Please come and bring your ideas, suggestions and proposals for specific books or types of books you would like to read and discuss, along with any thoughts you have about organizing this wonderful effort in adult faith formation. There is no commitment — we welcome those who want to become active as well as those who just want to listen! For further information please contact one of the following: Peter Mongeau, pmongeau@verizon.net, Frank McConville, jfmcconville@comcast.net, John Stewart, johnstewart@alum.bu.edu and Anita Martin, ravelrig@live.com

Announcing “Powers Hall”

In honor of Fr. Tom’s dedication and service as our Pastor, the Church Social Hall has been renamed Powers Hall in gratitude for his many years of wonderful ministry to our Parish.

This Weekend: Men’s Clothing Drive for St. Francis House, June 6-7

stfrancishouse_largeThis weekend is our annual Men’s Clothing Drive for St. Francis House. We are collecting men’s gently-used, everyday clothing, as well as new socks for their Foot Clinic, which provides foot care and socks to homeless clients.

The highest needed items include:

  • Men’s pants (especially jeans – given out on a daily basis)
  • T-shirts (extremely important – given out on a daily basis)
  • Footwear (extremely important)
  • “New” Socks
  • Sweaters & Sweatshirts
  • Backpacks/duffel bags
  • Coats, hats, gloves, and scarves (larger sizes in extreme needed)

Please do not send in children’s clothing, used socks, or any discolored items. If you can put your items in boxes or secured bags, and label it with the general
contents, it would be a great help with sorting. Thank you for your generosity!

If you have any questions please contact Shilan Yeung, either email shilanhappy@gmail.com or text/call at 508-801-7072.

Welcome Fr. Sepe!

Today, June 2, we welcome Fr. Kevin Sepe as Pastor of the new St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative.

Welcome Fr. Sepe!

Family Mass On Break for Summer

family-vacationThe Family Mass, along with Donuts & Coffee, is now on summer vacation! The 9:00am Mass will be a regular liturgy until Sunday, September 13 when the Family Mass returns.

Thank you so much to all the families who volunteered this year for Donuts & Coffee set-up and clean-up. This time after Mass is a wonderful source of community and connection, and the help from our volunteers is greatly appreciated.

A thank you letter from St. Francis House to St. John Parish for the 2015 Lenten Gift

Click on the letter to enlarge
St.Francis_ThankYou

A Final Message from Fr. Tom

Our Ninth PastorThis coming Tuesday, June 2, St. John Parish will begin a new chapter. Together with St. Paul Parish we will begin a new journey as ‘Disciples in Mission’. Our Parishes will be led by one pastoral team and we will welcome Fr. Kevin Sepe as Pastor and Fr. Arthur McKay as Parochial Vicar.  I am confident that St. John will greet them with the same warm hospitality, enthusiasm and cooperation that has always been shown to me and the rest of the staff.

I am very grateful for the many kind words, thoughtful notes and expressions of best wishes that you have offered to me over these past weeks. The memory of these days and the years that have preceded will be a source of great strength in the days ahead. My prayers are with you. Let me close with a blessing I often share:

May God bless us and keep us, may He make His face to shine upon us, may God be gracious to us and grant us His peace.

– Fr Tom

A Note of Gratitude to the Parish Choir

Parish Choir and Gusts at the May Anniversary MassEach of you are owed an enormous treasury of thanks for all that you have done this past year as choir. Your continued contributions of time and talent are evident when you come together. Our liturgies are enhanced immeasurably by your devotion to the sacred art of music and vocal praise. Throughout the year the liturgies beginning with the First Sunday Choir, on Thanksgiving morning, the entire Christmas season, during the weeks of Lent, Easter and the weeks that followed, Fr. Tom’s weekend, and finally last week’s observance of the Parish Anniversary. Fantastic job everyone!

To the sopranos – Meg, Ann, Joan, Carmen, Margie, Eileen, Barbara, Barbara, Eva and Kelly… the alto section –  Sandra, Dede, Mary Jane, Jenny, Linda, Barbara, Joan, Marian, Deb… the tenors – Frank, George, Mark, Mike and Jason… the basses – Matt, Brian, Frank and Michael… Fantastic job everyone! Each of you are an essential piece in the beauty of the sacred art of music which fills your souls, raising your listeners into the presence of the Holy One. From a grateful and humbled Parish Music Director. . . Bless you!

Religious Education Registration Due by May 31

Religious-Education-REGISTERReligious Education registration information for the 2015-2016 school year was e-mailed to all current families. If you did not receive the email, the Registration Form and directions are available for download on the Religious Education page.  Registration forms are due by May 31. (A $25 per child late fee is required if registering AFTER May 31.)

Memorial Day Prayer

memorial-day-500x666We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day.

We pray that God will hold our servicemen and women in His strong arms, and cover them with His sheltering grace and presence.