Category Archives: Important Announcements

It does not seem possible, after 22 years of devout, faithful service to our Parish and all our Wellesley and Newton neighbors, Sister Evelyn Ronan, SND will complete her ministry at St. John the Evangelist Church.  Please save the date of the afternoon of Sunday, June 5 for a parish-wide celebration to recognize and honor Sr. Evelyn’s decades of wonderful commitment and work. Details will be coming in the next few weeks.

Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m., Parish Center
The Churches the Apostles Left Behind  by Raymond Brown
The chief apostles all died about thirty years after crucifixion. This book, written by an eminent biblical scholar, is a study of the strengths and weaknesses of seven diverse communities founded by people who knew Jesus.

Thursday, May 12, 7:30 p.m., Parish Center
The Need and the Blessing of Prayer by Karl Rahner
Fr. Rahner is considered one of the most influential Catholic theologians of the 20th century. His writings played a major role in preparing the way for Vatican II. The Need and the Blessing of Prayer, a brief book (101 pages) based on eight sermons delivered by Fr. Rahner in Munich in 1946, is a classic guide to how each of us might open our hearts more completely to God.

For more information about St. John’s Book Discussion Group contact John Stewart at (617)969-0950

Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, the Octave of Easter. It is originally based on the Catholic devotion to the Divine Mercy that Saint Faustina Kowalska reported as part of her encounter with Jesus, where Jesus promises (reputedly said) that a person who goes to Sacramental Confession (the confession may take place some days before) and receives holy communion on that day, shall obtain the total forgiveness of all sins and punishment.  Divine Mercy Sunday points us to the merciful love of God that lies behind the whole Paschal Mystery made present for us in the Eucharist. Let us be renewed in our Acts of Mercy as we continue to journey into the Heart of Mercy this Easter season.

Here are some recent acts of mercy from Lent:

Shared a Toy
Forgave someone for being mean
Drove a woman home from Mass
Visited a friend in a nursing home
Cared for a dying woman
Did things when I was told
Did all my homework and cooperated
Made sandwiches for SOME
Was more patient
Prayed for the sick
Helped elderly neighbor when power went off
Comforted a friend who was sad
Was nice to my brother
Did my chores
Helped a neighbor with repairs
Helped Fr. Sepe
Listened
Was nicer to my sister
Gave clothes to the poor
Forgave myself

Be sure to pick up a Year of Mercy car magnet – a great reminder that there are still several months of this Jubilee celebration of mercy. They will be in the church foyer this Saturday & Sunday.

Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m. in Powers Hall
Evening for Women
Come join us with Easter Joy, to welcome Spring and one another! Bring your favorite recipe to share…  Moderator: Sr. Evelyn Ronan  All welcome!

Thursday, April 7, 5:00 PM at Boston College
The Challenge of Interreligious Dialogue in the Age of Laudato Si
Keynote Speaker—Mary Evelyn Tucker Senior lecturer and Research Scholar, and Codirector of the Forum on Religion and Ecology, Yale University
Boston College, Heights Room Corcoran Commons

St. John’s Book Discussion Group

Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m., Parish Center
The Churches the Apostles Left Behind  by Raymond Brown
The chief apostles all died about thirty years after crucifixion. This book, written by an eminent biblical scholar, is a study of the strengths and weaknesses of seven diverse communities founded by people who knew Jesus.

Thursday, May 12, 7:30 p.m., Parish Center
The Need and the Blessing of Prayer by Karl Rahner
Fr. Rahner is considered one of the most influential Catholic theologians of the 20th century. His writings played a major role in preparing the way for Vatican II. The Need and the Blessing of Prayer, a brief book (101 pages) based on eight sermons delivered by Fr. Rahner in Munich in 1946, is a classic guide to how each of us might open our hearts more completely to God.

For more information about St. John’s Book Discussion Group contact John Stewart at (617)969-0950

Dear Parishioners,

Some 22 years ago, when I was ‘young’ I arrived at this wonderful Parish to serve as your Pastoral Associate. There followed years of learning, growing, helping each other to discern what God wanted us to be and to do.

When Fr. Tom retired last year, I knew it was important for me to remain here, as a way to provide some supportive continuity at this time of transition and change.

In January, I met with Fr. Sepe to share my thoughts, that during these past months, I have come to an increasing knowledge of what I had begun to experience in recent years. And that is my diminishing stamina to minister in the overall way needed for the role of Pastoral Associate. I thought at first, I could just change to part-time and do one or two pieces of our Parish mission.

But in all honesty, I accept the fact that would not work! I have never been able to find my ‘cut-down’ switch. So, I realized I must move on to enable another person to come aboard and embrace this blessed ministry of Pastoral Associate in its fullness.

I will be here until early June. As for my next step, you will be glad to know that I have accepted an invitation from Emmanuel College to become part of their Campus Ministry Program. I am really delighted at this opportunity.

In early September, I will mark 60 years in religious life as a Sister of Notre Dame. The mystery and miracle of all these years are woven into the 22 years with you, in this Parish that I love so much.

Without question, day by day, over these years, God has kept me aware of how fortunate I have been to be here with you: praying, learning, responding to the world about us. For this blessing and for all you have taught me by your welcome, your goodness and your love, I am so grateful.
I know the inadequacy of this letter, but it sends to you, my profound gratitude and love.

Sr. Evelyn

Meet Christ in Prayer
Pray for the grace necessary to love and to serve God by loving and serving others

Educate Yourself
Learn the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and how best you can put them into practice based on the needs of those around you.

Respond to the Need
Be the hands of Christ for others in need.

Contemplate Christ
Where did you see the love of Christ today and how did Christ love through you?

Y (why?)
“And the King will answer, ‘In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me,’” (Matthew 25:40)

The Adult Faith Formation and Service Commissions of St. John Parish facilitate our journey into the Heart of Mercy.