Over 75 parishioners from the St. Paul and St. John parishes joined on June 13th to discuss how adult faith enrichment can be offered within the Collaborative in ways which are greater than our parishes can accomplish individually. The energy and commitment at that session was palpable and contributed to a rich and rewarding discussion concerning our collective vision of adult faith enrichment within the St. John-St. Paul Collaborative! By drawing on the ideas and talents of parishioners from both parishes, we stand stronger as we seek to formulate programs which will nurture and inspire us all as Catholics.
Led by Carol Yamartino, a professional executive meeting facilitator, the ideas flowed freely – greater focus on scripture, the possibility of retreats and speaker programs, increased support for families as the first instructors of faith for their children, inter-Collaborative music ministry, and the list goes on!
But the process did not end on June 13th! The ideas expressed that evening are being reviewed by me, in consultation with the members of the Collaborative Pastoral Council, as we begin to consider how to move forward and build upon the ideas expressed. New ways to organize ourselves across the Collaborative to assist in that effort are also being considered. Importantly, we will be holding another session in the fall to continue this important discussion about expanding our parishes’ ministries through collaborative efforts. Stay tuned!
Fr. Jim
Meet at the St. Paul parking lot (behind the church) – bring money for ice cream. All High schoolers from the Collaborative and especially rising 9th graders are welcome.
It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that we announce that our parochial vicar, Fr. Arthur MacKay, will be leaving us to take a new assignment beginning on June 1. Cardinal Sean has asked Fr. Arthur to begin a new assignment as a hospital chaplain serving Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington and MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham. With his gentle pastoral presence, deep faith and extensive medical background, Fr. Arthur will bring unique gifts to his new ministry. For the past five years, Fr. Arthur has served the parishes of our collaborative with dedication, sensitivity and pastoral zeal. We will miss him very much. Our prayers and love go with him as he begins this new chapter in his priestly ministry. A farewell event is being planned and will be announced soon.
Also on June 1, Fr. Robert Blaney will be beginning his ministry with us as the new parochial vicar for our collaborative. Ordained in 2007, Fr. Blaney currently serves as parochial vicar of the Sacred Heart-Our Lady Help of Christians Collaborative in Newton. Fr. Blaney is a very talented priest who is much beloved in his current parishes. We welcome him with open arms and trust that you will give him the same loving support and encouragement that you so generously give to all of the priests who serve you.
The Religious Education programs of the St. John – St. Paul Collaborative are excited to announce that last year’s “Summer Blast” program for our incoming sixth graders was extremely successful and we will be permanently offering it through our Religious Education registration process – as you may have seen as you registered your rising 6th grader. The program is offered as an alternative to help our families manage their busy schedules. Successful completion of “Summer Blast” will fulfill religious education requirements for the upcoming school year. 
St. Paul Church will host this special statue of Our Lady of Fatima, an image of the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Fatima as she appeared to Sr. Lúcia in Tuy, Spain. It was blessed by Pope Francis on October 23, 2013 at the conclusion of the Wednesday audience ten days after his consecration of the world to Our Lady of Fatima. Events during the day will be:
Join us for an hour of prayer and reflection