We are thrilled to introduce an exciting new event called Community Sundays, which will be launching this fall! It's a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together, enjoy some drinks and refreshments, and connect with one another after Sunday Mass. We believe that building a strong sense of community is essential, and Community Sundays will provide a warm and inviting space for people to meet new friends, get to know their pew mates, and strengthen our bond as a community.
Priests and active parishioners across New England want to see their parishes come alive. The problem is that changing the way we “do church” can be intimidating, especially without having seen relevant examples of parishes doing things differently.
Happy Easter! Feliz Pascua! This day we gather as a community to glorify God and give him thanks and praise for what he has done for us in Jesus Christ. This Sunday, we are gathering in St. James Church to allow all those who want to come to have space for parking and a bench. Last night we celebrated the Easter Vigil and welcomed three new members to our faith and parish.
This Sunday begins the holiest week in the life of the church. We have been preparing for this time to celebrate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our savior and brother. The week calls us to remember what has been done for us by a God who loves us beyond all telling.
Congrats to Cindy, Janice, Anna, Gail, Bonnie, and Denice for making their Consecration to Jesus through Mary today on this feast of the Assumption! Part of a small group led by Kathleen Galvin, Marian Consecration is a beautiful tradition in the Catholic faith of surrendering your talents to Our Mother all for the glory of Christ.
Today’s story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John is one of the greatest stories of the New Testament. It reminds us that Jesus is the one who is the champion of life and whenever He confronts death, death is overcome by the power of God. This Gospel more than any other reveals the heart of Jesus and what he wants for all of us.
As the Third Sunday of Lent come upon us, it is a good time to check where we are in our Lenten journey. Last week, we had the transfiguration of Jesus. It is a reminder that the work of God is from the inside out and if we let it, can change our appearance too. It reminds me of a comedian from Ireland, Tommy Tiernan. In commenting about priests, he said that he thinks that “priests should show the effect of their decision on their face”. It is part of a ribald reflection on preaching and priests. (You can look at it, but it is a little salty. Be warned.)
This week we begin the archdiocesan Catholic Appeal. The theme is Faith in Action, It starts with you. We are being asked as always to support the pastoral center and the programs that assist parishes across the diocese. In years past, the themes have underscored the importance of different programs and services that have been helped by the appeal.
by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, O.F.M., Cap. Archbishop of Boston
The annual Catholic Appeal will be launched at all Masses this weekend at MQOA. Parishioners are invited to contribute generously to the Appeal. This is our time to recognize the supportive work of the Archdiocese in 250 parishes in 144 communities throughout the Boston area. The Archdiocese supports our parish and others with numerous services, providing engineers to examine our buildings, services for those in hospital, in prisons, preparing for marriage, caring for the homeless and food insecure, and many others. Cardinal Sean O’Malley will celebrate the 5pm Mass this weekend at MQOA. Thank you for your generosity.