Dear Friends,

 

You may have heard the sad news that Shawn Brown passed away. Shawn was a regular part of daily life here at St. Paul’s, perhaps best known for his presence outside (and inside!) the church, cheerfully asking each passer by for money for a cup of coffee. Shawn was a lifelong Catholic and any conversation with him showed he knew his stuff! I thought it would be nice if people offered to have the Vigil Candle next to the tabernacle lit in his memory, with prayers for his eternal rest. You can see the note in the bulletin or on the website.

 

2025 is the year of the 150th Anniversary of our parish. God is so good. We have lots of great things planned, including social events, lectures by esteemed scholars, musical tributes, capital improvements and more. Please mark your calendar now for a Kickoff Reception on Saturday night, January 25 at 6:00pm-7:30pm in DiGiovanni Hall. There will also be activities for the kids. Also coming up quickly, on Sunday afternoons February 2 and 9 at 1:00pm-2:00pm, Fr. George Evans will offer a brief history of the Archdiocese of Boston and the history of our parish. Information for all 150th events is available in the pamphlet in the vestibule and updated regularly online. St. Paul’s Calendars for 2025 feature photos of our parish and can be purchased in the Gift Shop. Please pick one up before they are gone!  (PS: volunteers for the Sunday shifts in the Gift Shop are always welcome. Please contact Pastoral Associate Grace Lin for more information.)

 

Our Finance Committee works diligently to oversee the financial stability of the parish and the physical care of our property. Here are two ways you can do your part: first, a new card in the pew racks outlines the many ways you can participate in weekly giving, electronic and otherwise. There is also a great explanation about the how’s and why’s of support, which is a little known Precept of the Church.  The second way is our Parish Grand Annual. Our PRIMARY goal is that 400 people will participate. The SECOND goal is for each household to consider a gift of $450.00, paid over several months, or whatever might be sacrificially offered. Please see the Thermometer in the vestibule to follow our progress. Envelopes are available in the vestibule or donations can be made online. BE PART OF OUR MISSION!

 

Finally, please join us in the church for a Holy Hour for Life on Friday, January 24 from 11:00-12:00, as we pray for the protection of the unborn. Deacon Tim will lead us in this important prayer. If you are not able to attend, please stop by a church to say a prayer or do a rosary for this intention, which is foundational to our Catholic life.

 

God bless you,

Fr. Kelly