Dear Friends,

 

First, a heart-felt welcome to new parishioners and students who are joining our community. I have met so many fine and enthusiastic folks already, and it makes me excited for all that the year will bring. Please know that the entire staff here at St. Paul’s is here for you and we look forward to your active participation in our vibrant life in this community.

 

This month, we initiate a new position on our parish staff. Our new Pastoral Associate, Miss Grace Lin, will introduce herself at many of the Masses. We are delighted to have her in this role. A Pastoral Associate plays an important part in the life of a parish. Grace will help to coordinate our many volunteer needs; she will help with RCIA; she will facilitate outreach to the homebound and will also oversee a new initiative providing activities for the senior citizens in our community. She will help develop a program for small faith sharing groups and she is available for pastoral counselling. And she is a gifted chef and flower arranger! Obviously, her days will be full. Please welcome her, introduce yourself to her, and heed her call when she reaches out for assistance. God bless you, Grace!!

 

I want to continue to get the word out about the new Confirmation process in the Archdiocese of Boston. Beginning this year, students in the eighth grade (8th grade) will receive this beautiful sacrament.  As we make the transition, what does this mean for St. Paul’s? ANY CATHOLIC CHILD WHO HAS RECEIVED BAPTISM, FIRST COMMUNION AND FIRST CONFESSION AND WILL BE ENTERING 8TH GRADE, 9TH GRADE OR 10TH GRADE THIS SEPTEMBER WILL BE CONFIRMED ON THURSDAY, MAY 15 AT 6:00.  THIS IS FOR ALL THE BOYS AND GIRLS WHO ARE ALREADY CONNECTED WITH OUR PROGRAM OR THOSE WHO NEED TO BEGIN THIS SEPTEMBER. Please pass the word around to parishioners, friends and Choir School students/alumni who may fit into these categories. Final schedules are being determined but I encourage you to reach out to Director Marianne Deramo as soon as possible at mdconfirmation29@gmail.com. This will ensure that you do not miss any information.

 

We are also taking registrations for our Faith Formation classes for grades kindergarten through 7th grade. Classes begin on Sunday, September 15. Please be sure to contact Kristin Tucker to register ktucker@stpaulparish.org and keep on the lookout for more information.

 

Plans for the Fall are getting solidified. Here are a few to put on your calendar: September 15: Religious Education for K-7 begins; Choirs begin singing again at 9:30 and 11:00; September 21: RCIA begins; September 22: Mass of the Holy Spirit; September 28: Oktoberfest; September 29: Parish Town Meeting and first Confirmation, and October 4-6, choir boys sing Mahler’s Symphony of 1,000 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

 

In the next few weeks we will celebrate the Grand Opening of the new St. Paul’s Gift Shop in the Parish Center lobby. Religious items, greeting cards and select books will be available. More details are to come, but if you would like to volunteer at the Gift Shop for a few hours on Sundays, please let Grace Lin or Nancy in the main office know.

 

God bless, Fr. Kelly