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THE WEEKLY MISSIVE
January 31, 2025
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Fear, Hope, the Unknown, and Living in Christ’s Image
Dear Friends -
Everyone has a favorite bit from the Gospels; a parable, sequence of events, or miracle that they cherish, and understandably so. The Gospels are the "main course" of the New Testament. They concern the life of Jesus, His ministry, all of His marvelous deeds and miracles, and they trace the foundation of our faith as we know it today. From this weekend’s readings though, it is clear to me that I have never given the latter books of the New Testament quite the level of consideration they deserve. The Gospels are replete with lessons and examples from the life of Jesus on how to conduct our own lives, but the epistles help us as a faith community answer and reflect on how we are to go on living in this world, after Jesus’ resurrection, together as one Church – as one body of believers.
From this weekend’s readings, there are two verses from the book of Hebrews that stick out to me in this regard. Verse 15 specifies that Jesus’ sacrifice and ultimate victory over death (that is the devil) freed those, “who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.” The second is verse 18 which says of Jesus’ sacrifice and incarnation, “Because He himself was tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are being tested.” I find both of these verses to be important and hopeful to consider at this difficult time for our community.
Verse 15 reminds me that Jesus’ victory over the devil represented not only a victory over sin and death, but crucially, over fear. Fear, to me, can feel like a little death every day. And so Christ’s victory over it is extremely significant. Fear has often stopped me from pursuing things in life, and I often worry that if I spend my time the wrong way, then I will live in regret. The irony is that by doing nothing at all out of fear, my eventual regret becomes a certainty. In reality, this fear that I feel is really just a fear of the unknown and the unknowable. There are so many variables in life, and so many things to fear, that we can’t let ourselves be beholden to it. By looking to Jesus’ example, we can know that if we proceed with trust, in Him and in the support of each other, then we will never regret the road we have taken.
As for verse 18, it is evidence, not only of Jesus’ ultimate power over every obstacle, but of the duty we are called to as followers and emulators of the life of Christ. The tests we face in our lives, just like the time we are in, are difficult. Jesus can help us through, but we are called to help others who may be facing tests we have already faced. This is the utmost calling we each have as members of a faith community. Now, more than ever, in times of doubt, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, suffering and hardship; we are called to help each other as we all face tests, challenges, and the unknown.
Given the recent executive orders signed and endorsed by our government which target and seek to marginalize and dehumanize immigrants, persons who identify with varying ethnic and racial backgrounds, persons who identify as transgender, intersex, non-binary, and so many countless others, it is crucial to support each other and work together as a community.
In following Christ’s example, we must reach out to support each other as we face fear and the unknown. No matter your identity, it is of utmost importance to this community to come together to help each other as we face a future that can seem bleak and unwelcome, knowing that we have a responsibility to create a haven of love and understanding that reflects the image of Christ and His ministry. If you’re wondering how to become involved in this process of support, love, and advocacy there will be many opportunities in the coming months. Our Immigration Advocacy Group is meeting this Sunday after the 10:00 AM Mass in the 3rd floor library of the Paulist Center. They are also hosting, along with FREP, a supply drive for migrant shelters supported by Catholic Charities in Boston. Supplies may still be ordered and putting the kits together happens NEXT Sunday after the 10am Mass. As always, there is lots more details, news and information below and in the bulletin.
Gus, on behalf of the Paulist Center Staff
Rick, Patty, Susan, Norm, Gus, Alvaro, Dorothy, Sal, Barbara, Timmy and Rob
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- Statement from the Staff
- FREP Classes
- Rite of Enrollment
- Community Coffee - Welcome to new families
- IAG Community Meeting
- FREP/IAG Service Project
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- Young Adult Ministry events
- Creation Care Ministry meeting - Mon, Feb 3
- Catholic Youth Climate Summit - Feb 9
- Supper Club seeks a Greeter
- IAG Community Meeting
- Stewardship/Community Gift
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Statement From Paulist Center Staff
The Paulist Center's staff joins Catholic Advocacy groups, southern border dioceses, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in expressing deep concern after the current administration signed a series of executive orders this week.
We concur with Archbishop Timothy Briglio, President of the US Bishops' Conference, stating "Some provisions contained in the Executive Orders, such as those focused on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, expansion of the death penalty, and the environment, are deeply troubling, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us."
We will continue the good work of our Immigration Advocacy Group in supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ who are also immigrants, migrants, and/or refugees.
We are also deeply concerned about President Trump signing an executive action stating that the U.S. government will now recognize only two sexes, male and female. This executive order represents a new era of barriers to access essential resources and services for LGBTQ+ people in general, and for transgender people in particular.
We continue to believe that God loves LGBTQ+ persons like anyone else and will continue to support and stand by our beloved LGBTQ+ community members and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
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If ICE should show up ...
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The Paulist Center staff acknowledges the sad reality that because of the recent executive order, ICE could show up at our door with the proper ID and judicial warrant and gain access to our building. Churches and schools are being targeted.
After providing ID and a valid judicial warrant, we cannot stop them from entering the building.
The presider and/or staff member is prepared to state “While we understand the laws have been changed and you are allowed legally into this sacred space, what you are doing is immoral and unethical and we strongly protest this action."
If you feel so moved, you may have your cell phones ready to film the interruption and the above statement of response from the presider/staff.
The Know Your Rights flyer is here. Cards will be available in the vestibule as well.
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Family Religious Education Program (FREP) Classes
All religious education classes, EXCEPT for teen confirmation, will meet this Sun, Feb 2 after the 10am Mass in their usual locations.
Kindergarten - 1st grade: 6th Fl, Rm 17
Grades 2 - 3: 2nd Fl Seminar Rm
Grades 4 - 6: 6th Fl, Rm 22
Jr High: 6th Fl, Rm 13
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Our Rite of Enrollment for the First Communion class will be held at the 10am Mass this Sun, Feb 2.
Please join us in blessing the 16 children preparing to celebrate this special occasion in May.
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A Warm Paulist Center Welcome to
New Families!
All are welcome downstairs to enjoy delicious coffee, baked goods,
and snacks after our 10am Mass this Sun, Feb 2.
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This is an opportunity to welcome new families joining us for the First Communion preparation program this month.
We welcome you to the community!
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Immigration Advocacy Group (IAG) Meeting this Sun, Feb 2
We are called by the Church to assure that migrants' human rights are respected, and that their basic physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.
As a community, we need to figure out how we can best help.
Please join us at our quarterly community meeting this Sun, Feb 2 after the 10am Mass in the 3rd Fl Library. Know your rights!
We’ll gather as a community for a listening session in response to the changing priorities of the Trump administration. We’ll also learn about the various activities at the Paulist Center to support our brothers and sisters in Christ who are also immigrants. For further information, email us at paulistcenterimmigration@gmail.com
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Please Remember In Your Prayers ...
Please pray for long time community member
Chris O'Keeffe as he mourns the sudden loss of his beloved wife, Holly Baab.
A wake will be held at the Slattery Funeral home in Marlborough on Fri, Feb 7 (time TBD).
A funeral Mass will be held here at the Paulist Center on
Sat, Feb 8 at 11am.
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Please pray for the repose of the soul of
Kevin McLoughlin, brother of community member
Peter McLoughlin, who passed away suddenly last week in Florida. Peter and his family appreciate our prayers.
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Please pray for community members Joan LeBel and Delia Malcolm as Joan supports Delia through health challenges.
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Co-Sponsored Service Project By IAG and Our Religious Education Students (FREP)
Please support our FREP children and the Immigration Advocacy Group (IAG) in a service project to create 330 hygiene kits for the migrant shelters supported by Catholic Charities Boston.
Kits will be assembled after the 10am Mass next Sun, Feb 9 in the auditorium as part of our FREP curriculum.
We still need the following items to assemble 330 kits:
men's deodorant; toothpaste; menstrual pads.
You can shop directly for these items on our Amazon wish list (https://tinyurl.com/4dx6x6fd)
or drop items off in the Mary alcove.
We appreciate your help!
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Creation Care Ministry
Creation Care ministry’s next meeting:
this Mon, Feb 3 at 5pm on Zoom. All are welcome!
For the Zoom link, email paulistcentercreationcare@gmail.com
The Creation Care ministry invites high school students to attend the Catholic Youth Climate Summit, a student-designed, free workshop on Sun, Feb 9, 10am – 3:30pm. A day of learning and planning climate action. Free, open to all high school students and faculty, and lunch is provided.
Location: St. John’s Prep, Danvers.
For info on registration email: paulistcentercreationcare@gmail.com
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Young Adult Ministry Events | |
This Sun, Feb 2:
If you're a young adult (18-39) join us after the 6pm Mass this Sun, Feb 2 for dinner at Emmet's Pub!
We'll gather after Mass in the vestibule and then walk over together for dinner and drinks at 7:30pm. If you're running late, or coming from farther away, you're also welcome to come meet us there at 7:30pm.
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If you're interested, please RSVP at this link by Thur, Jan 30 (or scan the QR Code).
Everyone will be expected to pay for their own meal.
We hope you join us for our first social event of the year!
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Sat, Feb 22:
Young adults (18-39) are invited to join us on
Sat, Feb 22 from 2pm - 4pm for a
candlepin bowling outing at
Sacco's in Davis Square (Somerville)!
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If you're interested, please RSVP at this link by Mon, Feb 17 (or scan the QR Code).
For further details please see the bulletin.
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Wednesday Night Supper Club
Seeks Greeter
Every Wednesday night in the Paulist Center auditorium, volunteers serve a hot, delicious, dignified,
sit-down meal for our neighbors who are hungry.
We are currently looking for another greeter to join our rotation. This person greets our guests when they arrive for our dinner, and when they leave.
The time commitment is just a total of one hour every third week.
Please contact Susan Rutkowski if interested. Thank You!
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Come Celebrate
Presentation of The Lord with Us!
We hope to see you at Mass in person, but if you can't make it through the big red doors,
we welcome you to join us online:
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Remember: all of our live streams are available in real time on our YouTube channel & available there afterwards as recordings. | |
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Ongoing Opportunities/Needs & Notes
The most comprehensive listing of what's going on at the
Paulist Center is in the bulletin. Check it out!
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Encouragement to sustain our vibrant liturgies and our mission of healing, reconciliation, & justice through your financial investment in the Paulist Center. We prefer that you donate electronically through our website, but you can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay to donate via DonorBox if you do not require an annual tax donation statement. More info in the bulletin.
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Consider including the Paulist Center in your estate planning/will. For information on our legal name and tax ID, please contact our Administrator, Patty Simpson, at patty@paulistcenter.org. We and future Paulist Center members thank you!
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This weekend's named Community Gift is Bethany House Ministries, an organization that provides support to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families.
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- Young adults (ages 18-39), whether or not Catholic, are welcome to schedule a one-on-one conversation with our Young Adult Minister, Gus Kellerman. How can the Paulist Center Community accompany you on your faith journey?
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- We really need your help with our Marriage Preparation program! It is a great spiritual gift to 400-600 couples throughout the Archdiocese of Boston each year. Paulist Center couples who volunteer for this ministry find it very rewarding. It's also a major source of new members and outside income for our community. We can only sustain this important ministry if 10-15 couples can each help for 3 hours on 3 weekends per year. Are you and your partner interested in learning more about what would be involved? If so, contact Fr. Rick. Thanks!
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- Mass Cards - Please stop by the reception area during the week, email Sal Whooley at sal@paulistcenter.org, or call
617-742-4460, if you would like
to arrange to arrange for a Mass and/or purchase a Mass card:
- in memory of someone who has died,
- in honor of a special occasion,
- or for the special intentions of yourself or a loved one.
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Attentive to the Holy Spirit and nourished by vibrant liturgy, we are a Catholic community that welcomes all, fosters healing and reconciliation, and acts for justice. | |
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