Paul Martin

Once in every life, there comes a time… we walk out all alone, and into the light
The moment won’t last but then, we remember it again… when we close our eyes.
Like stars across the sky, we were born to shine… all of us here because we believe.

From Because we Believe, written by David Foster & Amy Foster

“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness!”
-St. Pope Benedict XVI

Jesus asks the disciples in today’s gospel, and he asks us, “Why are you troubled?” We may want to respond, “Don’t you see the problems that exist all around us?” After the resurrection, the disciples needed to be reminded that hiding in the upper room only kept them in a place of fear and confusion. Jesus’ words are a reminder to disciples of every age, that suffering and hardship did not destroy him, nor will it destroy us. We are challenged to take the words of Jesus to heart,
“You are witnesses of these things.”
Let us not be held back by any fear, doubt, or anxiety, rather, boldly share the good news of the resurrection.

Confirmation!

The Sacrament will be administered by Most Rev. Cristiano Barbaro
on Saturday, April 27 at St. Mary’s at 4 pm
and by Fr. John on Sunday, April 28 at St. Francis at 9:30 am.

First Communion!

We will celebrate First Communion at St Mary’s on Saturday, May 4 at 10 am
and at St. Francis on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 am!
As we conclude the Faith Formation year, we express our thanks
and fond farewell to Allison Buff, who ran our K-4 program so very well this year.

Let Anyone Who Thirsts, Come to Me:

A Healing Mass for those Impacted by Divorce or Separation

Tuesday, April 30 at the Pastoral Center from 6:30- 9pm. Hosted by Family Life Ministry, the evening includes Confession, Adoration, a witness talk by divorced Catholic Mark Gioia, a Mass celebrated by Fr. Jürgen Liias, and prayers for healing. For more info or to register visit bit.ly/LetAnyoneWhoThirsts or call Emily Elliott at (617) 746-5756.

Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing Retreats

Are you – or someone you know – seeking peace after an abortion? The Project Rachel ministry of the Archdiocese of Boston extends a special invitation to women experiencing regret from a past abortion, to attend a Come to the Waters of Healing one-day retreat. Upcoming dates are Saturdays, May 11th and June 8th. Locations are confidential. For more information on the retreats or other services, contact Project Rachel at 508.651.3100 or help@projectrachelboston.com. Fr. John is a Project Rachel priest.

A Special Sending Forth

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (wear red that day for the Holy Spirit),
we’ll have a sending forth for Sr. Nancy Citro, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude
to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

What a Holy Week! From a beautiful Lenten prayer service to an electrifying Drama Mission to a chilly
but warm Palm Sunday, through a movie night that touched and challenged us all in a theatre filled to
capacity, to reaching out to hundreds of Charlestown families, into a Sacred Triduum of prayers, Stations and liturgies to an exhilarating Easter Vigil and Day where in both churches we welcomed new
members of the family through the sacraments of our faith, I am so grateful to Sr. Nancy, our collaborative staff and everyone who shared their multitude of gifts. Have a joyous Easter season! Look up. Look ahead. The light of the resurrected Christ shines for us all!

Thank You!

Thanks so much to James, John, Oscar, Shawn, and everyone else for their hard work
as we welcomed Frank Runyeon to Charlestown last week and were spellbound
by the talent, faith, hope and love he shared at our Lenten Mission!
If you’re interested in more about Frank, go to runyeonproductions.com

Rice Bowls!

Remember to bring back your Rice Bowls, which benefit the great work of Catholic Relief Services!
Your generosity makes such a difference! For more info, see crs.org

The Easter Collection

The Easter collection was for the retired priests of the Archdiocese.
Your generosity was deeply appreciated!
If you haven’t yet given, please make a donation to this important cause. Go to clergytrust.org

Confirmation!

The Sacrament will be administered by our regional Bishop Cristiano Barbosa
on Saturday, April 27 at St. Mary’s at 4 pm,
and by Fr. John on Sunday, April 28 at St. Francis at 9:30 am.

Thank You!

Following the 6 pm Mass on April 21 & 28, join us for goodies in the back of St. Mary’s Church,
as we celebrate our extraordinary Faith Formation year and express our thanks and fond farewell
to Allison Buff, who ran our K-4 program so very well.

First Communion!

We will celebrate First Communion at St Mary’s on Saturday, May 4 at 10 am
and at St. Francis on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 am!

A Special Sending Forth

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (wear red that day for the Holy Spirit),
we’ll be sending forth Sr. Nancy, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude
to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

Rooted in faith in the Eucharist and recognizing that all is gift from God, our Charlestown Catholic Collaborative will strive to build and foster an intentionally inclusive, trusting, diverse, and welcoming community that helps people to grow in faith and become disciples who serve the needs of one another and the greater community. We will unite in heart as one community, cooperating with people of good will across all faiths, to address the needs and challenges present in our local and global community today especially social and environmental justice.

– Draft Vision Statement

My dear friends in Christ,

A year and a half ago, we began a bold new journey together to build the Charlestown Catholic family in an entirely new way, a challenge, yet at the same time a remarkable opportunity. Members of our staff and our parish councils have begun to meet to look and act on opportunities to work closer together, to share resources and talents and to evangelize, to share the Good News of Christ and the teachings of the Church we love and serve. There have been lots to look at, things to learn, and now we begin to move.

We start with this Vision Statement, a draft that was forged by a group of parishioners and staff from both parishes, of who we are and what we believe Christ is calling us to be, all the time recognizing the things that make each parish what it is- this will be developed by our Councils to become our keystone. From here, we will look for ways to express these words, share them, to attract more people to our parish families, and in Christ, to welcome the many people we know back home to our beloved faith, through our Masses, our community involvement, our ministries, our very selves. We’ll look at our resources and find the strengths that keep us focused on the lofty goals we look to.

What will this involve? It is in our commitment to the Body of Christ within our parishes and collaborative. We already share so much and have accomplished so much. I see this every day as your pastor, in the close work we share to tend to the many parts of this enterprise. Our Pastoral and Finance Councils and staff will work closer together as we look up and ahead- helping us to set the course.

Will there be changes? There have been several since I arrived in November 2022- we share a pastor, and a finance and operations director, a faith formation program, and there will be more changes to come. It’s important to note that both parishes are individual entities, with their own financial responsibilities and properties, and all they entail. Will there be a merger of the parishes? That is yet to be seen. I know that we will speak together with a united, loving, strong voice in our Town, our city, and throughout the Archdiocese.

What about the resources of our collaborative? It’s key that as we take a long look at what we bring to the community and how each connect to our goal, the only one that matters, the service of Christ and His Church. We don’t belong to the things of this world- we never did- we belong to Christ. All the decisions made by me in collaboration with the Councils and staff will be based on this. When we look down in fear or regret or linger in a time that is past, when we change the focus to the things of this passing world, we lose sight of Christ.

As we work together, it will take prayer, time and care, faith, hope and most of all, love. I’m often inspired these days by the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint, wife, mother, educator, and example of the Gospel. May she, under the guidance of our Blessed Mother, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Francis de Sales, keep us focused on what Christ calls us to be and challenge us to joyfully share the Gospel. Look up. Look ahead. There’s so much to be thankful for. Let us rejoice in the Risen Christ! Have a blessed Easter!

Fr. John Sheridan

There’s a place of thirst and hunger, where the roots of faith grow deep,
and there is rain and rolling thunder, when the road is rough and steep.
There is hope in desperation… there is victory in defeat,
at the Cross of restoration, where joy and sorrow meet.

From Where Joy and Sorrow Meet, written by David James White

Thank You!

Thanks so much to James, John, Oscar, and everyone else for their hard work
as we welcomed Frank Runyeon to Charlestown this past week and were spellbound by the talent, faith, hope and love he shared at our Lenten Mission!

A Word to the Wise…

Good Friday is a day of fasting for Catholics aged 14-59- one full meal and two smaller meals. Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy as well as abstain or refrain from something one would normally indulge in to mark the season.
For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

Rice Bowls!

Remember to bring back your Rice Bowls, which benefit the great work of Catholic Relief Services!
Your generosity makes such a difference! For more info, see crs.org

Cabrini at the AMC Theatre in Assembly Square

We’re hosting a special evening Monday, March 25 at 6 pm to see this incredible new movie
based on the life of St. Mother Frances Cabrini, the first American saint and patron saint of immigrants.
See Fr. John!

The Easter Collection

Please note that the Easter collection is for the retired priests of the Archdiocese.
Your generosity is deeply appreciated!

Confirmation!

The Sacrament will be administered by Bishop Cristiano Barbaro
on Saturday, April 27 at St. Mary’s at 4 pm
and by Fr. John on Sunday, April 28 at St. Francis at 9:30 am.

Thank You!

Following the 6 pm Mass on April 21 & 28, join us for goodies in the back of St. Mary’s Church,
as we celebrate our extraordinary Faith Formation year and express our thanks and fond farewell
to Allison Buff, who ran our K-4 program so very well.

First Communion!

We will celebrate First Communion at St Mary’s on Saturday, May 4 at 10 am
and at St. Francis on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 am!

A Special Sending Forth

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (wear red that day for the Holy Spirit),
we’ll be sending forth Sr. Nancy Citro, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude
to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

I have often dreamed of a far off place
where a great, warm welcome, will be waiting for me…
where the crowds will cheer when they see my face…
and a Voice keeps saying this is where I’m meant to be.
I can find my way… I will go the distance…
I’ll be there someday… if I can be strong.
From Go The Distance written by Menken and Zippel

A Word to the Wise…

Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy
as well as abstain or refrain from something
one would normally indulge in to mark the nature of the season.
For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

First Confessions!

Congratulations to the kids who received First Reconciliation at St. Francis and St. Mary’s! Thanks to Allison Buff and Debbie O’Shea and her team who prepared our kids so well.

Peace before Holy Week!

Join us on Wednesday, March 20th at 7pm at St. Francis de Sales church for a Lenten Penance Service.

Ready for My Close-Up

I make my return to Catholic TV Mass on Thursday, March 21st at 9:30 am!

Lenten Mission!

Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star Frank Runyeon
who will light up St. Mary’s Church at 55 Warren St. with three presentations:
Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm: Signs! The Gospel of John
Friday, March 22 at 7 pm: The Sermon on the Mount and 7:45 pm: Hollywood vs. Faith!
Take everyone to this special evening and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!
Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

A Date to Remember!

We’re having a clean-up Day at St. Mary’s church on Saturday, March 23rd. for Holy Week and Easter so grab your cleaning supplies and join us as we spruce up our pretty church starting at 10am!

Cabrini at the AMC Theatre in Assembly Square

We’re hosting a special evening with discount tickets Monday, March 25 at 6pm to see this incredible movie based on the life of St. Mother Frances Cabrini, the first American saint and patron saint of immigrants.
See Fr. John for reservations.

Confirmation!

The Sacrament will be administered by Most. Rev. Cristiano Barbaro
on Saturday, April 27 at St. Mary’s at the 4 pm Mass
and, with special permission, by Fr. John on Sunday, April 28 at St. Francis at 9:30 am.

First Communion!

We will celebrate First Communion at St Mary’s on Saturday, May 4 at 10 am
and at St. Francis on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 am!

As we conclude the Faith Formation year, we express our thanks and fond farewell to Allison Buff, who ran our K-4 program so very well this year.

A Special Sending Forth

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (Wear red that day for the Holy Spirit),
we’ll have a sending forth for Sr. Nancy Citro, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude
to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

“Nicodemus could not understand how You could truly free us.
He struggled with the image of a grown man born again.
We might have been good friends,
because sometimes I still question too how easily we come to You.”

From Face to Face, written by Nichole Nordeman

A Word to the Wise…

Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy
as well as abstain or refrain from something
one would normally indulge in to mark the nature of the season.
For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

Looking up. Looking ahead.

Last Saturday, members of our Collaborative Councils, staff, and Stewardship council met with Sr. Pat Boyle from the Archdiocesan Planning Office to plan for our future together!

A Date to Remember: Saturday, March 16th

We’re having a clean-up day at St. Francis de Sales church for Holy Week and Easter,
so grab your cleaning supplies and join us as we spruce up our pretty church starting at 9:30 am!

Ready for My Close-Up

I make my return to Catholic TV Mass on Thursday, March 21st at 9:30 am!

Peace before Holy Week

Join us on Wednesday, March 20th at 7 pm at St. Francis Church for a Lenten Penance Service!

Lenten Mission!

Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star Frank Runyeon
who will light up St. Mary’s Church at 55 Warren St. with three presentations:
Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm: Signs! The Gospel of John
Friday, March 22 at 7 pm: The Sermon on the Mount and 7:45 pm: Hollywood vs. Faith!
Take everyone to this special evening and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!
Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

Cabrini – An incredible film

We’re looking to host a special evening with discount tickets to see the incredible movie
based on the life of Mother Cabrini, the first American saint and patron saint of immigrants
at the AMC Theatre in Assembly Square early during Holy Week. Stay tuned!

Confirmation!

The Sacrament will be administered by Most. Rev. Cristiano Barbaro
on Saturday, April 27 at St. Mary’s at the 4 pm Mass
and, with special permission, by Fr. John on Sunday, April 28 at St. Francis at 9:30 am.

First Communion!

We will celebrate First Communion at St Mary’s on Saturday, May 4 at 10 am
and at St. Francis on Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 am!

As we conclude the Faith Formation year, we express our thanks
and fond farewell to Allison Buff, who ran our K-4 program so very well this year.

A Special Sending Forth

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19 at the 11 am Mass (Wear red that day for the Holy Spirit),
we’ll have a sending forth for Sr. Nancy Citro, as she heads off to her next adventure.
Join us for a special Mass and celebration as we express our gratitude
to our beloved sister in Jesus Christ and her exceptional ministry here.

How long will I be with you? As long as the sea is bound to wash upon the sand.
How long will I want you? As long as you want me to, and longer by far.
How long will I hold you? As long as your father told you… as long as you can.

From How long will I love you written by Mike Scott

Zoom to Italy!

There’s still time to sign up for our adventure to Italy in October! A Zoom meeting
for folks interested in our trip will take place this Monday, March 4th at 6:30 pm.
To join us, send a message to jsheridan8699@gmail.com, and learn about this exciting adventure!

First Confessions!

Congrats to the kids who received First Reconciliation at St. Francis last week!
Please keep in your prayers the kids who will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 pm at St. Mary’s Church!

Stations of the Cross

The Stations will be prayed in English & Spanish at St. Francis Church
on Fridays throughout Lent at 6:30 pm. Gather with us and let’s walk the steps of Christ.

Ready for My Close-Up

I make my return to Catholic TV Mass on Thursday, March 21st at 9:30 am!

A Date to Remember: Saturday, March 16th

We’re having a clean-up day at St. Francis de Sales church for Holy Week and Easter,
so grab your cleaning supplies and join us as we spruce up our pretty church starting at 9:30 am!

Peace before Holy Week

Join us on Wednesday, March 20th at 7 pm at St. Francis Church for a Lenten Penance Service!

A Word to the Wise…

Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy
as well as abstain or refrain from something one would normally indulge in to mark the season.
For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

Coming soon!

Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star Frank Runyeon
who will light up St. Mary’s Church at 55 Warren St. with three presentations:
Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm: Signs! The Gospel of John
Friday, March 22 at 7 pm: The Sermon on the Mount and 7:45 pm: Hollywood vs. Faith!
Take everyone to this special evening and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!
Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

So I’ll walk through this night… stumbling blindly toward the light… and do the next right thing.
And with the dawn, what comes then… when it’s clear that everything will never be the same again?
Then I’ll make the choice…to hear that voice… and do the next right thing.

From The Next Right Thing, written by Robert Lopez & Kristen Anderson-Lopez

I’m a big fan of the Indiana Jones movies, and my favorite was about Indy’s search for the Holy Grail, the chalice that Christ was said to have used at the Last Supper. There is a great scene in the film’s exciting climax when he is confronted with a choice between his goal and the life of someone he loved very much.

I’m happy to say we don’t have to make those kinds of ultimate decisions very often in our lives, but the challenge to be faithful to Christ can be very difficult at times for all of us. In the quiet moments of life, temptations can rise all around us to give into the easy decisions rather than take a different road, to choose to do the next right thing those challenges can wear us down and make us weak at times, but it’s important to keep in mind that we are never alone- that Jesus understands us and loves us in the midst of the fight, is always willing to help and forgive when we need it, to help us always to start over again. Let’s look up and ahead, confident that we’re not alone in the battles, that there is always a hand reaching out for us to grasp.

A Word to the Wise…

Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts
of kindness, justice, and mercy as well as abstain or refrain from something
one would normally indulge in to mark the nature of the season.
For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations will be prayed in English and Spanish at St. Francis Church
on Fridays throughout Lent at 6:30 pm. Gather with us and walk the steps of Christ.

Ready for My Close-Up

I make my return to Catholic TV with the Mass on Thursday, March 14 at 9:30 am.

A Date to Remember: Saturday, March 16

We’re having a clean-up day at St. Francis de Sales church for Holy Week and Easter,
so grab your cleaning supplies and join us as we spruce up our pretty church starting at 9:30 am!

Coming soon!

Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star Frank Runyeon
who will light up St. Mary’s Church at 55 Warren St. with three presentations:
Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm: Signs! The Gospel of John
Friday, March 22 at 7 pm: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!
Take everyone to this special evening and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!
Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

First Confessions!

Please keep our children in your prayers as they receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
for the first time this coming Thursday, Feb. 29 at 5:30 pm at St. Mary Church
and the following Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 pm at St. Francis Church!

I’ll be your candle on the water, this flame inside of me will grow.
Keep holding on, you’ll make it. Here’s my hand, so take it.
Look for me reaching out to show, as sure as rivers flow… I’ll never let you go.

From Candle on the Water, written by Kasha & Hirschhorn

Our journey to Jerusalem has begun, and it starts in the quiet of the desert. Some years ago, I took a trip out to Nevada and Arizona, and like many people, I fell in love with its hard beauty- I can’t explain why- I just felt a sense of depth and purpose. It’s a misunderstanding that the desert is dead- it’s hot and dry but it’s teeming with life that we can’t see. Lent can be an empty and bleak time of waiting desperately for Easter and spring, or it can be a place of activity, focus, and renewed hope. Jesus went to the desert to refocus and though it can be difficult at times (what truly great pursuit is easy?), our faith reminds us that we’re never alone. It’s time to look up and look ahead at what can be, and follow through, with our words, actions, and life.
Let’s get out there and get to it.

A Word to the Wise…

Those 14 years and older are called to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy
as well as abstain or refrain from something
one would normally indulge in to mark the nature of the season.
For young children, parents should communicate the meaning and importance of Lent.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations will be prayed in English and Spanish at St. Francis Church
on Fridays throughout Lent at 6:30 pm. Gather with us and walk the steps of Christ.

Rites of Election &Welcoming

This Sunday, Feb. 18, after the 11 am Mass, folks from our Collaborative
will join with hundreds of candidates and catechumens for the Rite of Welcoming at the Cathedral.
Through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, they will be brought into the
fullness of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on March 31st. Please pray for them.

Couples!

Also on Sunday, in honor of World Marriage Day, at the 9:30 am Mass at St. Francis
and the 11 am Mass at St. Mary’s Church, we’ll invite couples to restate their vows!

Coming soon!

Two very special evenings with a dynamic TV and film star Frank Runyeon
who will light up St. Mary’s Church with three presentations March 21-22:
Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm: Signs! The Gospel of John
Friday, March 22 at 7 pm: The Sermon on the Mount and Hollywood vs. Faith!
Take everyone to this special evening and be inspired, encouraged, and spellbound!
Admission is a free will offering. Mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

Raised in a Methodist home in Mississippi, Sister Thea Bowman came into the Catholic Church at the age of 9 with her parents’ permission in large part due to the influence of her Catholic education. Sr. Thea was also attracted to the Church by the example of how Catholics seemed to love and care for one another, particularly the poor and needy. She was impressed with how Catholics put their faith into action, especially in a time of segregation.

Sister Thea became a highly acclaimed evangelizer, teacher, writer, and singer sharing the joy of the Gospel and her rich cultural heritage throughout the nation, most notably addressing the US Bishops Council in 1989 about what it meant to be Black and Catholic in society. She reminded the bishops about the importance of Catholic education in the Black community, as well as our call to be united as one family in Christ:

“Today we’re called to walk together in a new way toward that Land of Promise and to celebrate who we are and whose we aren’t… The Church teaches us that the Church is a family of families and the family got to stay together and we know, that if we do stay together – if we walk and talk and work and play and stand together in Jesus’ name – we’ll be who we say we are – truly Catholic — and we shall overcome – overcome the poverty, overcome the loneliness, overcome the alienation and build together a Holy city, a new Jerusalem, a city set apart where they’ll know that we are here because we love one another.”

Servant of God, Sr. Thea Bowman, pray for us!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John

They say it’s a river, that circles the earth.
A beam of light shining to the edge of the universe.
It conquers all, it changes everything.
They say it’s a blessing, they say it’s a gift.
They say it’s a miracle, and I believe that it is.
It conquers all, but it’s a mystery.

From Love Is written by Brian McKnight

This year Ash Wednesday happens to fall on Valentine’s Day. Every 15 years or so this happens, and it reminds me of what I talk about at weddings- what we want and what we need. It strikes me as I work with couples and help plan their celebration that a beautiful transformation takes place- their concern is not their own desires or pleasures, but the happiness of the one they love, and as I get to baptize their children, seeing the joy of their love grow to their children, I see the source of all that love from God Himself.

Real love involves sacrifice and finding true meaning and peace in that giving, which is heart of the Lenten season. I find it powerful that these days intersect- the love God calls us to share puts the other person first- actively, joyously, sacrificially. Let us be about this holy season with hearts open to God’s will- in this we will find our joy!