From our Pastor

When you need direction, try to close your eyes.
If you don’t know where you’re heading, just hold on tight.
When you’re lost I will guide you,
‘cause I’m right here beside you, in every memory.
And just like a compass that leads the way,
we may take the long road, but I’ll never fade…
When you’re lost… I will guide you. Oh, tell me you’ll try to remember…
on the darker days, love is a compass.

Catholic Appeal update

Both parishes have reached over 80% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
We’re almost there, but we need your help to reach and pass the goal!
It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
To give, take a blue envelope from the pews or go to catholicappeal.com
and answer the call.

Please check our blog page most recent entries for other important current updates

When you need direction, try to close your eyes.
If you don’t know where you’re heading, just hold on tight.
When you’re lost I will guide you,
‘cause I’m right here beside you, in every memory.
And just like a compass that leads the way,
we may take the long road, but I’ll never fade…
When you’re lost… I will guide you.
Oh, tell me you’ll try to remember…
on the darker days, love is a compass.

Catholic Appeal update

Both parishes have reached over 80% of our Catholic Appeal assessments!
We’re almost there, but we need your help to reach and pass the goal!
It helps our parishes, our Collaborative and our Archdiocese!
Please give and help us build the ministries so many around us need.
To give, take a blue envelope from the pews or go to catholicappeal.com
and answer the call.

First Communion!

We congratulate the boys and girls who received First Communion at St. Mary’s last Saturday and at St. Francis last Sunday and those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation- thanks to our directors, teachers and volunteers who gave us all their faith, hope and love!

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

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 on Saturday, 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

Next 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.

Please note that we’ll be suspending the 6 pm Mass that day.

Serving the Spiritual Needs of Grieving Parents

Saturday, June 1 9:30am – 7:30pm
Mary Queen of Apostles Parish: St. James Church Hall 150 Federal St. Salem, MA

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents serves the spiritual needs of parents
whose children of any age have died by any cause.
This one-day retreat gives parents the opportunity to concentrate on their individual spiritual journey
through the grief and come to know the promise of Jesus and eternal life.
The retreat is open to parents of any age who have lost children at any age and by any means
(including abortion, miscarriage, suicide, and overdose).
Participants must register and will be contacted by retreat leaders with additional information.
To register, visit mqoa.org/emmaus or leave a message for Dr. Christine Williams at 978-594-7780.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan to see incredible Radio
City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes!
We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats,
and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in the Town by midnight!
We’re looking at about $225 per person. We’re limited to 40 people– we’ll announce more info soon!

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 Al Kasha/Joel Hirschhorn

First Communion!

We congratulate the boys and girls who are receiving First Communion
at St Mary’s on Saturday and at St. Francis on Sunday!
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.

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 & 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.

Please note that we’ll be suspending the 6 pm Mass that day.

Serving the Spiritual Needs of Grieving Parents

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents serves the spiritual needs of parents
whose children of any age have died by any cause.
This one-day retreat gives parents the opportunity to concentrate on their individual spiritual journey
through the grief and come to know the promise of Jesus and eternal life.

Saturday, June 1 9:30am – 7:30pm
Mary Queen of Apostles Parish: St. James Church Hall
150 Federal St. Salem, MA

The retreat is open to parents of any age, who lost children at any age and by any means
(including abortion, miscarriage, suicide, and overdose).
Participants must register and will be contacted by retreat leaders with additional information.
To register, visit mqoa.org/emmaus or leave a message for Dr. Christine Williams at 978-594-7780.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan to see incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in the Town by midnight! We’re looking at about $225 per person.
We’re limited to 40 people– we’ll announce more info soon!

We’re so much more than blood, we’re more than names…
we’re bound by bonds that only God sustains.
But this time of year we gather here, and I always know I’m home.
There are voices now where silence was… the subtle signs of growing up.
Where one is born, another leaves… branches on the family tree.

From Family Tree, written by Dave Barnes

A powerful image the Second Vatican Council used when speaking of the Christian Church is the tree and
branches that Jesus uses in this weekend’s Gospel; that as we belong to something bigger than ourselves, we’re intimately connected. Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox share baptism, and so much more- Jesus reminded us of this last weekend. During this joyous season of Easter, it’s a perfect time to pray for the unity of our Christian family. Holy Spirit, descend upon us all and remind us of what truly matters!

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 & 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.

When my heart finds Christmas…

On Friday, Nov. 22, we’re going to Manhattan for the incredible Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes! We’ll leave Charlestown by motor coach at 7 am, attend the 2 pm show in Orchestra seats, and have a few hours to take in the excitement of the Big Apple- we’ll be back in the Town by midnight!
We’re looking at about $225 per person. We’re limited to 40 people- we’ll announce more info soon!

When the end has come, and buildings are falling down fast..
when we’ve spoilt the land and dried up all the sea.
When everyone has lost their heads around us… You will find Him next to me.

From Next to Me, by Emeli Sande

“I am the good shepherd; I know mine and mine know me.” We can take comfort in these words of Jesus from today’s Gospel. Jesus knows every one of us, and cares for and about us, but what about the second part of that statement? Do we know him as well as he knows us? Are we committed to developing/nurturing our relationship with Jesus? Knowing Jesus and recognizing his voice takes a discerning heart. Through our friendship with him, we realize that he companions us in all that we do. We have the promise of Christ’s presence as we go out to others and share the “Good News.” Take time this week in prayer to listen to the voice of our Good Shepherd and ask for the grace to be responsive to His call.

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.

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.