Lent and Holy Week at the Paulist Center
Deliver Us, O God
“We cried to the God of our ancestors, and God heard our cry…God brought us out of Egypt with God’s strong hand and outstretched arm.”
Deuteronomy 26:8
These are challenging times. Wars rage across the globe, forcing millions into dangerous journeys in search of safety and a better life. Migrants in our own country face persecution and are returned to perilous conditions. Fires and storms frequently claim lives and property. A new administration is cutting essential aid, displacing thousands of workers, and deepening societal divisions. In the face of such suffering, how do we maintain faith and hope in a loving God? How can we continue to lead lives of love and service when we often feel so powerless?
Each year, we enter this holy season, where our God meets us—a time to pause, quiet our minds, and open our hearts to God’s tender mercy and boundless love. During this season of rebirth and renewal, we are called to surrender all things over to our gracious God. The One who’s armis always extended to deliver us from fear and doubt– strengthening us for the journey.
This year, more than ever, let us come together in prayer- ful openness to God’s message of selfless love and joyful hope. In Word and Eucharist, may we find the grace to recognize that, though the path may be difficult, Christ walks with us, and His ever-present Spirit is always there to guide us on the way.
At the Paulist Center, the richness of our liturgies, the many opportunities for prayer and faith sharing, and especially our commitment to accompanying those preparing for the Easter sacraments, invite us to enter fully into this season of reflection, recommitment, and renewal. Let us be strengthened for the journey, supporting one another in holding onto hope and trusting in the God who has delivered us from bondage and offers us new life through Christ Jesus.
Prayer & Faith Sharing
DAILY REFLECTIONS FOR LENT & EASTER
Cry Justice, Cry Hope Lent 2025, by Joan Chittister
Join us in the call for justice and wholeness this Lenten season with this meaningful digital Lenten booklet. Cry Justice, Cry Hope is a reminder from Joan Chittister that change and holiness are our heritage and our future.
This booklet, which features Sister Joan’s reflections on the Lenten Sunday scriptures, stories of women who revolutionized their worlds, and prompts for reflection, will accompany us to Easter and strengthen our resolve. To order your copy go to: https://tinyurl.com/2zz9anxt
LENTEN SMALL GROUPS
Lenten Small Groups will be meeting throughout Lent! We will be using the book Mercy Not Sacrifice by Mark-David Janus, CSP.
If you did not previously register but would like to participate, please email Amy Logan alogan940@gmail.com for possible registration based on availability.
Mark-David Janus’ book “Mercy Not Sacrifice” is available at: www.paulistpress.com
WEDNESDAY ONLINE LENTEN PRAYER
Led by the LGBTQIA Ministry.
March 12 -7:00 p.m.
March 19 – 7:00 p.m.
March 26 – 7:00 p.m.
April 2 – 7:00 p.m.
April 9 – 7:00 p.m.
Use the QR or go to http://tinyurl.com/5bm3sekt
SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION AND REFLECTION
Join us Sunday, April 6 – 12:15 p.m. in the Chapel for this time of healing and reconciliation.
Individual Confession will be available
LENTEN FAMILY SOCIAL & BOOKLETS
Sunday, March 9 at 11:15 am in the auditorium
All families are invited to join this social to connect with other families, learn about Lent, and participate in a Lenten craft. Lenten booklets specifically for children, teens, and parents will be available at the social or beforehand on the 6th floor during the FREP hour or by contacting Susan Rutkowski at: susan@paulistcenter.org.
Service and Stewardship
Emergency Food Pantry
In addition to the food that community members bring in, the Paulist Center teams up with the Greater Boston Food Bank to collect additional food for a nominal fee. Three volunteer shoppers make weekly visits.
The food pantry is located on the first floor, two doors down from the reception area. There, four volunteers spend one and one-half hours on Tuesday afternoons
(1:00 – 2:30pm) distributing food that three different volunteers have previously shelved and bagged. We give out bags of groceries that feed over 500 people a month.
Please contact Raoul Vincent at karlenevincent@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved.
Wednesday Night Supper Club
Every Wednesday night in the Paulist Center auditorium since 1969, at least 25 volunteers serve a hot, delicious, dignified, sit-down meal for our neighbors who are hungry. Funding comes from a variety of individuals and groups, including Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. If you are interested in becoming a cook, contact Emily Hankle, ekayhankle@gmail.com. To arrange for a group to volunteer, contact the Supper Club Team at supperclubfood@gmail.com Individuals looking for more information or to volunteer with set-up, serving, or clean-up can contact Jeff Buckley at da_red_dogg@hotmail.com. However it is also fine for an individual to just pop in to help any week without pre-arranging a visit.
Lent and Holy Week Worship Schedule
ASH WEDNESDAY • MARCH 5
8:00 a.m. Mass (no music)
12:00 p.m. Mass (with music)
5:00 p.m. Mass (with music)
*7:00 p.m. Lay-led Service (with music)
All four liturgies include the imposition of ashes.
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Saturday, March 8 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 9- *10:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 9 – 6:00 p.m.
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Saturday, March 15 – *5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 16 – 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 16 – 6:00 p.m.
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Saturday, March 22 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 23 – *10:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 23 – 6:00 p.m.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Saturday, March 29 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 – *10:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 30 – 6:00 p.m.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Saturday, April 5 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 – *10:00 a.m.
Sunday, April 5 – 6:00 p.m.
PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION
Saturday, April 12 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 – *10:00 a.m.
Sunday, April 13 – 6:00 p.m.
THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM
The word “TRIDUUM,” the celebration of the Lord’s pas- sion, death, and rising, means “three days.” In the biblical keeping of time, great days of celebration begin on the evening before the feast. Thus, the Triduum begins on Holy Thursday evening and ends with the liturgical celebrations on Easter Sunday.
Because the celebration of the Paschal Triduum – in its entirety- is the most important liturgical expression of our faith and because it is most important to celebrate as one community, please consider joining us for all three days.
Holy Thursday – April 17
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – *7:00 pm
Good Friday – April 18
Seven Last Words Ecumenical Service – *12 noon
Celebration of the Passion and the Death of the Lord – *3:00 pm
Holy Saturday – April 19
Easter Vigil – *8:00 pm
Easter Sunday – April 20
Mass of the Resurrection – *10:00 am • 12:00 pm
*Live streamed
Visit our YouTube Channel to join us online. www.youtube.com/thepaulistcenter
Service and Stewardship
Emergency Food Pantry
In addition to the food that community members bring in, the Paulist Center teams up with the Greater Boston Food Bank to collect additional food for a nominal fee. Three volunteer shoppers make weekly visits.
The food pantry is located on the first floor, two doors down from the reception area. There, four volunteers spend one and one-half hours on Tuesday afternoons
(1:00 – 2:30pm) distributing food that three different volunteers have previously shelved and bagged. We give out bags of groceries that feed over 500 people a month.
Please contact Raoul Vincent at karlenevincent@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved.
Wednesday Night Supper Club
Every Wednesday night in the Paulist Center auditorium since 1969, at least 25 volunteers serve a hot, delicious, dignified, sit-down meal for our neighbors who are hungry. Funding comes from a variety of individuals and groups, including Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. If you are interested in becoming a cook, contact Emily Hankle, ekayhankle@gmail.com. To arrange for a group to volunteer, contact the Supper Club Team. Individuals looking for more information or to volunteer with set-up, serving, or clean-up can contact Jeff Buckley, da_red_dogg@hotmail.com, but know that it is also fine for an individual to just pop in to help any week without pre-arranging a visit.
Prayer of the Community
O Christ, we began our Lenten journey with the sign of ashes, reminding us that this is no ordinary walk. Strengthen our desire to be free of all that keeps us from following you – the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Guide our steps and help us to return to you with our whole being.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, division among the political and religious leaders of your day eventually led to your crucifixion. As discord continues to escalate in our world, our country, and our Church, help us to remember that you gave your life for ALL people. Empower us to be your loving presence for one another.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, at the Last Supper you washed the feet of your disciples and instructed them to go and do likewise. Help us to be your loving hands, serving all those in need with humility and joy.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, who in Gethsemane faced your approaching passion and death alone, be with those suffering from physical or mental illness, anxiety, fear, grief, hunger, and poverty, especially those who suffer alone. Equip us to be your balm of compassion, healing, and love.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, who died that we may have life, bind up the wounds of your broken world. Strengthen us to be conduits of your grace and mercy and vessels of your light and peace.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, as we move one step closer to the promise of your light, help us to see that suffering and death are never the end, but the way to the fullness of life in you. With your help, may we find new meaning in the Easter that awaits us all.
AMEN.
Service and Stewardship
Emergency Food Pantry
In addition to the food that community members bring in, the Paulist Center teams up with the Greater Boston Food Bank to collect additional food for a nominal fee. Three volunteer shoppers make weekly visits.
The food pantry is located on the first floor, two doors down from the reception area. There, four volunteers spend one and one-half hours on Tuesday afternoons
(1:00 – 2:30pm) distributing food that three different volunteers have previously shelved and bagged. We give out bags of groceries that feed over 500 people a month.
Please contact Raoul Vincent at karlenevincent@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved.
Wednesday Night Supper Club
Every Wednesday night in the Paulist Center auditorium since 1969, at least 25 volunteers serve a hot, delicious, dignified, sit-down meal for our neighbors who are hungry. Funding comes from a variety of individuals and groups, including Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. If you are interested in becoming a cook, contact Emily Hankle, ekayhankle@gmail.com. To arrange for a group to volunteer, contact the Supper Club Team. Individuals looking for more information or to volunteer with set-up, serving, or clean-up can contact Jeff Buckley, da_red_dogg@hotmail.com, but know that it is also fine for an individual to just pop in to help any week without pre-arranging a visit.
Prayer of the Community
O Christ, we began our Lenten journey with the sign of ashes, reminding us that this is no ordinary walk. Strengthen our desire to be free of all that keeps us from following you – the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Guide our steps and help us to return to you with our whole being.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, division among the political and religious leaders of your day eventually led to your crucifixion. As discord continues to escalate in our world, our country, and our Church, help us to remember that you gave your life for ALL people. Empower us to be your loving presence for one another.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, at the Last Supper you washed the feet of your disciples and instructed them to go and do likewise. Help us to be your loving hands, serving all those in need with humility and joy.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, who in Gethsemane faced your approaching passion and death alone, be with those suffering from physical or mental illness, anxiety, fear, grief, hunger, and poverty, especially those who suffer alone. Equip us to be your balm of compassion, healing, and love.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, who died that we may have life, bind up the wounds of your broken world. Strengthen us to be conduits of your grace and mercy and vessels of your light and peace.
IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE, HEAR US!
O Christ, as we move one step closer to the promise of your light, help us to see that suffering and death are never the end, but the way to the fullness of life in you. With your help, may we find new meaning in the Easter that awaits us all.
AMEN.