A Little History

In a letter to Fr. Dave Callahan, in June 2007, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, OFM, wrote that the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese of Boston is a time to celebrate, remember, and honor the past, and give thanks for God's goodness. He also stated that it would be a time to renew the life of the Church in Boston.

After consultation with the Council of Priests, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, and other key leaders, Renew International was invited to create a process that would respond specifically to the pastoral and spiritual needs of the Church in the Archdiocese of Boston.

After listening to various groups, leaders in the archdiocese, etc., Arise Together in Christ was developed. An outline was presented in May 2007. The Cardinal appointed Mary Ann McLaughlin and Bishop John Dooher as Coordinators for Arise Together in Christ.

Presentations were made throughout the diocese. A prayer network consisting of seminarians, nuns, religious living in retirement homes, monasteries, and hospitals, prayed for the success of Arise.

St. Mary's itself gathered a team by personal invitation from Fr. Dave. Twelve were chosen: Brenda Delasanta, Dave Delasanta, Katie McNeice, Joe DePalo, Michael Rein, Robbie Clary, Paul Clary, Ray Cadorette, Christine Cadorette, Nancy Rappa, Neil Roche, and Faith Flaherty. We attended the workshops not really understanding what was expected of us.

Gradually, we began to get the picture. We began to get excited. We were starting a project to help our parish and we felt we were doing God's work. "We were psyched!"

After two sessions, we're in awe. We've grown. Arise is successful. The parish is thriving and happy. Praise God!

What's next?

Season Three: "In the Footsteps of Christ".

You can't hold back the Holy Spirit.