Weekly Pastor's Corner
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
W/E 10/25/25-10/26/25
While Fr. Joe is on sabbatical, Fr. Ron Coyne will be writing this column:
Friends,
I love to read because it broadens my horizons and challenges me to see the bigger picture. Whenever I
come across words that make me think or rethink my beliefs I write them down. I do this not only for myself
but because eventually I can share them with others. With that in mind, you may find these interesting,
challenging or fascinating.
“When the common good is the focus, preaching is not about imposing guilt and shame on individuals but about
giving vision and encouragement to society. Perhaps that is why Jesus’ most common metaphor for the end times was a wedding banquet not threats of hellfire and punishment.” Richard Rohr
“You think you are going to be young forever, but suddenly you reach an age when getting up from a chair
can’t be taken for granted, it requires planning.” Fredrick Backman - My Friends
“Nobody felt better after a week of sobriety, but it took a long time for my soul to be restored.”
Anne Lamott
“When things go wrong, the negative voice within us tempts us to say, ‘what if, what if’, but the gentle voice
asks, ‘what is, what is’.”
“The difference between justice and revenge comes down to who’s telling the story.”
Julie Clark - The Lies I Tell
“Sending a message to Black Foks is one of the key factors that separates a lynching from a murder. In a
lynching it is not just the killers who are guilty, it is a dominant culture.” Wright Thompson – The Barn
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
“Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance.” Laurie Anderson
“There are two kinds of ghosts that torment you when a young person dies: The ghost of who they were and the
ghosts of who they could have been.” Matt Haig – The Life Impossible
“When you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a tent with a mosquito.”
Dalai Lama
“If we’re trying to understand how God moves in the world, searching questions will do us so much more
good than firm answers.” Richard Rohr
And finally referring to the next life, “One day I believe you’ll hear the Lord say, `I’m so proud that you let me
use you. Because of you, others are here today. Would you like to meet them?’.” Max Lucado
Enjoy Life!
Fr. Ron Coyne
Introduction to Fr. Ron Coyne
Friends,
My name is Fr Ron Coyne and I’m introducing myself as I come to your parish as administrator while Fr. Joe
MacCarthy is away. I serve on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) for the Archdiocese of Boston. I am presently
the only one on the “Team”. Since I left being the pastor of the Blue Hills Collaborative in Hyde Park (Most Precious Blood, St. Anne & St. Pius X) in 2019. I volunteered to fill in at various parishes when they need a temporary administrator. Most priests are now alone so if they retire, get sick, go on sabbatical or are transferred and the archdiocese is not able replace them immediately, I am willing to fill the vacancy, temporarily. I don’t call them assignments; I call them opportunities.
I moved into the rectory on October 12th. Over the past 6 years I have served in this capacity in Marblehead,
Wilmington, the Back Bay, Charlestown, Revere/Chelsea/Everett, Medford, Wayland, Methuen, Foxboro and most recently Amesbury/Salisbury which I left on October 7th.
I grew up in Roslindale/West Roxbury (Holy Name Parish). I’m half Irish and half Italian. I have an older sister and
a younger brother, so I have all the wonderful traits of a middle child.
Most of my priesthood prior to the ERT was in the city of Boston (Mattapan, Dorchester, Roslindale, Charlestown, Hyde Park) I was also the pastor in Weymouth and Randolph. Cambridge is a new experience for me.
I look forward to getting to know you and the wonderful history of your faith community. I like the unknown,
meeting new people and experiencing, evolving and ministering together as we celebrate God’s presence in the church and humanity. During my years in ministry the role of the church has changed greatly, and it is much more challenging to engage families and convince them that the church can be a positive presence in their lives. Many have moved beyond the need to celebrate their faith in a community. That is a huge loss to the church physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. If we want our people to remain engaged with the church, the three reasons they will choose a parish over others are good preaching, uplifting music and hospitality.
Fr. Joe MacCarthy welcomed me with open arms. I wish him the best as he recuperates. He has spoken so highly about St. John the Evangelist Parish, your wonderful staff and contagious spirit. I have met Fr. Gustave Miracle and Fr. Tom Leclerc and look forward to ministering with them. They love this parish. How blessed we are with their presence and ministry.
I anticipate meeting you and celebrating our faith together. May God bless you and those you love with peace,
happiness and good health.
Enjoy life!
Fr. Ron Coyne
