The People of the Promise is a Eucharistic-centered worship community designed to serve the liturgical needs of our members who are seeking a more personal alternative to the traditional parish structure.

  We are, first and foremost, a community of faith rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition. We believe that the smaller, informal nature of our community provides a unique context in which we can share our faith and worship together. Many of our members have raised their families in this community.

From September through June we meet twice a month for liturgy on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the VFW Post 1272, 310 Trapelo Rd., Belmont, MA.

Weekend retreats are often held in the Fall and in the Spring.

New people are always welcome to drop by, listen in and learn more. 

History

Our community was formed in February 1972, when founding members actively participating in the congregation at the Paulist Center in Boston met to further their common interests in faith, service, community, and family.

Our members come from all walks of life, and several communities in the metro Boston area. Some past members continue to participate from afar.

Our regular worship rhythm of two Sundays a month makes it possible for some of our members to continue an active relationship with their *official* parish in their community.

For us, the community life of faith and worship we share is a way to explore and grow within the Catholic faith in a way that is more deeply personal and socially responsible.

Members play an active role in choosing music and leading group discussion during liturgy. We generally celebrate the liturgy of the Word “in the round” and participants are encouraged to share their reflections on the Scripture readings at the time of the homily.

The Eucharist is also generally celebrated “in the round” with members gathered around the table. The majority of our chaplains have been Jesuit priests from the faculty of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge.

POP is an incorporated non-profit organization with a written constitution and a chairperson and other officers, elected at an annual meeting. At present, community decisions are reached by consensus of the members, facilitated by elected coordinators.

Decisions are made at open community meetings, held seasonally, at which – in the tradition of the New England town meeting – everyone speaks as the spirit moves him/her.