John Moynihan, Swampscott, Ma. A great community for a Vatican II Catholics, plus the convenience of online services.

Maryann Lonergan, Cromwell, Ct. I found Sharon and People of the Promise at a time when I was really disenchanted and frustrated with the Catholic church….I always feel nourished during each Mass whether it was the preaching, the sharing of community members, the ability for me to share, the songs and artwork chosen each week, or just feeling connected to spirit-led people. I leave each service with a new perspective or a thought that I continue to ponder throughout the week. And having the ability to chat with members in breakout rooms after Mass has brought us closer. Also, having several women in this community who have become or will become priests is awesome. My husband and I volunteer as responders, lectors, or prayer leaders during services.

Mary Alcott, Medford, Ma. My reflections on this community call to mind the lyrics of Janèt Sullivan Whitaker’s song, “In Every Age” because I’ve been around long enough to remember the ways in which this “Community” has been life-giving in many different ages. My children were so little when we first joined and now they’ve grown up and have children of their own. They were often baptized right our midst, and they are still thinking and talking and reflecting about their POP experience. I have been a busy person with a career, I have been a care giver, I have been supported in both. People have shown up at my door with food or whatever I needed to sustain me. I have had the amazing grace of being with special people in the presence and the altar of our God. Such a gift.

Judy Moynihan, Swampscott, Ma. This community nourishes me every week. A friend of mine once said to me, “Oh you have to go to church.” And I said, “I don’t have to do anything, I love this church.” For one thing, I’m Protestant and I always will be, and this community allows me to be here and still be who I am.

Gerry Foley, Lexington, Ma. As one of the newest persons to join, I want to convey how warmly and affectionately welcomed I have felt. I had been with another group during Covid and I could really feel the difference and it was wonderful. I appreciate so much our sharing in the Eucharist and breaking bread together. I love seeing and hearing about your love for each other, including those who have passed. 

Michael Lonergan, Cromwell, CT. People of the Promise (POP) service is a Catholic mass.  The presider is an ordained woman priest, whose message is very meaningful to me.  The liturgy is additionally more inclusive than the traditional Mass, which fills my heart with gratitude for what I experience in unity with God.  Participants  at POP are invited to offer reflections on the scripture readings and the homily.  We also volunteer to be the prayer leader, lector, or responder and share prayer intentions. The People of the Promise experience strengthens my ability to love my neighbor and to daily practice my faith.

Rev. Jane Audrey Neuhauser, Maynard, Ma. When I think of POP,I think of a welcoming community of faith which questions, lives and celebrates its faith. I was first welcomed by POP when the gathering place was the Odd Fellows Hall in Belmont.  So many meaningful liturgies, retreats, winter get-aways with a warm and caring group of people.  Then, after a long absence, I was welcomed back a couple of years ago and I feel so at home with a community and its faith, which so mirrors my own.  

Nancy Libby, Quincy, Ma. In 1972 I was in the process of transitioning from the religious community I’d been a part of and  People of the Promise was such a wonderful support, a spiritual home in which to shae with people whose faith was important. We were an aspirational community, sharing the hopes and excitement of exploring the meaning of the Church, post-Vatican II. As a single person, this community has been an extended family in which I have enjoyed close friendships as I reflected on the meaning of a single lifestyle.

Chris Tree, Cambridge, Ma. For me it’s important that the People of the Promise is rooted in Eucharistic-centered Catholic Faith, but I have to admit that the most nurturing part our liturgies are the reflections on the day’s readings, both by the presider and participants. These frequently articulate my most basic hopes and fears and help me cope with life’s daily ups and downs. 

Fran Carleton, I’ve been in this community for over 45 years, and I’ve always found it to be a growing space. I often refer to it as the family I have chosen as opposed to the family I was born into, and the family John and I created. People of the Promise has been the family I have chosen. I think I can always learn something new from the community and I hope I have been able to give something back at times.