Hello. I would like to share a story recently. Quite frankly ai was shocked at the behavior of a…read moremale parishioner. We were at the clothes closet this past Saturday and a purse broke through the plastic bag. A large tote purse so that was put in the car. As we were getting some clothes this male parishioner went up to my husband and said this is your third bag. Now we donate lots of clothes to the church over the past ten years. Recycling is terrific. However I feel that is no parishioners place to say such words to people. They are not his belongings. Nor should he cover them in anyway. They are gifts by the parishioners and others. This could have been potentially humiliating to another individual. No one knows the circumstances people have. And is most ungodly to covet gifts given in charity by others. It just so happened we brought two bags of donations that day and I myself assisted in putting our numerous pairs of shoes. The male parishioner did apologize after he was taken up verbally on the matter. I would hope the church would address this behavior at Sunday worship to remind the workers not to verbally accuse others of unbefitting behavior. I had worked for a local homeless agency in the next town for over ten years and we would never approach a person if we thought they had to much. It wasn't our place. Even morally. We gave out what we had until it was gone. A good reminder is that these are gifts meant for people and to take what they need. It is not a state agency with criteria and restriction. Nor in anyway a place where prior lists for things are needed and paperwork filled out and approved. It a church of giving and the good Lord gives without any scoldings. For shame on this individual.

This is a great church! It has a rich history and vibrant, ongoing life. Known as "The Stone…read moreChurch by the Lake" by the hundreds who walk around Lake Quannapowitt, it is a warm, friendly church that touches the community in meaningful ways. If you come for a visit, you will find a Classical Service with elegant chamber music and the favorite hymns. You can also attend a Contemporary Service with a gifted worship band leading the church to experience the Presence of God. At all the services you will find a welcoming atmosphere and engaging, practical messages from the Bible.

My husband and I started attending St Joseph's Church when our boys were six and three years old…read more Although we lived in Stoneham, this wonderful church in Wakefield was perfect for us, because we always took our boys into what was called "the crying room". We were able to attend Mass with two little ones in a glass-enclosed room and not disturb anyone. My sons are now 45 and 42! About 18 years ago, we returned to St Joseph's, after attending St Patrick's in Stoneham for many years, only because my boys were attending St Patrick's School. We felt like we had "come home". Fr Ron is wonderful, and has truly enriched our spiritual lives. There is so much available at St Joseph's to increase anyone's faith! There is daily Mass (twice each morning), along with praise and worship of the Eucharist, Adoration of the Eucharist, Bible classes, faith formation discussion groups, and opportunities to volunteer to help the bereaved, along with knit and pray while making beautiful afghans for those in need. There are dinners for the needy Who welcome volunteers. St Joseph's is a wonderful family parish that is welcoming to everyone. Fr Ron is a holy and faith-filled pastor who will inspire you with his homilies. My husband and I feel so fortunate to be members of St Joseph's Church in Wakefield.

There is always something going on at St Joseph Parish: Praise and Worship on Monday, Bible Study…read moreon Tuesday, Healing Mass First Wednesday of the Month, Healing Soaking Prayer all the other Wednesdays of the Month and on Thursday afternoons too, and Adoration all day long on weekdays except for Wednesday. St Joseph also offers small prayer group discussions several times a week. Just check the bulletin. The Vacation Bible School is unparalleled and Caleb, the parish dog, delights all the children (and many adults!) after each Mass.

I am a recent alumnus of Austin Prep, and I will start with the good - the academics are rigorous…read moreand most teachers are passionate and knowledgeable. I came out well-prepared for college and value my education there highly. However, in recent years, there have been many problems with the way the school is run. With the change of administration, the school went from the feeling of "tight-knit, humble private school" to pure business. It is abundantly clear that the school's model has devolved into putting up enough show to get parents to enroll their child, and have enough interest that they can admit more students whenever the glamor wears off on the old parents and they pull their children. The new headmaster has even said before in addresses, "We turned away many students this year, so you should all feel lucky that you're even here right now," in a way that almost sounded like a threat. This vibe permeates the way the school carries itself and treats its student body. From the technology to the dress code to the curriculum, everything is now optimized for them so that they get a kickback on sales, at the inconvenience of the families. Unnecessary changes are made to the schedules and structures of the school based on the image of the school, not the opinions of the families - which are often opposed. Perhaps the scariest change developing in the school is how hateful the atmosphere is becoming. From promoting an anti-LGBT hate group, to utilizing a book that encourages conversion therapy, to turning a blind eye to students harrassing international students based on race, the school is becoming valueless and made me feel unsafe by the end of my career there. The academics are stellar, but you can find a school without these problems. Do not enroll here, please.

My child spent 3 years at Austin Preparatory School (AP) before I decided to withdraw. I am writing…read morethis review in hopes to save someone (or many of you) time and money based on what I encountered at AP. I made a request to withdraw and receive a tuition refund in early July. It was denied due to the timeframe, per contract withdrawal​ must be before April 30th. Unfortunately,​​ events leading to my decision did not occur prior to April, too bad for me I guess. Even though we had spent 3 years at AP, the Headmaster was not interested in refunding any money to me. I had multiple conversations with him, explaining our reasons and issues, he pretty much brushed us off stating it was "too late," noting​ we had to "fulfill our financial obligation". He even said to me that if he refunded everyone that changed their​ mind, he would be opening pandora's box. Apparently many people change their mind about attending this school over the summer, I believe he referred to it as "summer meltdown". My thought was if this many people change their mind, he has a much bigger​ problem on his hands that he isn't addressing. The school Headmaster preaches "community" but does not practice it when push comes​ to shove. The school is a business to him. I understand the business side but even in the strongest of businesses contracts are altered and renegotiated every day. One would think he would be willing to work with a "community member" that had a 3-year​ investment in the school​. I even offered to give up the seat I had reserved and accept a partial refund when the seat was filled by another student, he would have no part in this discussion. Unfortunately​,​ he is judge and jury at AP, not even a Board to answer to as he noted, they send the "issue" back to him to resolve. During the 3 years​ spent at AP I started to notice a pattern. Many kids that I met that went there were bullied in their prior school. I didn't think much of​ it at the time​ but did start asking more and more kids why they were going to that school. Low and behold, kept getting the same answer, bullied at prior school. One may think that this is good, this school "protects" them, not the case. Some of these kids actually became the bullies​. Guess they had first​-hand experience on how to do it. I also notice that MANY kids that attend have parents that teach at the school. Turns out a benefit to teachers is their kids go to school for free. The school has tuition increases EVERY year, without fail. Typically an increase of about $2000.00... setting the current tuition at $21,900.00! Quite the price for high school or middle school.... and remember, teachers kids go for free. This past summer the school did a multi-million​ dollar kitchen/cafeteria/foyer renovation. The tuition increase was $1900.00. This was to cover the cost of lunches for kids, regardless of whether​ or not your kids eat ​lunch, you pay the increase. I wonder if the teachers paid the $1900.00 or are the "paying population" feeding their kids too? The school definitely has some issues including vaping and bullying (even though there is a "no tolerance" policy) Don't think you are going to avoid these issues by leaving the public schools. In my opinion,​ the public schools have a better handle on how to deal with​ this, probably because they acknowledge it is happening. I find the headmaster of the school "talks the talk" to parents, but doesn't deliver. Personally,​ I also find him to be quite arrogant. He often notes similar types of stories in his email updates, something​ about how a parent tells him that their child received an amazing education at AP and now is going to college for less than they paid to go to school at AP due to scholarships (obviously​ they were not a teacher at AP). Watch for yourself and see. To summarize, high-cost​ middle/high school education (almost the cost of a college) without a high-end​ reputation. If you really want a private school do your homework, you can get what AP offers for half the price and hopefully​ find a Headmaster with a conscience.

Our family loves Odyssey Day School! My son has attended for 7 years, going on 8, and we love the…read moreteachers and staff. We have made many friends here, and we enjoy the STEAM and nature education, as well as creative developmentally structured curriculum. Instead of teaching to a test, they teach to the individual child.

We can't say enough in the way of positive comments about this little gem of a school. Our…read moregranddaughter spent all eight of her elementary and middle school years at Odyssey Day School and experienced tremendous success in every academic area. She's a high school student now and is in the top 10% of her class academically, thanks in part to the patient and knowledgeable staff who helped her work to her potential in a caring atmosphere. I've visited the school several time and can tell you what I've observed. Not only have the teachers at Odyssey provided resources to allow the students to learn and grow, but they guided them in positive ways and encouraged social awareness, something that's very important to our family. Their student workshops are interesting and well planned. My granddaughter had the opportunity to learn about photography, rocketry and textile arts, among other non-traditional subjects. We enjoyed visiting the school and socializing with other families during pot luck suppers, picnics and ice cream socials and the International Week festivities. We found Odyssey very affordable thanks to financial aid, but even if we hadn't qualified, we would have found a way to send her to Odyssey. All in all, five stars.

A great time to visit the church I serve in Wakefield MA during their Bicentennial Year and their…read morecampaign Preserving Our Heritage to address the tower and steeple of the building. Handicapped accessible from the lower level in the back to the Social Hall. A chair lift on the front stairs to the Sanctuary. NOT fully handicapped accessible at this time.

Genesis Woburn: An amazing place to worship and praise. An abundance of fellowship and friendship…read more Pastor Michael is energetic and always seems to relate the daily sermon to present day life experiences. Associate Pastor Jason is wonderful and speaks with passion. The live worship music is current and there is a revolving group within which offers a different sound weekly. One glorious standout is pastor Michael's son Tristan, who is self taught on guitar and bass. He has so much joy when he plays and it shows. 8:30am, 10:00am & 11:30am

The warmest community with a live band and easy to understand services. Keeps the Bible simple for…read moreeveryone while making you think. Would not only recommend going but also super easy to volunteer here too and build friendships.

Abundant Life Christian School and Child Care is a great way to have your child learn about their…read moreFaith formation and academics. It's also a safe, nurturing environment with caring teachers that love working and helping children grow. Jennifer P

Abundant Life Childcare has been such a blessing to our family! Our daughter has attended the…read moreprogram from infancy through pre-K. Each one of her teachers have poured into her and helped mold and shape her! I could not recommend it more!

Wonderful, affordable, clean, small class sizes. Lots of choice on which days you can send the…read morechild. Babysitting for your younger one on days you help out. (coop) Staff is unbelievable!

I highly recommend this wonderful preschool. All 3 of my kids have had the pleasure of coming here…read more It is a warm environment and all the teachers themselves have had their own kids at CCP! There is a good balance learning and play. I didn't want to send my children to someones house for school and these are real classrooms. The fact that it is a co-op added to our experience. We have met so many families and made long lasting friends. The "work" commitment is only 1 hour per month in one of the classrooms. Which enables you to see and learn about what your child does all day. It is actually a lot of fun. For those that work, you could have a nanny or grandmother fulfill the work commitment. And if you have younger children, they are able to go to the age appropriate classroom while you work. CCP is truly a treasure. The director and all the teachers are fantastic. They love and care about each and every child as if they were their own. It feels like leaving them with family.

Here is a small mission that offers the Traditional Latin Mass. http://www.olmc-mission.org While…read moreLow Mass is more common than the Missa Cantata, a humble choir led by a competent Religous Sister is there to lead the hymns. The priests that service the mission come from afar, so at this point it is wise to call or email to be sure of their schedule. Every 1st and 3rd Sunday the priest is there hearing confession before Mass. The Mass starts at 9:30. Be prepared for solid Catholicism to be preached on, something that is lacking in the typical parish church today as a result of the Vatican II changes. Afterwards, the priest and sisters are usually around for a bit for conversation and refreshments. They also have a Catholic bookstore at the location. The people are friendly, but the pre-VII faith being passed on and the reception of the traditional sacraments is the primary reason why anyone would want to check this out. While not in a "church setting", they are doing what they can with what they have. Catechism lessons are also available. Consider making a visit. The Recusant

We felt right at home in this warm, welcoming parish, and especilally by the Reverend Kate. We were…read moreexcited to see our first grandson being baptized in this beautiful church with the kind of love and support from the Trinity Episcopal Parish. My husband and I wish we lived closer so we could attend the services every week. Highly recommend checking out this wonderful community of welcoming people. The world needs more kindness and this is the place to find it.

Welcoming parish and wonderful events including the annual Festival of Trees the first full weekend…read morein December, and the yearly Silent Movie Night featuring live organ music. Trinity also hosts Artist in Residence Theatre To Go which produces three plays each year.