October 2, 2026

Change is in the Air

Dear Friends,

As the summer fades, and leaves brighten in shades of reds and yellows, I find myself thinking about change and new beginnings. The fall always invites a sense of hope and wonder about what lies ahead. Perhaps I am a perpetual student at heart, still in tune with the rhythms of an academic year. Whatever it may be, it seems natural that beginning this weekend, the Paulist Center is making a change. Instead of publishing a two-page, double-sided Bulletin each week, we will move to a single-page, double-sided Bulletin published every other week. The front page will feature general information about the Paulist Center that will remain consistent from issue to issue. The back page will highlight upcoming events and important information for the following two weeks, with QR codes directing readers to our website for additional details.

We will continue to send this weekly email each Friday afternoon. With its updated design, this e-Bulletin will continue to provide the same detailed information about upcoming events, programs, and happenings throughout the Paulist Center community.

As we migrate to a more digital world and strive to be good stewards of the environment and our community’s finances, we think this new format and approach makes sense. The Paulist Center remains committed to the values we have held for many decades. This will not change. At the same time, we seek to find new ways to express these values, reading the signs of the times, and living out the Paulist's call to be missionaries of hope.  

Colleen, on behalf of the Paulist Center Staff

Alvaro, Colleen, Dorothy, Norm, Fr. Rick, Rob, Sal, Susan, and Timmy

PARK STREET PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Please be aware that 24-hour parking restrictions are in effect on Park Street through October 13. During this time, only authorized service vehicles may park on Park Street, and towing is being enforced.

Please plan accordingly when visiting the Paulist Center. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

LIVING WATER

Season of Creation 2026

September 1 - October 4

The Creation Care ministry invites you to celebrate Creation and commit to prayer, action and advocacy:

Sunday, October 4

“The Crisis in Plastic” after the 10am Mass, presented by Phil Landrigan, M.D. of Boston College, renowned pediatrician and public health expert. 

Phil’s lifelong work has focused on protecting children and communities from toxic environmental exposures and advancing healthier public policy.

ZOOM COMMUNITY MEETING

Summarizing The Paulist Fathers 2026 General Assembly Report: Charism, Spirituality & Mission

Tues., October 13 at 7 PM

In June, the Paulist Fathers gathered in Huntington, NY, for their every four year General Assembly. The heart of our assembly conversations was the shaping of a contemporary articulation of the Paulist Fathers' charism, spirituality, and mission. The mission of the Society has not changed but the Assembly sought to offer fresh language, born from their Constitutions and the Scriptures, to help them and their collaborators communicate that mission today.

On Wed, Oct 13, our very own past director, Fr. Rich Andre, will host a meeting on Zoom to summarize the final report and discussion guide of the 2026 General Assembly. This report details our core Paulist Center identity and charism - how the Holy Spirit uniquely calls us to be a welcoming, reconciling, and missionary community.

Please join us for this engaging event!

Join Zoom meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87094791221?pwd=pyNFioB4aUCITYl4GPao70GB85v4JM.1

LAST CALL TO SIGN UP FOR

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND

SACRAMENTAL PREP PROGRAMS!

Families, if you have not yet signed up for either formal religious education or sacramental preparation classes (1st Reconciliation, 1st Communion, and/or Teen Confirmation), please do so asap! Classes have started!

FREP calendar: https://www.paulistcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-2027-FREP-Calendar.pdf

Register: https://www.paulistcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/FREP-Registration-Form-2026-2027.pdf 

You can pay the registration fee online HERE or send check to

Paulist Center, 5 Park St, Boston, MA 02108.

** The parent’s meeting for 1st Confession/1st Reconciliation happens on Sunday, October 18 at 11:30am with Fr. Rick. Please mark your calendars!  Questions or concerns, contact Susan Rutkowski at susan@paulistcenter.org or 617-948-2426.

Jr. & Sr. High Teens

This year we are partnering with the Mosaic Interfaith Organization. The first meeting is Sun, Oct 4 at 2 pm.  Youth come together across lines of difference to explore pressing issues of common concern, such as mental health, racial justice, and environmental advocacy—then work together to drive change in their communities. With support from Mosaic educators, participants gain practical advocacy skills, deepen their understanding of faith and identity, and become the kind of leaders who build bridges instead of barriers.

Please use this link to read more and register for the Circles of Action program: https://mosaicaction.org/school-year-cohorts/circles-of-action/ 

You must register with Mosaic directly as well as with the Paulist Center to participate. 

“THE CHRISTMAS STORY” CASTING CALL

Rehearsals for “The Christmas Story” will soon be underway! 

This reverent interpretation of the birth of Jesus will take place as a

prelude to the Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00pm. 

This is a casting call for angels! shepherds! barnyard animals! wise people! All Paulist Center children and teens are invited to participate in this very special performance. 

Please let Christine Tardiff know of your child or teen’s interest in participating by emailing her at cetardiff@gmail.com.

NEW LECTOR FORMATION

A formation session for new lectors will take place on Sunday, October 11 at 11:30 am in the Chapel.

If you are interested in joining our Lector Team Ministry, please fill out our New Lector Information Form, and/or contact Norm Gouin at: norm@paulistcenter.org.

CALLED TO SERVE AT THE LORD'S TABLE?

Have you ever considered serving as a Eucharistic Minister at the Paulist Center?

Join us for a Eucharistic Minister Information Session on Tuesday, October 27 or Tuesday, November 3 at 7:30 PM on Zoom. Come learn more about the ministry, formation, and what it means to serve as a minister of Communion. There is no commitment required to attend one of the sessions—just an invitation to listen, learn, and discern! Please complete this information form to register for one of the upcoming sessions. 

LIVING OUR MISSION TOGETHER

Next week, the Paulist Center begins an inspiring 6-week journey mapping out our new 3-year Pastoral Plan. Over the coming weeks, we will explore how our local priorities intersect with the national Paulist Fathers Assembly Report and our yearly Catholic Social Teaching theme: Rights and Responsibilities. Using the simple analogy of a house, we will unpack who we are (the Blueprint), how we build it (the Tools), and what we stand for (the Structural Core).

Look for this Tuesday's introductory electronic message to be delivered to your inbox! 

THE 2025 ISAAC HECKER AWARD FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 AT 5 PM

Due to the nor’easter last weekend, our Hecker Award ceremony celebrating Colleen Sharka, LMHC, co-founder of “CAN WE TALK” (CWT), has been moved to Sat, Oct 24 at our 5 pm Mass.

Please mark your calendar for this joyous occasion. Reception to follow.

JIMMY TINGLE FUNDRAISER

Hope in Humanity

SAVE THE DATE Sun, Nov 8 @ 3 PM

Jimmy Tingle uses comedy as a force for good and a catalyst for social change, proving that personal resilience can inspire collective hope. Tingle exercises the fundamental right to free speech and artistic expression to critique society and address systemic issues. In addition, he demonstrates that privilege and talent come with a responsibility to give back. Through his organization Humor for Humanity, he uses his platform to fulfill a civic duty—raising funds and awareness for non-profits and mobilizing audiences to "turn toward" social causes and work for a better world.