Weekly Missive - A Unique Path

THE WEEKLY MISSIVE

June 26, 2026

A Unique Path

Dear Friends,

Annually on June 24^th the Catholic Church celebrates (it is, for me, being actively celebrated as I write this) the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist. This is not a holiday that often appears in my head among the list of the most notable of the liturgical year, and yet so significant is John the Baptist to the history of our belief system and the effectiveness of Jesus’ ministry. In fact, as I sit here reflecting, I’m beginning to feel more sharply the relative lack of mind I’ve paid to John the Baptist over the years compared to the Apostles, St. Paul, many early Christian thinkers, and others in Jesus’ entourage. What must his experience have been like; to be so committed to his faith and his mission before any other example had been set?

While Jesus was responsible for establishing his own ministry and gaining his own followers, John the Baptist had to prepare the way – to lay the foundation on which this mission could be built. I admire John the Baptist for serving in his role as the herald of the Messiah; a bridge between the stories, heroes, and teachings of the Tanakh and the New Testament. In the desert – in the wilderness he prepared the world for Jesus to arrive and do his thing.

And so, I am left with these questions for myself: “How often do I live in such a way so as to emulate John the Baptist rather than any number of other saints who came later? When am I a voice crying out in the wilderness – a herald of new and unifying ideas? When do I take the initiative to light the path for others to take?”

Mostly musings and introspection from me today, but I would invite you to consider John the Baptist’s unique mission as you go about your life this week.

See you around,

Gus, on behalf of the Paulist Center staff

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

In this Week's Missive

RIP, Barbara Dunay
Summer Schedule: Young Adult Ministry, Faith-Sharing Groups
Let's become an autism-friendly community

LGBTQ+ Ministry at the PC
LGBTQIA Catholic Collective
Stewardship
Community Gift

Rest in Peace, Barbara Dunay

Funeral Mass at the Paulist Center

Saturday, July 11, 11:00 A.M.

Reception to follow

Barbara J. Dunay, our beloved colleague and friend for over 32 years, passed away peacefully at the Boston Medical Center on

Saturday, June 20.

Barbara was a consistent presence, offering financial as well as friendly guidance to the staff.

Barbara was also a beloved member of the Sunday 6 pm music group and volunteered at many Paulist Center functions.

Barbara’s home was always a safe haven for a rescue dog. Over her 90-years, one of Barbara’s greatest joys was caring for ten Shih-Tzu’s, including her current and beloved dog, Sophie.

Please click here to see her complete obituary:

www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/boston-ma/barbara-dunay-12937285

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Paulist Center on Saturday, July 11 at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the auditorium.

Let’s Become an

Autism-Friendly Community!

Our community is blessed to have among us individuals with Autism or other developmental disabilities.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affects communication and social interaction. You likely know and interact with people on the autism spectrum.

People living with autism may communicate or behave differently.

· Some are non-verbal.

· Some "stim,” or engage in repetitive movements or sounds to help them self-regulate when they are overwhelmed by changes in routine, sensory inputs, emotions, or stress.

As a community, we are called to recognize, understand, and affirm the challenges and strengths with which individuals with Autism present.

There may be times when members of our community with Autism have behavioral outbursts at unexpected times. It is important to know that the individual may be aware of their behavior, yet is unable to control it, and often experiences shame as a result.

The best way to provide support during these times is to:

· Continue activity as best as possible and not draw attention to the individual.

· Trust that parents are the experts regarding their child with Autism. They navigate these issues on a daily basis and know what works and what does not. It is ok to ask if they need assistance.

· If safety of the individual and/or others is a concern, efforts will be made to encourage the individual to move to a quiet area. The police should not be called.

· Provide emotional support and encouragement to the individual and family following an incident.

We encourage members of our community to learn more! Here are some resources, created and/or recommended by people with Autism:

Autism Self Advocacy Network (video): https://youtube/XnuGPJ7UdpU?si=aS9RkLu0eSQvuh6Ek

Anna Freud Foundation (video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5hg5XwcPcI

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (article):

https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/about-autism/

Children’s Book: "Why Johnny Doesn't Flap: NT is Ok!"

The Body of Christ is glorious, beautiful, and neurodiverse!

All are welcome!

Summer Schedule

Young Adult Ministry

Faith-Sharing Groups

This summer young adults (ages 18-39) are invited to join Young Adult Ministry's weekly faith-sharing group, (almost) every Sunday immediately following the 6:00 pm Mass in the 3rd Fl Library.

Gatherings will include:

an invitation to check-in,
a reflection on a brief text, and
light snacks.

These gatherings are a great way to get to know other Paulist Center young adults, and 'center' yourself as the week begins.

We hope to see you there!

Faith sharing group sessions will occur:

June: 6/28

July: 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26

August: 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, and 8/23

LGBTQ+ Ministry at the Paulist Center

The Paulist Center welcomes LGBTQ+ identified individuals.

The LGBTQ+ Ministry hosts occasional events and social gatherings.

To be added to a confidential email listserv with announcements and information, contact Bob Bordone at bobbordone@gmail.com.

LGBTQIA Catholic Collective

The Paulist Center is a member of the Greater Boston LGBTQIA Catholic Collective which offers monthly Zoom meetings for friends and family of LGBTQIA Catholics and could be a resource for Paulist Center members who are actively supporting their families in embracing transgender or nonbinary family members.

Email greaterbostonlgbtqiacatholics@gmail.com for the meeting schedule and Zoom links.

More info @ https:/www.bostonlgbtqiacatholics.org

Come Celebrate

the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

with Us!

We hope to see you at Mass in person, but if you can't make it through the big red doors,

we welcome you to join us online:

Remember: all of our live streams are available in real time on our YouTube channel & available there afterwards as recordings.

Thirteenth Sunday

in Ordinary Time

Sun, June 28, 10am

Ongoing Opportunities/Needs & Notes

The most comprehensive listing of what's going on at the

Paulist Center is in the bulletin. Check it out!

Encouragement to sustain our vibrant liturgies and our mission of healing, reconciliation, & justice through your financial investment in the Paulist Center. We prefer that you donate electronically through our website, but you can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay to donate via DonorBox if you do not require an annual tax donation statement. More info in the bulletin.

For the Community Gift the weekend of June 27 - 28, we raise up Angel Flight which coordinates free air and ground transportation for medical patients whose financial resources would not otherwise enable them to receive treatment or diagnosis, or who live in rural areas without access to commercial airlines.

Young adults (ages 18-39), whether or not Catholic, are welcome to schedule a one-on-one conversation with our Young Adult Minister, Gus Kellerman.

How can the Paulist Center Community accompany you on your faith journey?

Our Rosary Circle meets 7:30pm via Zoom on Mondays.

ID: 487 503 158; passcode: 021078.

Submit a prayer request.

Mass Cards - Please stop by the Front Office during the week, email Sal Whooley at sal@paulistcenter.org, or call 617-742-4460, if you would like to arrange for a Mass and/or purchase a Mass card:
in memory of someone who has died,
in honor of a special occasion,
or for the special intentions of yourself or a loved one.

Attentive to the Holy Spirit and nourished by vibrant liturgy, we are a Catholic community that welcomes all, fosters healing and reconciliation, and acts for justice.