THE WEEKLY MISSIVE

July 3, 2026

Let Freedom Ring

Dear Friends,

I hope many of you are enjoying a holiday today. This year, the Fourth of July brings us a hotter and more humid one than in recent memory.

There are so many wonderful essays and articles written about this year’s special 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For me, I have had a long-standing tradition of watching the musical 1776 from my dvd collection.

This year I will, for the second year in a row, read the actual declaration that documents the signers’ rationale in opting to separate themselves from the “Sovereign State” of England.

It was so illuminating for me to actually read it last year!

During the first few months of 2025, when many changes occurred within our federal government institutions and long-standing policies altered or annulled, I grew to have a new appreciation for that founding document.

May this holiday bring us a greater love and respect for the hard work of keeping united. May it also help us to follow in Jesus’ steps as healers and reconcilers.

Fr. Rick, on behalf of the Paulist Center staff

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

In this Week's Bulletin

• Happy 4th of July!
• RIP, Barbara Dunay - Funeral & Reception - 7/11
• Sound System Update
• Let's become a neurodivergent-friendly community
• Infant Baptism Prep - 7/18

• Welcome new PC members!
• Summer Schedule: Young Adult Ministry, Faith-Sharing Groups
• FREP teachers needed
• Stewardship
• Community Gift

Rest in Peace, Barbara Dunay

Funeral Mass at the Paulist Center

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

Reception to follow in the auditorium

Barbara J. Dunay, our beloved colleague and friend for over 32 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20. 

Barbara was a loyal presence, offering friendly and professional 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 keep Barbara’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

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. 

Please click here to see her complete obituary:

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

Infant Baptism Preparation Class -

Sat, July 18, 10am - 12pm

Infant Baptism Preparation class will be held at the Paulist Center on Saturday, July 18 from 10am to Noon.

We will explore the historical and theological roots of Baptism and initiation rites and have a

hands-on experience of Baptism in our chapel.

This class and practicum is for all parents and godparents.

Your infants are most welcome to join us!

You do not need to be a member of the Paulist Center Community to attend. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided to all attendees. 

Please write to Fr. Rick Walsh at rick@paulistcenter.org to register for the class.

We suggest a $25 donation (per individual or family) to the Paulist Center for this class.

Welcome To The Paulist Center!

The Paulist Center warmly welcomes recently registered members

Kimberly Santos & Chukwuma Onyejose and Niaria Isioma Onyejose (newborn) from Stoneham!

Sound System Update

Over the past few months, we have been making important upgrades to our chapel's audiovisual system. During this work, portions of the system were temporarily unavailable, including the speaker serving our Family Playroom on the second floor and the monitor speaker in the Sacristy.

We are happy to report that the speakers in the Family Playroom and sacristy are working again. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this caused, especially for the families who rely on this space to participate in Mass with their children.

In the coming weeks, we will also be completing necessary repairs and upgrades to the sound system in the auditorium. This work is scheduled to take place in mid-July.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed so generously for this work at this year's auction. Your support is making these important improvements possible and will enhance the experience of all who gather at the Paulist Center.

We will continue to share updates as this work progresses over the next few months. Thank you again for your generosity, patience, and understanding throughout this process.

Two (2) Religious Education Teachers Needed: Grades 4 - 6

Our energetic and inquisitive 4^th through 6^th graders have big questions about faith, science, and why don't we have better snacks! 

Help them navigate the answers this fall. 

Preference will be given to applicants who speak fluent pre-teen.

Curriculum, training and snacks all provided! 

Join our friendly and supportive group of teachers here at the Center.

Please contact Susan Rutkowski at susan@paulistcenter.org or 617-948-2426 to inquire.

These individuals 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 neurodivergent individuals present.

These members of our community may 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/ren. 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.

The Body of Christ is glorious, beautiful, and neurodiverse! All are welcome!

We encourage members of our community to learn more; see bulletin for suggested resources.

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:

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

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

Come Celebrate

the Fourteenth 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.

Fourteenth Sunday

in Ordinary Time

Sun, July 5, 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 July 4 - 5, we raise up Refugee Immigration Ministry: this collaboration between faith groups has brought volunteers together from many cultures and faiths to provide community-based services to uprooted and often isolated persons.

• 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.