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THE WEEKLY MISSIVE
July 24, 2026
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Prospecting for Faith
Dear Friends,
We have been following the gospel of Matthew this year and we are approaching what could be considered the halfway point of the gospel.
Jesus’ identity revealed by Peter (chapter 16) will set the stage in motion for Jesus’ saving mission through His passion, death and resurrection.
As we draw near to that episode, the Church gives us images of the reign of God. It is likened to someone finding buried treasure, a merchant who knows he has found a pearl of “great value”.
When Jesus gives yet another example of God’s reign being likened to a fishing net that catches all kinds of things we might notice what these images have in common.
In each image, there is someone seeking something that is hidden. The treasure is buried and needs to be dug out; the pearl is hidden in an ordinary oyster shell; the net goes down into the dark waters to dredge things of value as well as other things that will require discernment. But that’s another lesson!
But in each example, there is an initiative taken. Each person is a seeker.
And once they find what they could only have hoped for, they know they have to act on their discovery. The lives of both individual seekers will be changed forever. The treasure hunter will sell EVERYTHING he has to buy the field where the treasure is buried. The merchant will sell EVERYTHING he has to buy the great pearl.
Jesus is telling us that we are to be persons of hope who act on their hope by searching, looking for a grand prize. And then, he tells us that in recognizing the value of what he is offering us, namely the life of God, one cannot possibly live in the same way.
Let’s pray for ourselves then to accept the gift of hope from God in order to become persons who will look for signs of God’s life. And then, when we have discovered this gift may we again accept God’s grace in allowing our lives to be changed in a way that gives God glory.
Fr. Rick, on behalf of the Paulist Center staff
Alvaro, Colleen, Deb, Dorothy, Gus, Norm, Fr. Rick, Rob, Sal, Susan, and Timmy
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- Pastoral Council election results
- Worship Committee update
- Infant Baptism Prep - 7/25
- Adult Confirmation Classes
- FREP teachers needed
- Young Adult Ministry survey
- Young Adult Ministry, Summer Faith-Sharing Groups
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Marriage Prep classes
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Realm Connect
- Let's become a neurodivergent-friendly community
- Stewardship
- Community Gift
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Pastoral Council 2026
The votes have been counted and the results are in from our 2026 Pastoral Council elections
CONGRATULATIONS to:
Mares Beauvais
Barbara Lapinskas
Tara Mullan Rousseau
They will be serving on the Council for the next two years starting on September 1, 2026.
And, a big THANK YOU to Valerie Fletcher for running and to all those who assisted in administering the elections.
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Worship Committee Update
The Worship Committee welcomes our newly appointed members:
- Amy Logan,
- Pat Rutherford,
- Julie Sloan, and
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Mary Sullivan.
Other members include Pat Whalen, Christine Tardiff, Susan Santos, John Daniel, Norm Gouin, and Fr. Rick Walsh, CSP.
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The committee advises and assists the Pastoral Minister of Liturgy and Music in preparing and providing for the spiritual development of the Paulist Center through liturgical celebrations and other significant prayer experiences.
Please email us at worship@paulistcenter.org
to share any suggestions, questions, or concerns with the committee.
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Infant Baptism Preparation Class at the Paulist Center-
this Saturday, July 25, 10am - 12pm
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.
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Summer Adult Confirmation Classes
at the Paulist Center
Four Consecutive Thursday Evenings -
6:30pm to 8:30pm
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August 13:
Introduce self…why are you here?
- Faith journey that got you to this point?
- What does it mean to be Catholic?
- Where is God in your life?
- How do you pray?
Prayer:
August 20:
Baptism, Eucharist, Mass, Scriptures
August 27:
Confirmation and Holy Spirit
September 3:
Healing Sacraments:
- Anointing of the Sick
- Reconciliation
Vocation/Service Sacraments:
A Confirmation Mass will be scheduled with the Archdiocese of Boston.
Please contact Fr. Rick Walsh, CSP at rick@paulistcenter.org for more information.
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Paulist Center Young Adult Ministry (YAM)
Needs Your Feedback!
If you've ever felt the desire to be involved in, have had a gripe with, or, have enjoyed being a part of YAM, we NEED to hear about it.
In a moment of transition for the Young Adult Group, we have put together an anonymous survey to assist in discerning the future of the ministry. Please scan the below QR code to access the survey.
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We appreciate your honesty and sincere suggestions as we aim to cultivate a community of friendship, spiritual care, and commitment to service.
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Summer Schedule
Young Adult Ministry
Faith-Sharing Groups
This summer young adults (ages 18-39) are invited to join Young Adult Ministry's on Sunday evenings 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.
Faith sharing group sessions will occur:
July: 7/26
August: 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, and 8/23
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Two (2) Religious Education Teachers Needed: Grades 4 - 6
Our energetic and inquisitive 4th through 6th 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.
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Marriage Preparation Classes
at the Paulist Center
Did you know we offer marriage preparation classes for engaged couples who are looking to get married in the Catholic Church?
The class includes several hours on a Friday night and all day Saturday.
This fall we will be offering these classes in person at the Paulist Center on the weekends of Sept 18, Oct 16, and Nov 13.
We offer the classes on Zoom in the winter months and those dates will be determined later this year.
For more information, see our website at:
https://www.paulistcenter.org/sacraments/adult-sacraments/marriage-adult/
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In early August, we will begin to launch a new member directory that will allow members to update their profile information, make online giving easier, and eventually create better internal communication systems. We will send various emails with additional information so please look for communication from us related to Realm Connect.
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Let’s Become a Neurodivergent-Friendly Community!
Our community is blessed to have among us individuals with Autism, ADHD, and/or severe anxiety, which can affect communication and social interaction.
As a community, we are called to recognize, understand, and affirm the challenges and strengths with which neurodivergent individuals present.
The Body of Christ is glorious, beautiful, and neurodiverse!
All are welcome!
See the bulletin for more information.
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Come Celebrate
the Seventeenth 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. | |
Seventeenth Sunday
in Ordinary Time
Sun, July 26, 10am
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Ongoing Opportunities/Needs & Notes
The most comprehensive listing of what's going on at the
Paulist Center is in the bulletin. Check it out!
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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.
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For the Community Gift the weekend of July 25 - 26, we raise up Capuchin Mobile Ministries, a ministry of spiritual caregiving to our homeless sisters and brothers. The Province of St. Mary of the Capuchin Order presents this ministry.
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How can the Paulist Center Community accompany you on your faith journey?
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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. | | Follow us on social media, and please share our posts with others! | | | | |
