Paulist New England Outreach

Parish Renewals

There are two mission/renewal themes available.  All options begin with the homily at the weekend liturgies and continue with three evening sessions.  Additional talks or meetings with parish groups can be added.

Fr. Robert Rivers, C.S.P. offers a parish renewal on the theme of his Paulist Press book From Maintenance to Mission. Monday night's homily is on "Revitalizing Our Faith," Tuesday's on "Making a Difference in Our Faith," and Wednesday's on "Moving from Maintenance to Mission in Our Parish."  In addition to each evening's homily, there will be time for dialogue and liturgical prayer. 

Fr. Rivers also offers a mission on the theme of Lost and Found:  Spirituality of a Journey with homilies on "Losing and Finding," "Finding the Way Back to the Church," and "Finding Faith in Today's Challenging World"

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Adult Religious Ed

Weekend Mini-Retreats are reflection periods offered in a parish on Friday evening and the following Saturday morning and afternoon.  Themes vary based on the time of the year in which a mini-retreat is offered, but all include prayer, discussion, and quiet time.

Catholic Update is a five evening series covering central elements of the Catholic faith (Scripture, Jesus and the Trinity, Moral Decision-Making, Sacraments, Catholic Identity).  Suitable for anyone seeking renewal of faith, it will be especially helpful to prospective RCIA sponsors.

A Discernment Seminar is a one evening session devoted to prayerful reflection on such important life choices as moving to a new city, vocational options, and volunteer commitments.  A Paulist spirituality of openness to the Holy Spirit in one's life, in the world, and in the Church will be utilized.

Twilight Retreats

These are evenings of reflections that are both practical and spiritual.  Aimed particularly at business people, the evening includes dinner and two reflection-discussions.  Themes suitable for Advent, Lent and the Easter season are available.

Parish Evangelization

Envision is a large scale parish renewal program that enables a parish to examine its ministerial goals and to reenvision its mission.  Fr. Bob Rivers, CSP and other PNEO staff will come to your parish to lead sessions with staff, parish leaders, and the entire congregation.

Evangelization Envision101 provides a one-evening overview of the U.S. Bishops' document, Go and Make Disciples.  The three goals of evangelization outlined in the document are presented and suggestions for implementation given.  Care is taken to tailor the discussion to the particular needs of a given parish.  This one-session event is especially suitable for a parish staff and/or pastoral council in-service.

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Larger Workshops

PNEO staff will work with diocesan personnel, religious communities and other Church groups to plan and provide one, two and three day workshops in any of three areas:  Evangelization, Ecumenical and Interfath Relations, and Reconciliation Ministry.  These are hands-on workshops involving task oriented  small group work as well as lectures and discussions.  Typically these workshops involve several presenters, both Paulist and laity.

Ministry Reflection

These are half-day events, usually held Saturday morning.  They provide support and renewal for those who volunteer in particular ministries in the parish, e.g. extraordinary ministers of Eucharist and readers. Presentations include discussion of ministry in general and of theology of the specific ministry in question.