Paulist New England Outreach

Parish Renewals

There are three mission/renewal themes available for fall of 2008 and spring of 2009.  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"

Fr. Paul Huesing, C.S.P. offers a mission on the theme of The Catholic Way of Life with homilies on "Catholic Spirituality," "Conscience and Social Justice," and "Catholic Identity in Christ." 

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Adult Religious Ed

Keeping Kids Catholic is designed to help answer the question, "How can I keep my teenager interested in the Catholic faith?"  Designed for young parents and prospective parents, this one-evening presentation takes a long-range perspective.  Many practical suggestions are offered to create a family atmosphere that makes practice of the Catholic faith integral to family life from the beginning in a way that builds up the personal identity of children and teens as members of the Church.

The Holy Land Now and Then provides an overview of the geography and politics of the Holy Land of Jesus' day and of current times.  Slides of maps and geographical sites bring the area to life and shed much light on the Gospel stories.  While this presentation would be valuable to any parish group, it will be especially helpful to a parish about to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  This presentation can be one or two evenings long, depending on the depth of coverage desired.

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.

Paul in Acts

This is a reflection day includes presentations based on the ministry of St. Paul as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles.  Talks are supplemented by slides showing the sites of the Pauline story.  Participants will have time to pray, reflect and discuss how the story of Paul is reflected in their own life stories.  This program is most suited for presentation on a  Saturday morning and afternoon.  The parish is asked to provide a light lunch for participants.  The day begins at 10:00 AM and will end by 4:00 PM.  This program would be especially suited for a parish planning a pilgrimage "In the Footsteps of St. Paul."  

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

Evangelization 101 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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Building an Outreach Committee is a four month long program designed to assist a parish in establishing an evangelization committee.  Initially the group meets weekly with the PNEO facilitator to discuss Go and Make Disciples and Paul VI's landmark Evangelii Nuntiandi and to study the character of the parish and its outreach needs. 

Then, an initial outreach project is selected, planned and undertaken.  Meetings with the facilitator become less frequent over the course of the four months.  Gradually, the committee is solidified and able to continue on its own.

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.