Paulist Center Appeal

July 2026

Dear Paulist Center Community,

This summer, Boston hosted the world. During World Cup play, fans from near and far, including the Tartan Army — loyal Scotland fans — filled our streets, pubs, and squares with kilts, chants, and unmistakable goodwill. Their friendly faces, the orange cones perched on our statues, the singing on Boston streets — all of it reminded us how much energy comes from welcoming people from around the world into our city.

We carried that spirit into welcoming tens of thousands more visitors for the Boston Pops concert and fireworks celebrating America’s 250th birthday — another moment of people from around the world, and around the corner, coming together to celebrate.

I believe this summer’s lessons in hospitality speak directly to, and challenge, our mission as a Catholic faith community. Opening our doors and sharing our faith with the tourists who pass us on the Freedom Trail, and the neighbors who pass us on their way to and from work, is something we can and must do if we are to grow and thrive.

Through our pastoral planning process, we’ve come to realize we can no longer keep our doors closed, especially during the week.

The opportunities before us are exciting. The growing presence of university students gives us a chance to create new spaces for prayer, service, and connection with young adults. The number of working professionals and newly retired people choosing to make Beacon Hill and downtown their home calls us to develop new ways to meet their spiritual, educational, and social needs. And our mission of being a community sent forth to act in justice will resonate with the hundreds of activists who pass our doors on Park Street to advocate at the State House. The Paulist Center is uniquely located to be a place of radical hospitality. Of course, we’ll continue our core ministries: hunger relief, praying with those in crisis, and offering a welcoming worship space for those seeking a spiritual home — with creative, vibrant liturgies that increasingly include lay-led services.

With the hiring of our first lay Executive Director, I am now able to take on a new role as Director of Outreach and Evangelization. This role means I will continue to be a pastoral presence in our community, while also allowing me to expand our outreach ministries in light of our new pastoral plan. For example, we will be piloting a new initiative bringing Catholic high school students to the Center to learn Catholic Social Teaching — and put it into action. Through touring the State House, sharing lunch with elected officials, and learning how state government works, these teens will become civic-minded advocates for others facing injustice. Students will choose an issue to work on, staying engaged with the Center and its community along the way.

This August, we welcome Colleen Burns as the Paulist Center’s Executive Director. Colleen brings an MBA and career experience in banking and management consulting, alongside a master’s in theological studies and work as a hospital chaplain — most recently as a pediatric and NICU chaplain. We’re excited to welcome her unique gifts to our team. Use the QR code below or head to YouTube.com/ThePaulistCenter to view an introductory video from Colleen. We invite you to meet Colleen after each of the Masses on August 8 & 9 and 15 & 16, in the auditorium where we will host an ice cream social.

On the weekend of September 12 & 13, at all our Masses, we will offer a special blessing of introduction and commissioning for Colleen as she begins this new role as Executive Director. Please join us in prayer for Colleen’s leadership, and for the receptions to follow to say hello and offer your personal welcome!

These are exciting times at the Paulist Center as we open our red doors more often, and more widely. In this spirit of hospitality, we ask for your financial support and prayers. Your contribution will allow us to achieve the goals of our new pastoral plan, and grow as a Catholic Christian faith community, rooted in the spirit of hope and welcome.

Sincerely,

Rev. Broderick M. Walsh, CSP