Paulist Fr. Joachim Lally is a senior minister.
Since 2008, he has lived in Grand Rapids, MI, where he assists at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and the Catholic Information Center.
Born in 1939 in Memphis, TN, he moved with his family to southeast Arkansas when he was in the second grade.
He began his religious life as a Benedictine monk and was ordained a priest on May 22, 1965.
On September 14, 1972, Fr. Joachim joined the Paulist novitate. He made his Final Promises on August 29, 1975.
In addition to Grand Rapids, he has served in Boston, Lawrence, MA, and New York City, with Hispanic ministry being a major part of his priesthood.
Fr. Joachim's other passions include prison ministry, contemplation, centering prayer, painting, and organizing mission trips to the Dominican Republic. During his many mission trips, he has helped to build homes and assisted with medical clinics.
"One of the great things I appreciate about being a Paulist is their great respect for one's own charisms and gifts," he said. "They don't try to put a round peg in a square hole. They try to respect you and your talents. It's very like artistic development. They try to find where you are best suited, where you can best be creative, and do ministry in a way that is in tune with who you are."
ON PINTEREST: Photos from Fr. Joachim's ministry
In February, 2024, Fr. Joachim reflected on his vocation story, his journey through religious life, and his ministry with the Paulist Fathers. A more in-depth audio-only version of this conversation with Fr. Joachim, is available on SoundCloud and Storycorps.