Dear friends in Columbus,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! (Philippians 1:2)

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you some very difficult news.

The new bishop of Columbus, Bishop Earl Fernandes, has decided to end the Paulist Fathers’ service at the St. Thomas More Newman Center, effective July 31.

This abrupt move follows the bishop’s decision to appoint a priest of the diocese as Executive Director of the Newman Center and make significant changes to the nature of the ministry to align with the bishop’s vision for the center. 

In discussions with Bishop Fernandes, I earnestly sought a way forward that would allow us to maintain our presence here and continue to provide pastoral care to so many who call the Newman Center their spiritual home. No compromise was acceptable to him, however, and he issued a letter of termination to the Paulist Fathers.

To say the least, this is heartbreaking to us after nearly 66 years of Paulist ministry with the People of God in Ohio — as I’m sure it is for you as well. We Paulists have loved serving in Columbus. There is no doubt that the Columbus community has helped many Paulists in their formative time as missionaries and priests. We are better pastoral agents because of you.

How can I begin to say thank you for your tremendous support over the decades?

You have been there for us in so many ways – with your prayers; generous financial support; help with the formation of seminarians and new priests like Fr. Stuart Wilson-Smith and Fr. Evan Cummings; and fellowship for our senior priests, in particular the late Fr. Dave O’Brien and our beloved Fr. Vinny McKiernan. 

You are truly part of our Paulist family. So, despite our departure, we hope to remain part of your faith journey in other ways. The Columbus chapter of the Paulist Associates will live on, ensuring our ongoing connection with you and others who have been drawn to our Paulist sensibility and spirituality.

Even though our remaining time in Columbus is short, we look forward to opportunities to say farewell and thank you in person. Our farewell Masses will take place at the Newman Center on July 30 and 31. Together with other Paulists who have served you in Columbus, I plan to accompany you in celebrating what together we have accomplished for God these past 66 years.

Despite the sadness we feel, we must remain hopeful that the Holy Spirit will be our guide in this time. As St. Paul wrote, “I am confident that the one who has accomplished this good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Please keep us in your prayers! Please know that you will forever be in the prayers of the Paulist Fathers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Very Rev. René Constanza, C.S.P.
President of the Paulist Fathers