Our Mission

The Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (“The Paulist Fathers”) is a community of Catholic priests that seeks to introduce the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people, especially those beyond the Church walls, and to accompany Catholics who feel apart from the Church.

Rooted in hopefulness, the Paulist Fathers trust that the Holy Spirit is not only present in the world but is actively breathing life into all things.

The charism of hope entrusted to Servant of God Isaac Hecker by the Holy Spirit informs the mission of every Paulist. We see the possibilities hidden in those we serve and we approach ministry in creative and original ways in the American context.

Following the example of St. Paul, we cross over barriers that would limit the gospel. Our vision is for a world that is spiritually inspired, ready to hear the message of the gospel and, through the Spirit’s grace, to accept it as a way of life.

The current articulation of Paulist mission is the steadfast proclamation of hope in the world:

  • Reaching out to those on the peripheries
  • Building bridges across division
  • Awakening the missionary vocation of all the baptized

To learn more about the Paulist Fathers’ mission, please read our 2026 General Assembly Report and its companion Discussion Guide.

"The word of God in a language that people can understand"

At our 2018 Ordinations Mass, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R., spoke beautifully about the Paulist Fathers’ mission:

“From its very origin, your congregation has sought to speak the word of God in a language that people can understand. Servant of God Isaac Hecker and his companions suffered much for this passion. Yet their perseverance has enriched the Church in incredible ways. Like Pope Francis, you combine words and images so that your hearts may speak to the hearts of others. And Paulists are not simply salt for the salt shaker, that is gifted men who minister exclusively in the comfort of nice Catholic enclaves. You are salt for the earth. You are light for the world. And you speak the word of life beyond the household of faith.“

Watch here:

 

Andrea Sirek, Director of Religious Education at St. John XXIII University Parish in Knoxville, TN, on the Paulists:

“One of the things that I like about the Paulists is their inclusivity. You are loved and welcomed for who you are, where you are in your life. There is no need to change you into something that they feel is the more ideal version of who you should be. You are allowed to be who you are. And I think that’s just exactly how Christ was as well.”