Paulist Associates

             For many years, the Paulist Fathers have worked together with lay people in their apostolates and

             ministries. To allow them to have an even more intimate connection with the Paulist Fathers, the

             Paulists created the Paulist Associate program. Men and women—even non-Catholic Christians—are

             invited to freely associate themselves with the Paulist spirituality and charism by making a commitment

             to embody the ideals of the Paulist in their daily living. With these Associates, the charism of the

             Paulist—incarnating the Roman Catholic faith in North American culture—is extended beyond the

             limited membership of the Paulist community itself.

            Becoming an Associate involves a discernment period, consisting of an informational meeting, a retreat,

            and a six-session formation program, which explores various themes of Paulist spirituality and mission.

            Following the discernment period, those who wish to make formal application to be a Paulist Associates

            may do so. Those who are approved for membership make a one-year commitment to the Associate group,

            a commitment which is renewed annually.

            Immaculate Conception Church has an active Paulist Associates group. Presently there are 14 Paulist

            Associates at Immaculate Conception. For additional information contact Marian Howard at

            icaff@bellsouth.net  or (865) 522-1508.

Acknowledgement: Saint Paul the Apostle Parish, Los Angeles, parishioner Mary Anne Cosgrove not only created an icon of Saint Paul the Apostle,

but it's a gift from the very heart of each parishioner to the Paulist Fathers in honor of the order's 150th Anniversary.