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 charisma by making a commitment to embody the ideals of the Paulist in their daily living. With these Associates, the charisma 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 the parish office at [email protected] or (865) 522-1508 x1000.