Paulist Fathers & Evangelism

[Stilldreamn]

Hi all - I’m not sure this is the correct sub-forum to post this question in, but I’m sure a moderator will move it if necessary!

I have recently begun volunteering at a “More than a Meal” program run by a Catholic church that is staffed by the Paulists. I am aware of the fact that the RCC has numerous orders (such as the Sisters of St. Joseph who were in charge of the college I attended) but was unfamiliar with the Paulists. So I googled them and found their roots were in evangelism efforts directed at Protestants - I assume that is not their primary mission field today

How are churches that are affiliated with various orders related to the local dioceses they reside in? I am merely curious, as I don’t know how the polity works in the RCC.

Thanks.

 

[Corki]

Hi all - I’m not sure this is the correct sub-forum to post this question in, but I’m sure a moderator will move it if necessary!

I have recently begun volunteering at a “More than a Meal” program run by a Catholic church that is staffed by the Paulists. I am aware of the fact that the RCC has numerous orders (such as the Sisters of St. Joseph who were in charge of the college I attended) but was unfamiliar with the Paulists. So I googled them and found their roots were in evangelism efforts directed at Protestants - I assume that is not their primary mission field today

How are churches that are affiliated with various orders related to the local dioceses they reside in? I am merely curious, as I don’t know how the polity works in the RCC.

Thanks.

I think it may be different with each order and each diocese. If an order is already established in a diocese they work pretty independently of the Bishop. Sometimes order priests (called religious priests) staff a parish that is part of the diocese structure, either for a short term assistance or a longer term. When that happens, the Bishop and the Superior of the religious order work out the details. An order that is not already established in a diocese is sometimes invited in for a specific original purpose but they may stay on in other roles.

BTW, I believe the Paulists now consider their mission to be communications and media, rather than converting Protestants.

 

[fred_conty]

If a diocese, has a house within it’s boundaries, then this is a good source for the bishop to ask for assistance in some work of the diocese. For example, if there is a motherhouse of sisters of chariy, then the bishop may ask them to help in a noursing home. But then again, if the bishop is in need, he may ask several orders to help him who are not located in his diocese.
And this all depends on the order if they have the personal available and if the bishop has the facilities to accomodate them.