Paulist Center Groups: Outreach and Reconciliation

Goals

1. Increase membership of The Paulist Center Community
2. Develop PR strategy
3. Coordinate program of reconciliation/healing for hurt/disenfranchised Catholic and non-Catholic people
4. Further develop Community welcome/hospitality efforts.

Strategy

1. Consult with PCC leadership/community
2. Examine and evaluate existing welcoming programs/efforts
3. Challenge and engage Community members in more active service to the poor/needy/marginalized/disenfranchised
4. Locate/develop sources for PR management
5. Establish techniques to invite, assist and challenge members re: the mission of the Church as lived at the Center.

Harvard Law School – Program on Negotiation

Clinical Project One – Fall Semester, 2006
In partnership with The Paulist Center and facilitated by Community member and Harvard Professor Robert C. Bordone, law students spent a semester conducting a conflict assessment of the Archdiocese of Boston. The study examines the causes of conflict, the stakeholders involved, the length and breadth of the issues and provides suggestions for possible solutions. This report has been shared with the Archdiocese of Boston.

Clinical Project Two – Spring Semester, 2007
The students from the Program on Negotiation studied the methodology for training facilitators in the process of conflict resolution. The manual produced is meant to be a first look at the ways divisions and separations within the church might begin dialogue. This information has been shared with the Archdiocese of Boston.

Market Research for Outreach and Reconciliation

An independent market research firm, specializing in non-profit work, was contracted in the spring of 2006 to study the Paulist Center Community and how it might be involved in outreach and reconciliation projects. Hattaway Communications, Inc. conducted in depth studies of the Center life and community, working through one on one interviews, focus groups and online surveys. The information was analyzed and presented to the community and led to a number of significant projects, including Christmas/Easter public relations campaigns, working with the community on welcoming and personal outreach, and focusing attention on preaching. Adult education classes and discussion groups have used this material. The information has been shared with many local parishes to assist them in their own efforts.

Market Research Findings

Facilitation and Listening

Principles of Group Facilitation have been gathered to assist community members and beyond on the principles of facilitation and listening.

Spiritual Direction

As an element of the healing process, spiritual direction is now available specifically intended to assist in the journey of reconciliation.

That direction continues through final thoughts on reconciliation and forgiveness.