APOSTOLIC CONTACT
by Frank DeSiano

The Paulist Associates were not conceived as some parish apostolic group or some extra arm for Paulist mission. The structure of the Associates concentrated on three basic purposes: (a) living out the charisms of Fr. Hecker and the Paulists in a diversity of vocations; (b) praying in the spirit of Paul and Fr. Hecker for the works of the Paulists; and (c) finding opportunities for mission in one’s daily life.

Ever since the beginning of the Associates, in 1998, both Paulists and Associates have raised the issue of “the mission of the Associates.” Sometimes people say, “The Associates, what do they do?” Or something like, “How do the Associates further the mission of the Paulists?” The implication is that, if the Associates are not some explicit apostolic arm, then there is something missing.

As we Paulists have thought about this, two points seem pretty clear: (1) Associates are certainly free to undertake apostolic works on their own in accord with their gifts and skills; and (2) Associates have the ability to bring the mission of the Paulists into their daily lives in ways that are often elusive for ordained Paulist priests.

Because being an Associates is not like “getting a job.” Because there is a diversity of talents among the Associates, without any common formal training beyond the basic formation sessions about the Paulist Community, we cannot really talk about there being an explicit missionary dimension to the Associates. However, even within a parish setting, Associates have plenty of opportunity individually to exercise mission. Associates, being involved in various outreaches of a community, can bring a Paulist “spin” or thrust to many different efforts. Whether it is adult formation, the RCIA, scripture study, reconciliation ministries, the evangelization team, ecumenical commissions or other pastoral efforts, Associates enjoy a wide palate of opportunities for mission in a truly Paulist framework.

	Hecekr Walk in New York City, September 21, 2007

Even as a group with a Paulist congregation or other setting, Associates might decide to try to accomplish some needed dimension of mission. While this is not an intrinsic part of being an Associate, there might be a particular project or effort to which Associates might commit themselves for a particular time in a congregation. If, for example, a congregation wanted to think about how it welcomes and greets people, or do a particular outreach to less-than-active Catholics, or some outreach to people to consider the RCIA, the Associates might find this right up their alley, either as a whole group or as members of the group.

But perhaps even more important, Associates have the ability to engage in “apostolic contact” – direct, face-to-face conversation with people about big concerns – life, careers, destiny, meaning and, of course, faith. This kind of apostolic contact, which is basically friendly conversation with people who may not be explicitly associated with a church or faith, can have a powerful impact on both parties, the Associate and his or her friend.

This is, basically, just human encounter, the open exchange we have with people about their lives. The Associate brings, implicitly, a perspective of faith; this perspective does not have to explicitly be part of the exchange until that is appropriate in the relationship. Just talking to people about their struggles, their hopes, their life changes, and their searching, helps bring them into a dimension of faith which many people avoid all to easily in our busy world.

Think about the phrase “apostolic contact.” Think about friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances with whom one converses. Think about what you, as an Associate, might bring into that relationship.

All evangelization begins, after all, with human relationship.

FORMAT FOR THE NEXT MEETING

1. Check-in, particularly events and activities during the previous month.
2. Reading from “The Paulist Vocation” – p. 206, Christian Perfection.
3. Reaction to the reading and newsletter; discussion questions below.
4. New Business
5. Report of any apostolic involvement, any opportunities to use or spread the Paulist charisms in daily life.
6. Prayer for Vocations and other prayers (See Paulist Prayer Book, p. 504).
7. Announcements and plans about the next meeting
8. Refreshments

Questions for Discussion:

1. When do you most naturally talk to others about faith? Does it happen often?
2. What might increase your opportunities to discuss faith with others? Are there times when you can take the initiative?
3. What do you think concerns people today in their spiritual lives and questions?

CHRONOLOGY

August 31, 2007: Death of Fr. Edward McDonald, CSP, in Boston, MA, aged 94. Fr. Vincent Sampietro, CSP, in Portland, OR, is now the senior living Paulist.
October 29-31: Pastors/Superiors/Directors Meeting in Washington, DC. Please Note: Medallions are being prepared for the 150th Anniversary of the Paulists, and new Associate Medallions are being struck (finally. . . ).

Candidates to be Associates are completing their formationin Grand Rapids, MI.

Candidates are also being formed in Tampa, FL, the first group formed apart from a local Paulist House.

Look for articles on St. Paul in the newsletter in future issues; 2008 is the Year of St. Paul.

Make preparations for being with the Paulists at our Gala 150th Anniversary Events, June 19-21, 2008 in Washington, DC. More information on the 150th Anniversary section of this Web site.

Contact:
Frank DeSiano, CSP
Associate Coordinator
8611 Midland Parkway
Jamaica Estates, NY 11432