The clergy abuse crisis, parish closings and the church-wide issues of homosexuality, divorce and the role of women have left many people hurting, disillusioned and disenfranchised.

At the Paulist Center in Boston, the city that served as the global epicenter of the 2002 clergy abuse crisis, the pain can still be very raw.

Offering a potential spiritual balm for the people of Boston is the Paulist Center and the variety of dialogue sessions it offers to help people heal and reconcile with the church.

“We create a faith space with these dialogue sessions that offer a safe and comfortable place for conversations, questions and the seeking of spirituality,” said Bob Bowers, the center’s director of outreach and reconciliation.

“The sessions are very much in the spirit of [Paulist Founder] Father Isaac Hecker,” he continued. “This is a place where people feel accepted and acceptable, where they can ponder what it means to be a Catholic in today’s world.”

There are currently three dialogue groups whose participants meet monthly at the center: one for homosexual Catholics and their families; one for women and their role in the church; and one for young adults.

“We ask the young adults why they are Catholic and why they remain Catholic,” Mr. Bowers said. “They are at an age where they are critical thinkers and are asking tough questions. It is a great relief for them to be in a place where they can do that in a healthy manner.”

The Paulist Center’s efforts have received great support from the Archdiocese of Boston, especially the vicar general and assistant vicar general, according to Mr. Bowers.

“They have been very responsive, and have even attended sessions,” said Mr. Bowers. “The have expressed a great deal of gratitude that these sessions exist, and to have their support has been wonderful.”

The center has even taken the dialogues on the road to Boston area parishes and church facilities, and Mr. Bowers said the center has definitely reaped some benefits.

“The community here is enriched because we are asking the people to open themselves,” he said. “We are constantly challenged as a community to reveal ourselves as a welcoming place in action, not just words.”