Paulist President Father Eric Andrews, CSP

Dear friends,

On behalf of the Paulist Fathers, best wishes and prayers to you and your loved ones this Christmas Season! May you come to know the peace, love and mercy of God during these special days.

In all of our parishes, downtown centers, and campus ministries, Paulists and our faith communities welcome all people to join us in celebration and prayer. Paulist Eucharistic Communities are known for exceptional hospitality. Please put our service to the test!

For those who live in Knoxville, TN, and Columbus, OH, there will be special “Blue Christmas Masses” at St. John XXIII University Parish (at the University of Tennessee) and St. Thomas More Newman Center (at Ohio State University) for those who are struggling in any way and need a more quiet experience.

Christmas is that wonderful holiday when so many people return to the Church of their childhood: a Church alive with carols, decorations and a feeling of anticipation. The energy in a Church on Christmas Eve is infectious but often short lived. In the midst of the happy mayhem, Paulists want to convey that the same Christ who came in the simple manger is coming to us in our own day. He is with us during the joys and challenges of our time, calling us to walk with our brothers and sisters seeking the way of peace and harmony.

Christmas is about many things. But, have you ever considered Christmas to be a call to discipleship? Our founder, Father Isaac Hecker did, saying boldly:

“If Christ is to be for us a savior, we must find him here, now, and where we are, in this age of ours also;
otherwise he is no Christ, no Savior, no Immanuel, no ‘God with us.'”
We are aware of so much in our world that is in need of peace, love, mercy and redemption. Please join us this Christmas to accept the invitation Mary joyfully received, and endeavor to bring our savior into the world, here and now.

Merry Christmas!

Father Eric Andrews, CSP
President, The Paulist Fathers