About The Paulist Center · Boston, Massachusetts
The Paulist Center in Boston is a vibrant Catholic community rooted in the Paulist Fathers’ mission to serve urban life. Founded in the late 1940s as a Catholic Information Center, it evolved into a welcoming parish with a focus on liturgical renewal, social justice, and outreach to the marginalized. Known for its contemporary worship, youth and adult faith formation, and ongoing ministries like the Wednesday Night Supper Club and Walk for Hunger, the center serves a diverse, inclusive congregation. It continues to adapt to the needs of modern Boston, especially engaging Millennials through targeted programming.
- Established
- late 1940s
Why belong here
Join a community that welcomes all, fosters healing, and acts for justice through ministries like the Wednesday Night Supper Club, which feeds nearly 200 people weekly, and the Walk for Hunger, the largest single-day hunger-relief event in the U.S. Engage in vibrant liturgy, faith formation for all ages, and social justice initiatives including immigrant advocacy, racial justice, and support for the poor and marginalized.
Our History
Established in the late 1940s as a Catholic Information Center on Park Street with support from Boston’s Archbishop, the Paulist Center became Holy Spirit Chapel in the mid-1950s. In the 1960s, it embraced the Second Vatican Council with lively liturgy and lay participation, launching the Wednesday Night Supper Club to feed the hungry. The 1970s saw expansion into religious education and ministries welcoming marginalized groups. Today, it continues these traditions while adapting to modern needs, especially through targeted outreach to Millennials.
Ministries
- Wednesday Night Supper Club
- Walk for Hunger
- Immigrant Advocacy Group
- Pax Christi Boston
- Racial Justice
- St. Dismas Committee
- Young Adult Ministry
- College Ministry
- Food Pantry
- Hecker Award
- Creation Care
- Prison Reform and Visiting Ministries
- Support for Divorced and Remarried
- Retreats for the Disabled
Sacraments
- Infant Baptism
- First Communion
- First Reconciliation/Confession
- Teen Confirmation
- Adult Baptism
- Adult First Communion
- Confirmation
- Adult Marriage and Marriage Prep
- Annulments
- Anointing of the Sick
- Funerals
Faith Formation
The Paulist Center offers Family Religious Education Program (FREP) for ages 0–18, including grades 1–6 and Jr/Sr High youth groups. Adult Faith Formation includes small groups, RCIA, and Returning to Catholicism programs. Young Adult Ministry targets 21–39 year-olds with events and resources.