In the Summer of 2025 we began a year-long preparation leading up to our June 2026 General Assembly where our community will discern and identify needs and priorities for the next four years.

As the Second Vatican Council teaches us, “To carry out such a task, the Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel.” (Gaudium et Spes, 4). When we do this well, we will be most effective “in presenting the same old truths in new forms, fresh new tone and air and spirit” (Isaac Hecker, Personal Sanctification of the Paulists,” PV, p.125).

We Paulists believe that the Holy Spirit is active and alive in each person. Therefore, including the People of God in a synodal process of discernment is essential. Our 2022 Paulist General Assembly Resolutions stated clearly that “synodality is not just a model for the Church, but a way of being Church, rooted in mutual listening and shared discernment.” By gathering and praying together in Listening Sessions, Pre-Assembly meetings, and Study Groups, we respond to the call to “walk together,” fostering a spirit of openness and collaboration that enriches all who participate.

Thank you to all of the Paulists and lay leaders for your ongoing prayer, consultation, and collaboration throughout this important process.

Fr. René Constanza, CSP
President, Paulist Fathers