The Paulist Fathers are the first Religious Order of men created in the United States. Serving in the United States and in Canada, the Paulists are a bridge between the best of American ideals and our Catholic faith.
Serving in the Diocese of Knoxville since 1973, the Paulists provide leadership at St. John XXIII University Parish, the Catholic presence at the University of Tennessee, as well as at Immaculate Conception Church, in downtown Knoxville. Click the image below to get to know a little more about us.
Although staffed by priests from the Paulist Fathers, St. John XXIII University Parish is a parish in the Diocese of Knoxville. To learn more about the Diocese, please click here.
The Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (“The Paulist Fathers”) is a community of Catholic priests that seeks to introduce the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people, especially those beyond the Church walls, and to accompany Catholics who feel apart from the Church.
Rooted in hopefulness, the Paulist Fathers trust that the Holy Spirit is not only present in the world but is actively breathing life into all things.
The Paulist Fathers’ mission priorities include appreciating and using the gifts of people of color in the Church; welcoming those who feel excluded; inviting more women into leadership and ministry; and engaging young adults in their 20s and 30s.
To accomplish our mission goals, the Paulist Fathers realize the importance of addressing the toxic polarization plaguing our Church and society.
To learn more about the Paulist Fathers’ mission, please read the resolutions that were passed by our 2022 General Assembly.