Jesus calls us to a communion deeper than any differences.
But today, our distrust and divisions make it difficult to connect online with kindness, sit at the same table, or invite others into our communities.
This is bigger than any one issue.
It is a spiritual challenge calling for a spiritual response-from each of us.
To heal the sin of toxic polarization in the US Catholic Church so the Church can be a more joyful witness of the Gospel in our divided country.
Polarization = “division into sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.”
Differences are healthy. Toxic polarization occurs when our differences harden into divisions that breed distrust and hostility.
The journey toward communion touches every part of who we are — how we think, how we pray, and how we act. Our resources and formation experiences are organized around three interconnected dimensions:
Communion requires more than information — it requires transformation. Our Heart-centered resources nurture:
Here, participants learn to pray, reflect, and see others with the heart of Christ.
Healing division happens through action. Our Hands-focused resources equip communities to:
These tools help Catholics live communion through real encounters with real people.
Explore up to date content, articles, blog posts, videos, podcasts and more from the Communion Project and our partners.
The heart of salvation is communion: human beings across cultures, ages, and differences united together, loving each other, and loving God. The Communion Project truly assists the Church in bringing salvation to the world, that all might have the fullness of life. I am blessed to be part of this Project!
Vicar General, Glenmary Home Missioners
As a media literacy educator, I equip Catholics to be critical engagers of the media, countering the polarization present in online environments. Catholics are not exempt from this challenge; indeed, some unwittingly proliferate divisive content. Reflection, self-examination, and formation are more vital than ever to prevent the Gospel from being eclipsed by clickbait headlines or […]
Director, Pauline Media Studies
At a recent interfaith prayer service in solidarity with immigrants, I was inspired and challenged by a sign that read, “Love your neighbor—no exceptions!” This is our call to work for communion with all our sisters and brothers. The Communion Project is committed to overcoming the toxic polarization that has infected our society. Pope Leo […]
Catholic Leadership Consultant
“My research found that theological homogeneity within the presbyterate of a diocese did not predict unity. Rather, higher levels of unity and perceived mission vibrancy were strongly correlated with a bishop’s openness to engage theological diversity with transparency, consultation, and trust. Communion is strengthened not by eliminating differences, but by how leaders relate across them.” […]
Senior Program Manager, Leadership Roundtable
Our Paulist charism is to proclaim Christ in ways that engage the American culture, build unity, and invite ALL people to a deeper communion with the Church, under the direction of the Holy Spirit. At a time of disunity and grave disrespect to the dignity of every person in our American context, the Communion Project […]
President, Paulist Fathers
When we gather around the table — and ultimately around the altar — we rediscover that we belong to one another before we disagree with one another. Hospitality, rooted in Eucharistic charity, becomes a powerful antidote to the divisions that threaten to fracture our communion.
Co-Founder & Chairman, Napa Institute
Few things are more important today in the Catholic Church in the United States than overcoming the division and polarization that sometimes takes root among Catholics. This bold, thoughtful and faithful project will help the church towards Jesus’s goal that we all “may be one.”
Jesuit Priest, America Media
We are living in a time in which people hesitate to engage in meaningful conversation for fear of being misunderstood, or insulted or rejected. We distrust that a unity in diversity is even possible. The potential of the Catholic Project to help groups and communities experience the power of a dialogue that builds community repesents […]
Susan Timoney, STD, The Catholic University of America
