There is a quiet ache in the life of the Church today.
Many Catholics notice it in parish conversations, diocesan meetings, social media threads, and even around family dinner tables. Political and ideological divisions have hardened into suspicion. Disagreement has too often become dismissal and distrust. And the Body of Christ feels fragmented.
The Communion Project was born in response to that ache.
We exist to strengthen ecclesial communion in a time of increasing polarization within the U.S. Catholic Church. We believe division is not primarily a sociological problem—it is a spiritual one. And like all spiritual wounds, it calls for conversion, courage, and grace.
We work with parishes, dioceses, Catholic leaders, and individuals—not to change people’s beliefs—but to promote belief in a communion greater than any difference.
Our Mission
Our mission is to heal the sin of toxic polarization in the U.S. Catholic Church so that the Church can be a more joyful witness of the Gospel in our divided country.
Our Vision
We envision a U.S. Catholic Church that transcends political and ideological divisions so the Church can be a joyful witness to the Gospel in a divided world and respond to the prayer of Jesus: “they may all be one” (John 17:21).
What We Do
The Communion Project builds communion by:
- Raising awareness of the divisions in our US Catholic Church and self-awareness of the ways we personally are not united or in right relationship with our brothers and sisters in the Church
- Creating spaces for personal encounters and friendship across lines of difference
- Promoting a spirituality of communion
- Developing resources that promote Church teachings and skills for dialogue
We believe communion is not optional. It is at the heart of the Church’s identity and mission and at the heart of our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ.
This project grows through partnership—with pastors and parish leaders, bishops and diocesan teams, educators, young adults, and lay faithful who long for a Church that reflects Christ’s reconciling love.
If you are seeking ways to build unity in your community, we invite you to journey with us.
In communion,
Jonathan Lewis, Co-Director
Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP, Co-Director
Kaylee Stoll, Communications Manager
