Are you a seeker?  Are you often perceived as a lost soul?  Do you look for the truth in all religions?  If so, you have much in common with Isaac Hecker, the founder of the Paulist Fathers.

Founder                                          

Isaac Hecker, the founder of the Paulist Fathers  is recognized by many scholars as the father of the American Catholic Church.  The Paulist Fathers are spread over the United States and Canada with a presence in Rome.  Hecker had a truly independent American spirit and missionary zeal.  He spoke to Americans with a clear understanding of their culture and won their respect.  His message was one of reconciliation and good works.   

Seeker

Like many Americans today, Hecker sought the truth for the human soul in many places.  He worked on political campaigns before coming disillusioned.  He spent two years at the home of transcendentalist thought at Brook Farm with Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.  As a seeker, he was an active member of  Protestant churches before finding conversion and a calling to the priesthood in the Catholic Church.  

Visionary

As a missionary, Hecker published two best selling books, Questions of the Soul and Aspirations of Nature.  His message was aimed at those who were looking for the power of God in their own lives and in the lives of others.  He also played a key role in starting the Paulist Press.  He was a true intellectual.  His message matured and he became important in defining the separation of Church and State.  His vision embraced Christian unity and understanding of all religions.   

Evangelist

Through his message of reconciliation and harmony with all believers, Hecker established new grounds for many seeds to grow.  Using the Paulist Press and his Missionary order of Paulist Priests, he was able to present Catholicism to the American Spiritual community as an accepting and forgiving Church. As a result he was able to broaden the reach of the American Catholic Church and made a home for many within the Church.