Please let us know if you have questions or comments about this July 2025 issue of our parish newsletter. Some browsers may clip this email and you may need to click "View entire message" at the bottom to read all the news! | | | | |
Corpus Christi
Thank you to all who took part in our Eucharistic Procession on June 21 in celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Click here or on the image to see photos.
Special thanks to Gabe Puskarz!
Gabe volunteered to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for this event, and his responsibilities as the thurifer included carrying the censer (vessel which burns the incense) throughout the entire procession, not to mention walking backwards the whole time.
Fantastic job, Gabe!
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"Cold Stuff" Collection
THANK YOU to all who contributed to our Social Action Ministry's "Cold Stuff" collection which was held throughout the month of June.
Your donations will help the Friendship Center in New Britain get through these hot summer months.
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Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the scholarships awarded by the Knights of Columbus and the New Britain Council of Catholic Women for 2025!
Knights of Columbus Scholarship recipients:
Alfred Greco Memorial Scholarship:
- Maura Kane (top photo)
- Addison Szczesniak (2nd photo)
Terrance Lescoe Memorial Scholarship:
New Britain Council of Catholic Women Scholarship recipients:
- Anthony Esposito from Saint Paul School in Kensington (bottom photo)
- Shannon Filon from Saint Matthew School in Bristol (not pictured)
Thank you to the Knights and the NBCCW and to all who support these organizations and help make these scholarships possible.
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Ladies' Guild Anniversary Year
The St. Paul Ladies' Guild, our parish’s oldest active organization, will celebrate its 90th Anniversary with various special events in 2025-2026.
Watch for details about events and meetings in upcoming parish bulletins. New members are always welcome!
Pictured: Guild members gathered in early June for their annual banquet.
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Summer Concert Series
The first Summer Concert was held on June 26 on the Parish Green. Although the weather wasn't ideal, the great music and upbeat crowd made for a fun kickoff event!
Save the dates for the next two concerts in this Summer Concert Series!
- July 17 - Locomotion
- August 7 - Happy Travelers Orchestra
Click here to view the flyer.
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Staying Connected - Update #1
Many of you will recall our former Youth Minister, John Imbimbo.
John worked here at St. Paul from 2016 to 2019 and then as a Theology teacher at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull from 2019 to 2022.
John felt called to discern a vocation to the priesthood and has spent the past three years at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, as a seminarian for the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT.
John was recently chosen by the Bishop of that diocese to complete his formation at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Please keep John in your prayers as he continues his journey to the priesthood and begins his studies in Rome this fall!
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Staying Connected - Update #2
Many of you will also recall Friar Franck-Lino Sokpolie, "Friar Franck", who spent the summer with us here at St. Paul Parish in 2018, helping with our Youth Ministry program, Summer Camp, and more.
Friar Franck (pictured in middle of photo) received his Master of Divinity degree on May 16th from the Oblate School of Theology. He will be ordained to the priesthood in mid-July.
Please keep Friar Franck in your prayers as well!
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Staying Connected - Update #3
Below is a message from Friar Vincent Mary Ouly, OFM Conv. who visited our parish last summer (2024). Friar Vincent assisted with our Youth Ministry and Summer Camp programs, attended the Steubenville East Youth Conference with our high school students.
Greetings St Paul’s!
I wanted to write with a few updates concerning where I’m at in my studies.
Since last summer at St Paul’s, I’ve finished my final year of Philosophy studies - I now have four years of Theology studies left before (God willing) ordination to the priesthood. Before I begin the four years of Theology, however, I will be teaching Theology at our Franciscan High School in Baltimore, Maryland! The school is called Archbishop Curley, and our Franciscan
Friars have been teaching there since the 1960’s. It is an all-boys high school, so I suppose I’ll have to learn something about sports instead of just opera!
In all seriousness, I miss the parish
community of St Paul’s very much, and I continue to treasure my encounters with so many of you, as well as keep all of you and your intentions in prayer.
Please remember to pray for me!
| | OUR FAITH, MINISTRIES, EVENTS AND RESOURCES | | | | |
Powerful Productions
If you're looking for summer entertainment that is meaningful and inspiring and different from the typical Hollywood output, check out 10th Hour Productions.
Their productions include:
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The Wild Goose, a 14-Part Series featuring Fr. Dave Pivonka on discovering a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit.
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Sign of Contradiction. St. Francis is one of the most beloved saints in the world, but do we really know him? Sign of Contradiction is a film about conversion, both his and ours.
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Family Dinners
We hope you can take advantage of the slower summer schedule and sit down to dinner with your family!
This video from Real Life Catholic makes a powerful case.
"I think families need to start calendaring when they're going to go to Mass and when they're going to have dinner together...
CASA at Columbia University came up with a study.... if you want to reduce drug addiction, teen pregnancy, teen suicide, plus improve your teen's testing score, the number one factor is a regular family meal..."
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Steubenville East Youth Conference
LAST CALL!
Attention Parents: The deadline to sign up your teenager for the 2025 Steubenville EAST Youth Conference is this week: Wednesday, July 9th!
The Conference will be held in Springfield, MA on July 25-27, 2025.
Don’t let your high school student miss out on this inspirational and fun weekend.
All high school students, from graduating high school seniors to rising high school freshmen, are encouraged to attend.
Questions? Please contact Bud Volz:
budvolz@comcast.net
860-681-8355
To learn more, click here.
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Young Men's Bus Trip
The St. Paul's Young Men's Group is going on a bus trip to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA. The date of the trip is Tuesday, July 29th and the cost is $30. This is a full day trip arriving back at the church at 6pm.
If you are 18-25 years old and interested in joining us, please reach out to Tony deRito at tonyd433@gmail.com or call/text 860-216-7424.
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College Life Ministry
Attention Young Adults Age 18-23:
Whether you have completed your first year of college, your last, or are now in the workforce, we invite all young adults, ages 18-23 to attend our events.
Due to the construction in the school gym, the Open Gym event that was previously scheduled for June 25 has been postponed.
The Brunch and Serve event originally scheduled for June 29 is currently being rescheduled as well.
Check your email and keep an eye out in the bulletin for details coming soon!
Email Patrick with any questions at pkennedy1120@gmail.com.
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Religious Education is now
Faith Formation!
What’s in a Name?
Before it was known as Religious Education, classes were called CCD, short for Confraternity of Christian Doctrine.
After Vatican II, the name changed to the more literal title of Religious Education. In recent years, Faith Formation has become the standard and preferred term.
The name Faith Formation more accurately represents our mission, which is to lead children to a personal relationship with Jesus and model what that looks like in their daily lives.
It is so much more than a classroom subject!
A relationship with Jesus extends beyond 12, one-hour sessions each year. That is why a key component of our program is to partner with parents and provide them with resources to guide their children on the journey of faith.
Are You Being Called to Join our Team?
It truly takes a village. Each year we have over 40 volunteers teaching nearly 600 students. At this time, we have 7 openings, ranging from grades 2-7. If the Holy Spirit is nudging you to become a catechist, contact Robin Veronesi, Director of Faith Formation, at religioused@stpaulkensington.org.
The group photo features some of the 2024-2025 first-time volunteers who stepped forward in faith. Pictured in front row: Stefanie Stanek and Carmen Maldonado. Back row: Shibani Corcoran, Catherine Sullivan, Spencer Toussaint, Kayden Santana, Charles Henriques, Clara Drag and Katie Tierney.
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Faith Formation Registration
Online registration for the 2025-2026 Faith Formation program is July 15-31.
Those whose children were enrolled last year will receive an email with the link. The registration link can also be found on the Faith Formation page of the Parish website.
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Blue Mass
Save the date for our 2nd Annual Blue Mass and Reception on Sunday, September 21 at the 12pm Mass.
Click here for details.
Questions? Contact Elaine Pavasaris at bluemass@stpaulkensington.org.
God Bless all of our first responders!
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Community Garden
The St. Paul Parish/Town of Berlin Community Garden plot is planted and growing.
All vegetables harvested will be donated to the Berlin Food Pantry and our St. Clare Food Pantry.
If you would like to help with weeding, watering and harvesting, click here for the SignUp page for times and information.
Dates will continue to be posted throughout the summer, so please check the SignUp page frequently.
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That Man Is You! and Cor
All men are invited to join our TMIY/Cor group.
We meet each Saturday morning in the church hall at 7:00am for a 30-minute video followed by 30 minutes of discussion. Each week, the presentation will help us to deepen our faith, expand our prayer life, and share the Grace of God with other men.
You are also welcome to enjoy coffee and breakfast with us in the kitchen at 6:30am.
If you have any questions, please contact Bud Volz: budvolz@comcast.net or 860-681-8355.
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Pray the Rosary
We encourage all of our parishioners to pray the Holy Rosary and to take advantage of the many opportunities we offer to pray the Rosary with others.
Wednesday evening Rosary
Sacred Heart Church, 6:00-6:30pm
Next date: Wednesday, July 9
13th of the Month Rosary
12:00 pm
Next date: Sunday, July 13
*Note that this gathering will be in the Church Hall instead of the church due to July 13th falling on a Sunday.
Children’s Rosary
Sacred Heart Church, 10:00 am
First Saturday of each month
Next date: Saturday, August 2
Questions? Email cherylbatter@att.net.
All are welcome!
First Saturdays:
In her message to the children of Fatima, our Blessed Mother implored us to pray the Rosary on the First Saturday of each month, for five consecutive months, for peace in the world. All are encouraged to participate in this special devotion, especially in these turbulent and uncertain times.
Pray the Holy Rosary on these upcoming ’First Saturdays’:
*August 2
*September 6
*October 4
*November 1
*December 6
Don't know how to pray the Rosary? Click here for instructions.
*New study reveals the rosary rivals modern meditation for mental health benefits
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FORMED.org
Parishioners:
We hope you are taking advantage of the great Catholic content that is available to you for FREE on Formed.org!
Create an account today and enjoy movies, programs, and more.
Simply go to formed.org, select "Sign up as a parishioner", type in "St. Paul Kensington CT" and follow the simple prompts to set up your account.
Movie Suggestion: Radiating Joy
The Michelle Duppong Story is the story of Servant of God Michelle Duppong, who bore witness to Christ through heroic suffering and a passion for inviting others to be transformed by His love.
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Helping Hands Ministry
Our St. Paul Helping Hands ministry assists our senior parishioners by providing companionship as well as social and spiritual support.
Our volunteers typically provide help to parishioners who are age 80+, yet they also assist younger seniors who do not have family, friends or close neighbors they can call upon for help.
To learn more, please contact the parish office at 860-828-0331 or contact the ministry lead (Mark Duplin) directly at 860-977-9931 or mfduplin@outlook.com.
We have a wonderful and caring group of volunteers just waiting for an opportunity to offer a 'helping hand'.
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App for Hearing Assistance
Notice for those who need hearing assistance:
You can use an app on your mobile phone to pick up what is coming through our sound system in St. Paul Church.
Click here or on the image for instructions on how to hear our sound system through your phone.
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Prayer Shawls Available
Do you know someone who is going through a difficult time and in need of comfort? Perhaps they are mourning the loss of a loved one, suffering through medical issues or dealing with depression.
The St. Paul Prayer Shawl Ministry has a variety of shawls available that are appropriate for men, women and children.
The women in the Ministry knit/crochet these beautiful shawls and include their good wishes and prayers in each one. There is no charge for the shawls but donations are appreciated. If you are interested in getting a shawl, call or text Jeanne Charbonneau at 860-913-9023 or send an email to jcharb21@gmail.com.
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Saint Paul School Admission
Parents: Contact our Admissions Director today and learn how your child can receive an excellent education and so much more at Saint Paul School.
Kelly Esposito
Admissions Director
860-828-4343 x113 admissions@stpaulkensington.org
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SPS Summer Camp
All are welcome to attend Summer Camp at Saint Paul School. Now through August 15th.
Enjoy Sports, Art & Crafts, Activities on the Parish Green, Water Activities, Enrichment programs, In House Field Trips, Dairy Queen Treats, and more!
Click here for details and enrollment forms.
Questions? Contact Jenna Bereski, Camp Director, at summercamp@stpaulkensington.org
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Fr. Joseph Scholarship
Saint Paul School established the Fr. Joe Memorial Scholarship in 2024 in honor of Father Joe’s dedication to Catholic education and service.
To learn more or to make a donation to the scholarship fund, please click here.
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Confession
Reminder: Our friars are available to hear your confession every Saturday from 8:30am to 9:30am and 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
Click below for helpful Confession Guides:
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Franciscan Pilgrimage to Spain
The Franciscan Friars Conventual invite you to join their Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Spain, November 3-14, 2025.
This 11-day pilgrimage includes: Barcelona, Montserrat, Zaragoza, Cangas de Onis, Oviedo, Santiago De Compostela, Salamanca, Avila, and Madrid.
The Pilgrimage Director is Fr. Jobe Abbas, OFM Conv., and the Spiritual Guide is Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv.
Click here for more information. Detailed brochures are available upon request at the parish office.
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2025 Archdiocese Annual Appeal
Thank you to all who have already made a donation to the Archdiocese of Hartford 2025 Annual Appeal.
The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports many important ministries and programs in the Archdiocese. Gifts are allocated towards religious education programs, youth ministries, local charities, the education of
our seminarians, support for our retired clergy, our Catholic schools, and the many ministries provided daily by the Archdiocese.
If you have not made a gift, please prayerfully consider making a pledge or one-time gift. Click here for more information.
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Weekly Bulletin
If you'd like to receive the parish bulletin in your email inbox each week, sign up here.
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JOB OPENING
MUSIC DIRECTOR/ORGANIST
St. John Church in Cromwell is searching for a part-time music director/organist.
Applicants must have an understanding of Catholic liturgical rites and life. Experience will be taken into consideration for salary.
For more information, contact the Parish Secretary at 860-635-5590. To apply, send or email a resume to:
Fr. Mark L Curesky, OFM Conv, Pastor
St. John Church
5 St. Johns Court
Cromwell CT 06416
pastor@saintjohn-cromwell.org
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POSITIONS AVAILABLE
ST. PAUL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol has current job openings for a Business Manager, Math Teacher and more.
For more information, visit the SPCHS job's page here.
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Catholic High School
Parents, take a look at our nearby Catholic High Schools and see all that they have to offer for your child.
Call or visit them online today.
Ask about financial assistance!
Pictured are some of our Saint Paul School alumni who attend Mercy High School.
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Young Catholic Professionals
Young Catholic Professionals is the nation’s largest young professional Catholic network.
There are two chapters in our area.
Upcoming events:
Hartford Yard Goats vs. Somerset Patriots
Jul 19, 2025
4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Hartford
Networking Happy Hour at Area 2
Aug 1, 2025
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Stratford
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CT Legislative Update
The Connecticut Catholic Conference has shared a Legislative Summary for the 2025 Session of the CT General Assembly. The CCC is the public policy and advocacy office of the Catholic Bishops in CT.
Click here for details about the most significant 2025 bills the Conference acted on and the accomplishments of the CCC.
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Young Adult Discernment Night
Young adults are invited to come to the @waterburybasilica on August 1 for Hartford Priest's next discernment event.
They had almost 100 souls on fire for the faith at their last event!
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Rachel's Vineyard
Rachel's Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Weekend retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortive emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.
Click here or on the image for information.
P
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Mass Times on Vacation
REMINDER:
If you want to find a Catholic church to attend Mass while you’re traveling or on your family vacation, visit masstimes.org.
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We hope you are enjoying your summer!
Prayers for safe travels.
| | "If then my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 | | Visit our website and social media pages to stay informed on all that's happening in our parish! | | This Epistle Online newsletter aims to be a helpful resource, providing information about happenings in our parish and sharing content on both spiritual and practical matters related to our Catholic faith. The Epistle is so named as a tribute to Saint Paul, our patron, whose letters to the earliest Christians still guide and inform us today. Thank you for reading our newsletter. God Bless. | | | | |
