Saint Paul Newsletter

July 4th - July 11th

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday, we hear of the disciples returning with joy after their mission, amazed by the power they exercised in Jesus’ name. But Christ gently redirects their excitement: “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) The heart of discipleship isn’t in what we accomplish, but in who we belong to. Our mission is not about power, but about love—leading souls to the eternal joy of heaven. Let us rejoice not in worldly success, but in the saving mercy of God who calls us His own.


This weekend we are excited to extend a warm and joyful welcome to Fr. John De Guzman, who joins us as Parochial Vicar at Saint Paul! Fr. John comes to us with a deep love for Christ, a heart for service, and a joyful spirit that is already making a wonderful impression on our parish community. Please keep Fr. John in your prayers during this time of transition and stop by to introduce yourself and say hello. We are blessed by his presence and grateful for the gifts he brings to our parish. Let us welcome him with open hearts and open arms as we continue our journey together in faith, hope, and love. Welcome, Fr. John — we’re so glad you’re here!

Happy Fourth of July!

Today we thank God for the gift of freedom—a freedom that allows us to worship, to speak, and to serve one another in love. As we celebrate our nation, let us remember the sacrifices made by so many to secure and protect these liberties. We also recognize that true freedom is found in Christ, who calls us to use our gifts for the good of others. Let us pray for our country, for wisdom and courage for our leaders, and for lasting peace in every heart and home. May God bless America and guide us in the way of justice and truth.

Parishioner Feature ⎸ Willie Sumner

When Willie Sumner welcomed an Italian exchange student named Fabio into his home, he didn’t realize God was opening a door to the Catholic Church. Driving Fabio to Mass each week eventually led Willie to the Eucharist, RCIA, and a new life of joyful service.


Now a beloved teacher and choir director at St. Paul, Willie’s journey reminds us that God uses ordinary moments to lead us home.


💬 “I could never have planned this—so somebody’s hand bigger than mine must be in it.”


Read how friendship and unexpected grace brought one man into the heart of the Church—and how he’s still saying yes to God today.


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Announcements

Calling all kids, teens, and young adults for Altar Server Training

St. Paul Catholic Church invites new and returning altar servers—kids, teens, and young adults—to attend one of our upcoming training sessions:



📅 Monday, July 21 | 6:00–7:30 PM

📅 Sunday, July 27 | 4:00–5:30 PM


Serving at the altar is a meaningful way to grow in faith and actively participate in the liturgy. Training includes hands-on practice and a review of the Mass.

No experience is needed—just a reverent heart and willingness to serve.

📧 Contact arleny.caballero@gmail.com


Praise & Worship Holy Hour - July 18th

Join us for a Praise and Worship Holy Hour on Friday, July 18th from 7–8 p.m. at Old Saint Paul, 504 Middle St.


Our talented Young Adult musicians will lead us in uplifting praise and worship music during this special time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.



Come rest in the Lord’s presence — all are welcome!

Volunteer at The Olive Branch Store!

Looking for a meaningful way to serve our parish? The Olive Branch, our parish store in the Atrium, is seeking volunteers to help during regular hours:


Sundays: 9 AM–1 PM

Wednesdays: 9:45 AM–12 PM

Saturdays: 4–4:45 PM


No experience needed — just a welcoming spirit! Volunteers assist with greeting customers, ringing up purchases, and keeping the store tidy.


Interested? Email mauraOliveBranch@hotmail.com or stop by during store hours. We’d love to have you!

True North Vacation Bible School

This summer get ready to hit the trails for the ultimate Alaskan Adventure at True North Vacation Bible School July 14-18th from 8am-noon each day in the Saint Paul FLC. Registration forms are available by the youth ministry bulletin board.



Calling All Volunteers!

We need YOUR help to make VBS an unforgettable experience for our kids!

Whether you love working with children, crafting, music, or just want to lend a hand, there's a place for you on our team. Come be a part of something meaningful and fun!

Interested? Contact lludwig@spccnb.org for more details or to sign up. Let’s guide our kids toward True North together!

Bulletin Advertisers Needed

Mark Fitzgerald from Diocesan (our bulletin publishing partner) is working to renew the advertisements currently running in the bulletin and to secure NEW bulletin advertisers. The bulletin is available in print and digitally online. We are grateful that this important communication piece is provided to our parish at no cost THANKS to the generous support of our bulletin sponsors.


Mark is calling the current sponsors so please let him know if we can count on your continued support by renewing your ad, and please call him if you’re interested in placing an advertisement in the bulletin on behalf of your business, family, favorite charity OR to memorialize a loved one. Bulletin sponsors recognize the tremendous value of connecting with our church family, and we ask our parishioners and guests to patronize our supporters when using a local service.

Mark will be at our parish July 8th through the 10th and can be reached at 614-205-4841 or mfitzgerald@diocesan.com. Thank you!



📣 Saint Paul Catholic School Faculty & Staff Openings


Home of the Knights 🛡️⚔️

Saint Paul Catholic School is now accepting applications for the following faculty and staff positions for the upcoming school year:


  • Upper School Mathematics Teacher
  • Information Technology Instructor
  • Spanish Teacher
  • Teaching Assistant (1-on-1 Support in First Grade)


Join our dedicated team of educators in a faith-filled, academically rigorous, and nurturing environment. Help us continue our mission of forming young minds and hearts in Christ.


📍 For more information or to apply, please contact the school office or visit our website.

Let’s continue to build the future—one Knight at a time!


SPY Summer Sundays Are Back!

Calling all 7th–12th graders—get ready for a summer of faith, fun, and food with SPY (St. Paul Youth)!


🗓 Sunday Nights | 5:30–7:30 PM

Each week features games, meaningful discussions, and dinner with friends.

Bring a friend—or three! Everyone's welcome.


🍽 RSVP using the link so we have enough food!

(But don’t worry—if you forget, still come! There’s always room for one more.)


⭐️ Special Event: End-of-Summer Lock-In!

📍 Drop-off: Saturday, August 2nd after the 5 PM Mass

📍 Pick-up: Sunday, August 3rd at 7 AM

A full night of games, prayer, snacks, and unforgettable memories.


Come hungry—for food, faith, and fun!

We can’t wait to see you this summer at SPY!

Reminders & Notes


Pray for our Youth

Please sign up to pray a Rosary for our youth summer trips! Our goal is 1500 total! The signup sheet is in the Narthex by the Youth Bulletin Board. 

Saint Monica Prayer

Saint Monica is the model of patience and persistence for all of us with prodigal sons, daughters, family and loved ones. Join us to pray for our fallen-away loved ones on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Saint Joseph Chapel. 

No July 4th Adoration

Please note that there will not be overnight adoration on July 4th, due to the various Independence Day events in town. The Church is always open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. for personal prayer. We will have first Saturday Mass on July 5th at 8 a.m.

Columbarium

Saint Paul is building two Columbaria! These long-awaited, wonderful additions to our Saint Joseph Cemetery offer another dignified resting place for our deceased loved ones. They will be located on the grassy flat just outside the church doors by the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine. To get the project underway, we are accepting presale orders and offering the first 30 niches at a 10% discounted rate. Please contact Randy Straight to secure your final resting place and discount today. cemetery@spccnb.org, 252-638-1984, extension 110.



In Memoriam

Mary Jo Durand's funeral will be on July 7th at 11 a.m.


Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May they rest in peace. Amen.

Diocesan Events

Quo Vadis

High school guys — are you ready for an adventure that could change your life?

Join us July 21–24, 2025 at Camp Dixie (373 Bladen Union Church Rd) for the Quo Vadis Retreat! This retreat is designed for young men who want to grow closer to God and explore His call for their lives. Register now -->

https://ncpriest.org/events/quo-vadis-2025/

Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

Saint Maria Goretti: Fourteen Flowers of

Pardon

Learn more about the holy life and martyrdom of St. Maria Goretti in this moving documentary. In particular, the film highlights her ultimate act of love: forgiving her murderer on her deathbed.

Meekness is Not Weekness

Homily from Fr. John De Guzman 2 years ago at Saint Michael the Archangel in Cary. "Meekness is not weakness. It’s the strength to restrain yourself from the onslaught of anger and to respond, rather, with virtue."

I Don't Want to Go

Oh, like David and the temple

I want to bring you praise

Like David and his temple plans

Your ways are not my ways

You don't need me to build a temple

To know that you love me still

Parish Picnic Highlights

What a joyful day at our annual Parish Picnic! Despite a quick summer shower, the sun soon returned—and so did the celebration. Families enjoyed delicious food, music, games, crafts, face painting, and plenty of laughter. From the bounce house to bingo, there was something for everyone. We’re so grateful to our amazing volunteers and parishioners who made it all happen. Special thanks to our Picnic Committee, including Marisa Scarduzio, Stephanie Whitmore, Candy Garcia, Cynthia White, and Charlie Schmidt. More than just fun, it was a beautiful reminder of the joy we share as one family in Christ.

📸 View more photos and read the full recap on our blog.


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