Saint Paul Newsletter

August 8th - August 15th

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

When You Don't Know the Way, Trust Who Leads

This Sunday’s readings challenge us to live with readiness and trust. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to be prepared—like servants waiting for their master to return. And in the first reading, we hear about Abraham, who “went out, not knowing where he was to go,” simply because he trusted God’s promise.

Do you believe God is trustworthy? When you look back over your life, can you see His hand—guiding, protecting, providing—even when the path was unclear? Sometimes faith means taking the next step without knowing where it will lead, but knowing Who is leading.

How is God inviting you to trust Him this week?



If you have a story of God’s faithfulness in your life, we’d love to hear it—your witness may inspire someone else to take their own next step of faith.

Announcements

🗓 Holy Day of Obligation

Join us for Masses celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Saint Paul:

📍 Main Church – 3005 Country Club Rd

Vigil (Spanish): Thursday, August 14 at 7:00 PM

English Masses: Friday, August 15 at

8:00 AM (School Mass) • 12:00 PM • 6:00 PM

*There will be no Mass at Old Saint Paul.



Let us honor Our Lady—body and soul in heaven—with joyful prayer and devotion! 💙🌹

This fall, nearly 150 children from Kindergarten through 8th grade will walk through our parish doors eager to learn about Jesus and the Catholic faith.

We’re looking for faith-filled, kind-hearted adults to serve as catechists or aides. You don’t need to be a theologian—just willing to share your love for Christ. We provide all the training, materials, and support you need.

As one catechist shared: “I learn so much from the children."

Classes begin August 28, 2025.

To learn more or to volunteer, contact Joy Harsen at

📞 252-229-2394

📧 jharsen@spccnb.org

Let’s raise up a generation of faithful disciples—together. 💛

Join us for great food and fellowship at the annual Shrimp Boil, hosted by the Knights of Columbus! The event will take place at the Columbus Club Hall (1125 Pine Tree Drive, New Bern, NC).



🕓 Social Hour begins at 4:30 p.m.

🍤 Dinner served at 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $21 per person – enjoy a generous shrimp dinner and a great evening with friends and parishioners.

The Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas (JCDA) will be in the narthex after all Masses the weekend of August 23–24. JCDA is a vibrant faith-based group for girls dedicated to service, spiritual growth, and sisterhood. Stop by their table to learn more about upcoming projects, membership, and how your daughter can get involved.

It’s time to register for fall baseball with St Paul! There are teams in 4 different age groups for kids ages 4-12. Registration closes on August 17th. We are always looking for more coaches to help lead and be role models for our young baseball players! Text or email Stephen Edwards for more information or to register your child to play- 252-259-1415 or Stephen.edwards415@gmail.com. 

Come on out and have a great time playing baseball and representing your church!

The Troops of Saint George will be in the narthex after all Masses the weekends of August 23–24 and August 30–31. This Catholic apostolate for fathers and sons combines outdoor adventure with spiritual formation, building strong faith and strong families. Stop by their table to learn more and get connected. The first meeting of the year will be Friday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m.—come discover how faith and fellowship grow in God’s great outdoors.

Knights of Columbus Yard Sale

The Knights of Columbus are in need of volunteers to help stock the warehouse at:

Knights of Columbus Hall & Facilities

1125 Pine Tree Drive

New Bern, NC 28561

Help is needed on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Even an hour or two of your time makes a big difference — we appreciate whatever time you can give!



Also, mark your calendars for the Knights of Columbus Great Yard Sale:

🗓 October 2, 3 & 4

⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Noon)

📍 1125 Pine Tree Drive, New Bern

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

🗓 Sunday August 10th | 5:30–7:30 PM

We will have 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.)

Come hungry—for food, faith, and fun!

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

Reminders & Notes

Seeking More or Considering the Catholic Faith?

Are you feeling drawn to something deeper? Do you have questions about God, faith, or the Catholic Church? Whether you’re interested in becoming Catholic, returning to the Church, or simply searching for meaning and direction, we’re here for you.



We believe that every journey begins with a story, and we’d love to hear yours. Contact Marisa McDonald at welcome@spccnb.org. We look forward to walking with you and supporting you as you take the next step in your faith journey.

Saint Monica Prayer Group

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. 

Tryon Civitan Diaper Drive

Support the Tyron Civitan Diaper Drive! Help families in need by donating diapers of all sizes. Drop off your donations in the bin near the office hallway all August long.

WWME

Strengthen your marriage with a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience! Join us Oct. 24–26 in Emerald Isle, NC or Nov. 14–16 in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Space is limited—early sign-up encouraged. 💍 Visit NCMarriageDiscovery.org or scmarriagematters.org, or contact applications@NCMarriageDiscovery.org / 704-315-2144.

Columbarium Groundbreaking Coming Soon!

Thanks to your tremendous support, the groundbreaking for our parish columbarium is quickly approaching. The strong response during the presale phase exceeded our expectations and will allow us to make the down payment ahead of schedule. We are now in the final stages of planning the final layout, and once construction plans are complete, we will mark the occasion with a special groundbreaking ceremony.

Sales are ongoing at the regular price. You may schedule your appointment with Randy Straight at cemetery@spccnb.org.

Let us continue to pray for one another, and especially for the eternal rest of our departed brothers and sisters. May your perpetual light shine upon them, O Lord!

Support the Sisters of IHM – Silver Circle Membership

Silver Circle Membership forms are now available in the church office! This annual fundraiser supports the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary—Sister Monique’s religious community in Scranton, PA.

Each $25 membership enters you into monthly drawings for cash prizes throughout the year. Forms will be available until the end of August.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the parish office. Thank you for your support of the Sisters and their mission!

In Memoriam

Christopher Wear's funeral was on August 7th at 2 p.m.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

~Amen~

Diocesan Events

Rooted in Prayer: A Women's Retreat

Join Lily of the Valley Catholic Ministry Sept. 5-6 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Raleigh for a grace-filled weekend of prayer, reflection, creativity, and connection as we explore our identity in Christ and the healing power of prayer and art at “Rooted in Prayer: A Women’s Retreat.” All women of any age are welcomed. Whether you’re navigating grief, carrying a cross, or simply longing to be renewed, this prayer retreat is for you. You do not have to be a ministry member or have been served by the ministry to participate in the retreat.

The retreat will be facilitated by Lily of the Valley Catholic Ministry with keynote speakers and workshops led by Katie Weiss, founder of Behold Visio, and Nicky Verna, M.Th., a Catholic retreat speaker and SoulCore instructor.



To register or get additional information, visit: https://lotvministry.org/get-involved/retreat-2025/, or contact Whitney Whitmore, info@LOTVministry.org.

Truth, Beauty, and Goodness

Last Week at Saint Paul