Upcoming Events, News and Resources

SAINT FRANCIS WEEKEND 2026

Thank you to all who joined us for our Saint Francis Weekend!

Click here to view our photo album which includes pictures from the Transitus Service on Friday, the Pet Blessing and Vigil Mass on Saturday, and the Fr. Joe Memorial Walk and Youth Ministry Kickoff Event on Sunday.

Click here to watch a video!

May we continue to follow the example of Saint Francis of Assisi in his simplicity and humility, in his care for others and for creation, and in his devotion to Christ.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2026

Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon will be held on Sunday, October 11 following the 12pm Mass from 1-4 pm in the Saint Paul School Gym. This event is meant to gather all parishioners who in any way assisted the parish in its various ministries and parish organizations during the past year. There will be food stations as well as beer and wine. This is a self-invite event so that we do not inadvertently miss someone and cause hard feelings.

Although we realize that our volunteers do not give up their time in order to get something in return, we feel it is always important to express appreciation and say thank you. Hosted by the Pastoral Council, the event is meant to gather all of our volunteers to foster us as a parish family and give parishioners the opportunity to get to know each other.

In order to properly plan for the food and beverages we ask that you please RSVP (click here or call the parish office) by Thursday, October 7. 

You may bring your spouse if (s)he is not a Volunteer.

COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES

It’s College Care Package time! Our studious young adults are busy and working hard at school, so we want to send some love and encouragement to them as they prepare for midterm exams! We will be collecting items to fill the care packages, and we appreciate your help with donations!

To donate items or sign up to help with packing, click here.

To sign up your young adult to receive a package, click here!

ITALIAN NIGHT – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2026

Join us on Saturday, November 7th for our annual Italian Night Dinner! The event will be held in the Saint Paul School gym following 4:00 pm Mass. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Youth Ministry of our parish.

To purchase tickets, contact Betty Lasker at 860-992-8390 or click here to purchase tickets using our online form.

The menu for this year’s dinner includes Garden Salad, Bread, Pasta and Meatballs. The entrees will be plated and individually served. In response to feedback from our guests, we have scaled back the amount of food and lowered the price of each ticket to $20.

Guests are invited to enjoy the happy hour prior to the dinner by bringing their choice of hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE – NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST

Our annual 40 Days for Life campaign is underway (started on September 24) and will continue through October 31. Please join us in our efforts to support a culture of life!

Join us on Monday, October 12, for Eucharistic Adoration! Come spend some quiet time with Jesus in the Eucharist. Click here to sign up for an hour or more between the hours of 7:30am and 7:30pm.

Our Baby Item Collection will continue through Oct. 25. Click here to view the flyer which includes the list of requested items.

TRUNK OR TREAT – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Our annual Trunk Or Treat event will be held in the church/school parking lot on October 17 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Any parishioners who would like to decorate the trunk/tailgate of their car/truck and join the fun are welcome! To register to attend with a decorated trunk/tailgate, please click here. Note that ONLY those registering a vehicle need to sign up using this link. Otherwise, come join the fun by arriving at 5:45 pm. Admission is one canned food for our St. Clare Food Pantry and bag of wrapped candy.

HEALTHCARE PRESENTATION

The Hartford Healthcare Transplant Team will be visiting St. Paul Parish on October 27th to give a special presentation on kidney disease, organ transplants and more. Join us to learn about the transplant process and how you can become a live donor. This event is sponsored by our Culture of Life Ministry.

Click here for a printable flyer, and please be sure to RSVP for our planning purposes – call the parish office or click here for our online form. Thank you.

YOUNG MEN’S EVENING OF REFLECTION

Young Men of Faith—this night is for you! Join us for a delicious dinner, brotherhood and fellowship, and spiritual reflection, discernment, and prayer on Friday, November 27th starting at 5:00 pm at St. Paul Church. We’ll start the evening with great food and fellowship and then the Franciscan Friars will lead us in an inspiring time of learning more about St. Francis and his joyful way of following Christ.

Join us and strengthen yourself for the spiritual battle ahead. To register, click here or email EveningOfReflectionRegister@gmail.com

JOIN US ON HALLOW!

Through prayer and meditation rooted in the Catholic faith, Hallow helps people find peace and grow in faith, every day. As the #1 prayer app in the world, Hallow provides a wide variety of audio-guided meditation, prayer challenges, mental health content, sleep stories, and sacred music.

You can join the app for FREE and JOIN OUR PARISH PAGE for access to additional content made available through our partnership. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FLYER.

Feel free to contact us if you need assistance! Call the office or email Maura Gaffney at mgaffney@stpaulkensington.org.

NEW! Our parish will participate in Hallow’s “Rebuild My Church” Parish Week prayer challenge. This special feature comes at the perfect time as we celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis during this Jubilee Year! Take advantage of this opportunity to spend seven days with the saints – as we focus together on prayer, the sacraments, authentic communion, generosity, invitation, and living as missionary disciples. The waitlist opens on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The challenge starts on Oct. 5.