Parish Library
The Parish Library, located in the basement of the church, supports parishioners in deepening their understanding of the traditions of the Catholic faith and aids in strengthening that faith by providing access to materials that can be used by individuals or groups. The library has over 1000 books and A/V materials in several different categories, including Catholicism (doctrine, history and theology), children, Espanola, family and parenting issues, fiction, grief and loss, Jesus, liturgy and the sacraments, Mary, moral issues, peace and justice, reference (encyclopedias, commentaries), religious education, saints, self-help, spirituality and prayer. Books are available for two-week loans; A/V materials, for one-week loans. Volunteers able to help staff the library are always needed.

Contact: Rita Novitt at ritawho@aol.com.

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
When Jesus commissioned the Apostles to "go…and make disciples of all nations…." (Mt 28:19), He entrusted each of us with both the privileges and responsibilities of bringing the word of God to those we encounter in our lives. Parents, first and foremost, begin this important task when they bring their child forward to receive the gift of faith through Baptism. They are their child's first teachers, nurturing faith within their homes, a place so special that the Second Vatican Council refers to it as the "domestic church."

The community of St. Paul's recognizes and shares in this important ministry by providing a formal program of religious education and sacrament preparation to support parents and their children. Weekly instruction usually begins at the age of five or six, with two years of preparation preceding the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

Individuals who are willing to give of their time and talents, and are interested in furthering their own spiritual and intellectual growth are invited to step forward to serve as catechists. Their love and commitment to our children and their families exemplifies the work of the Spirit not only in their lives, but also in the life of our entire parish family.

Contact: Anne-Marie Calderone, Coordinator or Sandy Conaghan, Assistant at 924-1743 x 148 or email amc@stpaulsofprinceton.org.

St. Paul's School Advisory Board

The mission of the St. Paul’s School Advisory Board is to promote Catholic values and Christian traditions in education and to ensure the continued existence of quality, Catholic primary education at St. Paul’s School.

The board consists of nine parent volunteers appointed by the pastor, the school principal, and the exiting Board Chair through a public nomination request each spring. This nomination also seeks a representative from the parish. Generally, each year it seeks three new members to serve a three-year term.

The title and authority of this board, as dictated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Board of Education under Canon Law, are to act in an advisory capacity to the pastor and the school principal. The board participates in the formulation of policies upon request, which must be approved by the pastor for implementation by the principal.

Cooperation among the members of the board is crucial as it acts as a voice for the parents of St. Paul’s School in the areas of finance, facilities, fund-raising, strategic planning and development.

Contact: Thomas Murray at tamurray@yahoo.com.

St. Paul's School PTA
The SPS PTA is a member of the Trenton Diocesan Council of Parent-Teacher Associations and is part of the Mercer Region. Membership consists of parents and guardians of the pupils as well as members of the faculty.

The mission of the PTA is to provide special assemblies and funds which assist the school in enabling the children to develop a personal and community lifestyle grounded on Catholic teaching and Gospel. Also, PTA assistance enhances the ability of parents to participate actively and effectively in their children’s educational activities.

The PTA executive board meets each month while school is in session, with no fewer than four meetings during the school year. The PTA hosts several programs throughout the year. The SPS PTA conducts several major fundraisers during the course of the year including the 10-week Club, Rummage Sale, Gift Wrap Sale, and the Shamrock Auction. The monies raised from some of these fundraisers have allowed the PTA to contribute toward enrichment programs and activities for the children, faculty and parents like the Thanksgiving Luncheon, Teacher Recognition Events, and the New Parents Dinner. In fact, the New Parents Dinner hosted annually in mid-October won a recognition award from the NCEA (National Catholic Education Association) in 1998.

In addition to budgeted activities and programs, the PTA has also been able to provide funds to enhance student enrichment by procuring updated textbooks, science lab and media equipment and classroom furniture. Items such as these have been obtained only as a result of the overwhelming support of our fundraisers by our parents and parish families.

St. Paul's School Endowment Committee
The Endowment Committee’s mission is to raise, invest and manage a pool of money that will be used to create an annual income to aid in supporting and enhancing Catholic Education at St. Paul's School. The Committee recommends annual grants in consultation with the Principal and the Pastor.

The Endowment Fund was formed in the early 1990s and has a principle of approximately $350,000. Current goals include the promotion of existing programs such as:

• Supermarket Certificate Sales
• Memorial Gifts
• Catholic Schools Week
• Scholarships
• Bequests
• Corporate Matching Gifts

The Endowment Committee needs people with experience or talent in outside fund-raising, communication and promotions, and to help administer and expand existing programs. The committee of 8-12 people meets in September, November, January, March and May, normally in the Rectory at 8 am.

Contact: Jim McCarthy at deirdreamccarthy@hotmail.com.

Vacation Bible School
Each summer, St. Paul’s offers a week-long Vacation Bible School program to children in the parish entering kindergarten through fourth grade. Staffed by the Religious Education program and parent volunteers from the parish, it is a fun-filled week of diverse activities. The theme varies from year to year, and children learn though music, dance, group discussions, and arts and crafts. Guest readers and a special visitor add to the excitement of the week. The week concludes with a family Mass and reception.

Contact: Anne-Marie Calderone at 924-1743 x 148 or email amc@stpaulsofprinceton.org.