Parishioner Feature ⎸ Judith Denis

When I came to St. Paul, I didn’t find a community or a church—I found a family. My family.”

Judith Denis’ story to closer union with Jesus cannot be separated from the Cursillo Ministry. Although born and raised Catholic and married to her husband Daniel in the Church, she knew she was not truly practicing her faith in earnest. That changed in 2013 when she was invited to attend a Cursillo retreat. She was deeply moved by the way others freely praised God—singing, clapping, and joyfully giving thanks. Through Cursillo, her faith came alive.

“It helps me know myself better, know Jesus better, and teaches me how to be a better parishioner, a better follower, a better servant to the Church and to God. It helps me know what God wants for me—to know that I’m called to be Jesus’ hands and feet to the community and to others. I heard my calling.”

Cursillo is a diocesan ministry present throughout the world, and Judith estimates that 95% of the Hispanic community at St. Paul participates in some way. Cursillo holds weekly small group gatherings to provide encouragement and accountability, rooted in friendship, Scripture, prayer and commitment to serving God.

Cursillo also includes two monthly events. School of Leaders meets on the second Sunday to grow in understanding of the Church and the Cursillo Movement. Ultreya takes place on the second Saturday and is a joyful community celebration with praise, singing, food, and fellowship. These events are hosted at St. Paul and draw people from surrounding communities, including Goldsboro, Little Washington, Greenville, and Morehead City. Around 75 people currently serve on the Cursillo team at the parish.

One of the greatest blessings of Judith’s involvement has been connection to others through service. Over the years, she has taught Baptismal and Altar Server classes, served as a Sacristan, and brought the Eucharist to the sick and those in nursing homes.

After the passing of her husband, Judith took a step back from some responsibilities. She recently found her way back to service and currently serves as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at the 1:00 PM Hispanic Mass.

Judith was born in Mexico and moved to the United States when she was 16, searching for work and a better life. She earned her GED at age 25 and worked as a medical assistant for over 15 years. Along the way, she met Daniel and together they had three children, Danny, Rose and Matthew. In 2010, the family moved from California to New Bern and joined St. Paul Parish.

The demanding hours of her medical assistant job left little time for her children, especially her youngest son. An opening for the St. Paul Administrative Assistant was just the opportunity she was looking for.

“I needed more time to spend with my kids. I needed more open space and freedom to spend with my son. When I got the offer to work at the school, it was a very nice opportunity for me. I’ve been there for a year.”

Her two older children are now living on their own, but her youngest, Matthew, is 13 and entering 8th grade at St. Paul Catholic School. He is often an altar server at Mass. Judith’s favorite saint is none other than St. Paul!

“The conversion that St. Paul had is quite like my own conversion. He converted and then devoted his life to the Church. He is also the patron saint of the Cursillo Movement.”

Judith’s life is a testimony to the power of authentic faith, lived in community, service, and love. Through the Cursillo Movement and her parish family, she continues to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus—strengthened by grace, and guided by her calling.