Children

Children’s Sunday School Room
Children at St. Paul’s are invited each week to encounter the stories of our Bible with all of their senses. As we share and hear Scripture with both words and pictures, as well as with crafts and snacks. Consider taking on the ministry of engaging with our younger members and sharing in our sacred stories together.
Children's Chapel during 11 AM Eucharist
Children who are too old for nursery but perhaps too young to understand traditional church are invited to join us for chapel. Children’s Chapel provides an opportunity to practice sitting still, saying prayers, listening to stories and singing songs. Children will walk in the procession with the Chapel Leader and return to their families at the “Peace”. Chapel Leader volunteers are always welcome.
Nursery
St. Paul’s is dedicated to ensuring that all age groups within our parish are seen, heard, and loved! We offer a nursery for our youngest members ages birth – 4 years. In order to ensure proper care and connection with our littlest members we ask for volunteers to support our Nursery Provider each week. Sign up outside of the nursery.
The Rev. Kate Byrd
Rector
(703) 582-2997
A native of Arlington, VA, Rev. Kate grew up at Christ Church in Alexandria, VA. As a cradle Episcopalian, Kate has a long-held love and appreciation for the Anglican Communion and our Episcopal traditions. A graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA, she completed her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology and soon after began her Masters of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary. During her first summer off from seminary, Kate worked at Camp Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC where she met her husband Drew. Kate and Drew’s family includes daughter Libbie, twins Thomas and Patrick, and their two dogs Sissy (Labra-doodle) and Radar (Shih Tzu Bichon). Since ordination in 2014, Kate has served in Lexington, KY at Christ Church Cathedral, Whitefish Bay, WI at Christ Church Episcopal, and Goldsboro, NC at St. Francis Church.
The Byrd’s moved to Smithfield in 2019 when Drew began a new position at Johnston Health. A native of Smithfield, Drew is passionate about his hometown, and the two feel blessed to raise their three children here. When he’s not at work you can find Drew at Health Quest, on the Parks and Rec board, riding his mower around their yard, or doing woodwork in his garage. In her spare time, you can find Kate on a run through Smithfield’s Greenway, practicing yoga with her toddler, working with the Junior Women’s League, or completing a craft project. All five Byrds, and their two dogs, enjoy hiking at the local parks, going out for ice cream, and soaking up the sun in their backyard. Kate is passionate about the Jesus Movement and sharing the love of God at St. Paul’s, in the community, and beyond.