Paul Joe Matula was born on January 15, 1941 to Ben and Theresa Matula, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Paul was the second of three boys born to Ben and Theresa Matula. Brothers Ben and Jerome, along with Paul all attended Sacred Heart School in Sinton, Texas until the 8th Grade; then graduated from Sinton High School. After graduation from high school in 1959, Paul attended Del Mar College for two years and received a Certificate in Drafting Technology. In 1964, Paul married Joyce Kunze, also from Sinton, Texas. Paul and Joyce have one daughter, Catherine (Cathy) Lynnette Matula Hodge and four beautiful grandchildren, Ashley, Taylor, Shelby and Brayden. Cathy attended St. Patrick Catholic School until the 6th grade and then went on to graduate from George West High School.

Paul was brought up by parents who were very active in their Catholic faith. During Paul's childhood, he served as Altar Server, until graduating from High School. During Paul's years as serving as Altar Server he contemplated going into the priesthood. After graduation from high school, Paul moved to Corpus Christi, where he roomed with an uncle and attended Del Mar College. Upon graduation from Del Mar, Paul worked for Western Steel Company and another Engineering Firm in Corpus Christi, in his trade as a Draftsman. After their marriage in 1964, Paul & Joyce lived in Corpus Christi until 1966, at which time they moved to Houston, Texas, where Paul worked for NASA. Paul enjoyed this very challenging job with NASA, but Joyce was homesick and wanted to move back to the hometown area. Paul then went to work for Reynolds Metals Aluminum Company in Ingleside, Texas in 1968 as a Designer for the next 35 years, until retirement in 2003. It was while working at Reynolds, Paul had the opportunity to meet and work with several Deacons from the Corpus Christi Diocese. It was these relationships that planted the seed for Paul. In the fall of 1998, Paul asked Father Pat Donohoe about enrolling in the Diaconate Program, to which Father Pat replied, "You just missed it; they just started a new class". Therefore, Paul had five more years to discern applying for the Permanent Diaconate Program.

During the five years, there were several times when I thought about quitting the Diaconate Program. I said to myself, "It would be so much easier". Then; I would ask the Lord to show me the way and each time (4 times), his answer was to continue my journey. Without the Lord's help and guidance, I would never have made the Journey to Ordination; and with his help I look forward to continuing the Journey.