Wednesday, September 28, 2011

October 2nd, 2011

RCIA - Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” It is easy for us to criticize the chief priests and elders in Jesus’ day who were not being faithful. However, the Gospels have layers and meaning and layers of audiences. These writings are as relevant today as they were 2000 years ago. How faithful are we in producing fruit in our lives? Do we even have a clue of what it would look like to truly produce fruit? To learn what this might look like, RCIA is designed to bring persons into the Catholic Church and unpack the deeper meaning of the Gospels. If you would like to be part of this process, please contact Cynde Bosshart at 253-631-1940, X104 or cyndebosshart@gmail.com .

Changes in Worship Coming this Advent This past weekend, Fr. Kevin Duggan gave a presentation on the changes in the Mass that will begin in Advent. We were reminded that while some things will change regarding our responses, much will remain the same. What will not change is our faith. There are no new doctrines; our Tradition remains unbroken as understood dating back to the life of Jesus and the Apostles. The liturgy remains Christ-centered and will give us new words to better connect with old truths. When we say things differently, we listen with new ears and begin to see with new eyes- thus opening us to a vibrancy that might otherwise be lacking. What remains the same is our Communion, our community, and our God. The words will become more familiar with time and we will be all the richer for our patience.

Eucharistic Minister Trainings - If you are a Confirmed Catholic interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister, please join us at one of the upcoming trainings on Saturday, October 8 at 9 AM or Sunday, October 9 at 1:30 PM (note the new time). Please sign-up at the back of the church or contact Mary Kay Elsner (253-630-3607 or mmelsner@comcast.net) with questions.

Possible Flu Shot Clinic - St. Stephen's is considering offering flu shots ($25 ea.) on Thursday, October 20 from 9-11 AM. If interested, please contact the Parish Offices by Wednesday, Oct 5. We will announce next weekend whether we had enough interest.

Attention all Ushers and Helpers - The Annual Ushers Dinner will be Friday, Oct 7, at 6 PM. Please sign-up in the back of the Church. For more info, please contact Wendell Pang (425-226-6521) or Bob Ball (425-271-8182).

Widow/Widowers - Bunko and Potluck on Saturday, Oct 8 beginning at 6:30 PM. Cost is $3/person. For more info or to RSVP, contact Hilda at 253-638-1815.

Message from Fr. Ed about Catechism Nights - I would like to encourage all to deepen their knowledge and love of our Catholic faith through what is considered by many as the best 'Catechism' they have ever seen- the new Catholicism DVD series by Fr. Robert Barron, who was my Academic Advisor at Mundelein Seminary. We will start on Wednesday, October 5, at 7:30 PM. "This is the most important media project in the history of the Catholic Church in America. A stimulating and compelling exploration of the spiritual, moral, and intellectual riches of the Catholic world." - George Weigel, Biographer of Blessed John Paul II

Infant Baptism - Please contact the Faith formation Office to sign up, as space for classes is limited. Baptisms are held on weekends predetermined by the Faith Formation and Liturgy Staff members, in conjunction with Fr. Ed. Families are not permitted to select their own dates.

1st Grade Parents - Classes are required this year to be eligible for 1st Sacraments in 2nd grade!

Faith Formation Classes start October 5th 6-7:15 PM

Confirmation Classes - Informational Meeting Teen Confirmation October 5th, 7:30pm in the Social Hall

Couples Night Out with Guest Speaker Dr. Tom Curran Saturday, Oct 8, here at St. Stephen. Catered dinner ($20/couple) at 6 PM, followed by the presentation (free) at 7 PM titled, Marriage: A Gift from God. To register for the talk, contact cyndebosshart@gmail.com; for a childcare reservation, contact Brigitte (425-351-5518 or ststephenschildcare@gmail.com). Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct 5.

Catholic Women from the Columbia River to the Canadian Border and from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains are invited to gather for the Annual Seattle Remembrance Banners The Feasts Days of All Saints and All Soul’s are fast approaching. During the month of November, it is a St. Stephen’s tradition to remember those who have died. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex (now through Oct. 23) for you to write the names of friends/family who have passed away this past year. We will print their names on a ribbon and hang it over the baptismal font during the month of November. You may write the names of those who died prior to this year in the Book of Life (next to the Holy Water font) after November 1. We will pray for all those named in the book and on the banners during the month of November. NOTE:  We need a volunteer to compile an alphabetical list of names for the ribbons. If you can do this, please contact cyndebosshart@gmail.com.

Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women's Convention on Friday, Oct 21 and Saturday, Oct 22, 2011 right here at St. Stephen! The theme is, We Are the Light of the World. For more details, call President Sue Bregel (253-350-1874) or visit www.SeattleACCW.org.

Women’s Fellowship Gathering - All women of the parish are invited to join St. Stephen Council of Catholic Women for our “First Saturday” monthly meeting Saturday, Oct. 8. We start at 8:30 AM with Mass at the Chapel, followed by 9 AM Adoration in the Chapel, and 10-11:15 AM Fellowship Brunch with a fun activity in the kitchen area near the parish office. Childcare available with advance request. Learn more us at www.Seattle ACCW.org. Questions? Contact Kathleen Tansey (Cenral Deanery President) at 253-631-7879, Phyllis Albrecht (Vice Pres.) at 425-272-7165 in evenings or StStephenCCW@comcast.net.

Do you have the capability of recording old vinyl LP's onto CD format? The St. Stephen Music Department is in need of transferring non-copyrighted music onto a newer format. If you can help, please call the Parish Office and leave your name and number for John Burton. Thank you.

Donations Wanted - Please contact us if you have an automobile, truck or adult bicycle that you can donate (tax receipt available). We are also in need of a working freezer. If you can help with any of these things, we can even arrange for pick up!

November Men's Shelter - Please see the sign-up board in the Narthex that looks like this (see right) and put your name down if you can help prepare meals for men at a Renton host church. Details are on the sign-up board or contact Darlene to learn more (253-631-1940, X119).

Backpacks for the Homeless Project - We will be putting backpacks together for homeless women, children/youth and men again this year. Collections of the following items will start this week and we welcome your donations of hand warmers, small tarps, and small flashlights. Donations may be left in the Narthex wicker baskets or brought to the Outreach Annex. Thank you!

Help End Abortion 
- Life Chain Sunday is Oct 2.  For details, please see the insert in this weekend's bulletin or visit www.ststephens.us/bulletin/OCT_02_2011_insrt1.pdf or www.LifeChain.net
- First Wednesday is Oct 5.  Spend an hour in prayer with the Renton Helpers of God's Precious Infants at the Cedar River (abortion) Clinics, located in the Cascade Crest Building at 263 Rainier Ave. S. in Renton. Fr. Ed will lead a pro-life rosary at 11 AM. Contact Bernie (bkwit6gc@msn.com) to schedule an hour of your choosing between 7:30 AM and 5 PM so you will not be there alone.
- Second Saturday is Oct 8.  Pray with the Seattle Helpers of God’s Precious Infants (www.SeattleHelpers.org) starting with morning Mass at the Knights of Columbus Hall (722 E. Union, Seattle) and followed by a peaceful prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood (2001 E. Madison, Seattle). Call Louise for exact time at 425-271-7185.

Thank you, Blood Donors! - Thanks so much to the 22 blood donors who showed up on Saturday! The next blood drive is on Saturday, Dec 3; please mark your calendars now. Again, many thanks for your support! Blessings to you all, Cindy Mortimer

If you are grieving the death of a loved one, come find strength and compassion with the St. Stephen’s Grief Support Group on Sunday, Oct 16 from 1:00- 2:30 PM in the Chapel. Our topic will be, "New Beginnings/The Promise of Hope". For questions, please contact Sharon Rasmussen at 425-228-1437. The Lord heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds. - Ps alm 147, 2-3

October 3 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Troop 714

October 4 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:30a – 12:00p Scripture Study
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 9:00p Scripture Study
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

October 5 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 –11:30a beC.O.M.E.
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p – 7:15p Religious Education Classes
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 9:00p Returning Catholics & Adult Confirmation
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice
7:30p – 9:00p Catechism Class
7:30p – 9:00p Confirmation Information

October 6 Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a – 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
6:30p – 9:00p Parish Leadership Night
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
7:00p – 9:00p Pastoral Council

October 7 First Friday
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3p Sat. Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 9:00p Ushers Dinner

October 8 Saturday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9a Fri. – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a – 11:00a Eucharistic Minister Training
10:00a – 11:30a Council of Catholic Women
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS
After Mass Knights' Apple Sale
6:00p – 9:00p Couples Night Out w/Dr. Tom Curran
6:30p -10:00p Widows/Widowers

October 9 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
After Mass French Toast Breakfast/Knights' Apple Sale
9:45a – 10:45a Altar Server Training
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
11:00a – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
After Mass French Toast Breakfast/Knights’ Apple Sale
1:30p – 3:30p Eucharistic Minister Training (note new time)
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
After Mass Knights’ Apple Sale
6:45p – 8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

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