Wednesday, November 20, 2013

November 24th, 2013

St Stephens’ Facebook Page - “Like us”  at https://www.facebook.com/StStephensRenton

Thanksgiving Break - CCD classes for children in grades K-4 will NOT meet on Wednesday, November 27th. Connections, Jr & Senior High Life Teen will NOT meet on Sunday, December 1st.

Dwelling Place Returns Monday November 25th following evening mass from about 7:30 to 9:30 PM.  This is a new healing prayer ministry from WWCCR and hosted by St. Stephens. Come join us for soft music, quiet prayer and be filled with the supernatural touch of the Holy Spirit.  If you are suffering and need physical, emotional, or spiritual healing or if you would just like to pray quietly in an environment of love and support, come experience Dwelling Place.  All are welcome.  Trained prayer groups will be available to those that are interested. Reminder, that we only hold our meeting on the 4th Monday of the month. We will not have one in  December. The next one is Jan 27th

Training for Healing Prayer Ministry The Western Washington Catholic Charismatic Renewal (WWCCR) is presenting the Christian Healing Ministries School of Healing Prayer for 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacy beginning in January 2014.The School of Healing Prayer is designed to teach individuals, churches, prayer groups, and other Christian organizations about healing prayer.  Training is comprised of DVD presentations from Christian Healing Ministries as well as live presentations, group discussions, and prayer practicums (applying what has been presented).  Typically meet one Saturday a month from January through November. Attendance at one of the following Orientation meetings is required to participate in the 2014 Classes.  Class size is limited.  Saturday, December 7, 2013 10:00 am – 11:30 am  or Saturday, January 4, 2014 10:00 am – 11:30 am  The orientations will be held at Sacred Heart in Fabian Hall.  For  information and to let us know you will attend, please contact:Ron Nauer or Rita Nauer (253) 632-0160 nauerron@gmail.com (from St. Stephens) Bill Wiebe:  (360) 456-3264 / Bill33wiebe@comcast.net or WWCCR:  (206) 364-2272 / info@wwccr.org

The Respect Life Committee extends big THANKS to all who helped make our October 26th Harvest of Mercy celebration a  success.  Our gratitude goes to many, including Flame Catering, all who brought desserts, contributed financially, and all who spontaneously pitched in and helped with everything.  You all made it happen.  THANK YOU!

Mark Shea Coming to St Stephen the Martyr December 14
We are pleased to feature Catholic author, blogger, and speaker Mark Shea for our Advent Day of Reflection on Saturday, December 14th. Born and raised in Everett, Washington, he describes himself as a "double-jump convert, raised more or less as an agnostic pagan, who became a non-denominational Evangelical in 1979, and entered the Catholic Church in 1987". Shea has authored several books and maintains the "Catholic and Enjoying It!" Blog. Mark will begin his presentation shortly following the 8:30AM mass and conclude by 12:30PM. His topics will include: “Incarnational Evangelism” and “101 Reasons Not to Be a Catholic.”  All are welcome!

Thanksgiving Candle Exchange - Please bring a candle (with your name printed on the bottom) to exchange with another family, to  the Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00. Please place on the baptismal fount before Mass to be blessed during our celebration.

Catholic Colleges - Please check out our new brochures from DeSales University in Pennsylvania – it is run by the Salesians.  “Desire to be very well what you are!”  - St. Francis de Sales

Morning Prayer....it's for everyone  You probably have heard of Morning Prayer or the Divine Office as priests call it and pray it every day. We, at St. Stephens, have been conducting Morning prayer for many years. Morning Prayer takes place in the chapel at 8:30 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. It takes about 20 Minutes and we usually pray the rosary afterwards. Morning prayer is a wonderful way to start the day, because it puts God at the beginning of the day.  Morning prayer begins with a song, then continues with three meaningful Palms and Canticles. Then we proclaim the scripture reading of the day, followed by prayers of the faithful. Finally we pray a prayer of thanksgiving and ask the Lord for His blessing. If you have some time in the mornings, please consider joining in with this wonderful ministry. We would be honored. Children are welcome. Contact Bernie Wittgens, if you have questions or just show up at 8:30 AM in the Chapel.

In Need of Metro Tickets!! Many of the people we serve in our outreach ministries are in need of help with basic transportation.  With King County's Metro Transit Incentives Program you can help provide transportation to those who need to get to a job, school, or a hot meal!  Simply fill out and send in the Metro Transit Incentives Program Order Form provided as a bulletin insert. King County Metro will send you eight free metro tickets.  If you are not in need of these tickets, please drop them off at our parish office, to the care of Clare Ettensohn, and they will be used to provide transportation for those in need.

Angel Giving Trees True joy is in giving, not receiving!  Help bring Christmas to those most in need!  Simply take a tag off of a tree and purchases the item listed on the tag.  Return the item unwrapped with the tag attached. This year we have four different organizations represented by Giving Trees in the Narthex:

Sibling House - Sibling House is a Kirkland based children's charity whose mission is helping siblings to stay together, as a family, while in foster care.  Presents put under this tree will ensure that each child at Sibling House has a present at Christmas.

St. Stephen's Housing Association - St Stephen's Housing Association works to address the needs of homeless families with children by providing housing with support services to enable families to move toward economic stability and self-sufficiency.  Presents put under this tree will help provided homeless families with some of their basic necessities this Christmas season.

Many thanks to all who attended SSHA; Wine Tasting Fundraiser on November 9th, 2013. We are over whelmed by your generosity and support of our mission to help the homeless in our community.

Christmas for a Ugandan  Seminarian! Emmanuel, who is one of the seminarians sponsored  directly by our parish, is in need of a laptop for completion of his studies. If you are considering upgrading to a new laptop, Emmanuel would love the used laptop.  A staff member at Seattle University

Breakfast with Santa at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish: Bring your family & friends and join the St. Stephen Parent Club for breakfast, a visit with Santa, entertainment & a raffle on December 8th from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.  Advanced tickets only to this event.  The cost is $15 individual, $45 for household, and $95 to purchase a table for 8.  Look for ticket sales in the narthex beginning next weekend. Event helps fund Student Scholarships for continuing Catholic Education.  Contact Abbie DeRuyter, abbiederuyter@gmail.com or 425-829-5584 for further information.

HEALTH ALERT! - We have had a couple of cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the parish. Infants under 2 months are especially vulnerable because they haven’t received an inoculation yet at that age. Adults can help by double-checking your immunization records. The inoculation typically comes with a tetanus shot every ten years.

Narthex Displays: - Reserve Your Space Please remember, parish organizations wishing to place a display or promotion in the Narthex, must schedule in advance. To assure a Godly sense of order and safety we limit the number of displays and fundraisers in the Narthex space. Generally, reservations are granted on a first come first serve basis (for choice spaces, on any given weekend). Applications are available in the parish office. Contact Betty Mencke (253-631-1940 x100). Ad hoc display.

Women's Shelter Though our parish family is not yet directly serving the women's shelter at Holy Spirit in Kent we were invited to take part if this would be something you were interested in.  All coordination of the women's shelter going on at this time is done by Holy Spirit. 253-859-0444

Baptism Class Schedule - Thursday, Dec. 12 * 6:00pm - 8:00pm; Saturday, Jan. 11 * 10:00am-12:00pm Parents and godparents are required to attend a Baptism class prior to having your child baptized. Pre-registration is necessary. Call Abbie DeRuyter in the Faith Formation Office 253-631-6175.

Attention High School Youth - It is Time to REGISTER for Yakima Mission!!! Pick up your registration form at Lifeteen, Confirmation Class or from the Faith Formation Office. There isa $100.00 deposit due with registration.

You are invited to serve God at St Stephen's by greeting people before Mass. Often overlooked, this Ministry of Welcome is highly valued by Father Ed as the first contact people have to the Mass and how it is important to extend the gift of hospitality to others as they arrive! It has been said that "the warmth of love greeted me the first time I visited St Stephen's and so I came back." This is exactly what the Year of Faith desires to accomplish…inviting people to come to the Lord! It is so easy- arrive early for the Mass you attend, select an entrance and welcome people with the Peace of God. Join us before the end of November as we prepare to greet many visitors during the Christmas season. Contact Jane 206-229-6778 or jane.gootherts@gmail.com

Office Data Entry Volunteer Needed! We are looking a for data entry volunteer to assist Betty Menke with the collection posting once a week for three hours.  Day and time is based on the volunteer's availability.  Training is provided and the volunteer will learn how to post the collection into our parish database.  If you are interested in supporting our parish through this vital volunteer role please contact Betty Menke at 253.631.1940 x100 or bettymencke@gmail.com.

Free Cremation Burial Do you have the cremated remains of a loved one at home? Many people do not know what to do after the urn is returned to the family. As Catholics, we recognize the sacredness of the human body including the cremated remains of the body. During November, Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, is offering Catholics and their extended families NO COST placement of cremated remains in our new Cabrini sanctuary. Please contact our office if your are interested in participating. Calvary Catholic Cemetery 5014 35th Ave NE, Seattle, 206-522-0996 staff@MyCatholicCemetery.org

Church decorators are needed for Advent decorating on Saturday Nov. 30. at 9:15 am. Please let Rosanna  Liliequist  (contact  L18807@comcast.net) know if you can make it. Many Thanks.

Renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson will be the keynote speaker at Vitae Foundation's annual Seattle Pro-Life Benefit Dinner on   December 10th.  See www.vitaefoundation.org/events for details and online registration, or phone St. Stephen Respect Life Committee member Craig 425.970.3706 to register with our St. Stephen table.

The Knights of St. Stephen the Martyr are again selling our Keep Christ in Christmas cards in the Narthex after each Mass.  To combat the secular culture, which attacks Christianity in the public sphere, we believe that sending religiously oriented Christmas cards shows our Faith in Christ.

November 25    Monday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00--12:00p    Fairwood Library Children's Story Time
10:00 -11:45a    Food Bank
noon –  6:00p    Eucharistic Adoration
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
7:00p – 8:30p    Boy Scout Committee
7:00p–10:00p    Dwelling Place

November 26    Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p – 7:00p        MASS
7:00p – 8:30p        Cub Scouts
6:30p – 8:00p        Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 9:00p        Stephen Ministry
7:15p – 9:00p        Respect Life Committee
7:15p – 9:00p    Liturgy Commission

November 27    Wednesday
8:00a –10:00a    Outreach
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
4:00p – 5:45p    Food Bank
5:30p – 6:00p        Evening Prayer
6:30p -- 7:00p        MASS
7:15p – 9:00p        Choir Practice
7:30p – 9:00p        Confirmation Class

November 28    Thursday (Thanksgiving Day)
8:30a – 9:00a        MASS
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
1:00p – 3:00p    Thanksgiving Day Dinner
7:00p – 7:45p        Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena

November 29    Friday
6:00a – 7:30a    That Man Is You
8:30a – 9:15a        MASS
9:00a–10:00a        Reconciliation
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 –11:45a    Food Bank

November 30    Saturday
8:00a – 9:00a    Zumba Fitness
8:30a -- 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:15a–11:30a    Advent Decorating
3:00p – 4:00p        Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p        Vigil MASS

December  1    Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a        MASS
11:00- 12:00p        MASS
5:30p – 6:30p        MASS
6:30p – 9:00p        Charismatic Prayer Group
6:45p – 8:15p        Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:45p – 8:15p        Connections

Friday, November 15, 2013

November 17th, 2013

St. Stephen’s Invites You to a Special Event: Potluck & Movie Night! - Join us on Friday, November 15th at 6pm in the Social Hall for a Thanksgiving potluck followed by a screening of the movie Courageous. Rated PG-13, Courageous is film about four police offers who struggle with faith and family when a tragedy strikes close to home. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to share and join us for a night of food, fun, and fellowship! For additional information contact Clare Ettensohn: cettensohn@gmail.com 253.631.1940 x 131. Sponsored by the St. Stephen’s 50+ Senior Group

Our Faithful Response to Mental Illness Saturday, November 16, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (Program starts at 9:00 am) St. Catherine of Siena  Parish Center, 814 NE 85th This event sponsored by the leadership team of the JustFaith Graduates network in western Washington will be open to Randy Revelle (former King County Executive) and Trez Buckland (Assistant Professor UW), Theological Reflection by Fr. Paul        Magnano (Pastor, Christ Our Hope), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – “In Our Own Voice” Presentation, Models of Parish Ministry and Advocacy. Please contact the Missions Office to register and for more information (missionsoffice@seattlearch.org, 206.382.4580 or 800.869.7028).

St Stephens’ Facebook Page
“Like us”  at https://www.facebook.com/StStephensRenton

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, November 17th from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Chapel. Our topic will be"Pathways Through The Holiday Season." For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen at 425-228-1437. “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Mt. 5, 4   

Holiday Concert  - The holidays are just around the corner. Why not start-off by attending a concert? The Boeing Employee Choir Holiday is travelling to Kampala in December and can deliver it for us. For more information, contact Diane Cooper at imdcooper@comcast.net. November 22nd at 7pm in the St. Anthony Parish Hall. Families welcome. Donation at the door.

Catholic Colleges - Please check out our new brochures from DeSales University in Pennsylvania – it is run by the Salesians.  “Desire to be very well what you are!”  - St. Francis de Sales

Christmas for a Ugandan  Seminarian! Emmanuel, who is one of the seminarians sponsored  directly by our parish, is in need of a laptop for completion of his studies. If you are considering upgrading to a new laptop, Emmanuel would love the used laptop.  A staff member at Seattle University

Free Seminar - Secure Your Good Intentions Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also  (Matt 6:21)  Learn how easy it is to assure your resolutions after you are gone — if you act while you are healthy  Learn from local experts about …. “Putting your affairs in order” — it’s easier than you might think ; Assuring your legacy; Guardianship issues; Increasing your retirement income and more!  When? Thursday, November 21 Choice of times: 3pm-4:30, or 7pm-8:30 Where: St. Stephen the Martyr, Narthex

Breakfast with Santa at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish: Bring your family & friends and join the St. Stephen Parent Club for breakfast, a visit with Santa, entertainment & a raffle on December 8th from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.  Advanced tickets only to this event.  The cost is $15 individual, $45 for household, and $95 to purchase a table for 8.  Look for ticket sales in the narthex beginning next weekend. Event helps fund Student Scholarships for continuing Catholic Education.  Contact Abbie DeRuyter, abbiederuyter@gmail.com or 425-829-5584 for further information.

Holiday Concert  -The holidays are just around the corner.  Why not start off by attending the Boeing Employee Choir Holiday Concert?
November 22nd at 7pm in the St. Anthony Parish Hall.  Families welcome.  Donation at the door.

HEALTH ALERT! - We have had a couple of cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the parish. Infants under 2 months are especially vulnerable because they haven’t received an inoculation yet at that age. Adults can help by double-checking your immunization records. The inoculation typically comes with a tetanus shot every ten years.

Narthex Displays: - Reserve Your Space Please remember, parish organizations wishing to place a display or promotion in the Narthex, must schedule in advance. To assure a Godly sense of order and safety we limit the number of displays and fundraisers in the Narthex space. Generally, reservations are granted on a first come first serve basis (for choice spaces, on any given weekend). Applications are available in the parish office. Contact Betty Mencke (253-631-1940 x100). Ad hoc display.

Thanksgiving Dinner - This year we'd like to try something different in hosting our annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Instead of a few people doing most all the work we thought it would be nice to try pulling together a committee to give others who normally aren't involved an opportunity to serve in a new way. There are many ways to serve in this parish and I can't think of a more rewarding way to be able to do that in such a way as serving during this special time of year for those who may not have any other family but us. In forming this committee it will not take too much considering  we've been serving these dinners for years and we have it pretty much down pat. It just takes willing servants to help put it all together. Below are listed some of the opportunities to serve on the committee. Some would require a person to be present during the dinner and and other not. If you feel as though this may be a way the Lord is asking you to serve his children then please contact Candace in Outreach or if you have any questions.  Needed Service Positions: -Meal Prep Coordinator -Food Donations Coordinator -Shopper -Decoration Coordinator -Media Coordinator-Volunteer Coordinator

Women's Shelter Though our parish family is not yet directly serving the women's shelter at Holy Spirit in Kent we were invited to take part if this would be something you were interested in.  All coordination of the women's shelter going on at this time is done by Holy Spirit. 253-859-0444

Thanksgiving Baskets - St. Stephen’s LifeTeen Youth would like to ask for  your help with providing food for the Elderly this Thanksgiving.  Please pick up a bag and list of needed items this weekend after Mass and return it to the display table in the narthex  by Sunday, Nov. 24th This program is sponsored by Catholic Community Services

Baptism Class Schedule - Thursday, Dec. 12 * 6:00pm - 8:00pm; Saturday, Jan. 11 * 10:00am-12:00pm Parents and godparents are required to attend a Baptism class prior to having your child baptized. Pre-registration is necessary. Call Abbie DeRuyter in the Faith Formation Office 253-631-6175.

Attention High School Youth - It is Time to REGISTER for Yakima Mission!!! Pick up your registration form at Lifeteen, Confirmation Class or from the Faith Formation Office. There isa $100.00 deposit due with registration.

You are invited to serve God at St Stephen's by greeting people before Mass. Often overlooked, this Ministry of Welcome is highly valued by Father Ed as the first contact people have to the Mass and how it is important to extend the gift of hospitality to others as they arrive! It has been said that "the warmth of love greeted me the first time I visited St Stephen's and so I came back." This is exactly what the Year of Faith desires to accomplish…inviting people to come to the Lord! It is so easy- arrive early for the Mass you attend, select an entrance and welcome people with the Peace of God. Join us before the end of November as we prepare to greet many visitors during the Christmas season. Contact Jane 206-229-6778 or jane.gootherts@gmail.com

Office Data Entry Volunteer Needed! We are looking a for data entry volunteer to assist Betty Menke with the collection posting once a week for three hours.  Day and time is based on the volunteer's availability.  Training is provided and the volunteer will learn how to post the collection into our parish database.  If you are interested in supporting our parish through this vital volunteer role please contact Betty Menke at 253.631.1940 x100 or bettymencke@gmail.com. 

ACCW meeting will be on Thursday, November 21 at Sacred Heart in Enumclaw. Please bring a pair or 2 of black socks for our Christmas Seminarian project. Please be there at 10:15A.M. Meeting will be over by 2 P.M. Lunch will be served for $6.  Also $1 for NCCW "WE ARE ONE" campaign. Please RSVP to Phyllis 425-271-7165 or phyllis.albrecht@yahoo.com 

Free Cremation Burial Do you have the cremated remains of a loved one at home? Many people do not know what todo after the urn is returned to the family. As Catholics, we recognize the sacredness of the human body including the cremated remains of the body. During November, Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, is offering Catholics and their extended families NO COST placement of cremated remains in our new Cabrini sanctuary. Please contact our office if your are interested in participating. Calvary Catholic Cemetery 5014 35th Ave NE, Seattle, 206-522-0996 staff@MyCatholicCemetery.org

Church decorators are needed for Advent decorating on Saturday Nov. 30. at 9:15 am. Please let Rosanna  Liliequist  (contact  L18807@comcast.net) know if you can make it. Many Thanks.

Renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson will be the keynote speaker at Vitae Foundation's annual Seattle Pro-Life Benefit Dinner on   December 10th.  See www.vitaefoundation.org/events for details and online registration, or phone St. Stephen Respect Life Committee member Craig 425.970.3706 to register with our St. Stephen table.


A Memorial Mass for Madeline Thorburn will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23rd at 11:00 AM with a reception following. It will be held here at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church. Prior to the Mass a rosary will be said in the adjacent chapel at 10:20 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Madeline's name to Children's Hospital. 

The Knights of St. Stephen the Martyr are again selling our Keep Christ in Christmas cards in the Narthex after each Mass.  To combat the secular culture, which attacks Christianity in the public sphere, we believe that sending religiously oriented Christmas cards shows our Faith in Christ.

November 18    Monday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00--12:00p    Fairwood Library Children's Story Time
noon — 2:00p    Rosary Making
noon –  6:00p    Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p        Evening Prayer
6:00p – 8:00p    Facilities & Grounds
6:30p – 7:00p        MASS
7:00p – 8:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:00p    Cub Scout Parent Planning
7:00p – 8:30p        Boy Scout Troop 714

November 19    Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a–11:45a        Scripture Study
6:30p – 7:00p        MASS
6:30p – 8:00p        Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p        Scripture Study
7:30p – 9:00p        Knights of Columbus
7:30p – 9:00p    Discernment Group for Women

November 20    Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:30 -- 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        Confirmation Class

November 21    Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a        MASS
8:30a –12:00p    Thursday Crew
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:30p    Planned Giving Seminar
6:30p – 7:30p    Zumba Fitness
6:30p – 8:30p    Cub Scouts
7:00p – 7:45p        Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 8:30p    Planned Giving Seminar
7:00p – 8:30p        Boy Scout Committee
7:00p – 9:00p        RCIA
7:45p – 8:15p    Most Precious Blood of Jesus Devotions

November 22    Friday
6:00a – 7:30a    That Man Is You
8:30a – 9:00a        MASS
9:00a–10:00a        Reconciliation
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration

November 23    Saturday
8:00a – 9:00a    Zumba Fitness
8:00a–10:00a    SSTM Men's Group
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p        Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p        Vigil MASS

November 24    Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a        MASS
11:00- 12:00p        MASS
5:30p – 6:30p        MASS
6:30p – 9:00p        Charismatic Prayer Group
6:45p - 8:15p    Connections, Jr & Sr High Life Night