Wednesday, December 18, 2013

December 22, 2013 - January 5, 2014

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

Sr High Quest Retreat! - January 24-26 For all high school youth, (required for all Confirmation Candidates).  Registration will begin soon!

You are Invited to Explore the
Catholic Faith With Us! - Want to Grow Deeper in Your Catholic Faith?  Want to Return to the Catholic Church?  Seeking Adult Confirmation? Adult Confirmation and Returning Catholics Classes start on Wed. January 8th 2014.To register, or for more information contact Clare Ettensohn at sstm.talents@gmail.com or 253.631.1940 ext. 131

St. Anthony School Open House on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 6:30 pm.  There will be opportunities to tour the school, hear from our Principal and visit with teachers and current parents.

Parish Snow Policy
Our campus may close unexpectedly due to snow or other winter-related events.
Fr. Ed will do his best to offer Masses at scheduled times, even when we are unable
to remove snow and make access safe and easy. Weekday evening meetings and events are most likely to be adversely impacted by a weather event and therefore will be cancelled.
Sources of Info
▪    Parish Website: www.StStephensLife.com (see Parish News Twitter-box)
▪    FlockNotes text messages
▪    Kent School District website and TV closure announcements (during the school year St. Stephens generally follows the district’s closure determinations for weekdays)
▪    Parish phone message. Note, we are not able to update our message via remote
▪    Thus, an overnight weather event could result in closure without the possibility of updating the message
▪    Failure of phone message to play will mean that power is out and our campus is closed
▪    Signs on 192nd Street: cones blocking driveway or sign at gate indicating closure

Safety is top priority. Stay home if you do not feel you can get to and back from St. Stephens, safely – even if our campus is open.

Advent and Christmas Liturgy Schedule
Advent Reconciliation Service Thursday, December 19th at 7:00p
Christmas Eve  Tues. Dec. 24th 
4:00 Mass (Music: Life Teen), Carols and blessing of the Creche before Mass.
6:15p "Lessons and Carols" followed by the 7:00p Mass (Music: Schola - Janet & Women)
Midnight Mass 12:00 (Music: 8:30 choir) Carols start at 11:30 prior to Mass.
Christmas Day Wed. Dec. 25th    8:30 Mass (Music: 5:00 Choir) with Carols at 8:00,
11:00 Mass (Music: Filipino Choir) with Carols at 11:00.
Vigil for New Years Tues. Dec. 31st   Mass 6:30p
New Years Day Wed. January 1st      Mass 9:00a

The March for Life in Olympia will be Tuesday, January 21st, 2014.  Events begin with 9:30 AM Mass with Archbishop Sartain at St. Martin's University Marcus Pavilion, Lacey, WA.  For your convenience, the Central Deanery ACCW arranges comfortable motor coaches to/from Seattle, Renton, Covington, Kent, and Auburn.  In addition to freeing passengers from parking concerns, the buses offer opportunity for group prayer and fellowship during the ride.  Please see details available for download from the picture of the bus at www.ststephenslife.com or watch for info in the narthex beginning January 4th..

Coffee and Doughnuts after Sunday morning Masses on the Feast of the Holy Family, December 29th, will be brought to you by St. Stephen Respect Life Committee.  Proceeds support pregnancy aid centers and pro-life speakers.  Please join us!

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

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

Father Colm Stone Anniversary! - This December, Father Colm Stone will celebrate 50 years as a priest. Many will remember him from his time at St. Stephens. He enriched the parish life so much. Fr. Colm is now at the Carmelite Monastery in San Jose, CA.  Please consider sending him a thank you and congratulations. It would be great if you could enclose a picture of yourself, also. Cards and letters can be mailed to: Father Colm Stone OCD,  P.O. Box 3420,  San Jose, CA 95156


December 23    Monday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
noon –  6:00p    Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p        Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p        MASS
7:00p – 8:00p        Eucharistic Adoration

December 24    Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
3:45p – 4:00p    Carols & Blessing of the Creche
4:00p – 5:00p    MASS
6:15p – 7:00p    Lessons and Carols
7:00p – 8:00p    MASS
11:30 -12:00a    Carols

December 25    Wednesday
12:00a--1:00a    MASS  (Carols at 11:30PM)   
8:30a – 9:30a    MASS  (Carols at 8:00)
11:30 -12:30p    MASS  (Carols at 11:00)

December 26    Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a        MASS
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 7:45p        Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:45p – 8:15p    Most Precious Blood of Jesus Devotions

December 27    Friday
8:30a – 9:00a        MASS
9:00a–10:00a        Reconciliation
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 3:30p    Divine Mercy Chaplet

December 28    Saturday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p        Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p        Vigil MASS

December 29    Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a        MASS
11:00--12:00p        MASS
5:30p – 6:30p        MASS
6:30p – 9:00p        Charismatic Prayer Group

December 30    Monday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
noon –  6:00p    Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p        Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p        MASS
7:00p – 8:00p        Eucharistic Adoration

December 31    Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p -- 6:30p        Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 7:00p        Vigil MASS

January  1    Wed.  Mary Mother of God
9:00a – 10:00    MASS

January  2    Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a        MASS
8:30a –12:00p    Thursday Crew
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 7:45p        Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena

January  3         First Friday
6:00a – 7:30a     That Man Is You
8:30a – 9:00a     MASS
9:00a–10:00a     Reconciliation
9:00a–9a Sat.     Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 –11:45a     Food Bank
3:00p – 3:30p      Divine Mercy Chaplet

January  4          First Saturday
7:30a – 8:00a      Morning Prayer
8:00a – 9:00a      Girl Friends
8:00a--10:00a      SSTM Men's Group
8:10a – 8:20a      Benediction
8:30a – 9:00a      MASS
9:00a – 4:00p      Eucharistic Adoration
10a -- 11:30a       Council of Catholic Women
3:00p – 4:00p      Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p      Vigil MASS

January  5        Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a    MASS
11:00- 12:00p    MASS
5:30p – 6:30p    MASS
6:30p – 9:00p    Charismatic Prayer Group

January  6         Monday
8:30a – 9:00a     Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00 -11:45a     Food Bank
10:00--12:00p     Library Story Time
noon — 2:00p     Rosary Making
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

January  7    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

January  8    Wednesday
8:30a –  9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a –  4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:45a—12:30p        Visitation Guild
9:30 -- 11:30a        beC.O.M.E.
4:00p –  5:45p    Food Bank
5:30p –  6:00p        Evening Prayer
6:00p – 8:00p    Evangelization & Communications
6:30p -- 7:00p        MASS
7:00p – 9:00p        Returning Catholics & Adult Conf.
7:15p – 9:00p        Choir Practice

January  9    Thursday
8:30a –  9:00a        MASS
8:30a –12:00p    Thursday Crew
9:00a –  4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p –  7:30p    Girl Friends
6:30p –  7:00p        MASS
7:00p –  7:45p        Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –  8:30p    Scouts Senior Troop
7:00p –  8:30p    Venture Scouts
7:00p –  8:30p    Legislative Advocacy
7:00p --  9:00p    Pastoral Council
7:00p –  9:00p        RCIA

January 10    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
10:00–11:45a    Food Bank
3:00p – 3:30p    Divine Mercy Chaplet


January 11    Saturday
8:00a – 9:00a    Girl Friends
8:30a -- 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a.– 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p       Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p       Vigil MASS
6:00p – 9:00p       South King County Young Adults

January 12    Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a        MASS
11:00- 12:00p        MASS
5:30p – 6:30p        MASS
6:30p – 9:00p        Charismatic Prayer Grp

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

December 15th, 2013

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

Sr High Quest Retreat! - January 24-26 For all high school youth, (required for all Confirmation Candidates).  Registration will begin soon!

Grief Ministry - 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, December 15th from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Chapel.  Our topic will be "Depression / Getting the Help You Need."  For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen at 425-228-1437.   “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”  Isaiah 40:31   

You are Invited to Explore the
Catholic Faith With Us! - Want to Grow Deeper in Your Catholic Faith?  Want to Return to the Catholic Church?  Seeking Adult Confirmation? Adult Confirmation and Returning Catholics Classes start on Wed. January 8th 2014.To register, or for more information contact Clare Ettensohn at sstm.talents@gmail.com or 253.631.1940 ext. 131

St. Anthony School Open House on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 6:30 pm.  There will be opportunities to tour the school, hear from our Principal and visit with teachers and current parents.

Parish Snow Policy
Our campus may close unexpectedly due to snow or other winter-related events.
Fr. Ed will do his best to offer Masses at scheduled times, even when we are unable
to remove snow and make access safe and easy. Weekday evening meetings and events are most likely to be adversely impacted by a weather event and therefore will be cancelled.
Sources of Info
▪    Parish Website: www.StStephensLife.com (see Parish News Twitter-box)
▪    FlockNotes text messages
▪    Kent School District website and TV closure announcements (during the school year St. Stephens generally follows the district’s closure determinations for weekdays)
▪    Parish phone message. Note, we are not able to update our message via remote
▪    Thus, an overnight weather event could result in closure without the possibility of updating the message
▪    Failure of phone message to play will mean that power is out and our campus is closed
▪    Signs on 192nd Street: cones blocking driveway or sign at gate indicating closure

Safety is top priority. Stay home if you do not feel you can get to and back from St. Stephens, safely – even if our campus is open.


Advent and Christmas Liturgy Schedule
Advent Reconciliation Service Thursday, December 19th at 7:00p
Christmas Eve  Tues. Dec. 24th  
4:00 Mass (Music: Life Teen), Carols and blessing of the Creche before Mass.
6:15p "Lessons and Carols" followed by the 7:00p Mass (Music: Schola - Janet & Women)
Midnight Mass 12:00 (Music: 8:30 choir) Carols start at 11:30 prior to Mass.
Christmas Day Wed. Dec. 25th    8:30 Mass (Music: 5:00 Choir) with Carols at 8:00,
11:00 Mass (Music: Filipino Choir) with Carols at 11:00.
Vigil for New Years Tues. Dec. 31st   Mass 6:30p
New Years Day Wed. January 1st      Mass 9:00a

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

December 16    Monday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00 -11:45a    Food Bank
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

December 17    Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a–11:45a        Scripture Study
6:00p -- 6:30p        Terrific Tuesday Dinner
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

December 18    Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:30 -- 11:30a        beC.O.M.E
4:00p – 5:45p    Food Bank
5:30p – 6:00p        Evening Prayer
6:30p -- 7:00p        MASS
7:00p – 9:30p    Saturday Choir Practice
7:15p – 9:00p        8:30 Sunday Choir Practice
7:30p – 9:00p        Catechism with Fr. Ed

December 19    Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a        MASS
8:30a –12:00p    Thursday Crew
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p – 8:30p    Cub Scouts
6:30p – 7:30p    Girl Friends
7:00p – 7:45p        Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 8:30p        Boy Scout Committee
7:00p – 9:00p        Finance Council
7:00p – 9:00p        RCIA
7:45p – 8:15p    Most Precious Blood of Jesus Devotions

December 20    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
10:00 –11:45a    Food Bank
6:00p – 9:00p         50+ Potluck

December 21    Saturday
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        Simbang Gabi Vigil MASS
6:00p – 8:00p    Simbang Gabi Reception

December 22    Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a        MASS
11:00- 12:00p        MASS
5:30p – 6:30p        MASS
6:30p – 9:00p        Charismatic Prayer Group

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

December 8th, 2013

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

ADVENT NIGHT FOR  PARENTS AND CHILDREN  (GRADES K-4) Parents are invited to join their children for a special Advent Program during  CCD class on  Wednesday, December 11  from 6:00pm -7:15pm

Sr High Quest Retreat! - January 24-26 For all high school youth, (required for all Confirmation Candidates).  Registration will begin soon!

Grief Ministry - 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, December 15th from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Chapel.  Our topic will be "Depression / Getting the Help You Need."  For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen at 425-228-1437.   “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”  Isaiah 40:31    

You are Invited to Explore the
Catholic Faith With Us! - Want to Grow Deeper in Your Catholic Faith?  Want to Return to the Catholic Church?  Seeking Adult Confirmation? Adult Confirmation and Returning Catholics Classes start on Wed. January 8th 2014.To register, or for more information contact Clare Ettensohn at sstm.talents@gmail.com or 253.631.1940 ext. 131

Breakfast with Santa This Sunday in the Social Hall:
Don’t wait in long lines to photograph your child with Santa Claus!  A limited amount of tickets are available after the 8:30 mass for this fun family event sponsored by the St. Stephen Parent Club.   Along with a delicious breakfast with Santa, there will be entertainment & a raffle.  Event runs from 9:45 am to 2:00 pm. The cost is $15 individual, $45 for household, and $95 to purchase a table for 8.  Event helps fund Student Scholarships for continuing Catholic Education. 


St. Anthony School Open House on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 6:30 pm.  There will be opportunities to tour the school, hear from our Principal and visit with teachers and current parents.


Advent and Christmas Liturgy Schedule
Advent Reconciliation Service Thursday, December 19th at 7:00p
Christmas Eve  Tues. Dec. 24th   
4:00 Mass (Music: Life Teen), Carols and blessing of the Creche before Mass.
6:15p "Lessons and Carols" followed by the 7:00p Mass (Music: Schola - Janet & Women) 
Midnight Mass 12:00 (Music: 8:30 choir) Carols start at 11:30 prior to Mass.
Christmas Day Wed. Dec. 25th    8:30 Mass (Music: 5:00 Choir) with Carols at 8:00,
11:00 Mass (Music: Filipino Choir) with Carols at 11:00.
Vigil for New Years Tues. Dec. 31st   Mass 6:30p
New Years Day Wed. January 1st      Mass 9:00a

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

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!

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.

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
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.

December  9    Monday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
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 – 8:00p    SSHA Board Meeting
7:00p – 8:30p        Boy Scout Troop 714

December 10    Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a–11:45a        Scripture Study
6:00p -- 6:30p        Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 7:00p        MASS
6:30p – 8:00p        Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p        Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p        Stephen Ministry
7:15p – 8:45p    SSTM Gabriel Project

December 11    Wednesday
8:30a –  9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a –  4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
9:45a—12:30p        Visitation Guild
9:30 -- 11:30a        beC.O.M.E.
4:00p – 5:45p    Food Bank
5:30p –  6:00p        Evening Prayer
6:00p – 8:00p    Evangelization & Communications
6:30p -- 7:00p        MASS
7:00p – 9:30p    Practice for Sat. Choir
7:15p – 9:00p        Practice for 8:30 Sun. Choir

December 12    Thursday
8:30a –  9:00a        MASS
8:30a –12:00p    Thursday Crew
9:00a –  4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p –  7:00p        MASS
7:00p –  7:45p        Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –  8:30p    Venture Scouts
7:00p –  8:30p    Scouts Senior Troop
7:00p –  9:00p        RCIA

December 13    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
10:00 –11:45a    Food Bank
3:00p – 3:30p    Divine Mercy Chaplet

December 14    Saturday
8:30a -- 9:00a        Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a.– 4:00p        Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p       Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p       Vigil MASS
6:00p – 9:00p       South King County Young Adults

December 15    Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a        MASS
11:00- 12:00p        MASS
1:00p – 2:30p        Grief Support
5:30p – 6:30p        MASS
6:30p – 9:00p        Charismatic Prayer Group