Weekly Hot Sheet

February 26th, 2012

2012-02-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

We are in need of Masters of Ceremony and Altar servers, especially for the Sunday evening Mass. This is a ministry for children (3rd grade and older) and adults. The next training will be Sunday, Mar 11 at 9:45 AM. Please prayerfully consider this ministry. Contact Beth (253-630-5367) for more info.

Women’s Lenten Retreat Day: “The Feminine Ethos” Every society needs both the masculine and the feminine identities to work together to connect the culture. Join Camille Pauley, a nationally recognized speaker from Healing the Culture, for a retreat day from 10 AM - 2 PM on Wednesday, Mar 14 as she discusses the differences between the feminine and masculine ways of approaching the world, some of the problems that arise in culture when women attempt to approach the world like men, and offer some solutions on how men and women can use those identities to help heal our culture. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20/person. Be sure and mark your calendars now! Childcare will be available with reservations only (contact Brigitte at 425-351-5518 to reserve your child's spot).

Lenten Day of Reflection at St. James Cathedral (Seattle) “Journey of Faith: From our Baptism, Called to be Light”, sponsored by the Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, will take place on Saturday, Mar 17 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Fr. Raymond Cleaveland will speak, hear confessions, and lead prayer. In addition, communal prayer, lunch, ACCW mission information, and a tour of the cathedral are included for $35. Visit www.SeattleACCW.org or call registrar Sue Bregel (253-350-1874).

Stations of the Cross will be held on Tuesdays at noon in the Church beginning this week. If you find coming to the Stations at night difficult, this is the time for you! Please join us for this special Lenten reflection. We will use Mother Teresa’s reflections on the Stations again this year.

Join the Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) this Monday, Feb 27 at 7 PM in the St. Stephen's Room to discuss the book, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford. Questions? Contact Suzy Riordan at suzyq8474@aol.com or 253-630-8474.

24-Hour Adoration/Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place the first Friday-Saturday of every month. The next opportunity is from 9 AM on Friday, Mar 2 until 3 PM on Saturday, Mar 3. Please consider making a Holy Hour in Adoration of our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. We all come to Jesus with our praises, our thanksgivings, and our needs. Please sign-up for your favorite time(s) on the board by the Chapel doors. Questions? Contact Bernie Wittgens (253-631-5560).

No More Coupons Needed We are grateful for the generosity of those who clipped and donated. We are in need of "Coupon Queens" to further the project. For those Queens who know who they are, please aid in our parish efforts to make our dollars expand farther.

The Power of ONE Your donation makes a difference! This week's items are: pasta and spaghetti sauce

NEW PARISH APOSTOLATE! St. Stephen's Mission Rosary Making takes place every 1st & 3rd Friday after the 8:30 AM Mass till 11:45 AM in Social Hall. We will begin each group with a prayer for all those receiving the rosaries, as well as for our edification in making them.

Terrific Tuesday Benefit Concert, featuring the Exquisite Strings Quartet, will be Friday, Mar 16 at 7PM at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church Sanctuary (19800 108th Ave. SE, Kent). Free-will offering.

Free Tax Help United Way of King Co. is currently operating 16 free tax preparation sites throughout the county for low and medium income individuals; runs through until Apr 17. Contact Jenny Walden of UWKC at 206-461-3705 or jwalden@uwkc.org for more information.

The Living Stations of the Cross First Meeting: 2pm Sunday February 26th

Church Decorating help needed Lent, Holy Week, and Easter offer lots of opportunities for individuals and groups to help decorate the Church and can also be applied to community service hours. Below is a list of days and times. No experience is necessary- just a desire to help! Please contact Cynde (253-631-1940, X104 or cyndebosshart@gmail.com) or sign up in the Narthex if you can help:
Tue, Feb 21, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Ash Wed/Lent decorating)
Thurs, Mar 29, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (separating palms)
Fri, Mar 30, 9:30 AM - noon (Palm Sun decorating)
Wed, Apr 4, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Holy Thurs preparation)
Fri, Apr 6, 9:00 AM - noon (Good Fri preparation)
Sat, Apr 7, 9:00 AM - noon (Easter decorating)

Lenten Mission Talks Brian Casey, a national speaker with a warm personality and a clear message that is easy to understand for all ages, will be here to present a series called, “Our Walk in His Footsteps”. The first talk will be after the evening Mass on Sunday, Feb 26. After that, he'll give his talks twice daily (in morning and evening sessions) from Monday, Feb 27 through Wednesday, Feb 29. None of the talks will be repeated. Childcare arrangements are currently ‘in the works’. See the bulletin insert for complete details.

February 27 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 10:30a Parish Mission Day #2
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
6:30p – 8:30p Spring Festival Dance Practice
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Troop 714
7:00p – 9:00p Girl Friends Book Club
7:15p – 9:00p Respect Life Committee
7:30p – 9:00p Parish Mission Day #2

February 28 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a –10:30a Parish Mission Day #3
9:20a – 11.45a Scripture Study
12:00p – 1:00p Stations of the Cross
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:00p – 9:00p Masaka Board
6:30p – 8:00p Cub Scouts
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry
7:30p – 9:00p Parish Mission Day #3

February 29 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a – 10:30a Parish Mission Day #4
10:30 – 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
7:30p – 9:00p Parish Mission Day #4

March 1 Thursday
6:15a – 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p – 8:00p Cub Scouts
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p Living Stations of the Cross Practice
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
7:00p – 9:00p Pastoral Council

March 2 First Friday
7:30a – 8:30a Reconciliation
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 9a Sat. Eucharistic Adoration
5:00p – 6:00p Fish Fry
6:00p – 7:00p Stations of the Cross

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

March 4 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
11:00 – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
12:00p – 2:30p Filipino Community
2:00p – 4:00p Living Stations of the Cross Practice
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p – 8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

February 19th, 2012

2012-02-15T07:56:00.001-08:00

The St. Stephen's Youth Choir will be providing the music for the 5:00 Ash Distribution service on Ash Wednesday, where they will also present, "The Tale of Three Trees". This 18-minute musical story tells of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Please come experience this wonderful piece! Youth Choir members should meet at 4:30 PM, in the choir area. All choir members are asked to wear something purple. March rehearsals will be in the Chapel on 3/4 and 3/18, from 10:00 -10:45 AM. New members are welcome to come join us! Call Laurie Samora (253-631-3473) for more information.

We are in need of Masters of Ceremony and Altar servers, especially for the Sunday evening Mass. This is a ministry for children (3rd grade and older) and adults. The next training will be Sunday, Mar 11 at 9:45 AM. Please prayerfully consider this ministry. Contact Beth (253-630-5367) for more info.

Help End Abortion! Renton 40 Days for Life is a campaign of prayer, fasting, and community outreach to end abortion. Respect Life Committee asks you to pray to end abortion with people of faith throughout the world Feb 22–Apr 1. Learn more by coming to our Kick-Off celebration at St. Stephen Tuesday, Feb 21: 6:30 PM Mass with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers; 7:15 PM Refreshments; 7:45 PM Deacon Harold's Presentation; Q & A will conclude the evening. Sign up to join Renton 40 Days for Life in the narthex today and see www.40daysforlife.com/renton for more info.

St. John Respect Life Committee invites all parishioners of South King County Deanery of Western Washington to a South End Respect Life Meeting. The Thursday, Feb 23 evening begins with 6:30 PM Mass at St. John parish (Covington). After refreshments, 47th District Rep. Mark Hargrove will speak about Life Issues coming before the Washington State Legislature in 2012. RSVP by Monday, Feb 20 to Mary K. (19jmj54@comcast.net or 253-631-2088).

What are Catholic Teens Saying About Pro-Life? Polls consistently show that Catholic-schooled teens are as likely as their public-schooled counterparts to be pro-abortion (50%). Catholic Professionals of Seattle presents Camille Pauley, co-founder of Healing the Culture. Come and learn what teens are saying about abortion and how their attitudes are shifting. Friday, Mar 2 at the Newman Center at UW (Seattle). 6:30 AM Check-in and Reconciliation available; 7:00 AM Mass, followed by breakfast; 8:30 AM Presentation. $15 students/$20 members/$35 non-members. Learn more and register (by Feb 29) at www.catholicprofessionalsofseattle.org. Or call 206-841-0487.

Women’s Lenten Retreat Day: “The Feminine Ethos” Every society needs both the masculine and the feminine identities to work together to connect the culture. Join Camille Pauley, a nationally recognized speaker from Healing the Culture, for a retreat day from 10 AM - 2 PM on Wednesday, Mar 14 as she discusses the differences between the feminine and masculine ways of approaching the world, some of the problems that arise in culture when women attempt to approach the world like men, and offer some solutions on how men and women can use those identities to help heal our culture. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20/person. Be sure and mark your calendars now! Childcare will be available with reservations only (contact Brigitte at 425-351-5518 to reserve your child's spot).

Lenten Mission Talks The topic this year is, "Our Walk in His Footsteps". See bulletin insert and page 3 here for more information.

Lenten Day of Reflection at St. James Cathedral (Seattle) “Journey of Faith: From our Baptism, Called to be Light”, sponsored by the Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, will take place on Saturday, Mar 17 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Fr. Raymond Cleaveland will speak, hear confessions, and lead prayer. In addition, communal prayer, lunch, ACCW mission information, and a tour of the cathedral are included for $35. Visit www.SeattleACCW.org or call registrar Sue Bregel (253-350-1874).

Stations of the Cross will be offered on Tuesdays at noon in the Church, beginning Feb 28. If you find night driving difficult, this is the time for you! We will be using Mother Teresa’s reflections. Come and join us!

The Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) is reading Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Please join us on Monday, Feb 27 at 7 PM in the St. Stephen's Room to discuss the book. Questions? Contact Suzy Riordan at suzyq8474@aol.com or 253-630-8474.

The Annual Mardi Gras Luncheon and Fashion Show will be this Tuesday, Feb 21 at 11:00 AM. Call Elsie Lowenstein at 425-271-0510 for tickets ($15). This fun social event is sponsored by the Visitation Guild; proceeds support efforts to provide funeral buffets.

The Living Stations of the Cross First Meeting: 2pm Sunday February 26th

Church Decorating help needed Lent, Holy Week, and Easter offer lots of opportunities for individuals and groups to help decorate the Church and can also be applied to community service hours. Below is a list of days and times. No experience is necessary- just a desire to help! Please contact Cynde (253-631-1940, X104 or cyndebosshart@gmail.com) or sign up in the Narthex if you can help:
Tue, Feb 21, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Ash Wed/Lent decorating)
Thurs, Mar 29, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (separating palms)
Fri, Mar 30, 9:30 AM - noon (Palm Sun decorating)
Wed, Apr 4, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Holy Thurs preparation)
Fri, Apr 6, 9:00 AM - noon (Good Fri preparation)
Sat, Apr 7, 9:00 AM - noon (Easter decorating)

Lenten Mission Talks Brian Casey, a national speaker with a warm personality and a clear message that is easy to understand for all ages, will be here to present a series called, “Our Walk in His Footsteps”. The first talk will be after the evening Mass on Sunday, Feb 26. After that, he'll give his talks twice daily (in morning and evening sessions) from Monday, Feb 27 through Wednesday, Feb 29. None of the talks will be repeated. Childcare arrangements are currently ‘in the works’. See the bulletin insert for complete details.

Women’s Lenten Retreat Day Camille Pauley, a dynamic national speaker for Healing the Culture will be at St. Stephen’s for a women’s retreat day on Wednesday, Mar 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20/person. Be sure and mark your calendars now! Childcare will be available the entire time (contact Brigitte at 425-351-5518 to reserve your child's spot).

February 20 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

February 21 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a – 11.45a Scripture Study
11:00a – 2:00p Mardi Gras Fashion Show Luncheon
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:15p – 9:00p 40 Days for Life Kick-Off/Deacon Harold
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

February 22 Ash Wednesday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS with Ashes distribution
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:30a – 11:30a beC.O.M.E.
5:00p – 5:30p Distribution of Ashes with Children's Choir
7:00p – 8:00p MASS with Ashes distribution
7:00p – 9:00p Returning Catholics & Adult Confirmation
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice

February 23 Thursday
6:15a – 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p Finance Council
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA

February 24 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a –10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:00p – 6:00p Fish Fry by Knights of Columbus
6:00p – 6:30p Stations of the Cross

February 25 Saturday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

February 26 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
11:00 – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
2:00p – 3:00p Living Stations Meeting for Teens
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group
7:00p – 8:30p Lenten Parish Mission

February 12th, 2012

2012-02-08T11:06:00.001-08:00

Do you speak Laotian? St. Stephen Housing is in need of an interpreter for a one-time short meeting. We greatly appreciate your help! Please phone 253-638-9798 for more information. Thank you.

Unemployed? Trying to Keep Your Head Above Water?! Let's talk about it. Tuesday, February 21st at 6:45 pm in the New Classroom Wing. (Immediately following the Terrific Tuesday Meal). A second introductory meeting will also be offered Sunday, Feb 26th at 10:00 AM.

Bulletin Editors Needed! We are currently seeking more members for our editorial staff. Basic computer, internet and layout/design skills would be desireable. Work would be done on your own computer between Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Training is provided. If interested please contact Bill Swedberg at 253-631-1940 or billswedberg@gmail.com.

The Faith Formation Office Will be closed Thursday, February 16th to Monday, February 20th, as the staff is on holiday.

The Living Stations of the Cross First Meeting: 2pm Sunday February 26th

Church Decorating help needed Lent, Holy Week, and Easter offer lots of opportunities for individuals and groups to help decorate the Church and can also be applied to community service hours. Below is a list of days and times. No experience is necessary- just a desire to help! Please contact Cynde (253-631-1940, X104 or cyndebosshart@gmail.com) or sign up in the Narthex if you can help:
Tue, Feb 21, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Ash Wed/Lent decorating)
Thurs, Mar 29, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (separating palms)
Fri, Mar 30, 9:30 AM - noon (Palm Sun decorating)
Wed, Apr 4, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Holy Thurs preparation)
Fri, Apr 6, 9:00 AM - noon (Good Fri preparation)
Sat, Apr 7, 9:00 AM - noon (Easter decorating)

Lenten Mission Talks Brian Casey, a national speaker with a warm personality and a clear message that is easy to understand for all ages, will be here to present a series called, “Our Walk in His Footsteps”. The first talk will be after the evening Mass on Sunday, Feb 26. After that, he'll give his talks twice daily (in morning and evening sessions) from Monday, Feb 27 through Wednesday, Feb 29. None of the talks will be repeated. Childcare arrangements are currently ‘in the works’. See the bulletin insert for complete details.

Women’s Lenten Retreat Day Camille Pauley, a dynamic national speaker for Healing the Culture will be at St. Stephen’s for a women’s retreat day on Wednesday, Mar 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20/person. Be sure and mark your calendars now! Childcare will be available the entire time (contact Brigitte at 425-351-5518 to reserve your child's spot).

Lenten Day of Reflection at St. James Cathedral (Seattle) “Journey of Faith: From our Baptism, Called to be Light”, sponsored by the Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, will take place on Saturday, Mar 17 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Fr. Raymond Cleaveland will speak, hear confessions, and lead prayer. In addition, communal prayer, lunch, ACCW mission information, and a tour of the cathedral are included for $35. Visit www.SeattleACCW.org or call registrar Sue Bregel (253-350-1874).

Do you wish to do Stations of the Cross this Lent but can’t attend at night? Stations of the Cross will be held in the Church on Tuesdays at noon, beginning Feb 28. We will be using Mother Teresa’s reflections this year and Mary Ann Cullivan will lead them. See this week's bulletin insert for evening Stations information and other Lenten opportunities.

The Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) is reading Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Please join us on Monday, Feb 27 at 7 PM in the St. Stephen's Room to discuss the book. Questions? Contact Suzy Riordan at suzyq8474@aol.com or 253-630-8474.

The Annual Mardi Gras Luncheon and Fashion Show will be Tuesday, Feb 21 at 11:00 AM. Tickets ($15) will be available in the Narthex after all Masses this weekend (Feb 11-12) or call Elsie Lowenstein at 425-271-0510. This fun social event is sponsored by the Visitation Guild; proceeds support efforts to provide funeral buffets.

Due to lack of space, we can no longer accept donations here for Pregnancy Aid or the Clothing Bank (except for special programs offered a few times during the year). Please consider donating directly to Pregnancy Aid, located at 1209 Central Ave S , # 204, Kent (call ahead, 253-852-1201, for their donation hours). Heavy Coats, Blankets, and Sleeping Bags will still be accepted here. All other items can be donated directly to the Kent Clothing Bank; their drop-box is at Kent Phoenix Academy (11000 SE 264th St, on East Hill.)

February 13 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00a – noon Facilities & Grounds Commission
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

February 14 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a –11.45a Scripture Study
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry
7:00p – 8:30p SSTM Gabriel Project

February 15 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 – 8:30p Catechism with Father Ed

February 16 Thursday
6:15a – 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 9:00p Boy Scouts Banquet
6:30p – 8:00p Cub Scouts
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Committee
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
7:00p – 9:00p Stewardship Commission

February 17 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a –10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 9:00p 50+ Potluck

February 18 Saturday
8:00a –10:00a SSTM Men's Group
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a –11:00a Strengthfinders
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

February 19 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a –10:45a Preschool
11:00 – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
1:00p – 2:30p Grief Support
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p – 8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

February 5th, 2012

2012-02-01T08:55:00.001-08:00

Do you speak Laotian? St. Stephen Housing is in need of an interpreter for a one-time short meeting. We greatly appreciate your help! Please phone 253-638-9798 for more information. Thank you.

Bulletin Editors Needed! - We are currently seeking more members for our editorial staff. Basic computer, internet and layout/design skills would be desireable. Work would be done on your own computer between Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Training is provided. If interested please contct Bill Swedberg at 253-631-1940 or billswedberg@gmail.com.

Yakima Mission Pancake Breakfast NEXT WEEKEND!!! Sunday, February 12th, after both Masses!

The Living Stations of the Cross First Meeting: 2pm Sunday February 26th

South King County Young Adults (SKCYA) is an opportunity for you to network with other Catholic young adults in the area! Open to all 18-35 year olds (single or married). We meet monthly on 2nd Saturdays, alternating among different local parishes. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, Feb 11, at Holy Family Parish (505 17th Street SE Auburn, WA 98002). We will be joining the parish for Saturday Vigil Mass at 5 PM and then meeting in the Parish Center afterwards. Please check our Facebook page (SKCYA) or email us at skcya.group@gmail.com for meeting details and to RSVP.

Church Decorating help needed Lent, Holy Week, and Easter offer lots of opportunities for individuals and groups to help decorate the Church and can also be applied to community service hours. Below is a list of days and times. No experience is necessary- just a desire to help! Please contact Cynde (253-631-1940, X104 or cyndebosshart@gmail.com) or sign up in the Narthex if you can help:
Tue, Feb 21, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Ash Wed/Lent decorating)
Thurs, Mar 29, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (separating palms)
Fri, Mar 30, 9:30 AM - noon (Palm Sun decorating)
Wed, Apr 4, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Holy Thurs preparation)
Fri, Apr 6, 9:00 AM - noon (Good Fri preparation)
Sat, Apr 7, 9:00 AM - noon (Easter decorating)

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, Feb 19, from 1:00 - 2:30 PM in the Chapel. Our topic will be “Family and Friends Grieve, Too.” For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen at 425-228-1437.
I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. - Is 41:13

NEW PARISH APOSTOLATE! St. Stephen's Mission Rosaries. In imitating our Lord, we want to share our rich faith tradition by honoring His most Holy Mother so that, in turn, she may teach us how to love her Son more. Rosary-making will start in February, every 1st & 3rd Friday after the 8:30 AM Mass till 12:00 PM. We will begin each group with a prayer for all those receiving these rosaries as well as for our edification in making them. Coffee and treats will be provided. Contact Candace Ochoa in Outreach (253-631-1940). Ave Maria!

Due to lack of space, we can no longer accept donations here for Pregnancy Aid or the Clothing Bank (except for special programs offered a few times during the year). Please consider donating directly to Pregnancy Aid, located at 1209 Central Ave S , # 204, Kent (call ahead, 253-852-1201, for their donation hours). Heavy Coats, Blankets, and Sleeping Bags will still be accepted here. All other items can be donated directly to the Kent Clothing Bank; their drop-box is at Kent Phoenix Academy (11000 SE 264th St, on East Hill.)

St. Anthony School registration All families interested in sending their children to St. Anthony for a quality, Catholic education, should call the school office at 425-255-0059 and be added to the pre-registration mailing list. Pre-registration applications will be mailed on February 13, 2012.

The Annual Mardi Gras Luncheon and Fashion Show will be Tuesday, Feb 21 at 11:00 AM. Tickets ($15) will be available in the Narthex after all Masses on Sunday, Feb 5; Saturday, Feb 11; and Sunday, Feb 12 (or call Elsie Lowenstein at 425-271-0510). This fun social event is sponsored by the Visitation Guild; proceeds support efforts to provide funeral buffets.

Lenten Mission Talks Brian Casey, a national speaker with a warm personality and a clear message that is easy to understand for all ages, will be here to present a series called, “Our Walk in His Footsteps”. The first talk will be after the evening Mass on Sunday, Feb 26. After that, he'll give his talks twice daily (in morning and evening sessions) from Monday, Feb 27 through Wednesday, Feb 29. None of the talks will be repeated. Childcare arrangements are currently ‘in the works’. Watch the bulletin insert next week for complete details.

Women’s Lenten Retreat Day Camille Pauley, a dynamic national speaker for Healing the Culture will be at St. Stephen’s for a women’s retreat day on Wednesday, Mar 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20/person. Be sure and mark your calendars now! NOTE: Last weekend's bulletin incorrectly indicated limited childcare hours but childcare will be available the entire time (contact Brigitte at 425-351-5518 to reserve your child's spot).

The Visitation Guild will meet on Wednesday, Feb 8, in the downstairs Social Hall. We will have refreshments at 9:45 AM and the meeting begins at 10:15 AM. We will finalize all the details for our Mardi Gras Luncheon and Fashion Show (details on that event below). Please plan on attending this meeting. This Mardi Gras event requires a lot of help, so please come and help make it a success.

February 6 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p – 8:00p Baptism Class
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Troop 714
7:00p – 9:00p Liturgy Commission

February 7 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a –11:45a Scripture Study
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

February 8 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:45a--12:00p Visitation Guild
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

February 9 Thursday
6:15a – 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA

February 10 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a –10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 8:00p Faith Formation

February 11 Saturday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – noon Assemble Backpacks for Homeless
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a – 11:00a Living Your Strengths
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

February 12 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:30a – 10:30a Mission Pancake Breakfast
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
9:45a – 10:45a Altar Server Training
11:00 – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
12:00p – 1:00p Mission Pancake Breakfast
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p – 8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

January 29th, 2012

2012-01-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

Confirmation will be Celebrated with Archbishop Sartain at the 5pm Mass, Saturday February 4th, 2012. Please pray for our teens and adults as they make the final preparations for this Sacrament. Please note, this is a much longer Mass (about 2 ½ hours) then usual. If you have little ones, you may want to consider attending a different Mass that weekend!

Mission to Yakima Stock Certificates Were e-mailed out to all Yakima Mission families. If you didn’t get yours, please contact Sara right away. All stock returns are due February 12th at the Mission Breakfast!

Catholic Women - Faith, Fellowship, and Fun: Women of all ages are invited to join St. Stephen Council of Catholic Women for our next “First Saturday” monthly meeting on Feb. 4. Schedule: 8:30 AM Mass in the Chapel; 9:00 Communal Adoration; 10:00-11:30 brunch from in the Staff dining room. Hear about the activities of women’s group at the Parish and diocese level, and participate in fun activities. Contact Chairman Cheryl Lundgren at 425-572-6966 for info or to volunteer to make breakfast or lead prayers/songs. Learn more at www.SeattleACCW.org.

Widows and Widowers - We are planning to see "A Tribute to Sinatra" at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, on Sunday, Feb. 12th at 2pm. Tickets are $16 and $18. Please call Kitty Hynds at 425-254-9124 for ticket reservations and for carpool information from St. Stephen's.

Volunteer Needed - Volunteer needed to assist with parish communication about Holy Days of Obligation. Involves calling/emailing parish staff about church schedule and sending consolidated information to bulletin editor and webmaster. Work is done remotely and should take about 30-45 minutes several weeks in advance of each Holy Day. Contact Veronica for more info or to volunteer: vsmithcasem@gmail.com or 425-301-0356.

Travel to Ireland! Fr. Jim Northrop of St. Brendan (Bothell) is leading western Washington pilgrims to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, Ireland and you are invited. June 14-24, 2012. Pick up a brochure in the St. Stephen Parish Office or call 1-877-732-4845, X03 for details. $200.00 deposit is all that is required to secure a space and say “Yes” to the Holy Father’s invitation to Dublin!

BACKPACKS FOR THE HOMELESS We will be assembling the backpacks of Feb. 11th 9-12 in the hall. For more info call Shelley Vogeler at 206-850-7417. We still need panchos and small tarps. Please leave items in the wicker baskets in the Narthex.

Coupon Queens Needed For those queens who know who they are and have this great gift of couponing please aid in our parish efforts to make our dollars expand farther. Contact Darlene (253-631-1940 or darsimpson@gmail.com).

THE POWER OF ONE Help multiply our canned foods by donating one jar of peanut butter this week. It is truly needed.

NEW PARISH APOSTOLATE! St. Stephen's Mission Rosaries.In imitating our Lord we want to share our rich faith tradition by honoring His most Holy Mother so that in turn she may more teach us how to love her Son. Starting February every 1st & 3rd Fridays after the 8:30am Mass till 12pm We will begin each group with a prayer for all those receiving these rosaries as well as for our edification in making them. Coffee and donuts as well as other treats will be provided. Contact Candace Ochoa in Outreach 253-631-1940. Ave Maria!

Pregnancy Aid Donations will no longer be accepted here except for a special program to assist them. For those who do donate for this cause regularly here is their address: 1209 Central Avenue S # 204 Kent, Phone # (253) 852-1201

Clothing Donations Due to lack of space here are a list of clothing items that will be accepted here in Outreach: Heavy Coats, Blankets, Sleeping Bags. All other items to Kent Clothing Bank, the drop box is at the Kent Phoenix Academy, 11000 S.E. 264th St., on the East Hill.

St. Anthony School - All families interested in sending their children to St. Anthony School for a quality, Catholic education, should call the school office at 425-255-0059 or e-mail Jill Eaton at Eaton@sasr.org and be added to the pre-registration mailing list. Pre-registration applications will be mailed on February 13th; the deadline to return the pre-registration forms are February 27, 2012. All placements will be made the first week of April. Individual tours of the school and meetings with the principal during the school day are available, call to schedule a time. Join us for our Open House on Thursday, February 2nd at 6:30 pm. There will be opportunities to tour the school, hear from our Principal and visit with teachers and current parents.

Please join us for an evening of great music and Girlfriend time. We are attending the Maureen Still concert at St. Louise parish in Bellevue. The concert is on Friday February 10 at 7 PM. We plan to carpool from St Stephen's. More details regarding carpooling will be out as we get closer to the event. If you're planning to attend or have questions please contact Mary Powers marypowers@comcast.net or 253-797-0349. If you're not familiar with Maureen's music or if you want to know more about the upcoming concert here is the link to her website: http://www.maureenstill.org/

Lenten Mission Coming Soon - It's time to think about Lent! The First Sunday of Lent is February 26th and we will begin our Lenten Mission, this year with Brian Casey as our guest presenter. Brian will be here for all the Masses that weekend and will do the mission from each evening from Sunday through Wednesday, February 26-29th from 7:00-9:00 PM. Brian is a national speaker with a warm personality and a clear message that is easy to understand for all ages. Please mark your calendars so you don’t miss this opportunity to learn. Child care will not be available. Child Care will be available during masses on the 26th only.

Women's Retreat Day Coming In Lent - We are pleased to bring back Camille Pauley to St. Stephen’s for a women’s retreat day on Wednesday, March 14th from 10AM – 2PM. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20 person. Note: Child Care is only available 9 a.m. (10:00 a.m.) to 12:00 p.m. Scholarships are available. Be sure and mark your calendars now! Childcare will be available.

Computers Needed - Did you get a new computer for Christmas? Not sure what to do with the old one? We've got the answer! St. Stephen Housing Association is in need of computer and computer software donations for their families. Many of these families are looking for work or are going back to school to help them find better employment and could use a computer to help them accomplish these things. Your old computer can be put to great use and help out a struggling family! We are looking for the following: Desktop computers 2.4mghz and larger; Laptop computers 1.7 mghz and larger; Flat screen monitors; Software: Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 or newer. Software programs also must have the accompanying 25 digit key code. Please call Ann Allen at 253-638-9798 for more information and drop off location. Thank you!!

January 30 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

January 31 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a–11.45a Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study

February 1 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 -11:30a beC.O.M.E.
10:00 -11:00a Catholicism DVD Series
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p – 7:15p Religious Education Classes
6:30p -- 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice
7:00p – 9:00p Returning Catholics & Adult Confirmation
7:30p – 9:00p Catechism with Fr. Ed

February 2 Thursday
6:15a –8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a –9:30a Safety Committee
6:30p –8:00p Cub Scouts
7:00p –7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –9:00p RCIA
7:00p –9:00p Pastoral Council
7:00p –9:00p Confirmation Class

February 3 First Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a–10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a–9a Sat. Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p –8:00p Faith Formation
7:00p –9:00p Confirmation

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

February 5 Sunday
8:30a –9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a-10:45a Preschool
11:00-12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
12:00p-2:30p Filipino Community
5:30p –6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p –9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

January 22nd, 2012

2012-01-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

50plus potluck meeting on January 20th has been changed to 12 noon instead of 6pm. The Scouts are using the Church Social hall that evening. Any questions call 253 852 5864.

Sr. High Quest is just around the corner! January 27-29 Get your forms in ASAP!Remember, if you are in Confirmation classes, this is REQUIRED by the archbishop!

Confirmation will be Celebrated with Archbishop Sartain at the 5pm Mass, Saturday February 4th, 2012. Please pray for our teens and adults as they make the final preparations for this Sacrament. Please note, this is a much longer Mass (about 2 ½ hours) then usual. If you have little ones, you may want to consider attending a different Mass that weekend!

Mission to Yakima Stock Certificates Were e-mailed out to all Yakima Mission families. If you didn’t get yours, please contact Sara right away. All stock returns are due February 12th at the Mission Breakfast!

'Strengthsfinders' Making a New Year’s resolution? Resolve to become a better you, by discovering and using your God-given talents to enhance your home, work, community, and spiritual life! Introductory Session is Thursday, Jan 19 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Rm 128). 4-week Workshop Sessions are Saturdays, Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, and 18 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Rm 128). To register or for more info, contact Clare Ettensohn, Steward for Parishioner Talents: sstrengths.sstm@gmail.com or 253-631-1940.

Volunteer needed to assist with parish communication about Holy Days of Obligation. Involves calling/emailing parish staff about church schedule and sending consolidated information to bulletin editor and webmaster. Work is done remotely and should take about 30-45 minutes several weeks in advance of each Holy Day. Contact Veronica for more info or to volunteer: vsmithcasem@gmail.com or 425-301-0356.

LENTEN MISSION COMING SOON
Christmas is barely over and we are talking about Lent? Only because busy calendars need to make space early on for things that are important. The First Sunday of Lent is February 26th and we will begin our Lenten Mission, this year with Brian Casey as our guest presenter. Brian will be here for all the Masses that weekend and will do the mission from each evening from Sunday through Wednesday, February 26-29th from 7:00-9:00 PM. Brian is a national speaker with a warm personality and a clear message that is easy to understand for all ages. Please mark your calendars so you don’t miss this opportunity to learn. Childcare will be available for little children.

WOMEN’S RETREAT DAY COMING IN LENT
Remember when Camille Pauley was here last fall and gave a reflection at Mass on the right to life? Her message was so powerful and profound that she literally changed perspectives and lives for many who heard her words. We are pleased to bring her back to St. Stephen’s for a women’s retreat day on Wednesday, March 14th from 10AM – 2PM. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20 person. Scholarships are available. Be sure and mark your calendars now! Childcare will be available.

BACKPACKS FOR THE HOMELESS We will be assembling the backpacks of Feb. 11th 9-12 in the hall. For more info call Shelley Vogeler at 206-850-7417. We still need panchos and small tarps. Please leave items in the wicker baskets in the Narthex.

Coupon Queens Needed We are going to begin couponing for a cause. Contact Darlene (253-631-1940 or darsimpson@gmail.com).

Girlfriends - The Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) is reading Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas Please join us on Thursday, January 26 at 7 PM in the St Stephen's Room to discuss the book. Questions? Contact Sue Regimbal at sjlms@comcast.net or 425-226-3722.

Girlfriends - Please join us for an evening of great music and Girlfriend time. We are attending the Maureen Still concert at St. Louise parish in Bellevue. The concert is on Friday February 10 at 7 PM. We plan to carpool from St Stephen's. More details regarding carpooling will be out as we get closer to the event. If you're planning to attend or have questions please contact Mary Powers marypowers@comcast.net or 253-797-0349. If you're not familiar with Maureen's music or if you want to know more about the upcoming concert here is the link to her website: http://www.maureenstill.org/

The St. Stephen's Parent's Club Appreciation Breakfast will be held Sunday, January 22nd immediately after the 8:30 Mass. This is a delicious "Complimentary" breakfast and our way to show are gratitude and appreciation for the Parish's' support of Catholic Schools. The breakfast will be downstairs in the Parish Hall. It is open to everyone.

January 23 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
7:15p – 9:00p Respect Life Committee

January 24 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a–11.45a Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:00p Cub Scouts
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry

January 25 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

January 26 Thursday
6:15a –8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p –9:00p St. Anthony School PTC
7:00p –7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –9:00p Finance Council
7:00p –9:00p Girl Friends Book Club
7:00p –9:00p RCIA

January 27 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a–10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

January 28 Saturday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a-11:00a Strengthsfinders
9:00a.–3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

January 29 Sunday
8:30a –9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a-10:45a Preschool
11:00-12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p –6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p –8:15p Connections, Jr. High Life Teen
6:30p –9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

January 15th, 2012

2012-01-11T14:38:00.003-08:00

50plus potluck meeting on January 20th has been changed to 12 noon instead of 6pm. The Scouts
are using the Church Social hall that evening. Any questions call 253 852 5864.

Sr. High Quest is just around the corner! January 27-29 Get your forms in ASAP!Remember, if you are in Confirmation classes, this is REQUIRED by the archbishop!

Confirmation will be Celebrated with Archbishop Sartain at the 5pm Mass, Saturday February 4th, 2012. Please pray for our teens and adults as they make the final preparations for this Sacrament. Please note, this is a much longer Mass (about 2 ½ hours) then usual. If you have little ones, you may want to consider attending a different Mass that weekend!

Mission to Yakima Stock Certificates Were e-mailed out to all Yakima Mission families. If you didn’t get yours, please contact Sara right away. All stock returns are due February 12th at the Mission Breakfast!

'Strengthsfinders' Making a New Year’s resolution? Resolve to become a better you, by discovering and using your God-given talents to enhance your home, work, community, and spiritual life! Introductory Session is Thursday, Jan 19 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Rm 128). 4-week Workshop Sessions are Saturdays, Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, and 18 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Rm 128). To register or for more info, contact Clare Ettensohn, Steward for Parishioner Talents: sstrengths.sstm@gmail.com or 253-631-1940.

Volunteer needed to assist with parish communication about Holy Days of Obligation. Involves calling/emailing parish staff about church schedule and sending consolidated information to bulletin editor and webmaster. Work is done remotely and should take about 30-45 minutes several weeks in advance of each Holy Day. Contact Veronica for more info or to volunteer: vsmithcasem@gmail.com or 425-301-0356.

Widows/Widowers Bunko Party - Bring potluck and $3.00 on Jan 21st at 6:30PM in the St. Stephen Social Hall.Info 253-638-1815. Also, Frank Sinatra Tribute at the Auburn Performing Arts Center Sun Feb 12th. $18.00/$20.00 Call Kitty ASAP 425-254-9124 carpool available.

LENTEN MISSION COMING SOON
Christmas is barely over and we are talking about Lent? Only because busy calendars need to make space early on for things that are important. The First Sunday of Lent is February 26th and we will begin our Lenten Mission, this year with Brian Casey as our guest presenter. Brian will be here for all the Masses that weekend and will do the mission from each evening from Sunday through Wednesday, February 26-29th from 7:00-9:00 PM. Brian is a national speaker with a warm personality and a clear message that is easy to understand for all ages. Please mark your calendars so you don’t miss this opportunity to learn. Childcare will be available for little children.

WOMEN’S RETREAT DAY COMING IN LENT
Remember when Camille Pauley was here last fall and gave a reflection at Mass on the right to life? Her message was so powerful and profound that she literally changed perspectives and lives for many who heard her words. We are pleased to bring her back to St. Stephen’s for a women’s retreat day on Wednesday, March 14th from 10AM – 2PM. Lunch and childcare are provided and the cost is $20 person. Scholarships are available. Be sure and mark your calendars now! Childcare will be available.

January 16 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Vigil Procession: Unborn Remembrance
7:00p – 9a Tu Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Troop 714

January 17 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a–11.45a Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

January 18 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 -11:30a beC.O.M.E.
10:00 -11:30a Catholicism DVD Series
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 Catholicism DVD with Father Ed

January 19 Thursday
6:15a –8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p –7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –8:30p Strengthfinders
7:00p –8:30p Boy Scout Committee
7:00p –9:00p RCIA

January 20 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a–10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a -- 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
noon – 2:00p 50+ Potluck

January 21 Saturday
8:00a-10:00a SSTM Men's Group
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a.–3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS
6:00p – 9:00p Widows/Widowers Bunco

January 22 Sunday
8:30a –9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a-10:45a Preschool
11:00-12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p –6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p –8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p –9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

Januart 8th, 2012

2012-01-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

South King County Young Adults is a new opportunity for you to network with other Catholic young adults in the area! Open to all 18-35 year olds (single or married). We meet monthly on 2nd Saturdays, alternating among different local parishes. Our next meeting will be here at St. Stephen's on Saturday, Jan 14th, with a Pro-Life theme. More details to come! Please RSVP by 1/10 to skcya.group@gmail.com or via our Facebook page: SKCYA (South King Catholic Young Adults).

50+Senior Potluck will be at NOON, in our Hall, Friday, Jan 20. We would love to have new names join in. Contact Wendell Pang, 425-226-6521 or Leah Rae Ball, 425-271-8182. This is a change!

The Visitation Guild will meet on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 in the downstairs social hall. Refreshments will be served starting at 9:45 a.m. The meeting will begin at 10:15 a.m. If you know someone you think would enjoy serving funeral buffets, please extend a personal invitation to join us. Don't forget to mention our yearly Mardi Gras fashion show and luncheon, the highlight of the social side of our organization. But you don't need a personal invitation. Anyone interested, just show up. Hope to see some new faces along with our usual group. We think you will enjoy the experience. If you have any questions about the Guild, please contact our president, Shirley Boucher, at 425-430-8784.

BACKPACKS FOR THE HOMELESS
We will be assembling the backpacks on February 4th from 9-12. For more information call Shelley Vogeler at 206-850-7417. We still need ponchos and small tarps. Please leave in the wicker baskets in the Narthex.

The Sr. High Quest Retreat is coming! January 27-29th. All students grades 9-12! Confirmation students are required to attend!

St. Stephen Respect Life Committee invites you to a special Candlelight Vigil and Adoration beginning with 6:30 PM Mass, Monday, January 16th, and continuing through the night until 3 PM January 17th to support the March for Life in Olympia with prayer. For information on the Jan. 17th March for Life in Olympia, see .

Catholicism DVD Series The series continues on Wednesday mornings at 10 AM in the Outreach Annex. The next evening showing will be on January 18th at 7:30 PM in the Church. The profound tenets of our faith are taught in lively fashion by Father Robert Barron in the setting of awe-inspiring photography, art and music. Each DVD is delightful and enriching. Bring family and friends so all may grow in knowledge of our Catholic Church.

St. Anthony School Open House Thursday, Feb 2 at 6:30 PM. There will be opportunities to tour the school, hear from our Principal and visit with teachers and current parents. Visit us online at www.sasr.org.

January 9 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00a -12:00 Facilities & Grounds
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p – 8:00p Baptism Class
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Troop 714

January 10 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a–11.45a Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry
7:00p – 8:30p SSTM Gabriel Project

January 11 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:45a--12:00p Visitation Guild
10:00 -11:30a Catholicism DVD Series
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

January 12 Thursday
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a-1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
6:15p – 9:00p Parish Leadership Night
7:00p –7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –9:00p RCIA

January 13 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a–10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a–- 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

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

January 15 Sunday
8:30a –9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a-10:45a Preschool
11:00-12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
1:00p –2:30p Grief Support
5:30p –6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p –8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p –9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

December 25th, 2011

2011-12-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

The Faith Formation Office will be closed Friday, December 23rd through Monday, January 2nd for the Holidays!

The Sr. High Quest Retreat is coming January 27-29! All students grades 9-12! Confirmation students are required to attend!

'Strengthsfinders' Making a New Year’s resolution? Resolve to become a better you, by discovering and using your God-given talents to enhance your home, work, community, and spiritual life! Introductory Session is Thursday, Jan 19 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Rm 128). 4-week Workshop Sessions are Saturdays, Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, and 18 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Rm 128). To register or for more info, contact Clare Ettensohn, Steward for Parishioner Talents: sstrengths.sstm@gmail.com or 253-631-1940.

Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) is reading Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas. Please join us on Thursday, January 26 at 7 PM in the St. Stephen's Room to discuss the book. Questions? Contact Sue Regimbal at sjlms@comcast.net or 425-226-3722.

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, Jan 15 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM in the Chapel. Our topic will be, “Life On Hold/Returning to Normal”. For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen at 425-228-1437. The Lord heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds. - Ps 147, 2-3

Volunteer needed to assist with parish communication about Holy Days of Obligation. Involves calling/emailing parish staff about church schedule and sending consolidated information to bulletin editor and webmaster. Work is done remotely and should take about 30-45 minutes several weeks in advance of each Holy Day. Contact Veronica for more info or to volunteer: vsmithcasem@gmail.com or 425-301-0356.

Catholicism DVD Series will start again on Jan 4 at 10 AM in the Outreach Annex (Episode 4, "Our Tainted Nature's Solitary Boast- Mary, the Mother of God") and 7:30 PM in the Church (Episode 8, "A Vast Company of Witnesses: the Communion of Saints"). Wednesday Morning showings will continue each week and Wednesday Evening showings are the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

The Honduras Mission Team will be returning February and respectfully requests donations of the following items to help us support the local orphanages: boys' & girls' underwear/socks; gently used clothes (remember, Honduran children tend to be smaller/more slender ) including boys’ shirts (size 2-14), slim jeans, and girls' blouses (children through teenagers); towels/washcloths; linen for single beds; toothpaste /toothbrushes; Tylenol and vitamins; craft materials of all kinds for children; school backpacks; storybooks in Spanish; rosaries; adult reading glasses/sunglasses; baseball caps; soccer balls. Please place items in the Narthex box by Jan 1. Cash donations are always welcome as we will be working on projects at the orphanages that require purchase of needed supplies upon our arrival. Thank you for continuing to support the children of Honduras! Que Dios los bendiga! Questions? Contact Debbie at 206-755-6628 or ddullenty@comcast.net.

Faith, Fellowship, and Fun Women of all ages are invited to join St. Stephen Council of Catholic Women for our next “First Saturday” monthly meeting on Saturday, Jan 7. We start at 8:30 AM with Mass in the Chapel, followed by 9:00 AM Communal Adoration, and then have brunch from 10:00-11:30AM in the Staff dining room. Contact Chairman Cheryl Lundgren at 425-572-6966 for info or to volunteer to make breakfast or lead prayers/songs. Learn more about us at www.Seattle ACCW.org.

Join the Bulletin Editors Team! Editors are responsible for layout and content prioritization and revision. Work is done remotely on your own computer using our publishing program (training provided). Most of the work is done over Mondays/Tuesday (printing deadline is Wednesdays). With two volunteers, the work could be traded off every other month. For more information, contact Bill Swedberg (billswedberg@gmail.com or 253-631-1940).

Thank You Is Never Enough We look at the beautiful decorations, we hear the wonderful choirs, we listen to the Word joyfully proclaimed, we see the ministers in their assigned places ready to lovingly serve our community and we are so grateful for their generous service. Lectors, Ushers, Greeters, Darling Dusters, Environment People, Musicians, Servers, Eucharistic Ministers- all lending their time and talent on behalf of this parish and we are so enriched by them. Thank you so much!

Help Needed to Remove Church Decorations on Monday, Jan 9, 9 AM - 12 PM. No experience necessary, just a desire to help! If interested, please contact Cynde at cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940, X104.

St. Anthony School Registration All families interested in sending their children to St. Anthony School for a quality, Catholic education, should call (425-255-0059) or e-mail (Eaton@sasr.org) to be added to the pre-registration mailing list. Applications will be mailed on Feb 13; the deadline to return them is Feb 27. All placements will be made the first week of April. Individual tours of the school and meetings with the principal during the school day are available; call to schedule a time. Join us for our Open House on Thursday, Feb 2, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. There will be opportunities to tour the school, hear from our Principal, and visit with teachers and current parents.

24-Hour Adoration/Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place the first Friday-Saturday of every month. The next opportunity is from 9 AM on Friday, Jan 6 until 3 PM on Saturday, Jan 7. In Adoration, we come to Jesus with our praises, our thanksgivings, and our needs. Please sign-up for your favorite time(s) on the board by the Chapel doors. Questions? Contact Bernie Wittgens (253-631-5560).

The Nursery will be closed during all weekend Masses on Christmas Eve (Dec 24), Christmas Day (Dec 25), New Year's Eve (Dec 31), and New Year's Day (Jan 1). Thank you for understanding.

December 26 Monday (Parish Offices Closed)
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration

December 27 Tuesday (Parish Offices Closed)
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 8:00p Cub Scouts

December 28 Wednesday (Parish Offices Closed)
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 9:00p Holy Hour
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice

December 29 Thursday (Parish Offices Closed)
6:15a – 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA

December 30 Friday (Parish Offices Closed)
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a –10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

December 31 Saturday (Parish Offices Closed)
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS ** (Nursery Closed)

January 1 Sunday (Parish Offices Closed)
8:30a – 9:30a MASS** (Nursery Closed)
11:00 – 12:00p MASS** (Nursery Closed)
5:30p – 6:30p No Mass

January 2 Monday (Parish Offices Closed)
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration

January 3 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a – 11:45a Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

January 4 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 –11:00a Catholicism DVD Series
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p – 7:15p Religious Education Classes
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice
7:00p – 9:00p Returning Catholics & Adult Confirmation
7:30p – 9:00p Confirmation Class
7:30p – 9:00p Catholicism DVD Series

January 5 Thursday
6:15a – 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
7:00p – 9:00p Pastoral Council

January 6 First Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 9a Sat. Eucharistic Adoration

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

January 8 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery Open)
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
9:45a –10:45a Altar Server Training
11:00 – 12:00p MASS (Nursery Open)
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p – 8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:45p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

December 18th, 2011

2011-12-14T11:30:00.001-08:00

Christmastime Volunteers Needed

Traffic and Parking helpers needed before the Christmas Eve 4 PM and 7 PM Masses. Please sign-up in rear of Church, or contact Wendell Pang at 206-683-6865.

Church Decorators needed on Sunday, Dec 18, 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM and Monday, Dec 19, 9 AM - 12 PM. Help also needed in removing decorations on Monday, Jan 9, 9 AM - 12 PM. No experience necessary, just a desire to help! If interested, please contact Cynde at cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940, X104.

CHRISTMAS CHOIRS INFORMATION
Christmas Eve -
4p Mass* (carols starting at 3:30p): Youth Choir/Life Teen
7p Mass (carols starting at 6:30p): Mannino Family
Midnight (carols starting at 11:30p): Saturday Choir

Christmas Day -
8:30a Mass (carols starting at 8:15): Sunday 8:30 Choir
11:00a Mass*: Filipino Choir

* Additional overflow seating downstairs in hall

Returning Catholics - New series begins on Wednesday, January 4 at 7:00 PM in the Outreach Annex. Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign up 253-631-1940.

The Faith Formation Office will be closed Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 1 for the Holidays!

The Honduras Mission Team will be returning February and respectfully requests donations of the following items to help us support the local orphanages: boys' & girls' underwear/socks; gently used clothes (rememeber, Honduran children tend to be smaller/more slender ) including boys’ shirts (size 2-14), slim jeans, and girls' blouses (children through teenagers); towels/washcloths; linen for single beds; toothpaste /toothbrushes; Tylenol and vitamins; craft materials of all kinds for children; school backpacks; storybooks in Spanish; rosaries; adult reading glasses/sunglasses; baseball caps; soccer balls. Please place items in the Narthex box by Jan 1. Cash donations are always welcome as we will be working on projects at the orphanages that require purchase of needed supplies upon our arrival. Thank you for continuing to support the children of Honduras! Que Dios los bendiga! Questions? Contact Debbie at 206-755-6628 or ddullenty@comcast.net.

Faith, Fellowship, and Fun Women of all ages are invited to join St. Stephen Council of Catholic Women for our next “First Saturday” monthly meeting on Saturday, Jan 7. We start at 8:30 AM with Mass in the Chapel, followed by 9:00 AM Communal Adoration. Then we have brunch from 10:00-11:30AM in the Staff dining room. Hear about the activities of women’s groups at the Parish and diocese level, and participate in fun activities. Contact Chairman Cheryl Lundgren at 425-572-6966 for info or to volunteer to make breakfast or lead prayers/songs. Learn more about us at www.Seattle ACCW.org.

Reminder: Giving Tree gifts are due this weekend (by Sunday, Dec 18) Trees in the Narthex still have some gift tags with requested items for each of the four different groups:Talbot Center for Rehabilitation, St. Stephen Housing Association, Pregnancy Aid, and Homeless Backpacks. Please follow individual instructions on tags/near the trees for wrapping and returning requirements. Thank you!

St. Anthony School Open House Thursday, Feb 2 at 6:30 M. There will be opportunities to tour the school, hear from our Principal and visit with teachers and current parents. Visit us online at www.sasr.org.

You’ve Always Wanted to Go to Ireland! Fr. Jim Northrop of St. Brendan (Bothell) is leading western Washington pilgrims to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, Ireland and you are invited. June 14-24, 2012. Pick up a brochure in the St. Stephen Parish Office or call 1-877-732-4845, X03 for details. $200.00 deposit is all that is required to secure a space and say “Yes” to the Holy Father’s invitation to Dublin!

December 19 Monday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a - 12:00p Church Decorating
10:00 -12:00p Facilities & Grounds
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

December 20 Tuesday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p - 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p - 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:30p - 9:00p Knights of Columbus

December 21 Wednesday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p - 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p - 7:00p MASS
7:15p - 9:00p Choir Practice
7:30p - 9:00p Movie Night

December 22 Thursday
6:15a - 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a - 9:00a MASS
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p - 9:00p Respect Life Committee
7:00p -7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p - 9:00p Finance Council
7:00p - 9:00p RCIA

December 23 Friday
8:30a - 9:00a MASS
9:00a -10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

December 24 Saturday (Christmas Eve)
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
3:00p - 4:00p NO Reconciliation (printed bulletin is incorrect)
4:00p - 5:00p Vigil MASS (Nursery Closed)
7:00p - 8:00p Vigil MASS (Nursery Closed)
December 25 Sunday (Christmas)
12:00a -1:00a Midnight MASS
8:30a - 9:30a MASS (Nursery Closed)
11:00a - 12:00p MASS (Nursery Closed)
5:30p - 6:30p No Mass
6:30p - 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

December 11th, 2011

2011-12-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

50 Plus Christmas Party will be Friday, Dec. 16th at 6PM in the Church Social Hall. Potluck dinner with ham provided. Exchanging gifts is optional. Invite a guest! Call Priscilla at 253-852-5864 if you plan to attend.

Christmas Help! - Volunteers are Needed to help with our Traffic and Parking before the Xmas Eve 4 PM and 7 PM Masses. Sign –Up in rear of Church, or please contact Wendell Pang at 206-683-6865.

Returning Catholics - Our next series begins on Wednesday, January 4th at 7:00 in the Outreach Annex.Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign up.

Council of Catholic Women - Faith, Fellowship and Fun begins with Mass and Adoration at 8:30am every First Saturday. Join the St. Stephen Council of Catholic Women on January 7th from 8:30 to 11:30. Brunch is held in the Staff dining room. For information, call Cheryl Lundgren at 425-572-6966.

The Nursery will be closed Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec25) during all weekend Masses to allow our volunteers to celebrate the Birth of Our Savior with their families. Thank you for your understanding,- Brigitte Gonzales

Grief Support - 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 18 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

Thank you to the owners of Country Tree Farm for again donating Christmas trees to our church this year! Country Tree Farm (18225 116th Ave SE, Renton) is open for business only on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 AM to 4 PM, until Christmas. For more information, see www.countrytreefarm.com or call Becky Bernards (425-255-5172).

December 12 Monday (Our Lady of Guadalupe)
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

December 13 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a–11.45a Scripture Study
6:00p -- 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry
7:00p – 8:30p SSTM Gabriel Project

December 14 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 -11:30a beC.O.M.E.
10:00 -11:30a Catholicism DVD Series
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p – 7:15p Religious Education Classes
6:30p -- 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice

December 15 Thursday
6:15a – 8:00a Morning Men's Ministry
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a-1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p –9:00p Advent Reconciliation Service
7:00p –8:30p Boy Scout Committee
7:00p –9:00p RCIA
7:00p—9:00p Finance Council

December 16 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a–10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a -- 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 9:00p 50+ Potluck

December 17 Saturday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a.–3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS (Simbang Gabi)
6:00p – 9:00p Simbang Gabi Reception

December 18 Sunday
8:30a –9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
11:00-12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
1:00p –2:30p Grief Support
5:30p –6:30p MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p –9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

December 4th, 2011

2011-11-30T09:12:00.001-08:00

GINGERBREAD HOUSES - Jr. High Teens! Join us on Sunday, Dec 11 at 1 PM Please bring $10 with you for the supplies! Please sign up using the flier on the Faith Formation Office door.

Marriage Prep - Couples wishing to get married should contact the church a minimum of 6 months before the projected wedding date. Interviews, classes and parish registration are required before a date can be set!

Spaghetti Dinner - Support Yakima Mission!!- It’s time for our annual Spaghetti Dinner! Join us this Sunday (12/4) after the 5:30 pm Mass for great food and music by the Life Teen band!

Grief Support Group - 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 18 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

Widows/Widowers - The Annual Christmas Dinner will be Wednesday, Dec 14 at the Fairwood Golf and Country Club. More details soon. Questions? Contact Clarence Hopson at clarencehopson8098@comcast.net.

The Nursery will be closed Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and Christmas Day (Dec25) during all weekend Masses to allow our volunteers to celebrate the Birth of Our Savior with their families. Thank you for your understanding,- Brigitte Gonzales (Child Care Coordinator, 425-351-5518).

Catholicism DVD Series - Please join us for any or all of these stand-alone episodes:
Wednesday Mornings at 10 AM in the Outreach Annex 1st and 3rd Wendesday Evenings at 7:30 PM in the Church December 7 - Episode 6, "A Body Both Suffering and Glorious: The Mystical Union of Christ and The Church" December 21- "The Nativity Story" movie (not part of the Catholicism Series)
Can't join us for the DVDs at St. Stephen? Watch it at home on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)! Go to www.ewtn.com/channelfinder to find your local channel.
- Saturday, December 10 at 3 PM (Episode 7, “Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven: The Mystery of the Liturgy and the Eucharist”)
- Sunday, December 11 at 8 PM (Episode 8, “A Vast Company of Witnesses: The Communion of Saints)
Saturday, December 17 at 7 PM (Episode 10, “World Without End - The Last Things”)

The Christmas Giving Trees are up! This year there are four groups offering Christmas gifting opportunities. Please see the trees in the Narthex and consider selecting one or more tags to help those in need. All Gifts and Gift Cards need to be returned by Sunday, December 18. Thank you!

Here’s some more info on the groups your gifts will help:
- Talbot Center for Rehabilitation- This is a skilled nursing home facility designed to meet short and long term needs of seniors. They would like presents wrapped and the tags attached to the package- then leave them under the tree. Sponsored by St. Stephen Ministries.
- St. Stephen Housing Association- SSHA assists residents that live in the transitional housing program. They are asking for food or gas gift cards. Please put the cards in envelopes, mark “SSHA” on the front, and leave them in the church collection baskets or in the box by the tree. SSHA again thanks you for the recent blanket donations and says, "Bless you for your generosity!"
- Pregnancy Aid- This organization works hard all year to maintain supplies for babies of moms who don’t otherwise have much support. See the tree tags for items requested. Please do not wrap these presents- just attach the tag and put them under the tree. .
- Homeless Backpacks- This is one of our ongoing parish outreach projects. Requested items will be put into backpacks and distributed in January (or sooner, if the weather becomes inclement). Please do not wrap items- just attach the tag and put them under the tree. Sponsored by Parish Outreach.

Thanksgiving Report - Our Thanksgiving Dinner served approximately 90 people. Fourteen turkeys were prepared! Not only did extra food go home with many of our guests, but the remaining turkeys and turkey breasts were distributed to people who came to the food bank this week- they were delighted. Thanks to all who contributed to this special dinner with their time, talents, and treasures. Approximately 175 Senior Thanksgiving ‘Baskets’ were assembled by our Life Teens two Sundays ago. It took six van loads to deliver the bags of food to Catholic Community Services to the seniors before Thanksgiving. Thanks to the teens, and to all of you who donated food, gift cards, and your time to this special project.

The Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) is reading Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. Please join us on Monday, Dec 5 at 7 PM in the St Stephen's Room to discuss the book. Questions? Contact Pam Redmond (futuretrust@hotmail.com or 425-235-8790).

Help Decorate the Church No experience is needed, just a desire to help! If interested, please contact Cynde at cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940, x104.
- Sunday, Dec 18, 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM for Christmas decorating
- Monday, Dec 19, 9 AM - 12 PM for Christmas decorating
- Monday, Jan 9, 9 AM -12 PM to remove the Christmas decorations

You Can Help Your Marriage Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. The next program weekend is Jan 20 - 22. For info or to register (all confidential) call 206-706-2608 or visit www.helpourmarriage.com.

Spiritual Retreat Opportunities coming up at St. Mary-on-the-Lake Chapel (1663 Killarney Wy, Bellevue). For more info or to register, contact Carmel Little, CSJP at 425-635-3600 or clittle@csjp-olp.org. Free-will offering requested at both events.
- Wednesday, Dec 14 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM: Peace Days for Women, “Embracing the Dark: Holy Presence”. Led by Alexandra Kovats, CSJP. Bring a sack lunch; coffee/tea provided
- Saturday, Dec 17 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Day of Contemplative Prayer for Women and Men. Led by Kathleen Pruitt, CJSP and Kwan Wong. Arrive 30 mins. early if this is your first time coming to Contemplative Prayer.

Advent talk at St. Anthony Fr. Dwight Lewis, newly ordained priest and Parochial Vicar at St. Michael in Olympia, will give a talk titled, “Your Faith has Saved You”. Friday, Dec 9 at 7:30 PM in the Parish Hall at St. Anthony (Renton). Sponsored by the St. Anthony Prayer Group. For info contact Sandy 425-282-4902 or Marilou 253-631-3272.

Thank you to the owners of Country Tree Farm for again donating Christmas trees to our church this year! Country Tree Farm (18225 116th Ave SE, Renton) is open for business only on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 AM to 4 PM, until Christmas. For more information, see www.countrytreefarm.com or call Becky Bernards (425-255-5172).

November 20th, 2011

2011-11-16T12:54:00.001-08:00

Fr. Ed’s Catechism 101 class has undergone a change!The newly renovated class,
“Knowing your Faith: Catholicism with Fr. Ed” is using Fr. Robert Barron’s nationally recognized Catholicism DVD series to more deeply explore what we believe as Catholics.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to learn more but don’t like the formal setting of the “classroom”, join us every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7:30 PM for a journey that will take you further then you thought you could go!

Parish Offices will be closed Thrsday, November 24th through Sunday November 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. There are no classes on the 23rd or 27th

Advent Reconciliation will be December 15th at 7:00pm.

St. Stephen's Advent Morning of Reflection “Prepare our Homes, Prepare our Hearts” is the theme that Deacon Bill Eckert will speak to on Saturday, Nov 19, from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Take this time for prayer, reflection and sharing as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Savior. Sign-up in the narthex or contact cyndebosshart@gmail.com. Contact Brigitte (425-351-5518) to arrange childcare.

2012 Entertainment Books The SSPC will be selling 2012 Entertainment Books in the Narthex after all masses Nov 19 - 20 and Dec 3 - 4. If you would like to buy a book, please contact Krista Whalen (425-961-0492 or responselx@msn.com). They make great Christmas gifts!

Grief Support 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, Nov 20 from 1-2:30 PM in the Chapel. Our topic will be "Pathways Through The Holiday Season". For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen (425-228-1437). “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt. 5, 4)

Thanksgiving Candle Exchange On Thanksgiving Day at St. Stephen’s we encourage people to bring a 3” candle to Mass to exchange (each family takes home another person or family’s candle) and use for prayer during Advent. Please write your name on your candle and place it on the baptismal font when you come to the Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9 AM. This is a great chance to reach out to others in our faith community!

Help Decorate the Church Decorating the church is very important but requires lots of help. We will especially need help on the following days. No experience is needed, just a desire to help. If interested, please contact Cynde (cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940 x104).
• Advent decorating: Saturday, Nov 26, 9 AM – noon
• Christmas decorating: Sunday, Dec 18, 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM AND Monday, Dec 19, 9 AM – noon
• Christmas decoration removal: Monday, Jan 9, 9 AM – noon

Seattle Council of Catholic Women The Central Deanery of ACCW invites all Catholic Women of King County to their open Board Meeting on Thursday, Dec 1, from 11 AM -1:30 PM in the Father Lane Room at St. Anthony's Parish (314 S 4th St, Renton). Agenda items include: the election of officers, budget planning, and fundraiser planning. Please bring a sack lunch. If intersted, RSVP to Lori (253-833-3380 or lorimar1915@hotmail.com).

The Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) is reading Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent. Please join us on Monday, Dec 5 at 7 PM in the St Stephen's Room to discuss the book. Questions? Contact Pam Redmond (futuretrust@hotmail.com or 425-235-8790).

Youth Choir Accompanist Needed St. Stephen's Youth Choir is seeking an accompanist for rehearsals, which are two or three Sundays per month, October - June, from 10-10:45 AM in the chapel; masses (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, for a First Eucharist Mass); and a variety of other parish functions. If you are interested in volunteering please call Laurie Samora (253-631-3473).

Blanket Drive Many thanks to all who generously donated to our blanket drive! SSHA accept donations all year - please bring new or gently used blankets to our office in the Outreach Annex, Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 2 PM. Questions? Call 253-638-9798. Thank you!!

Coupon Queens Needed We are going to begin couponing for a cause. Contact Darlene (253-631-1940 or darsimpson@gmail.com).

Donations Wanted Please contact Parish Outreach if you have an automobile, truck or adult bicycle you can donate (tax receipts are available). We are also in need of a working freezer. If you can help with any of these things, we can arrange to have it picked-up!

Homeless Backpacks We are still collecting items. Please see last week’s bulletins for more details.

ARISE Men’s shelter will be at King of Kings Lutheran Church on Benson during November. Corrected instructions will be the Narthex.

Seeking a special, empathetic and compassionate person to work in Direct Aid. Contact Darlene (253-631-1940 or darsimpson@gmail.com).

2011 Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program St. Stephen's Housing Association (SSHA) currently has 20 families living in its transitional housing. Coming from a homeless shelter, these families are very limited financially and may not be able to purchase Christmas gifts for their families. To help brighten their lives, we have an Adopt-A-Family Program where we ask our parishioners to sponsor a family with modest gifts for Christmas. If you cannot afford to sponsor an entire family, please consider helping a child or two; or, your financial donation of any amount will be combined with others to make this a very Merry Christmas! Please consider donating to this program. For more info contact Barbara Brownlow (425-228-0541).

November 21 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00a – 12:00p Facilities & Grounds
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

November 22 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p – 8:00p Cub Scouts
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry

November 23 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p -- 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice

Novemb er 24 Thursday
9:00a – 9:30a MASS
1:00p – 3:00p Thanksgiving Dinner

November 25 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

November 26 Saturday
8:00a – 10:00a SSTM Men's Group
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

November 27 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
11:00a – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

November 13th, 2011

2011-11-09T12:31:00.001-08:00

Youth Choir Accompanist Needed The St. Stephen's Youth Choir is seeking an accompanist for rehearsals, which are two or three Sundays per month, October - June, from 10-10:45 AM in the chapel, masses (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, for a First Eucharist Mass), and a variety of other parish functions. If you are interested in volunteering please call Laurie Samora (253-631-3473).

Blanket Drive Many thanks to all who generously donated to our blanket drive! SSHA accept donations all year - please bring new or gently used blankets to our office in the Outreach Annex, Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 2 PM. Questions? Call 253-638-9798. Thank you!!

50Plus Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner Friday, Nov 18, at 6 PM in the Social Hall. Turkey and dessert will be provided. Feel free to bring a friend! If you can attend, please call Priscilla Witters (253-852-5864) to RSVP and sign-up for a dish.

Advent Morning of Reflection “Prepare our Homes, Prepare our Hearts” is the theme that Deacon Bill Eckert will speak to on Saturday, Nov 19, from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Take this time for prayer, reflection and sharing as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Savior. Sign-up in the narthex or contact cyndebosshart@gmail.com. Contact Brigitte (425-351-5518) to arrange childcare.

2012 Entertainment Books The SSPC will be selling 2012 Entertainment Books in the Narthex after all masses Nov 19 - 20 and Dec 3 - 4. If you would like to buy a book, please contact Krista Whalen (425-961-0492 or responselx@msn.com). They make great Christmas gifts!

Grief Support 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, Nov 20 from 1-2:30 PM in the Chapel. Our topic will be "Pathways Through The Holiday Season". For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen (425-228-1437). “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt. 5, 4)

Thanksgiving Candle Exchange On Thanksgiving Day at St. Stephen’s we encourage people to bring a 3” candle to Mass to exchange (each family takes home another person or family’s candle) and use for prayer during Advent. Please write your name on your candle and place it on the baptismal font when you come to the Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9 AM. This is a great chance to reach out to others in our faith community!

Help Decorate the Church Decorating the church is very important but requires lots of help. We will especially need help on the following days. No experience is needed, just a desire to help. If interested, please contact Cynde (cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940 x104).
• Advent decorating: Saturday, Nov 26, 9 AM – noon
• Christmas decorating: Sunday, Dec 18, 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM AND Monday, Dec 19, 9 AM – noon
• Christmas decoration removal: Monday, Jan 9, 9 AM – noon

Advent Retreat: Carrying God Witihin This retreat will include Eucharist, presentations, reflection time, and sharing. Please bring your bible. Presented by Sr. Carol Ann Warnke, OSF. Saturday, Dec 3, 8:30-3 PM, at the St. Ann Home (6602 S Alaska St, Tacoma). Register by Nov 29 to 253-212-3127. Cost is $25/person. Coffee and tea will be provided but please bring your own lunch.

The Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) is reading Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent. Please join us on Monday, Dec 5 at 7 PM in the St Stephen's Room to discuss the book. Questions? Contact Pam Redmond (futuretrust@hotmail.com or 425-235-8790).

Coupon Queens Needed We are going to begin couponing for a cause. Contact Darlene (253-631-1940 or darsimpson@gmail.com).

Donations Wanted Please contact Parish Outreach if you have an automobile, truck or adult bicycle you can donate (tax receipts are available). We are also in need of a working freezer. If you can help with any of these things, we can arrange to have it picked-up!

Homeless Backpacks We are still collecting items. Please see last week’s bulletins for more details.

ARISE Men’s shelter will be at King of Kings Lutheran Church on Benson during November. Corrected instructions will be the Narthex.

Seeking a special, empathetic and compassionate person to work in Direct Aid. Contact Darlene (253-631-1940 or darsimpson@gmail.com).

Outreach Programs that need help:
• Homeless backpacks: collecting stuff, organizing, etc.
• Extreme Couponing for a Cause: collecting, cutting, and shopping for the Food Bank
• Thanksgiving baskets for Seniors: Info on the "needed items" will be on a list in the Narthex
• Annual Thanksgiving Dinner: November 24, 1-3 PM (all are invited)

ADVENT MORNING OF REFLECTION - With Deacon Bill Eckert - Saturday, November 19th 9:30 am – 12:30 pDo you want to make this season of Advent different than
previous years? Be intentional and start it with a morning of prayer and reflection. Sign-up in the narthex or contact
cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940.

Reconciliation Retreat November 16th - REQUIRED for all students and their parents making 1st Reconciliation in December.

Mission Pancake Breakfast November 13th after all morning Masses!

We continue with the Catholicism DVD Series on Wed, Nov 16 at 7:30 PM in the Church. Please join us for Mass at 6:30 PM, followed by snacks and class at 7:30 PM. Our next classes will be Dec 7.

November 14 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

November 15 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a – 11:45a Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Girlfriends Bunco Night
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

November 16 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
6:30p -- 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice
7:30p – 9:00p Catechism/Confirmation w/Fr Ed

November 17 Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a – 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Committee
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
7:00p – 9:00p Adult Yakima Mission Team

November 18 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a -- 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 9:00p 50+ Potluck

November 19 Saturday
8:30a -- 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:30a – 12:30p Advent Morning of Reflection
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

November 20 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
11:00 – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
1:00p – 2:30p Grief Support
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p – 8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

November 6th, 2011

2011-11-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

ADVENT MORNING OF REFLECTION - With Deacon Bill Eckert - Saturday, November 19th 9:30 am – 12:30 pDo you want to make this season of Advent different than
previous years? Be intentional and start it with a morning of prayer and reflection. Sign-up in the narthex or contact
cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940.

Reconciliation Retreat November 16th - REQUIRED for all students and their parents making 1st Reconciliation in December.

Mission Pancake Breakfast November 13th after all morning Masses!

We continue with the Catholicism DVD Series on Wed, Nov 2 at 7:30 PM in the Church. The subject will be “The Ineffable Mystery of God: That Than Which Nothing Greater Can Be Thought". Please join us for Mass at 6:30 PM, followed by snacks and class at 7:30 PM. Our next classes will be: Nov 16 and Dec 7.

The Visitation Guild will be meeting Wednesday, Nov 9, beginning at 9:45 AM with refreshments in the downstairs social hall. The meeting will begin at 10:15 AM. If you will be attending the Christmas luncheon at Mitzel's, Elsie will be collecting $15/person for this event. Questions? Please contact Shirley Boucher (425-430-8784). We look forward to seeing you!

Attention All Military Veterans and Active Duty Personnel A number of local schools will be offering Veterans' Day assemblies to honor US Military Veterans, including: Benson Hill Elementary (116th Ave SE) at 9:30 AM on Nov 9; Sunrise Elementary (132nd Ave SE) at 9:30 AM on Nov 9; Kentridge High School (SE 208th and 124th SE) at 7 PM on Nov 9; and Northwood Middle School (Petrovitsky Rd and 184th St SE) at 8:30 AM on Nov 10. All Military are encouraged to attend. Please check-in at the schools a half-hour prior to the assembly. Questions? Contact Wendell Pang at 206-683-6865.

St. Stephen's Choir Updates
• Join the St. Stephen's Christmas Choir You are invited to prayerfully consider joining the St. Stephen’s Music Ministry to sing at the 8:30 AM Christmas Mass. This adult choir will begin rehearsing Wednesday, Nov 9 at 7:15 PM in the Church. Come celebrate the Birth of Christ with song! Contact John Burton or Marijean Heutmaker (253-631-1940, X 106 or mariheutmaker@gmail.com) if interested.
• Youth Choir Accompanist Needed The St. Stephen's Youth Choir is seeking an accompanist for rehearsals, which are two or three Sundays per month, October - June, from 10-10:45 AM in the chapel, masses (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, for a First Eucharist Mass), and a variety of other parish functions. If you are interested in volunteering please call Laurie Samora (253-631-3473).

South King County Young Adults is a new networking opportunity for young Catholics age 18-35 (single or married) in the area. We meet monthly on 2nd Saturdays, alternating among different local parishes. Join us here at St. Stephen's on Saturday, Nov 12, when Fr. Ed will be our guest speaker sharing his conversion story. Please RSVP by 11/8 to skcya.group@gmail.com or via Facebook SKCYA (South King Catholic Young Adults).

Girlfriends Bunco Night All women ages 18 to 108 are invited on Tuesday, Nov 15, at 7 PM in the Narthex. The cost is $5/per person which goes towards a prize fund. Please also bring a snack to share; we will provide drinks. Please RSVP so we know how many tables to set-up. For more info or to RSVP contact Julie Corneliuson (425-277-2709 or j.simpson1@comcast.net).

Grief Support 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, Nov 20 from 1-2:30 PM in the Chapel. Our topic will be "Pathways Through The Holiday Season". For more info, contact Sharon Rasmussen (425-228-1437). “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mt. 5, 4)

2011 Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program St. Stephen's Housing Association (SSHA) currently has 20 families living in its transitional housing. Coming from a homeless shelter, these families are very limited financially and may not be able to purchase Christmas gifts for their families. To help brighten their lives, we have an Adopt-A-Family Program where we ask our parishioners to sponsor a family with modest gifts for Christmas. If you cannot afford to sponsor an entire family, please consider helping a child or two; or, your financial donation of any amount will be combined with others to make this a very Merry Christmas! Please consider donating to this program. For more info contact Barbara Brownlow (425-228-0541).

November 7th 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

November 8th Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a–11.45a Scripture Study
6:00p – 8:00p Strength Finders
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry
7:00p – 8:30p SSTM Gabriel Project

November 9th Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:45a--12:00p Visitation Guild
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

November 10th Thursday
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a-1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p –7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –9:00p RCIA

November 11th Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a–10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a–- 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
12:00p--6:00p Christmas Bazaar

November 12th Saturday
8:00a-10:00a SSTM Men's Group
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a.–3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00a-7:00p Christmas Bazaar
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS
6:00p – 9:00p South King County Young Adults
6:30p-10:00p Widows/Widowers

November 13th Sunday
8:30a –9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
After Masses Mission Pancake Breakfast
9:30a --2:00p Christmas Bazaar
9:45a-10:45a Preschool
9:45a-10:45a Altar Server Training
11:00-12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p –6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p –8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p –9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

October 30th, 2011

2011-10-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

24-Hour Adoration/Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place the first Friday-Saturday of every month. The next opportunity is from 9 AM on Friday, November 4 until 3 PM on Saturday, November 5. Please consider making a Holy Hour in Adoration of our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. We all come to Jesus with our praises, our thanksgivings, and our needs. Please sign-up for your favorite time(s) on the board by the Chapel doors. Questions? Contact Bernie Wittgens (253-631-5560).

1st Mission Meeting: Sunday, Oct 30th at 5pm in the Chapel. There has been a small change for this next summer. YNIA is only offering a single week in Yakima (not the usual two). For this reason, a signed agreement form, and payment of the deposit (or conversation with Rick) are REQUIRED to reserve your spot! You will not be considered part of the mission team without it!

Mission to Yakima Pancake Breakfast November 13th after all morning Masses!

Reconciliation Retreat November 16th - REQUIRED for all students and their parents making 1st Reconciliation in December

Sr. High Youth Convention - November 5th/6th NEXT WEEKEND! Required for those in Confirmation class!

We continue with the Catholicism DVD Series on Wednesday, Nov 2 at 7:30 PM in the Church. The subject for this class is, “The Ineffable Mystery of God: That Than Which Nothing Greater Can Be Thought". Please join us for Mass at 6:30 PM, followed by snacks, and then class at 7:30 PM. Our next classes will be: Nov 16 and Dec 7.

Come to a Gathering to Remember Your Loved One Those of us who have experienced the loss of a loved one will gather together on All Souls Day (Wednesday, Nov 2) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM by the Baptismal Fount in the Church. Our presenter will be Jane Fleming, a professional Grief Counselor, from Providence Hospice of Seattle. Please bring a picture or memento of your loved one. A luncheon will be served in the Narthex. Please rsvp to Marijean Heutmaker (253-630-1940, X106, or mariheautmaker@gmail.com)

South King County Young Adults is a new opportunity for you to network with other Catholic young adults in the area! Open to all 18-35 year olds (single or married). We meet monthly on 2nd Saturdays, alternating among different local parishes. Join us on Saturday, Nov 12, here at St. Stephen's. Fr. Ed will be our guest speaker and will be sharing his conversion story. Please RSVP by 11/8 to skcya.group@gmail.com or via our Facebook page: SKCYA (South King Catholic Young Adults).

Thank you to everyone who made and/or donated Rosaries in answer to our plea. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. We will happily receive your Rosaries all year long, as we give them to parishioners, Nursing Homes patients, those we serve through our Mission in Honduras, and to many others. You may bring your Rosaries to the office anytime- Father Ed blesses them all before they are given out. Thank you again!

Join the St. Stephen's Christmas Choir You are invited to prayerfully consider joining the St. Stephen’s Music Ministry to sing at the 8:30 AM Mass for Christmas. This adult choir will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, Nov 9 at 7:15 PM in the Church. Come celebrate the Birth of Christ with song! Contact John Burton or Marijean Heutmaker (253-631-1940, X 106 or mariheutmaker@gmail.com) so we can count you in our music preparation.

2011 Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program The St. Stephen Housing Association (SSHA) currently has 20 families living in our transitional housing. Coming from a homeless shelter, these families are very limited financially and may not be able to purchase Christmas gifts for their families. To help brighten their lives, we have an Adopt-A-Family Program where we request our parishioners to sponsor a family with modest gifts for Christmas. If you cannot afford to sponsor an entire family, maybe you can help a child or two; or, your financial donation of any amount will be combined with others to make this a very Merry Christmas! Please consider donating to this program; contact Barbara Brownlow (425-228-0541) for more information.

Blanket Drive This month, SSHA is hosting a blanket drive! We need new or gently used blankets for twin and full sized beds. Donations may be dropped off in the box located in the Narthex or at our office in the Outreach Annex. Please contact us (253-638-9798) with any questions. Thank you for your generosity!

Join the Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) on Thursday, November 3 at 7 PM in the St Stephen's Room. We will discuss “Oxygen” by Carol Cassella. Please contact Mary Powers (marypowers@comcast.net or 253-797-0349) with questions.

Attention All Military Veterans and Active Duty Personnel Local school assemblies are held in honor of all Military Veterans and many of us Veterans who are members at St. Stephen will attend. Details will be in next weekend's bulletin or contact Wendell Pang (425-226-6521).

Advent Retreat: Carrying God Witihin This retreat will include Eucharist, presentations, reflection time, and sharing. Please bring your bible. Presented by Sr. Carol Ann Warnke, OSF. Saturday, Dec 3 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the St. Ann Home (6602 S. Alaska St., Tacoma, WA 98408). Register by Nov 29 to 253-212-3127. $25 fee (coffee/tea provided but bring a lunch).

Advent Morning of Reflection at St. Stephen Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays, how about a morning of reflection, prayer, pondering and maybe re-imagining how to replace the hectic holidays with some sacred space? Deacon Bill Eckert will return on Saturday, November 19, from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM for our annual Advent Morning of Reflection. Mark your calendars now and sign-up in the Narthex for this timely event! Cost: Freewill offering.

Marriage Retreat The purpose of life is to get to Heaven, and to bring everyone with me that I can. What have I done to help bring me and my spouse to Heaven? The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends are Nov 18-20 in Centralia (more info: www.mrwwme.org, 253-859-9174) and Feb 24-26 in Seattle (wwwSeattleWWME.org, 206-772-2344). Early registration is strongly recommended.

Join the Widows & Widowers’ Group at Kentridge High School Theatre on Saturday, November 5 at 1:30 PM to see the musical, “Side Show”. Tickets are $8.00. Call Danny Hodges at 425-572-6245 to sign up.

October 31 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p Vigil MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration

November 1 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a –11.45a Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 7:30p MASS
7:30p – 9:00p Knight of Columbus

November 2 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00 – 11:30a beC.O.M.E.
11:00 – 1:00p Remembrance of the Dead
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
7:30p – 9:00p Catechism with Fr. Ed

November 3 Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a – 9:30a Safety Committee
11:00a – 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p –7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p Pastoral Council
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
7:00p – 9:00p Girlfriends Book Club

November 4 First Friday
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a –10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a –3p Sat Eucharistic Adoration

November 5 First Saturday
7:30a – 8:00a Morning Prayer
8:10a – 8:20a Benediction
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a Fri–3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00a –11:30a Council of Catholic Women
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS
6:00p – 9:00p Girlfriends Crafts

November 6 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a –10:45a Preschool
10:00 –10:45a Youth Choir Practice
11:00 –12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:45p – 8:15p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

October 23rd, 2011

2011-10-19T11:14:00.001-07:00

Confirmation Class this Wednesday! - Bring your Baptism Certificate and your sponsor’s proof of the Sacrament of Confirmation!

Youth Mission to Yakima - 1st Mission Meeting: Sunday, October 30th at 5pm in the Chapel. There has been a small change for this next summer. YNIA is only offering a single week in Yakima (not the usual two). For this reason, a signed agreement form, and payment of the deposit (or conversation with Rick) are REQUIRED to reserve your spot! You will not be considered part of the mission team without it!

Pancake Breakfast to Support the Youth Mission to Yakima will be Sunday November 13th after all morning masses!

Join Fr. Spitzer for a free, Pro-Life lecture and book signing on Thursday, November 3 at 7:00 PM at the University of Washington in Kane Hall 130. His new book, Ten Universal Principles, will be availabe at the event ($15 for one/$25 for two). For more information (and online book purchase), visit Healing the Culture’s website at www.healingtheculture.com.

Join the Widows & Widowers’ Group at Kentridge High School Theatre on Saturday, November 5 at 1:30 PM to see the musical, “Side Show”. Tickets are $8.00. Call Danny Hodges at 425-572-6245 to sign up.

Rosaries Needed October is the Month of the Holy Rosary and we would like to have rosaries, blessed by Fr. Ed, available at all Masses throughout the month. If you have 'extra ' rosaries or perhaps make rosaries (or know someone who does), your donation would be greatly appreciated to keep our supply replenished. Please bring them to the Parish Office. Thank you for your dedication to this wonderful ministry, which helps us all become closer to Jesus through the eyes of Our Blessed Mother.

Attention All Military Veterans and Active Duty Personnel Please be aware of our Veterans Day Holiday on November 11. Local school assemblies are held in honor of all Military Veterans, and many of us Veterans who are members at St. Stephen will attend. If you would like to join us, please watch the bulletin for more information or contact Wendell Pang (425-226-6521).

Advent Morning of Reflection Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays, how about a morning of reflection, prayer, pondering and maybe re-imagining how to replace the hectic holidays with some sacred space? Deacon Bill Eckert will return on Saturday, November 19, from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM for our annual Advent Morning of Reflection. Mark your calendars now and sign-up in the Narthex for this timely event! Cost: Freewill offering.

2011 Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program The St. Stephen Housing Association (SSHA) currently has 20 families living in our transitional housing. Coming from a homeless shelter, these families are very limited financially and may not be able to purchase Christmas gifts for their families. To help brighten their lives, we have an Adopt-A-Family Program where we request our parishioners to sponsor a family with modest gifts for Christmas. If you cannot afford to sponsor an entire family, maybe you can help a child or two; or, your financial donation of any amount will be combined with others to make this a very Merry Christmas! Please consider donating to this program; contact Barbara Brownlow (425-228-0541) for more information.

Blanket Drive This month, SSHA is hosting a blanket drive! We need new or gently used blankets for twin and full sized beds. Donations may be dropped off in the box located in the Narthex or at our office in the Outreach Annex. Please contact us (253-638-9798) with any questions. Thank you for your generosity!

Thank you - Vielen Dank - Gracias! The Honduras and African Mission Teams wish to thank everyone who participated in our Oktoberfest festivities, Raffle, and No-Bake Sale. We truly appreciated your generosity. Funds raised will support projects to enhance the lives of orphaned children in Honduras and Africa.

The French Toast Breakfast was a huge success! Thanks to all the volunteers, who achieved the momentum needed to produce the required results, and thanks to all guests, who waited patiently to be served.
Gracias - Obrigado - Merci - Hvala… Thank you!

Healing Mass at St. Anthony Thursday, October 27 at 7:30 PM. Presided by Fr. Glenn Parker, C.S.s.R. Sponsored by Western WA Catholic Charismatic Renewal. See http://www.wwccr.org/events/HM11_1027.pdf for more information.

Catholic Professionals of Seattle welcomes author and nationally-recognized radio host of Catholic Answers Live, Patrick Coffin, who will give a talk titled, “So You Want to Defend the Church?” on Friday, Nov 4, from 7:00 AM to 9:15 AM at the UW Catholic Newman Center. Members $20/Non-Members $35. Purchase tickets 48 hours in advance, online only: www.catholicprofessionalsofseattle.org. Learn more at our website or contact Sheldon Sweeney (425-941-1921).

Join the Lit & Latte Girl Group (Girlfriends Book Club) on Thursday, November 3 at 7 PM in the St Stephen's Room. We will discuss “Oxygen” by Carol Cassella. Please contact Mary Powers (marypowers@comcast.net or 253-797-0349) with questions.

October 24 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:30p – 9:00p Catholic School Parents
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Troop 714
7:15p – 9:00p Respect Life

October 25 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a –11.45a Scripture Study
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 8:00p Cub Scouts
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p – 8:45p Scripture Study
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry

October 26 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 Confirmation Class

October 27 Thursday
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a –1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p Finance Council
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA

October 28 Friday
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a –10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

October 29 Saturday
8:00a – 10:00a SSTM Men's Group
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

October 30 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
11:00a – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

October 16th, 2011

2011-10-12T12:15:00.003-07:00

RCIA: Jesus said, “Repay Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” The Pharisees in today's Gospel flatter Jesus, and then pose a question they think will bring him down with the Roman authorities. Jesus turns their plotting into a teaching moment. Teaching moments is what RCIA is designed to do in bringing persons into the Catholic faith. If you would like to be part of this process, contact Cynde Bosshart at 253-631-1940, X104 or cyndebosshart@gmail.com.

Flu Shot Clinic Update: There was not enough interest to host a Flu Shot Clinic here at St. Stephen on Oct. 20 as originally suggested. Please contact your health care provider or local pharmacy to receive the flu shot this season. Thank you.

Mission 2012 is gearing up, and our first breakfast is coming up! There has been a small change for this next summer. YNIA is only offering a single week in Yakima (not the usual two). For this reason, a signed agreement form and payment of the deposit (or conversation with Rick) are REQUIRED to reserve your spot! You will not be considered part of the mission team without it!

First Grade Parents: Classes are required this year to be eligible for First Sacraments in 2nd grade!

Catholic Women will gather for Annual Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women's Convention on Friday, Oct 21 and Saturday, October 22 right here at St. Stephen! Childcare available on request. Come join us! This year's theme is, "We are the Light of the World." Visit us at www.SeattleACCW.org for more information.

Concert: Everyone is invited to come hear the Maureen Still Band, the vibrant life teen musicians from St. Louise (Bellevue) who sing about life today. Friday, Oct 21 at 7:00 PM, here at St. Stephen. $5 at the door. Childcare available on request (contact psj1350@comcast.net). Sponsored by the Seattle ACCW.

The next 'Catholicism' series DVD, by Fr. Robert Barron, will be shown after 6:30 PM Mass on Wednesday, October 19 in the Church. Even if you did not come to the first class, please join us for this stunning series. Our November class dates are the 2nd & 16th. For more info on the series, see http://www.catholicismseries.com. "In tying together art and culture, history and literature, beauty and truth, which is the wisdom- the timeless genius that CATHOLICISM is all about- he [Fr. Barron] does it magnificently. And this is just what we need in the Catholic Church today." - Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, Archdiocese of New York

The St. Stephen's Youth Choir is about to begin a new season. We welcome all young singers in kindergarten through eighth grade, and would love to have you join us! The first rehearsal will be on Sunday, October 16, from 10:00-10:45 AM in the Chapel. (This is between the morning masses, so parents can enjoy a cup of coffee while they wait downstairs.) Upcoming rehearsals will be: 10/16, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4 and 12/18. We are preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Contact Laurie Samora with questions at 253-631-3473 or at lauriegsam@comcast.net.

Rosaries Needed: October is the Month of the Holy Rosary and we would like to have rosaries, blessed by Fr. Ed, available at all Masses throughout the month. If you have 'extra ' rosaries or perhaps make rosaries (or know someone who does), your donation would be greatly appreciated to keep our supply replenished. Please bring them to the Parish Office. Thank you for your dedication to this wonderful ministry, which helps us all become closer to Jesus through the eyes of Our Blessed Mother.

50+ Potluck Canceled: Due to a scheduling conflict, the 50+ Potluck will not meet on Friday, Oct 21. The next potluck will be for Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov 18- the turkey will be provided. Call 253-852-6864 for more info.

October 17 Monday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00a -12:00p Facilities & Grounds
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 18 Tuesday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:20a -11:45a Scripture Study
6:00p - 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p - 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p - 8:45p Scripture Study
7:30p - 9:00p Knights of Columbus

October 19 Wednesday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
10:00a - 11:30a beC.O.M.E.
5:30p - 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p - 7:15p Religious Education Classes (No GIFT)
6:30p - 7:00p MASS
7:00p - 9:00p Returning Catholics & Adult Confirmation
7:15p - 9:00p Choir Practice
7:30p - 9:00p Catechism with Father Ed

October 20 Thursday (No Flu Shot Clinic)
8:30a - 9:00a MASS
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a - 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p - 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p - 9:00p RCIA
7:00p - 8:30p Boy Scout Committee
7:00p - 9:00p Stewardship Commission

October 21 Friday (No 50+ Potluck)
8:30a - 9:15a MASS
9:00a -10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
12:00p - 9:00p ACCW Convention & Concert

October 22 Saturday
8:30a - 8:00p ACCW Convention
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p - 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p - 6:00p Vigil MASS

October 23 Sunday
8:30a - 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a - 10:45a Preschool
10:00a - 10:45a Youth Choir Rehearsal
11:00 -12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p - 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p - 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group
6:45p - 8:30p Connections, Sr. High Life Teen

October 9th, 2011

2011-10-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

Sr. High Convention- Nov 5th/6th

Mission 2012- We are gearing up, and our first breakfast is coming up! There has been a small change for this next summer. YNIA is only offering a single week in Yakima (not the usual two). For this reason, a signed agreement form and payment of the deposit (or conversation with Rick) are REQUIRED to reserve your spot! You will not be considered part of the mission team without it!

Jr. High Quest- 7th/8th Graders, Oct 21/22

Catholic Women- We will gather for Annual Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women's Convention on Friday, Oct 21 and Saturday, October 22 right here at St. Stephen! Childcare available on request. Come join us! This year's theme is, "We are the Light of the World." Visit us at www.SeattleACCW.org for more information.

Concert- Everyone is invited to come hear the Maureen Still Band, the vibrant life teen musicians from St. Louise (Bellevue) who sing about life today. Friday, Oct 21 at 7:00 PM, here at St. Stephen. $5 at the door. Childcare available on request (contact psj1350@comcast.net). Sponsored by the Seattle ACCW.

Visitation Guild- We will meet Wednesday, Oct 12 in the downstairs social hall, with refreshments at 9:45 AM. The meeting will begin at 10:15 AM. DON'T FORGET to bring your donations for our military personnel serving in Afghanistan, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, and wet wipes. Please, no colognes or anything with a strong odor of any kind. Our Guild will provide shipping money for two boxes.

Help End Abortion- St. Stephen's 2011 4US (for ultrasounds) donation campaign has ended. However, all donations still qualify for the Knights of Columbus Matching Program to help pregnant mothers make INFORMED CHOICES. Please donate online at www.4us.org/teams/35 or by check payable to "4US" with "Fr. Ed's Team Fiat" noted on the memo and mail to 4US, 401 North E St., Tacoma, WA 98403. More info at www.ststephens.us . Thank you for your support!

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.

RICA- The Gospel says that “Many are invited but few are chosen.” Again, Jesus is telling an “invitation parable”
that shows how his words of invitation fall on deaf ears. For several weeks, Jesus has been using the tool of parable to get his listeners to hearken to his words to participate fully and each time there is resistance. How resistant are you when you hear God’s call? Would you like to respond now and consider joining the Catholic Church? RCIA is designed to bring persons into the Catholic faith. If you would like to be part of this process, please contact Cynde Bosshart at 253-631-1940, X104 or cyndebosshart@gmail.com.

New Roman Missal- Changes in Worship Coming this Advent “Change” can be a most disconcerting word. Yet one would think that in this world of technology, we would be accustomed to it since not a day goes by without change happening. Our cell phones and computers are outdated when we purchase them, and still we resist change while striving to keep up. While we want our worship to remain the same, we also want it to be relevant. The changes in the liturgy that will begin in Advent are not sweeping, but are meant to heighten our sense of reverence and worship. They are to give dignity to the liturgy in a way that is less ordinary than our private devotions. While those are more intimate, our communal prayer on Sunday is intended to be a more formal celebration. May we be open to this way of praying with the new words.

Oktobefest at St. Stephen- It's not too late to purchase your Oktoberfest Dinner Tickets for next Saturday, October 15th! The fun will begin immediately following the 5:00 PM Mass. The evening will include authentic German food, beverages, entertainment, and a raffle of donated items; the winners of the “No Bake; Bake Sale” will also be announced. All proceeds benefit the children we will visit during our Honduras and Africa Mission trips in 2012. Tickets available after all weekend Masses in the Narthex (childcare on request). Contact Debbie (ddullenty@comcast.net or 206-755-6628) for more info.

St. Stephen's Youth Choir- We are about to begin a new season. We welcome all young singers in kindergarten through eighth grade, and would love to have you join us! The first rehearsal will be on Sunday, October 16, from 10:00-10:45 AM in the Chapel. (This is between the morning masses, so parents can enjoy a cup of coffee while they wait downstairs.) Upcoming rehearsals will be: 10/16, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4 and 12/18. We are preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Contact Laurie Samora with questions at 253-631-3473 or at lauriegsam@comcast.net.

October 10 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 11 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
7:00p - 9:00p Stephen Ministry

October 12 Wednesday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:45a -12:00p Visitation Guild
10:00 -11:30a beC.O.M.E.
5:30p - 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p - 7:15p Religious Education Classes
6:00p - 7:15p 1st Sacraments Parents (Mandatory)
6:30p - 7:00p MASS
7:00p - 9:00p Returning Catholics & Adult Confirmation
7:15p - 9:00p Choir Practice

October 13 Thursday
8:30a - 9:00a MASS
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a -1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
6:45p - 9:00p Parish Leadership (dinner starts 6:15p)
7:00p - 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p - 9:00p RCIA

October 14 Friday
8:30a - 9:15a MASS
9:00a -10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p - 9:00p Girl Scouts

October 15 Saturday
8:00a - 10:00a SSTM Men's Group
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a. - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p - 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p - 6:00p Vigil MASS
6:00p -10:00p Oktoberfest

October 16 Sunday
8:30a - 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a - 10:45a Preschool
11:00 - 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
1:00p - 2:30p Grief Support
5:30p -6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p - 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group
6:45p - 8:30p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen

October 2nd, 2011

2011-09-28T12:30:00.001-07:00

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

September 25th, 2011

2011-09-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Eucharistic Minister Training - Eucharistic Ministers provide an important ministry by assisting the priest with distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the parish community. If you are a Confirmed Catholic and interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister, please join us at one of the upcoming Eucharistic Minister Trainings on Saturday, Oct 8 at 9 AM or Sunday, Oct 9 at 9:30 AM. Eucharistic Ministers are asked to serve at one mass of your choosing each month. Please sign-up at the back of the church or by contacting Mary Kay Elsner at 253-630-3607 or mmelsner@comcast.net.

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

Help End Abortion
• South-End Parish Pro-Life will meet at St. Stephen Monday, Sept 26. All are welcome to come for 6:30 PM Mass followed by a social hour and Sidewalk Counseling presentation by Paul Robertson, Seattle Archdiocese Gabriel Project Coordinator. Visit: www.ststephens.us/bulletin/SEP_18_2011_insrt1.pdf or contact Mary (StStephenChoosesLife@yahoo.com) for more info.

• First Saturday is Oct 1 Join the Renton Helpers of God's Precious Infants in prayer on the sidewalk in front of the Renton Cedar River (abortion) Clinics (located at 263 Rainier Ave. S) following 8 AM Mass at St. Anthony. Questions? Call Brian or Louise at 425-271-7185.

• Life Chain Sunday is Oct 2 For more details, please see the bulletin insert or www.ststephens.us/bulletin/SEP_25_2011_insrt1.pdf.

Join Girlfriends & join in the fun! Join us Thursday, Sept 29 at 7 PM in the St Stephen’s room to gather together and discuss plans for future Girlfriends events. Women age 18 to 108 are invited! Questions? Contact Mary Powers (marypowers@comcast.net or 253-797-0349).

Possible Flu Shot Clinic St. Stephen's is considering hosting a flu shot clinic Thursday, Oct 20 from 9 - 11 AM if enough parishioners are interested. Shots would be administered by a nurse provided by Maxim Health Systems at a cost of $25/person. If this is something that interests you, please contact the Parish Offices by Wednesday, Oct 5.

A New Treat for Catechism Nights Message from Father Ed: 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. I'm referring to the new Catholicism DVD series by Father Robert Barron (who was my Academic Advisor at Mundelein Seminary). We will start on Wednesday, Oct 5th, at 7:30 PM. All ages are welcome to attend!
"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

Couples Night Out with Guest Speaker Dr. Tom Curran St. Stephen's is hosting a Couples Night Out dinner event Saturday, Oct 8 at 6 PM. The evening begins with dinner at 6 PM, followed by a presentation by Dr. Tom Curran at 7 PM titled, “Marriage: A Gift from God.” Come and learn the secret to a great marriage and discover what will forever change how you view your marriage, spouse, and yourself. The cost is $20/couple; and childcare is available with a reservation. To register for the event, contact cyndebosshart@gmail.com; to make a childcare reservation, contact Brigitte (425-351-5518 or ststephenschildcare@gmail.com). Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct 5.

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.

8:30 Choir Breakfast The famous french toast breakfast is back and will be served on Sunday, Oct 9 after both AM Masses.

St. Anthony's "Octo-bear-fest" 2011 Break out your clogs and come join the fun on Friday, Oct 1 from 10 AM to 5 PM at St. Anthony's Parish Hall in Renton. There will be games and homemade Filipino food, Torrero's Mexican food, and beer-n-brats! Carnival booth tickets are 4/$1. For more info, contact Tiffany Perri (253-638-7330 or tiffanyperri@hotmail.com).

There’s a New World Somewhere: Marriage Encounter Reunion Saturday, Oct 1 at St. Vincent DePaul Parish (30525 8th Ave. S, Federal Way). Evening begins with Mass in the Church at 5 PM followed by a spaghetti dinner at 6:15 PM in the parish hall. Please RSVP to Carole Wright (206-396-9696 or carolew@johnlscott.com).

Honduras and Africa Missions Oktoberfest Dinner is Saturday, Oct 15th. Save the Date! The Honduras/Africa Mission team has begun collecting items to raffle at their Oktoberfest fundraising dinner. All the raffle funds will directly support the children of Honduras and Africa through orphanage projects and evangelical materials. Possible raffle donations are: gift certificates, time shares, gift baskets (coffee, Italian, spa, wine, etc.), sports memorabilia, household items, etc. Contact Debbie Dullenty (206-755-6628 or ddullenty@comcast.net) for more info. The Honduras/Africa Mission team will also be hosting a No-Bake Bake Sale fundraiser. See the flier in the bulletin for more info.

Annual Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women's Convention All Catholic women are invited to attend the annual event on Friday, Oct 21, and Saturday, Oct 22, at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish. Fore more details, call President Sue Bregel (253-350-1874) or visit www.SeattleACCW.org.

Catholic Professionals of Seattle Please help us welcome our new Archbishop Sartain on Friday, Oct 7. Event check-in begins 6:30 AM, followed by 7 AM Mass at UW Catholic Newman Center (20th Ave. NE, Seattle), followed by breakfast and guest speaker. Tickets must be purchased 48 hours in advance, online only. Members $20/Non-members $35. For more info, contact Theresa Ferguson (catholicinseattle@gmail.com or 206-261-0286) or visit www.catholicprofessionalsofseattle.org.

September 26 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
7:00p – 9:00p Social & Human Concerns
7:15p – 9:00p Respect Life Committee

September 27 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:30a – 12.00p Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry
7:00p – 9:00p Scripture Study

September 28 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

September 29 Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a - 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
6:30p – 8:00p Cub Scouts
6:30p – 8:00p Evangelization & Communication Commission
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA

September 30 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a –10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

October 1 Saturday
8:00a - 10:00a SSTM Men's Group
8:30a -- 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS

October 2 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:30a - 10:30a Africa Mission Presentation
9:45a - 10:45a Preschool
11:00 - 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p – 8:30p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

September 18th, 2011

2011-09-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Flu shots - St. Stephen the Martyr is considering hosting a flu shot clinic on Thursday October 20 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. If enough parishioners participate, Maxim Health Systems will provide a nurse to administer flu shots at a cost of $ 25.00 each. If you are interested, please let the St. Stephen the Martyr office know by October 5.

Blood Drive The Knights of Columbus and Puget Sound Blood Center are proud to announce the return of the Mobile Unit Blood Drive on Saturday, Sept 24, from 10 AM-4 PM (closed from 12-1PM) in St. Stephen's lower parking lot. To schedule your own appointment visit: www.psbc.org/programs/drive.asp?URL=1840. For more information call Cindy Mortimer at 253-939-6566.

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

New Roman Missal - Come see what it’s all about! Informational class
Saturday, September 24th from 9 AM -1 PM. Contact Cynde for sign up or questions!

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

Help End Abortion

• South-End Parish Pro-Life will meet at St. Stephen Monday, Sept 26. All are welcome to come for 6:30 PM Mass followed by a social hour and Sidewalk Counseling presentation by Seattle Archdiocese Gabriel Project Coordinator, Paul Robertson. For more info, contact Mary (StStephenChoosesLife@yahoo.com) or visit: www.ststephens.us/bulletin/SEP_18_2011_insrt1.pdf.

• Life Chain Sunday is October 2nd, 2-3:30 PM in Renton. Please join other Americans peacefully and prayerfully standing for Life on Rainier Ave. between 2nd and 3rd Streets. For more info, see www.LifeChain.net and watch for the insert with map in next Sunday's bulletin.

• St. Stephen's 2011 4US (for ultrasounds) donation campaign has ended. However, donations still qualify for the Knights of Columbus Matching Program to help pregnant mothers make informed choices. Please donate online at: www.4us.org/teams/35 or by check payable to "4US" with "Fr. Ed's Team Fiat" on the memo line, mailed to: 4US, 401 North E St., Tacoma, WA 98403. More info at www.ststephens.us. Thank you for your support!

the Word of Life quote from the U.S. Bishops' site... One need only consider the harm to our society and culture when science, technology and medicine proceed without respect for the innate and inalienable dignity of human life. A culture of death, sown by totalitarian regimes in the last century, is also sown in democratic societies when freedom’s dependence on truth is denied. ~Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Message to Graduates, May 11, 2011

UPDATE - The Knights of Columbus Soccer “Penalty-Kick” Challenge The District Championship on Saturday, Sept 24 will take place at St. Stephen's Church campus from 1- 4 PM (not at 9:30 AM as previously printed).

Join Girlfriends & join in the fun! Join us Thursday, Sept 29 at 7 PM in the St Stephen’s room to gather together and discuss plans for future Girlfriends events. Women age 18 to 108 are invited! Questions? Contact Mary Powers at marypowers@comcast.net or 253-797-0349.

A New Treat for Catechism Nights Message from Father Ed: 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. I'm referring to the new Catholicism DVD series by Father Robert Barron (who was my Academic Advisor at Mundelein Seminary). We will start on Wednesday, Oct 5th, at 7:30 PM. I recommend this series for those age 13 to 113! "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

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.

Eucharistic Minister Training Eucharistic Ministers provide an important ministry by assisting the priest with distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the parish community. If you are a Confirmed Catholic and interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister, please join us at one of the upcoming Eucharistic Minister Trainings on Saturday, Oct 8 at 9 AM or Sunday, Oct 9 at 9:30 AM. Eucharistic Ministers are asked to serve at one mass of your choosing each month. Please sign-up at the back of the church or by contacting Mary Kay Elsner at 253-630-3607 or mmelsner@comcast.net.

Africa Mission Presentation On Sunday, Oct 2 at 9:45 AM, a video of the December 2010 mission trip to Uganda and Kenya will be presented along with information about the upcoming mission trip next August! Please plan on attending in between the two morning masses that Sunday. For more information contact Diane Cooper at 425-652-1445 or imdcooper@comcast.net.

Save the Date for the Oktoberfest Dinner The Honduras/Africa Mission teams are sponsoring an Oktoberfest Dinner festival on Saturday, Oct 15th in St. Stephen’s Social Hall. The festival will include: live music, authentic German food, locally brewed beer, a raffle and silent auction, and a festive atmosphere. All proceeds from the event will be used to support the children of Honduras and Africa. Please mark your calendars and watch upcoming bulletins for more details.

Couples Night Out with Guest Speaker Dr. Tom Curran St. Stephen's is hosting a Couples Night Out dinner event Saturday, Oct 8 at 6 PM. The evening begins with dinner at 6 PM, followed by a presentation by Dr. Tom Curran at 7 PM titled, “Marriage: A Gift from God.” Come and learn the secret to a great marriage and discover what will forever change how you view your marriage, spouse, and yourself. The cost is $20/couple; and childcare is available with a reservation. To register for the event, contact cyndebosshart@gmail.com; to make a childcare reservation, contact Brigitte (425-351-5518 or ststephenschildcare@gmail.com). Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct 5.

Seattle Council of Catholic Women The Central Deanery (King County) of the Seattle Council of Catholic Women are hosting a light Supper and Guest Speakers on Thursday, Sept 29, at 5 PM at Holy Family, Auburn. The topic will be "The Dignity of Dying, Practical and Spiritual Considerations". Business meeting, pre & post program will include the Treasurer & Secretary elections and Call to Annual Convention. Please RSVP to Sue (253-833-3380 or lorimar1915@hotmail.com).

Food Bank Hours: Monday & Friday 10 AM - 12 PM and Wednesday 4 - 6 PM. Please Help! The food bank espeically needs fruit (canned, fresh or dried), pastas, soups, pancake mix, syrup and vegetables.

Donations Wanted Please contact us if you have an automobile, truck or adult bicycle that you can donate (tax receipt available).

Great News! A Hoveround (riding chair) and electric hospital bed have been donated to St. Stephens and are available for use. If interested in borrowing, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

September 19 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
10:00 – noon Facilities & Grounds
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 – 9:00p Girl Friends Book Club

September 20 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:30a – noon Scripture Study
6:00p – 8:00p Baptism Class
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 9:00p Scripture Study
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

September 21 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

September 22 Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a – 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p Finance Council
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA

September 23 Friday
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

September 24 Saturday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:00a – 1:00p New Roman Missal Class
10:00a – noon Blood Drive
1:00p – 4:00p Blood Drive
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS
6:00p – 9:00p Girl Friends Craft Group

September 25 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:45a – 10:45a Preschool
11:00 – noon MASS (Nursery open)
5:30p – 6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p – 8:30p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

September 11th, 2011

2011-09-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Eucharistic Minister Training Eucharistic Ministers provide an important ministry by assisting the priest with distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the parish community. If you are a Confirmed Catholic and interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister, please join us at one of the upcoming Eucharistic Minister Trainings on Saturday, Oct 8 at 9 AM or Sunday, Oct 9 at 9:30 AM. Eucharistic Ministers are asked to serve at one mass of your choosing each month. Please sign-up at the back of the church or by contacting Mary Kay Elsner at 253-630-3607 or mmelsner@comcast.net.

RCIA - Those who are “cradle Catholics” and baptized as infants never experienced the richness of learning as adults the wonder of being Catholic. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process designed to welcome adults into the Catholic Church. Participants learn about the Mass, Sacraments, moral and Catholic social teaching and much more. If you would like to enrich your faith, RCIA will be starting on Thursday, Sept 8 at 7 PM. Come with a friend, Catholic or not, and let your faith grow! Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign up!

What is a "Returning Catholic"? - Do you have a friend who asks you questions about the Catholic Church and you don't know the answers? Did you grow up before or with Vatican II, but no clarity on how it impacts your beliefs? Many people are raised Catholic but for a variety of reasons, quit attending Church. In order to feel better connected and to update them on current Church teaching, we have a process called Returning Catholics. This class also serves to prepare those who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirm-ation as an adult. Our next series begins on Wednesday, Sept 14th at 7 PM in the Outreach Annex. Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign up.

Getting Married? - If you are considering having your wedding at St. Stephen’s, please contact Sara Hoffman in the Faith Formation Offices as soon as possible.There is a significant amount of preparation including classes you will need to attend and documents to be gathered. You will need to contact St. Stephen’s no later then 8 Months before your wedding to ensure everything gets done on time!

Calling Moms with Children of All Ages and Stages! The motherhood ministry at St. Stephen is now called beC.O.M.E. (Call of Motherhood Explored). We meet Wednesdays from 10 -11:30 AM beginning this Wednesday, Sept 14. Childcare is available beginning at 9 AM, for those wanting to attend Adoration in the Chapel beforehand. For more info about the group or childcare arrangements, please contact Abbie DeRuyter (abbiederuyter@gmail.com or 253-277-3891). An annual $30 membership fee contributes to the cost of materials and guest speakers (scholarships are available).

The Visitation Guild will be returning to its regular meeting schedule beginning Wednesday, Sept 14, at 9:45 AM. Meetings are held downstairs in the social hall. In addition to its primary mission of serving refreshments for funerals, the Visitation Guild also has an active social calendar. All ladies of the parish are welcome to participate, and we look forward to seeing both new and returning faces!

Calling Boys and Girls, Ages 10-14 The Knights of Columbus annual Soccer “Penalty-Kick” Challenge will begin with the Council Championship Saturday, Sept 17, at 9:30 AM, at Renton High School's soccer field, followed by the District Championship on Saturday, Sept 24, at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church campus. Please call Deputy Grand Knight Bob Lowenstein at 206-890-5251 to register. Thank you.

“All Hands on Deck” Pro-life Gala The Pro-life organization, Healing the Culture, and Fr. Robert Spitzer, former Gonzaga University president and Healing the Culture co-founder, invite you to attend a fundraising event Saturday, Sept 17, at the Bellevue Embassy Suites. For more information on Healing the Culture, its programs or the Pro-life Gala event, visit healingtheculture.com.

Blood Drive The Knights of Columbus and Puget Sound Blood Center are proud to announce the return of the Mobile Unit Blood Drive on Saturday, Sept 24, from 10 AM-4 PM (closed from 12-1PM) in St. Stephen's lower parking lot. To schedule your own appointment visit: www.psbc.org/programs/drive.asp?URL=1840. For more information call Cindy Mortimer at 253-939-6566.

Africa Mission Presentation On Sunday, Oct 2 at 9:45 AM, a video of the December 2010 mission trip to Uganda and Kenya will be presented along with information about the upcoming mission trip next August! Please plan on attending in between the two morning masses that Sunday. For more information contact Diane Cooper at 425-652-1445 or imdcooper@comcast.net.

Seattle Council of Catholic Women The Central Deanery (King County) of the Seattle Council of Catholic Women are hosting a light Supper and Guest Speakers on Thursday, Sept 29, at 5 PM at Holy Family, Auburn. The topic will be "The Dignity of Dying, Practical and Spiritual Considerations". Business meeting, pre & post program will include the Treasurer & Secretary elections and Call to Annual Convention. Please RSVP to Sue (939-2155 253-833-3380 or lorimar1915@hotmail.com)

Help End Abortion Are you about to recycle your old iPad? Please consider selling it to the St. Stephen Respect Life Committee; we will use it to display images of babies to mothers at their own stages of pregnan-cy. For more info or if you can help, please contact Mary (StStephenChoosesLife@yahoo.com or 425-235-4911)

The St. Stephen Job Assistance Ministry is gearing-up to help our fellow parishioners with career counseling and help returning to the work force.This new, permanent ministry is being formed to offer a job bank and resume services, and provide education on understanding the job search process; how to use the internet to find jobs; and how to do an interview. We will also provide networking opportunities, mentoring, and support (including prayer support). We need volunteers with experience in any of the above areas to help launch this program. We also need unemployed volunteers who are looking for work to join this ministry in helping others as you help yourself. For more info, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Donations Wanted Please contact us if you have an automobile, truck or adult bicycle that you can donate (tax receipt available).

Great News! A Hoveround (riding chair) and electric hospital bed have been donated to St. Stephens and are available for use. If interested in borrowing, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

St. Stephen Housing Association would love your support! This is the time of year when many employers hold their Annual Giving Campaigns, and many also have gift-matching programs. Please consider making a one-time gift or author-izing a regular payroll deduction. We are a 501(c)3 program, so your donation is tax-deductible. Did you know on an average night over 8,000 men, women, and children in King County are homeless? SSHA offers affordable housing to homeless families with children. Together, we can make a difference by designating your gift to the SSHA. For those of you already giving, we appreciate your continued support! Questions? Please call our office at 253-638-9798.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God.” Don’t let the world’s way tear your marriage apart. Plan to attend one of the upcoming WWME Weekends on Sept 9 - 11 in Centralia (contact John and Martha Ryland at 253-859-9174 or jmryland@comcast.net) or Oct 7 - 9 in Seattle (contact Rory and Dawn Myers at 206-772-2344 or seattlewwme@yahoo.com).

September 12 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and 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

September 13 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:30a-12:00p Scripture Study
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 9:00p Stephen Ministry

September 14 Wednesday
8:30a –9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
9:45a-12:00p Visitation Guild
10:00 -11:30a beC.O.M.E.
5:30p –6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p --7:00p MASS
7:00p –9:00p Returning Catholics & Adult Confirmation
7:15p –9:00p Choir Practice

September 15 Thursday
8:30a –9:00a MASS
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
6:00p –9:00p ACCW
7:00p –8:30p Boy Scout Committee
7:00p –7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p –9:00p RCIA

September 16 Friday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a -10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a –3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p –9:00p 50+ Potluck

September 17 Saturday
8:00a-10:00a SSM Men's Group
8:30a-9:00a Morning Prayer & Rosary
9:00a–3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p–4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p–6:00p Vigil MASS

September 18 Sunday
8:30a –9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
11:00-12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
1:00p—3:00p Grief Support
5:30p –6:30p Life Teen MASS (Nursery open)
6:30p – 8:30p Connections, Jr. & Sr. High Life Teen
6:30p –9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

September 4th, 2011

2011-08-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

South King County Young Adults (SKCYA) Come kick-off a new networking opportunity for Catholic young adults from South King County! Grow in fellowship with others while exploring topics relevant to living authentic Catholic lives in the 21st century. Open to all 18-35 year olds (single or married). Our first event is on Saturday, Sept 10 from 6:30 - 7:45 PM at St. Stephen's. Fr. Bryan Ochs, a newly ordained priest from St. Anthony's in Renton will be our guest speaker discussing the topic, "How to Pray Without Ceasing in a Busy World". Please RSVP to Sarah Deady (sarahdeady@msn.com) or the "SKCYA (South King Catholic Young Adults)" Facebook page by Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Mark Your Calendars NOW!Registration will be the weekend of September 10th and 11th after All Masses! Parents of 1st grade students classes are required this year to be eligible for 1st Sacraments in 2nd grade!

RCIA - Those who are “cradle Catholics” and baptized as infants never experienced the richness of learning as adults the wonder of being Catholic. RCIA -(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process designed to welcome adults into the Catholic Church. Participants learn about the Mass, Sacraments, moral and Catholic social teaching and much more. If you would like to enrich your faith, RCIA will be starting on Thursday, Sept 8 at 7 PM. Come with a friend, Catholic or not and let your faith grow! Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign up!

What is a "Returning Catholic"? - Do you have a friend who asks you questions about the Catholic Church and you don't know the answers? Did you grow up before or with Vatican II but no clarity on how it impacts your beliefs? Many people are raised Catholic but for a variety of reasons, quit attending Church. In order to feel better connected and to update them on current Church teaching, we have a process called Returning Catholics. This class also serves to prepare those who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as an adult. Our next series begins on Wednesday, September 14 at 7 PM in the Outreach Annex. Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign up.

Marriage Prep - If you are considering having your wedding at St. Stephen’s, please contact Sara Hoffman in the Faith Formation Offices as soon as possible. There is a significant amount of preparation, including classes you will need to attend and documents to be gathered. You will need to contact St. Stephen’s no later then 8 Months before your wedding to ensure everything gets done on time!
Childcare during Sunday Masses The Nursery will once again be open for all Sunday Masses (8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:30 PM) beginning Sept 18. Volunteers (18 and older) are still needed for Masses and events throughout the year. If interested, please contact Brigitte Gonzales at 425-351-5518 or ststephenschildcare@gmail.com.

The beC.O.M.E. (Calling of Motherhood Explored) Program is being developed right here at St. Stephen and replaces the 8-week self-reflective program called MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing). Motherhood at every stage is life-changing, and beC.O.M.E. seeks to help moms with children of all ages and stages fulfill the high calling of motherhood by digging deep into Scripture and Catechism to understand God’s design for motherhood; then explores the practical ways we live this calling in our twenty-first century lives. We support the vocation of motherhood by meeting weekly throughout the school year, as well as hosting special events and service opportunities. Join us Wednesdays from 10-11:30 AM, starting Sept 14; childcare is available starting at 9 AM, for those wanting to attend Adoration in the Chapel beforehand. An annual $30 fee contributes to the cost of materials and guest speakers. For more info, contact Abbie DeRuyter (abbiederuyter@gmail.com or 253-277-3891).

Calling Boys and Girls, Ages 10-14 The Knights of Columbus annual Soccer “Penalty-Kick” Challenge will begin with the Council Championship on Saturday, Sept 17, at 9:30 AM, at Renton High School's soccer field, followed by the District Championship on Saturday, Sept 24, at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen's Church campus. Please call Deputy Grand Knight Bob Lowenstein at 206-890-5251 to register. Thank you.

Blood Drive The Knights of Columbus and Puget Sound Blood Center are proud to announce the return of the Mobile Unit Blood Drive on Saturday, Sept 24, from 10 AM-4 PM (closed from 12-1PM) in St. Stephen's lower parking lot. To schedule your own appointment visit: www.psbc.org/programs/drive.asp?URL=1840. For more information call Cindy Mortimer at 253-939-6566.
Eucharistic Minister Training Eucharistic Ministers provide an important ministry by assisting the priest with distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the parish community. If you are a Confirmed Catholic and interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister, please join us at one of the upcoming Eucharistic Minister Trainings on Saturday, Oct 8 at 9 AM or Sunday, Oct 9 at 9:30 AM. Eucharistic Ministers are asked to serve at one mass of your choosing each month. Please sign-up at the back of the church or by contacting Mary Kay Elsner at 253-630-3607 or mmelsner@comcast.net.

Help End Abortion The St. Stephen Respect Life Committee invites you to pray with Helpers of God’s Precious Infants:
• First Wednesday, Sept 7, 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 - 5 PM so you will not be there alone.
• Second Saturday, Sept 10, 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.

Direct Aid: For help with rent, utilities, or medical expenses contact parishoutreach.ststephen@gmail.com or 253-631-1044
Food Bank Hours: Monday & Friday 10 AM - 12 PM and Wednesday 4 - 6 PM. Please Help! The food bank espeically needs fruit (canned, fresh or dried), pancake mix, syrup and vegetables.

Terrific Tuesday Meals News: A generous parishioner donated a $500 gift certificate to the program for help buy items our homeless guests have asked for such as: sleeping bags, backpacks, car parts, toothbrushes, and bicycle repairs to name just a few. Thank you!

Socks! Socks! Socks! The Terrific Tuesday Guests and the men in the homeless shelters are requesting socks. Please bring new socks to the Outreach Annex or leave them in the wicker baskets with the food donations in the Narthex. Thank you!

The St. Stephen Job Assistance Ministry is gearing-up to help our fellow parishioners with career counseling and help returning to the work force.This new, permanent ministry is being formed to offer a job bank and resume services, and provide education on understanding the job search process, how to use the internet to find jobs, and how to do an interview. We will also provide networking opportunities, mentoring, and support (including prayer support). We need volunteers with experience in any of the above areas to help launch this program. For more info, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Donations Wanted Please contact us if you have an automobile, truck or adult bicycle that you can donate (tax receipt available).
Great News! A Hoveround (riding chair) and electric hospital bed have been donated to St. Stephens and are available for use. If interested in borrowing, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

St. Stephen Housing Association would love your support! This is the time of year when many employers hold their Annual Giving Campaigns, and many also have gift-matching programs. Please consider making a one-time gift or author-izing a regular payroll deduction. We are a 501(c)3 program, so your donation is tax-deductible. Did you know on an average night over 8,000 men, women, and children in King County are homeless? SSHA offers affordable housing to homeless families with children. Together, we can make a difference by designating your gift to the SSHA. For those of you already giving, we appreciate your continued support! Questions? Please call our office at 253-638-9798.

Africa Mission Presentation On Sunday, Oct 2 at 9:45 AM, a video of the December 2010 mission trip to Uganda and Kenya will be presented along with information about the upcoming mission trip next August! Please plan on attending in between the two morning masses that Sunday. For more information contact Diane Cooper at 425-652-1445 or imdcooper@comcast.net.

September 5 Monday – Parish offices CLOSED
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p NO Boy Scouts due to holiday
September 6 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:00p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus
September 7 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p - 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice
September 8 Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a – 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
September 9 Friday
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a. – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
September 10 Saturday
8:30a -- 9:00a Morning Prayer
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p Vigil MASS
6:00p – 6:30p Faith Formation Class Registration
6:30p – 8:00p S. King Young Adults
September 11 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
9:30a – 10:00a Faith Formation Class Registration
9:45a – 10:45a Altar Server Training
11:00a – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
12:00p – 12:30p Faith Formation Class Registration
5:30p – 6:30p MASS on the Grass (Nursery closed)
6:30p – 7:00p Faith Formation Class Registration
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

August 28th, 2011

2011-08-24T07:23:00.001-07:00

A Message from Fr. Brian

I thought that it was time to share with you as it has been quite a while since you have heard from me. I am home after my second stay in the hospital. Unfortunately, I am still dealing with some complications, which are delaying my recovery. Hopefully, that will change soon. I sincerely want to thank you all for your overwhelming care and support in whatever form it has taken. Words cannot really express what that means for me. Hopefully, I will be back with you all soon.
Blessings - Fr. Brian

Employment Opportunity Do you like meeting people and helping them? Do you like coordinating activities, multi-tasking, and working in teams? Are you a creative self-starter with a positive and optimistic attitude? If so you may want to explore applying for a new part-time position on our pastoral team: Steward for Talents (a.k.a. volunteer coordinator). Visit www.StStephensLife.com for full details and an application.

Mark Your Calendars NOW!
Faith Formation Class Registration will be the weekend of Sept. 10/11 after All Masses!

Parents of 1st Grade Students:
Classes are required this year to be eligible for First Sacraments in 2nd Grade!

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process designed to welcome adults into the Catholic Church and is also a great teaching tool for those who do not feel confident in their knowledgeof the Church. (Those who are “cradle Catholics” and baptized as infants may never have experienced as adults the richness of learning the wonder of being Catholic.) Participants learn about the Mass, Sacraments, moral and Catholic social teaching, and much more. If you would like to enrich your faith, RCIA will be starting on Thursday, September 8th at 7:00 PM (an Information Meeting is this Thursday, September 1 at 7:00 PM). Come with a friend, Catholic or not, and let your faith grow! Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign-up.

Who is a "Returning Catholic"?
Do you have a friend who asks you questions about the Catholic Church and you don't know the answers? Did you grow up before or with Vatican II but feel no clarity on how it impacts your beliefs?
Many people are raised Catholic, but for a variety of reasons, quit attending Church. In order to feel better connected and to update them on current Church teaching, we have a process called “Returning Catholics”. This class also serves to prepare those who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as an adult. Our next series begins on Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00 PM in the Outreach Annex. Contact Cynde Bosshart to sign up (contact info on the last page of the bulletin).

If you are considering having your wedding at St. Stephen’s, please contact Sara Hoffman in the Faith Formation Offices as soon as possible. There is a significant amount of preparation, including classes that you will need to attend and documents that may take some time to gather. You will need to contact St. Stephen’s no later than 8 months before your wedding to ensure everything gets done on time!

Calling Boys and Girls, Ages 10-14 The Knights of Columbus will be holding our annual Soccer “Penalty-Kick” Challenge. Please join us Saturday, September 17 at 9:30 AM at Renton High School soccer field for our Council Championship, and Saturday, September 24 at 9:30 AM at St. Stephen the Martyr Church campus for our District Championship. Please call Deputy Grand Knight Bob Lowenstein at 206-890-5251 to register. Thank you.

Childcare during Mass Good news! We will be re-opening the Nursery for the Sunday 5:30 PM Mass beginning September 18. Thank you to Cheryl, Libby and Diana for their dedication to keep the nursery open all summer and also to all my young volunteers- we appreciate every moment you spend in our Nursery! Volunteers (18 and older) are still needed for all Sunday Masses and many events throughout the year. If you are interested, please contact Brigitte Gonzales at 425-351-5518 or ststephenschildcare@gmail.com.
24-Hour Adoration/Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place the first Friday-Saturday of every month. The next opportunity is from 9 AM on Friday, September 2 until 3 PM on Saturday, September 3. Everyone is invited to attend. We all come to Jesus with our praises, our thanksgivings, and our needs. Please sign-up for your favorite time(s) on the board by the Chapel doors. Questions? Contact Bernie Wittgens (253-631-5560).

The St. Stephen Honduras Mission team still has openings for our February 2012 trip to Honduras. If you are interested or would like more information about our trip, please contact Patrick Flanigan at 206-718-3607 or Debbie Dullenty at 206-755-6628.

See how the events in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament Join us for The Bible Timeline Series: The Story of Salvation and gain a greater appreciation for the Scripture readings you hear during Mass and much more! For more info, contact Mary Ann Cullivan at mjcullivan@comcast.net or 425-413-4994. Registration after all Masses this weekend (Aug 27/28).
The Motherhood Ministry at St. Stephen is Evolving! Here at St. Stephen, over 100 moms have participated in the self-reflective study program called MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing). Many friendships were formed and many women continued to meet after the 8-week program ended. Now, after over a decade with that program, we’re excited to evolve our parish’s motherhood ministry. The new program is called beC.O.M.E. (Calling of Motherhood Explored). With a new name, new material, and new mission, we think you’ll be excited, too! Whether or not you’ve participated in the 8-week program in the past, we hope that moms with children of all ages and stages will join us. Starting September 14, we’ll meet on Wednesdays from 10:00 - 11:30 AM; childcare is available starting at 9:00 AM, for those who are able to attend Adoration in the Chapel beforehand. An annual $30 member fee contributes to the cost of materials and guest speakers. Stay tuned for details, or contact Abbie DeRuyter to learn more now (abbiederuyter@gmail.com or 253-277-3891).
If you are a parishioner in need school supplies, please contact Irene Davies at 253-856-7649 or ropeit0024@hotmail.com.

Socks! Socks! Socks! The Terrific Tuesday Guests and the men in the homeless shelters are requesting socks. Please bring new socks to the Outreach Annex or leave them in the wicker baskets with the food donations in the Narthex. Thank you!

The St. Stephen Job Assistance Ministry is gearing-up to help our fellow parishioners with career counseling and help returning to the work force.This is a new, permanent ministry being formed now to offer a job bank and resume services, and will provide education on topics including how to understand the job search process, use the internet to find jobs, and handle interviews. We will also provide networking opportunities, mentoring, and support (including prayer support). We need volunteers with experience in any of the above areas to help us get this program up and running. For more info, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Donations Wanted Please contact us if you have an automobile or truck or an adult bicycle that you can donate (tax receipt available).

Volunteers Wanted Park Orchard School needs volunteers once a month for 1 hour from October thru May.This is an art docent program sponsored by Green River College. Volunteer would need to take 2 ½ hrs. basic training before starting. All teaching aids and program are provided. Please contact Darlene if you are available at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Great News! A Hoveround (riding chair) and electric hospital bed have been donated to St. Stephens and are available for use. If interested in borrowing, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

REPORT: St. Stephen's Direct Aid Funds (fiscal year ending 6/30/11)
Utilities for 156 families $18,836.49
Medical Aid for 5 people 201.25
Rental Aid for 60 families 16,602.47
Food for Food Bank 991.19
Pregnancy Aid for 2 people 404.90
Other Aid for 14 families 3,881.93
Emergency Housing for 17 families 7,060.43

Total (254 families served) $ 46,175.89
(These funds are from the blue CSA envelopes and other donations to Outreach.)

Additionally, food donated to the parish Food Bank provided 3,854 bags of food, which have been given to families in need. The average value of each bag was $35, totaling $134,890 worth of food. (Last year we gave out $48,370.00 worth of food- what an increase!)
St. Stephen Housing Association would love your support! This is the time of year when many employers hold their Annual Giving Campaigns and many companies have a gift-matching program. Please consider making a one-time gift or even authorizing a regular payroll deduction. We are a 501(c)3 program, so your donation is tax-deductible. Did you know on an average night over 8,000 men, women, and children are homeless in King County alone? SSHA offers affordable housing to homeless families with children. Together, we can make a difference by designating your gift to the St. Stephen Housing Association. For those of you who are already giving, we appreciate your continued support! Questions? Please call our office at 253-638-9798
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 18 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the Peace & Spirituality Center (1663 Killarney Way, Bellevue). Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. RSVP by September 13 to 425-635-3600 or peace@csjp-olp.org. Freewill offering to support the Peace and Spirituality Ministry.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God.” Don’t let the world’s way tear your marriage apart. Plan to attend one of the upcoming WWME Weekends on Sept 9 - 11 in Centralia (contact John and Martha Ryland at 253-859-9174 or jmryland@comcast.net) or Oct 7 - 9 in Seattle (contact Rory and Dawn Myers at 206-772-2344 or seattlewwme@yahoo.com).

August 29 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and 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

August 30 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir

August 31 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice

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

September 2 First Friday
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a–3:00p SatEucharistic Adoration

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

September 4 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
11:00a – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
7:00p – 8:00p MASS (Nursery closed)
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

August 21, 2011

2011-08-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

Faith Formation Registration will be the weekend of Sept. 10/11 after all Masses!

Parents of 1st Grade Students: Classes are required this year to be eligible for 1st Sacraments in 2nd Grade year!

Sr High Kamikazi Falls Day Hike
(near Mount Si) Wednesday, August 24th 8am - 2pm The hike is 6 miles total (3 out and 3 back), with an elevation gain of 1350 feet. Forms available in the Faith Formation Office or online at www.ststephenslife.com

Help End Abortion St. Stephen's 2011 4US (for ultrasounds) donation campaign has ended. However, online donations made at www.4us.org/teams/35 and/or your check made payable to "4US" with "Fr. Ed's Team Fiat" noted on the memo line will be matched by the Knights of Columbus to help pregnant mothers make INFORMED CHOICES. For more information, see www.ststephens.us. Thank you for your support!

The Vietnamese Community of St. Stephen invite you to our first-ever Mass Celebration in honor of Our Lady of La Vang on Monday, August 22. A special procession, prayers, and songs led by the Vietnamese Community begin at 6:00 PM, followed by Mass at 6:30 PM. After Mass, all are invited to join us for a Dinner Reception of traditional Vietnamese food provided by the Vietnamese Community of St. Stephen. All are welcome!

The St. Stephen Honduras Mission team still has openings for our February 2012 trip to Honduras. If you are interested or would like more information about our trip, please contact Patrick Flanigan at 206-718-3607 or Debbie Dullenty at 206-755-6628.

Scripture Study
See how the events in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament Join us for The Bible Timeline Series: The Story of Salvation and gain a greater appreciation for the Scripture readings you hear during Mass and much more! For more info, contact Mary Ann Cullivan at mjcullivan@comcast.net or 425-413-4994. Registration after all Masses this weekend and next (Aug 27/28).

Playdate
Our last Park Playdate of the summer will be on Wednesday, August 24, at 11 AM, at Philip Arnold Park (720 Jones Ave S, Renton). The entrance is a bit tricky to find...Off Petrovitsky Rd, head North on 116th Ave. Pass the post office and school. When the road forks, start going left onto Puget Dr. but then make an almost-immediate right turn onto what looks like a semi-paved service road. Keep on going till you see the park on the left. Questions? Email parishplaydates@gmail.com.

South King County Young Adults (SKCYA) Come kick-off a new networking opportunity for Catholic young adults in the South King County area! Grow in fellowship with others while exploring topics relevant to living authentic Catholic lives in the 21st century. Open to all 18-35 year olds (single or married). Events will be held the 2nd Saturday evening of every month, alternating among different parishes in the area. Our first event will be held here at St. Stephen's on the evening of Saturday, September 10 from 6:30 - 7:45 PM. Fr. Bryan Ochs, a newly ordained priest from St. Anhony's in Renton, will be our guest speaker on the topic, "How to Pray Without Ceasing in a Busy World". More information to come! If you are interested in coming, please RSVP to Sarah Deady (sarahdeady@msn.com) by Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Our annual Widow/Widowers potluck picnic will be at Pat and Hop’s starting at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 28. Please call 425- 226-3051 if you plan to attend. Thank you!

New Roman Missal
Changes in worship coming this Advent Sometimes when things are scheduled to change, we focus so intently on what is changing that we lose sight of what remains the same. When the Mass changes take place beginning this Advent, 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. Find out more on Saturday, September 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when Fr. Kevin Duggan will be at St. Stephen’s to share the background and purpose of the changes.

Terrific Tuesday Meals are back at St. Stephen's. If you haven't joined us, please come. For more information, contact Celeste at ttmeals.ststephen@gmail.com.

THANK YOU to all the generous parishioners who donated school supplies. The St. Stephen Housing Association and St. Stephen Outreach are very appreciative- the students will be very happy as well! If you are a parishioner in need school supplies, please contact Irene Davies at 253-856-7649 or ropeit0024@hotmail.com.

Socks! Socks! Socks! The Terrific Tuesday Guests and the men in the homeless shelters are requesting socks. Please bring new socks to the Outreach Annex or leave them in the wicker baskets with the food donations in the Narthex. Thank you!

The St. Stephen Job Assistance Ministry is gearing-up to help our fellow parishioners with career counseling and help returning to the work force. This is a new, permanent ministry being formed now to offer a job bank and resume services, and will provide education on topics including how to understand the job search process, use the internet to find jobs, and handle interviews. We will also provide networking opportunities, mentoring, and support (including prayer support). We need volunteers with experience in any of the above areas to help us get this program up and running. For more info, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Donations Wanted Please contact us if you have an automobile or truck or an adult bicycle that you can donate (tax receipt available).

Volunteers Wanted Park Orchard School needs volunteers once a month for 1 hour from October thru May.This is an art docent program sponsored by Green River College. Volunteer would need to take 2 ½ hrs. basic training before starting. All teaching aids and program are provided. Please contact Darlene if you are available at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Is this you?
- I bring a high level of tolerance and acceptance of diversity
- I am not intimated by points of pain or dysfunction
- I love the gladness, sadness, madness of humanity
- I need the freedom to take ownership
- I bring courage and creativity to problematic situations
- I need individual expectations that are created to fit a person
If you have one or more of these strengths, you may have the calling to be a volunteer in the Direct Aid Office of St. Stephen the Martyr’s Outreach. For more information, call Darlene at 253-631-1940 or any of the volunteers in Direct Aid at 253-631-1044.

Great News! A Hoveround (riding chair) and electric hospital bed have been donated to St. Stephens and are available for use. If interested in borrowing, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Employment Opportunity Do you like meeting people and helping them? Do you like coordinating activities, multi-tasking, and working in teams? Are you a creative self-starter with a positive and optimistic attitude? If so you may want to explore applying for a new part-time position on our pastoral team: Steward for Talents (a.k.a. volunteer coordinator). Full details and application are at www.StStephensLife.com.

Thinking about Adopting? Catholic Community Services (CCS) is currently accepting applications for their South Korean Adoption Program. CCS has been placing infants and toddlers for adoption from South Korea for over 25 years. To learn more contact the Adoption Program at 206-328-5921 or visit our website at ccsww.org.

August 22 Monday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
5:30p - 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p - 6:30p Our Lady of La Vang Vietnamese Celebration
6:30p - 7:00p MASS
7:00p - 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p - 8:30p Boy Scouts (meet off-site)
7:15p - 9:00p Respect Life
7:15p - 9:00p Vietnamese Dinner

August 23 Tuesday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p - 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p - 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
6:30p - 8:00p Cub Scouts (east end of Social Hall)

August 24 Wednesday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p - 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:00p - 8:00p Baptism Class
6:30p - 7:00p MASS
7:15p - 9:00p Choir Practice

August 25 Thursday
8:30a - 9:00a MASS
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a - 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p - 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p - 9:00p RCIA

August 26 Friday
8:30a - 9:15a MASS
9:00a - 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

August 27 Saturday
8:30a - 9:00a Morning Prayer
9:00a - 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p - 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p - 6:00p VIGIL MASS

August 28 Sunday
8:30a - 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
11:00a - 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
7:00p - 8:00p MASS (Nursery closed)
6:30p - 9:00p Charismatic Prayer

August 14, 2011

2011-08-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Faith Formation Registration Mark Your Calendars NOW!Registration will be the weekend of Sept. 10/11 after all Masses!

Parents of 1st Grade Students: Classes are required this year to be eligible for 1st Sacraments in 2nd Grade year!

If you are a parishioner in need of school supplies: Please contact Irene Davies at 253-856-7649 or ropeit0024@hotmail.com.

Great News! A Hoveround (riding chair) and electric hospital bed have been donated to St. Stephens and are available for use. If interested in borrowing, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

THANK YOU! To all the generous parishioners who donated school supplies. St. Stephen Housing Assn. and St. Stephen Outreach are very appreciative. The students will be very happy as well.

SOCKS! SOCKS! SOCKS! SOCKS! SOCKS! SOCKS! Terrific Tuesday Guests and the men in the homeless shelters are requesting SOCKS. Please bring new socks to the Outreach Annex or leave in the wicker baskets with the food donations in the Narthex.

St. Stephen Job Assistance Ministry is gearing up to help our fellow parishioners. This is not a temporary situation. We are in the process of developing this ministry to offer a job bank, resume services including how to post resume’s, interviewing skills, job counseling, internet access and how to use the internet to find jobs, understanding the current job search process, help returning to the work force, career changes, mentoring and support, life plans/goals, networking, prayer support.

We need volunteers with experience in any of the above areas to help us get this program up and running. For more info, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Sr High Day Hike to Kamikazi Falls (near Mount Si, North Bend) Wednesday, August 24th 8am - 2pm The hike is 6 miles total (3 out and 3 back), with an elevation gain of 1350 feet Forms available in the Faith Formation Office or online at www.ststephenslife.com

Help End Abortion Are you about to recycle your old iPad? Please consider donating it to the St. Stephen Respect Life Committee; we will use them to display 3D images of babies to mothers at their own stages of pregnancy. For more info or if you can help, please contact Mary at 425-235-4911 or email StStephenChoosesLife@yahoo.com.

The Vietnamese Community of St. Stephen invite you to our first-ever Mass Celebration in honor of Our Lady of Lavang on Monday, August 22. A special procession, prayers, and songs led by the Vietnamese Community begin at 6:00 PM, followed by Mass at 6:30 PM. After Mass, all are invited to join us for a Dinner Reception of traditional Vietnamese food provided by the Vietnamese Community of St. Stephen. If you would like to help by participating in this event, please note the following:
- Those helping to supply or serve food, please contact Swan Pham at 253-630-5397 or kimswanpham@gmail.com
- Those helping at the Mass as Eucharistic Ministers, Servers, or Lectors, please contact Kim-Lein Nguyen at 425-228-0653 or Kim_JMJ@yahoo.com
- Those with children participating in the procession, please plan to arrive early and contact Quyen Nguyen at 425-306-2019 in advance for further for instructions

Playdate - Meet other families at our next Parish Playdate on Wednesday, August 17 at Wilson Playfield (13028 SE 251st, Kent- entrance by Zion Church/Sunshine Mountain Preschool). We meet starting at 11:00 AM and stay as long as the kids and weather hold out! Questions? Contact us at parishplaydates@gmail.com. Only one more playdate after this is left!

Employment Opportunity - Do you like meeting people and helping them? Do you like coordinating activities, multi-tasking, and working in teams? Are you a creative self-starter with a positive and optimistic attitude? If so you may want to explore applying for a new part-time position on our pastoral team: Steward for Talents (a.k.a. volunteer coordinator). Full details and application are at www.StStephensLife.com.

Bible Study See how the events in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament Join us for The Bible Timeline Series: The Story of Salvation and gain a greater appreciation for the Scripture readings you hear during Mass and much more! For more info, contact Mary Ann Cullivan at mjcullivan@comcast.net or 425-413-4994. Registration after all Masses on Aug 20/21 and Aug 27/28.

The St. Stephen Honduras Mission team still has openings for our February 2012 trip to Honduras. If you are interested or would like more information about our trip, please contact Patrick Flanigan at 206-718-3607 or Debbie Dullenty at 206-755-6628.

Join the 50-Plus Group for a potluck on Friday, August 19 at 6:00 PM in the Social Hall. For further information, call 253-852-5864.

New Roman Missal - Special Presentation with Fr Kevin Duggan, Saturday, September 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Changes in worship are coming this Advent Come to learn more!

RCIA Invite “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” This woman whom Jesus is referring was not even from Israel but her faith surpassed that of the children of Israel. Her persistence on behalf of her daughter was great and Jesus responded to her wish. How persistent are we in our prayer? Do we give up after the first request or do continue until God responds? Faith is something that needs to be nurtured and formed. Would you like to experience a deepening of faith? Are you a non-Catholic (or maybe you know one) who would benefit from RCIA? Contact cyndebosshart@gmail.com or 253-631-1940, x104 for more information. Our next RCIA Information Night is Thursday, September 1 at 7:00 PM in the Outreach Annex.

St. Anthony School Uniform Exchange is this Sunday, August 14th after the morning Masses (7:30, 9:00 and 10:45 AM) in the school's Multi-Purpose Room.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” We only need to call on Jesus to help us have the best Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Orders. Plan to attend one of the upcoming WWME Weekends on Sept 9-11 in Centralia (contact John & Martha Ryland at 253-859-9174 or jmryland@comcast.net) or Oct 7-9 in Seattle (contact Rory & Dawn Myers at 206-772-2344 or seattlewwme@yahoo.com).

Weekly Calendar
August 15 Monday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS (Assumption of Mary**)
7:00p – 8:00p Eucharistic Adoration
7:00p – 8:30p Boy Scout Troop 714

August 16 Tuesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
6:00p – 6:30p Terrific Tuesday Dinner
6:30p – 8:30p Fil-Am Choir
7:30p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus

August 17 Wednesday
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer and Rosary
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
5:30p – 6:00p Evening Prayer
6:30p – 7:00p MASS
7:15p – 9:00p Choir Practice

August 18 Thursday
8:30a – 9:00a MASS
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
11:00a – 1:00p Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Group
7:00p – 7:45p Our Mother of Perpetual Help Novena
7:00p – 9:00p RCIA
6:00p – 9:00p Knights of Columbus Dinner

August 19 Friday
8:30a – 9:15a MASS
9:00a – 10:00a Reconciliation
9:00a. – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration

August 20 Saturday
8:00a – 10:00a SSM Men's Group
8:30a – 9:00a Morning Prayer
9:00a – 3:00p Eucharistic Adoration
3:00p – 4:00p Reconciliation
5:00p – 6:00p VIGIL MASS

August 21 Sunday
8:30a – 9:30a MASS (Nursery open)
11:00a – 12:00p MASS (Nursery open)
1:00p – 2:30p Grief Support
7:00p – 8:00p MASS (Nursery closed)
6:30p – 9:00p Charismatic Prayer Group

August 7th, 2011

2011-08-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Faith Formation Registration will be the weekend of Sept. 10/11 after all Masses! Parents of 1st Grade Students:Classes are required this year to be eligible for 1st Sacraments in the 2nd grade year!

Sr High Day Hike Join us for another spectacular hike! Kamikazi Falls Day Hike (near Mount Si) Wednesday, Aug 24, 8am-2pm The hike is 6 miles total (3 out and 3 back), with an elevation gain of 1350 feet. Forms available in the Faith Formation Office or online (www.ststephenslife.com)!

Infant Baptism next class dates: August 24th 6-8pm Please contact the Faith formation Office to sign up, as space for classes is limited. Baptisms are held on weekends pre-determined by the Faith Formation & Liturgy Staff members, in conjunction with Father Ed. Families are not permitted to select their own dates.

Help End Abortion
• Are you about to recycle your old iPad? Please consider donating it to the St. Stephen Respect Life Committee; we will use them to display 3D images of babies to mothers at their own stages of pregnancy. For more info or if you can help, please contact Mary at 425-235-4911 or email StStephenChoosesLife@yahoo.com.
• St. Stephen Respect Life Committee invites you to pray with Helpers of God’s Precious Infants (www.SeattleHelpers.org) on the Second Saturday, Aug. 13, starting with 8 AM 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). Need a ride? Call Louise at 425-271-7185.

New Roman Missal The way the church prays is the way of faith This truth is both hopeful and a caution. Has our prayer become so familiar and rote that the glory of our God is diminished for us? Do we walk through the Mass as if sleepwalking through a dream without remembering what we said, what happened or where we were? In the presence of community at liturgy we are to experience a communion with God and each other that is unparalleled because Christ is present in the Eucharist and in each of us. How do we enter into this profound encounter? With full, active and conscious participation. The New Roman Missal is intended to move us forward to an even richer experience of worship. Find out more on Saturday, September 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM when Fr. Kevin Duggan will be at St. Stephen’s to take us through the process and give a firm foundation for understanding so the liturgy will take on new depth for us. There is no cost for this presentation and sign-ups will begin in September.

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, August 21 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM in the Chapel. Our topic will be: Guilt- "If only….". Contact Sharon Rasmussen at 425-228-1437 for more info. He will wipe every tear from their eyes… for the old order has passed away. - Rev 21:4

Mothers & Children Play Join our next Parish Playdate on Wednesday, August 10 at Gary Grant Park/Soos Creek Trailhead (SE 208th and 137th Ave SE, Kent), starting at 11:00 AM. Bring your kids, your lunch, and your friends! Sponsored by the St. Stephen Mom's Group. Questions? Contact us at parishplaydates@gmail.com.

Honduras Mission The St. Stephen Honduras Mission team still has openings for our February 2012 trip to Honduras. If you are interested or would like more information about our trip, please contact Patrick Flanigan at 206-718-3607 or Debbie Dullenty at 206-755-6628.

Bible Study Join us for The Bible Timeline Series: The Story of Salvation This is a fascinating 24-part Bible study with Jeff Cavins on DVD. Learn how the key people, places, and events in the Bible fit together to reveal God’s Plan for humanity. For more info, contact Mary Ann Cullivan at mjcullivan@comcast.net or 425-413-4994. Registration after all Masses on Aug 20/21 and Aug 27/28.

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Parish Outreach

Terrific Tuesday Meals are back at St. Stephen's. If you haven't joined us, please come. For more information, contact Celeste
at ttmeals.ststephen@gmail.com.

If you are a parishioner in need school supplies: Please contact Irene Davies at 253-856-7649 or ropeit0024@hotmail.com.

Job Seekers: St. Stephen’s is launching our own job bank and networking program. For more info, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.

Great News! A Hoveround (riding chair) and electric hospital bed have been donated to St. Stephens and are available for use. If interested in borrowing, contact Darlene at 253-631-1940, x119 or darsimpson@gmail.com.