Before you were born, I dedicated you (Jer 1:5)
We invite you to discern the Lord’s will in sharing your gifts and talents with the St Stephen Parish Community. Below are some descriptions of ministries and where they fit within the overall parish mission of the church. Please contact the particular ministry head for more information regarding a particular ministry or to use your talents in that area. During regular office hours, the secretary can help direct you.
Administrative Ministries
All councils in the Church are consultative in nature with the Pastor being the decision-making authority. It is the pastor’s responsibility to make sure all decisions are in line with Catholic Church teaching, Canon Law, and Diocesan Norms/Guidelines. In performance of his duties he takes into account issues of a confidential nature in making final decisions, thus protecting individual parishioners and others.
Finance Council
The Saint Stephen Finance Council is a consultative body which assists the pastor in the administration of the goods of the parish and provides expertise and consultation through accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and financial reporting, strategic planning and policy development to aid the Pastor in the administration, preservation, and distribution of parish goods.
Parish goods shall be defined as all parish financial resources, including movable and non-movable assets such as artwork, buildings, and grounds. The Council also assists the Church by providing accountability through fiscal oversight and regular open presentations to the parish at large.
Parish Council
The St. Stephen Parish Council is a consultative body that assists the pastor to determine the priorities and direction of the parish, establish new ministries, and give direction to existing ministries within the context of the diocesan and parish five year plan. In addition to doing long-range planning and plan implementation monitoring, the council members deal with whatever pastoral concerns the pastor brings before them. The council serves to relay concerns of the parish to the pastor and attempts to improve and foster communication to and from the pastor.
Religious Education Ministries
All Religious Education ministries are geared toward deepening our walk with the Lord and understanding discipleship as it is lived out in the Catholic tradition. Each program and process is geared toward the maturity and experience level of the participants.
Catechism for youth
This youth program is geared toward elementary, Jr. High, and High School students to give them basic information and formation regarding the teachings of the Catholic Church, the practice of the faith, witness to the faith by the catechists and parishioners around them, and opportunities for spiritual growth. It is not meant to be sufficient for all adult-level issues that arise in the practice of the faith and we should never believe that we graduate from catechism.
Sacramental Preparation
First Penance, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, along with the Catechism for youth, there are specific programs of sacramental preparation in addition to the regular catechism for youth. These programs are geared specifically for preparation of the individual sacrament and helps the children to understand how the sacrament provides grace and aid to their life of discipleship. This preparation will require the addition of parent meetings and education as well as sponsors where appropriate. The pre-requisite for each sacramental program is baptism.
Catechist Training
The diocese requires that each catechist undergo specific training for this important ministry. At the deanery level, under the direction of the deanery representative who is our Director of Religious Education at the present time, there are specific programs geared to provide different certification levels. These include “Echoes of Faith,” a DVD- assisted instruction with workbook which explore both catechetical and theological issues, specific workshops directed by the Pastoral Center, and various other programs which gain credit for catechist certification. One of these is Adult formation program further described in this summary section. Each certification level requires a retreat which gives spiritual depth to the program.
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This process is for adults who have never been baptized, confirmed, or received First Communion. It is for Christians of other faith traditions who do not need to be baptized or confirmed but desire to make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic tradition to be in full communion with the Church. It is also for both lapsed Catholics who are returning to the faith and Catholics who want an update in the faith and the revised Catechism of the Catholic Church. During the process we explore the Catholic tradition, provide opportunities for spiritual growth, engage participants in the community life of the parish, and help those seeking to enter the church to form a relationship with a sponsor. More specifically: Year I includes Old and New Testament Spirituality and Sacraments; and Year II includes Study of the Church, Liturgy, and Morality; and Year III includes Spirituality and Ministry, Evangelization, and Collaborative Ministry. You may attend all or part or the 8 weeks or single sessions if you so desire. This is flexible. This program is undergoing development at the present time. There is also a component for Youth based on the RCIA model which will be developed in the future.
Adult Formation
The Adult Faith Formation program is a diocesan program which originally was a three-year program with eight-week courses designed to give a broad overview of the faith. It is often used to provide various short term workshops and special presentations on a seasonal basis. A variety of diocesan and deanery courses are always listed in the bulletin for parishioners and guests to grow spiritually and in knowledge of the faith. In addition, we are developing some short one-day and possibly week long seminars on a variety of topics. The different ministries, from time to time, offer shorter courses such as in social justice, liturgical ministries, and other areas. Check the bulletin for listings.
Liturgical Ministries
The Second Vatican Council, in the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, stated: “The Texts and the Rites should be clearly manifested so that devout and active participation by the Faithful may be more easily accomplished. “(Sacramentary). The Liturgical Ministry offers many opportunities for our parishioners to become more committed and involved in the beautiful celebration of the Mass. "liturgy is the source and summit of our faith" and "liturgy is meant to bring about full, conscious and active participation. The Saint Stephen Liturgical goal is to provide worship experiences that nurture and renew the hearts and souls of those who gather in the name of Christ. The various Liturgical Ministries needed in order to minister to parishioners year round as well as the many visitors who enter our doors to worship Christ in a Catholic Community: Sacristan, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Acolyte, Diaconate, Music Ministry, Art and Environment, Ushers and Greeters.
Sacristan [may include aid from youth]
The sacristan is responsible for setting up and cleaning up the vessels for Masses and other liturgical events, keeping the office informed regarding supplies of hosts and wines, laundering the linens and vestments, and working with art and environment when there are special needs and seasonal changes. This would make a wonderful youth ministry for those who prefer to work behind the scenes.
Lector [may include youth lectors]
The lector ministry is a ministry of the word. The lector proclaims the readings at Mass, reads the prayers of the faithful if no deacon is present, and reads the announcements. In addition, the Liturgy of the Word may continue such as leading the stations of the Cross during Lent, aiding with liturgies of the word in the absence of a priest in case of emergency especially when there is no deacon present. The lector may be called upon to read at Penitential Services and the like. Lectors should be willing to lead bible studies in which there is enough information at their disposal to do group leadership roles. This can also be a normal ministry of youth during Masses geared to youth, and upon completion of Confirmation, youth lectors can be added to the regular rotation of adult lectors.
Eucharistic Minister
The Extraordinary minister of the Eucharist is someone trained to distribute the sacred body and blood of Christ during Mass, take communion to the sick, nursing homes, and shut-ins and to celebrate Eucharistic services outside Mass when necessary such as when the priest is sick, on an emergency call, or is detained for some reason. Eucharistic ministers should be open to catechizing about the Eucharist such as in teaching First Communion class as well as being involved in ministry of Adoration where they display the Eucharist in a monstrance and lead holy hours. Especially in our parish with only one priest and one deacon, this ministry is of primary importance to make the Eucharist available to all.
Acolyte [Altar Servers fall under the direction of Acolytes]
The ministry of the Acolyte is an adult ministry under development which requires baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation as well as prior experience as an altar server. The acolyte shares set up and clean up duties with sacristans but is also responsible for getting altar servers from the congregation when the scheduled altar server does not show up. The acolyte is the principle Master of Ceremonies who directs the altar servers during the Mass. Acolytes are responsible for understanding the basic Mass and the duties of the altar servers, the rite of Baptism within Mass, the rite of Marriage within and outside Mass, the rite of Funerals within and outside Mass in order to correctly guide the altar servers and other liturgical ministers when necessary. Altar servers serve directly under the Acolyte assigned for the Mass. In the future development of this ministry, Acolytes will also assume training roles for Altar servers.
Diaconate
The deacon is an ordained member of the clergy, along with the pastor and other associates, if the parish should grow larger. At Mass, he has two primary roles. He proclaims the gospel and he is an ordinary Minister of the Eucharist. As part of the ministry of the Word, the deacon preaches homilies, reads the prayers of the faithful, and assists the priests in giving direction to Acolytes when necessary. Outside the Mass, the deacon is empowered, through ordination, to preside at Eucharistic celebrations in the absence of a priest, perform weddings and funerals, baptize infants, and give blessings. At St Stephen, the deacon is the primary minister of Baptism, giving baptismal instruction, scheduling baptisms, handling the paperwork, and preparing certificates and making sure that the information is put in the sacramental records of the parish either himself or through the secretary. The deacon is also engaged in prison ministry and visitation of the sick. In the absence of the pastor [when pastor is on vacation, incapacitated, or cannot be reached for whatever reason], the deacon [as clergy] takes charge of the parish administration aided by the Pastoral and Finance councils. The deacon is empowered to make decisions that would ordinarily fall to the pastor.
Music Ministry
This developing ministry is in charge of provided musical accompaniment for congregational singing, selecting music which fits the theme of the Mass and the season [such as Lent, Advent, Christmas, and Easter], developing cantors and choirs for use in Masses and sacramental celebrations such as Baptism, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Weddings, and Funerals. This ministry seeks to educate the laity in the musical tradition of the Church through the various ages and styles of music appropriate for worship services. People planning weddings, anniversaries, Quinciñeras, and other liturgical services should seek their advice in understanding what types of music are appropriate in worship services. They may also, at times, aid in catechesis where music is used as a tool, and in evangelization efforts, retreats, prayer experiences and other types of activities where musical presentation would benefit the participants.
Art and Environment
This ministry is essential to tie together visual thematic development of the seasons such as in the Liturgical cycle, and in conjunction with the music selections helps people understand the depths of the different ways in which the Paschal Mystery can be explored. In conjunction with the role of the Sacristan, this ministry provides flowers, decorations, linens, lighting, and other visual aids to help the congregation have a profound spiritual experience of worship. At times the environmental people may have to rearrange furniture, provide lecterns, tables, statuary, and other accoutrements to provide for a more dramatic effect of the liturgy. People with artistic talents may see this as a very inviting ministry.
Ushers and Greeters
Sometimes combined in one ministry, the ushers take care of much of the background work during the liturgical ceremonies such as seating people, taking up and putting collections into money bags, aiding with reserved seating, and the like. Greeters, on the other hand, greet people at the door, assist in answering questions about the parish, obtain registration forms, and other informational literature, pass out bulletins, and generally help visitors and parishioners feel comfortable. These ministries are also in development.
Men’s and Women’s Groups
Women’s Society
The Women's Society objectives are to encourage the spiritual development of one another, the parish, and the community through our cooperative activities, friendships, and fellowship with the Society. We additionally strive to: aid the priest in the care of the altar and sacred vestments; procure items for the church only as approved by the priest; provide love, friendship, and sociability among members; provide assistance when possible for the parish needs; and plan and carry out fundraising projects for required revenue
Fellowship of Catholic Men
Fellowship of Catholic Men are committed men of Saint Stephen who recognize our need for God's help and who exist to support, strengthen and help maximize the spiritual growth of our fellow Catholic men. We gather in Christ's presence in an atmosphere of trust, equality and fellowship to share personal feelings and experiences and study the Word of God in the Scriptures; and we unconditionally accept each other and prayerfully support one another in the role of fatherhood, marriage, patriotism and duty as a catholic man.
Knights of Columbus
On Oct. 2, 1881, a group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith. These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. Father McGivney’s founding vision for the Order also included a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order’s insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights’ growing membership.
Serra Club [meets at St Luke’s]
An organization of Catholic men and women of all ages from all walks of life who have taken their name from Blessed Junipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary priest who established many missions in California in the late 1700’s through his Evangelization. Serrans foster and promote priesthood and religious vocations in the Catholic Church by working together and praying together. As Serrans work together and get to know each other, membership is rewarded with educational and personal spiritual growth in the knowledge of Catholicism. Laypersons in the Serra Club call forth priests, sisters, brothers, permanent deacons, and lay ministers. They affirm those who already serve the Church so that they will continue to find in their vocation a fulfilling way of life. They do so by recognizing priests and religious on their birthdays and anniversaries of ordination or profession.
Specialized Ministries
Hispanic Ministry
Hispanic Ministry is to help and to serve the Hispanic people by providing evangelization and involvement within the American catholic Church. The Hispanic Ministry serves all the Hispanic community of the parish with a variety of activities, including the following: Mass in Spanish, Baptism Preparation, RCIA, Marriage Preparation, Liturgy Group, Lectors, Ministers of the Eucharist, Altar Servers, “Quinceaneras” (fifteen year old girls), Hispanic Choir, Prayer Group, Pilgrim Virgin, Couples Encounter/Renewal of Vows, Youth Sports Group, Dance Group, Nativity Posadas, and Other Activities
Social Justice Ministry
Social Justice is an essential part of the Catholic faith that promotes the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ. This ministry responds to the needs of our brothers and sisters and also works for social change. It addresses the implementation of Catholic social justice teachings on a parish level, and encourages the participation of parishioners to address unjust structures and situations in society. It also fosters the charitable distribution of time and money for appropriate causes.
Prayer and Reflection Ministry
A spiritual ministry to foster a deeper intimacy with God through the contemplative dimension of the gospel by providing resources to develop and promote centering prayer practice; developing a deeper understanding and view of scriptures through ancient practice of lectio divina or "divine reading"; and furthering contemplative living of parish members by deepening our awareness of our connectedness and communion with others, seeking to embody the Divine appeal: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind: and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27. This group meets every second and fourth Saturday of the month in the Marian Room from 9:00 Am to 11:00 AM.
Tuesday Night Mass Club
Open to all parishioners who wish to join, this club begins with the celebration of Mass on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM and then meets in one another’s homes or in the Marion room when necessary for dinner, fellowship, and sharing of recipes. The group rotates homes in which the host person(s)/couple provides the main entrée or theme of the meal, and other participants bring side dishes that go along with the meal including wine, appetizers, desserts, and the like. For more information contact Barbara Hoelscher or Rick Thomssen.
Pro-Life
This ministry seeks to bring education, opportunities for action, and aid to those who encounter death culture temptation. This group is guided by the Catholic Church stand on the dignity of life from the womb to the tomb. It helps inform parishioners of issues within the pro-life movement of the church, provides information on different activities with which parishioners can be involved to transform society, and helps educate the general public on the pro- stand of the church. Contact Jennifer McGregor, Mary Ann Fiorenza or Anne Marie Harwell for more information on meetings and involvement.
