Dear Saint Stephen the Martyr parishioners,
Happy Third Sunday of Advent! This weekend we light the rose candle, which calls us to "rejoice in the Lord always", a sign of the joy that our wait for Christmas is almost over. Let us take some time this week to pause and rejoice in the Lord, for He is near!
As we make plans to celebrate our Lord’s birth with love and thanksgiving, we want to share a few pieces of information about attending Christmas Mass here at St. Stephen the Martyr:
- We ask you to extend hospitality to those who may be visiting for the first time and please bring your patience and kindness.
- Please arrive no earlier than 40 minutes before the start of Mass but at least 10 minutes before. The doors to the Worship Space will open at 3:30 p.m.
- We are not able to reserve seats and we ask that you do not save seats. There are many who are wanting to attend the various liturgies as their schedule permits.
- The 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. Masses will be live-streamed on our Facebook page and website at stephen.org/live-stream. The 6 p.m. Mass will include our Children's Choir.
- Because Christmas falls on a Saturday this year, we have an obligation to go to Mass twice that weekend: once for Christmas Day and another for Sunday. The Saturday 5 p.m. Mass can fulfill Sunday obligation only if you’ve already gone to another Christmas Mass. Sunday Mass schedule remains our normal times.
"I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it. He wants us to have a life free from sin and the burdens that steal our peace and rob us of joy. Jesus came so that we might have life more abundantly! This Advent, we invite you to fall deeper in love with Christ through the sacrament of Reconciliation! Come, and encounter this love at our Advent Reconciliation Service this Monday!
And, watch this video with some really great tips!
Registration Now Open!
Tables are almost sold out so don't delay in getting yours!
Calling All 8th-12th Graders:
Registration for Steubenville Rochester Catholic Youth Conference is Happening!
At Steubenville Rochester, youth will:
- Experience the peace of Jesus Christ through inspiring talks, praise and worship, and the sacraments
- Connect with hundreds of other Catholic teens
- Return home with memories that will last a lifetime, knowing that they are never alone
Registration is $330 (Early Bird Price) and includes entrance to the conference, most meals, 2 nights in a hotel, transportation, and a t-shirt. If payment assistance is needed, please ask!
Friday, Friday, July 15 - Sunday, July 17, 2022
Opportunities to Serve Your Parish
Decorate Our Church for the Christmas Season!
Help is needed to decorate our Worship Spaces for Christmas. This is an excellent service opportunity for Youth preparing for Confirmation. Everyone is welcome to help. All youth under the age of 19 must sign up and a parent must attend with their child(ren). We have two opportunities:
Help is needed to decorate our Worship Spaces for Christmas. This is an excellent service opportunity for Youth preparing for Confirmation. Everyone is welcome to help. All youth under the age of 19 must sign up and a parent must attend with their child(ren). We have two opportunities:
- Christmas Decorating on Sunday, December 19th at 7 PM
- Poinsettias Assistance on Thursday, December 23rd at 12 PM
>> Sign Up Here
Sunday Donuts and Coffee Hospitality
Volunteers are wanted to help on Sundays during Donuts and Coffee! The time commitment is minimal and entails serving donuts, coffee, wiping down tables, greeting parishioners and guests. Families are welcome to sign up. More information/instructions will be provided upon signup confirmation.
>> Sign Up Here
EMHCs and Ushers Needed for Christmas Mass
It takes many hands to create a welcoming and holy environment to celebrate Christmas Mass with our many parishioners and guests. Can you help serve your parish on this special day? For those already in the Ministry Scheduler Pro as EMHCs and/or Ushers, please log in and volunteer to fill open positions for our Christmas Liturgies.
>> Login to Ministry Scheduler Here
For those who are not in the scheduler but wish to help with Ushering/Greeting please let us know below and we will reach out!
Can you help usher/greet at Christmas Mass?
Yes, I can help at the 4 or 4:15 PM Mass
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Yes, I can help at the 6 PM Mass
- View Details
Yes, I can help at the Midnight Mass
- View Details
Yes, I can help at the 9 AM Mass
- View Details
Yes, I can help at the 10:30 AM Mass
- View Details
Yes, I can help at the 5 PM Mass
- View Details
Thank you for sharing your prayer requests! Our staff has been praying for you and will continue to do so! You can reply directly to this email (which creates a private comment), or click the blue Reply button below to leave a public comment so that others may pray for you too!
On the Calendar
Saturday, December 11th
- Daily Mass - 8:15 AM in the Worship Space
- Confession - 3:30 to 4:45 PM in the Reconciliation Rooms inside the Adoration Chapel
- Mass - 5 PM in the Worship Space
Sunday, December 12th
- Mass - 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM
- Donuts and Coffee - 8:30 AM to 12 PM in the Dining Room
- Adoration & Vespers - 4-5 PM in the Worship Space
- Mass - 6:00 PM in the Worship Space
During the week & upcoming
- Advent Reconciliation Service: Monday, December 13th at 7 PM in the Worship Space
- Confession: Tuesday, December 14th, 5:30 - 6:30 PM in the Reconciliation Rooms inside the Adoration Chapel
- Deadline to submit a donation for Christmas Flower Memorials: Wednesday, December 15th (see bulletin for more details)
See more of what is on the calendar at stephen.org/calendar.
Second Collection This Weekend
The Retirement Fund for Religious helps religious communities care for senior members—today and tomorrow. Bring your donation to Mass and place it in the offertory basket during the Second Collection or donate securely online. Learn more at retiredreligious.org.
Sunday Bulletin & Resources
Check out this Sunday's bulletin for more News & Events.
3rd Sunday of Advent
