Dear Saint Stephen the Martyr family and parishioners,
Father Boyd shared with you last week that he has been asked by Archbishop Lucas to move to a new assignment as associate pastor at Saint James Parish. This assignment will be effective on July 1. We are very grateful for his service to our parish this past year. Archbishop has asked Father Zach Tucker to serve as our associate pastor at Saint Stephen. Father Tucker has been a priest for 2 years and has been serving the people at Saint James during this time. You will hear more from Father Tucker when we get closer to July 1.
One of the challenges that comes with being an associate pastor is that you don’t get to stay for very long in a parish. It is very difficult to fully enter into the life of a parish and its parishioners, knowing that one day, you will leave and start again in a new place. I know that you will continue to show your support for all priests, especially for those who will be making the transition into new assignments this summer.
These are challenging times for the Universal Church, and for the local Church of the Archdiocese of Omaha. Through the Journey of Faith planning process that has begun, pastors and parishioners will be praying about and discussing how priests can best serve the pastoral needs of the people that have been entrusted to them. Please continue to pray for Archbishop Lucas and the priests of the archdiocese. Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, and Mother Mary to enfold us in the mantle of her love.
In Christ,
Father Dave
Please continue reading today's Parish News for more news and happenings.
Holy Week Begins Sunday!
Palm Sunday
Follows the pattern of the day 2,000 years ago when Jesus entered Jerusalem. It includes a Gospel reading outside the church building and the entrance of the priest into the sanctuary while the congregation waves palms. Pick up your blessed palms from the Gathering Space.
The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. These three days are liturgically one day unfolding the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery. Join us and experience the Triduum!
The Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday)
Follows the rhythm of the ancient Last Supper. The presider washes the feet of members of the congregation like Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. After Mass, all remaining hosts are taken to an altar of repose, where adoration of the Blessed Sacrament occurs late into the night. Parishioners can remain like the disciples in Gethsemane, asked to “watch and pray.”
The Lord's Passion (Good Friday)
Following the Liturgy of the Word, there is a communal reverencing of the cross. The intercessions are solemn and include prayers for many different groups of people, reminding us that Jesus’ passion is for the whole world. There is no Liturgy of the Eucharist. Hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday are distributed, after which the tabernacle is empty. The tabernacle remains empty through Holy Saturday — just as Jesus departed from this earthly world in death — and we wait in hope for Easter Sunday!
The Resurrection of the Lord (Easter Vigil & Easter Sunday)
At the Easter Vigil, we celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist for new members coming into the Church; and at all Masses, our Baptism Promises are renewed. Celebrate the Lord's resurrection from the dead. Alleluia! He is risen!
Everyone is invited to a Celebration Reception welcoming our RCIA candidates into the Catholic Church and our faith community. Join us after the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday, April 16th in the Dining Room.
Please pray for our candidates as they continue their spiritual journey: Alex, Barry, Camille, Cristal, Chris B., Chris M., Emily, Jared, Jerry, Josh, Lisa, and Rachel.
Lord, I pray that the Holy Spirit guides the thoughts and actions of these beloved children of God, as they contemplate their entry into the Catholic Church. Fill their hearts with faith, hope, and charity, and help them to surrender to Your holy will. In Jesus' Name, I pray, AMEN.
Confession During Holy Week
- Tuesday, April 12: 4:30-6:30 PM
- Wednesday, April 13: 4:30-5:30 PM, 7-8 PM
- Thursday, April 14: 8-9 AM, 11 AM-Noon
Parishioners are invited to experience the Living Stations of the Cross, as presented by Youth Ministry on Good Friday, April 15th at 5:30 PM in the Worship Space. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together and witness what Jesus went through in a way appropriate for all ages, with reflective questions during each station for both children and for adults.
Happening Today and This Weekend
Pray the Stations of the Cross: Today, April 8 at 2:30 PM (with School Students) and 6 PM
Enjoy a delicious meal and fellowship at the last Fish Fry: Today, April 8 from 5-8 PM
Be entertained as our school students take the stage to present The Lion King, Jr.!
Two performances will be held in the gym: today, Friday, April 8 at 7:30 PM, and Saturday, April 9 at 7 PM. Please note the time differences.
The gym doors will open 30 minutes before showtime and seating is on a first-come basis. Ticket sales (cash and check only; $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-18) will begin one hour before showtime.
Stop by our Catechist Open House: Sunday, April 10 from 8 AM to Noon in the Dining Room and learn about being a Catechist!
It's Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week!
We Are Hiring!
From The Sports Club
Fall Sports
Registration for Volleyball and Cross Country this Fall will open within the next few weeks. Be on the lookout for information coming soon. Football registration is open and can be found at stephen.org/sports-club
Basketball Coordinator
We have an opening for a Basketball Coordinator. Responsibilities of this volunteer role include coordinating tryouts, team creation, and helping arrange practice times. There is also an important meeting for new coordinators with the PAL director in July. If interested or have questions, please contact Corey Guenther at coreyguenther34@gmail.com or 402-206-6488; or John Carda at johncardaatc@gmail.com or 402-850-7127
Soccer Coordinator (CYSL)
We also looking for a Soccer Coordinator for the CYSL League. Responsilbites of this volunteer role also include coordinating tryouts, team creation, helping arrange practice times. Training and support provided! Interested or have questions, please contact Brent Vodicka at bvodi2020@gmail.com or John Carda at johncardaatc@gmail.com or 402-850-7127
More Upcoming
Martyr Moms Ministry gathers for social, faith-based, and service opportunities. Find support as you are formed, fed, and strengthened by other moms. Follow Martyr Moms on Facebook.
An Invitation From Our Pro-Life Ministry
Our Pro-Life Ministry invites you to learn about how Abortion Dialogue Academy volunteers are changing pro-choice minds in little few as 7 minutes!
Apr
24
Changing Pro-Choice Culture
Sunday, April 24th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Dining Room
Are you going?
Yes
No
Maybe
going.
not going.
might be going.
Can You Help Move Chairs?
We need about 10-20 volunteers on Thursday, April 14 at 10 AM to set up the gym for Easter Sunday. We have well over 700 chairs to position!
Help Move Chairs
April 14 at 10:00 AM in the Gym
Volunteer
On the Calendar
Saturday, April 9
- 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, April 10 - Palm Sunday
- Mass - 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM
- Catechist Open House - 8 AM to Noon in the Dining Room
- Donuts & Coffee - after Mass in the Dining Room
- Adoration & Vespers - 4-5 PM in the Worship Space
- Mass - 6 PM in the Worship Space
During the week & upcoming
- Confession - Tuesday, April 12: 4:30-6:30 PM
- Confession - Wednesday, April 13: 4:30-5:30 PM, 7-8 PM
- Confession - Thursday, April 14: 8-9 AM, 11 AM-Noon
- Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday) - April 14: 7 PM
- The Lord's Passion (Good Friday) - April 15: 3 PM, 7 PM
- Living Stations of the Cross - April 15: 5:30 PM
- Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 16: 8:30 PM*
- RCIA Welcome Reception, Saturday, April 16: After Mass
- Easter Sunday Mass, April 17: 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 9:05 AM (Gym), 10:30 AM, 10:35 AM (Gym), 6 PM
See more of what is on the calendar at stephen.org/calendar.
Thank you for your generous giving! Your financial support is vital to the well-being of our church and school!
How can we pray for you this week?
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