Dear Saint Stephen the Martyr parishioners,
These next few days of Holy Week unfold for us the unity of the Paschal Mystery: the work Jesus Christ did to save us from sin and darkness through His passion, death, and resurrection! Watch this reflection with Father Dave as we enter into the Easter Triduum and experience the reality of the Pascal Mystery in our lives.
“Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev 21:5)
Living Stations of the Cross
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.
RCIA Welcome Reception
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.
Eucharistic Adoration
Please take note that we will still be hosting Eucharistic Adoration from 4 to 5 PM on Easter Sunday in the church Worship Space. Please come and celebrate our Risen Lord in the Blessed Sacrament!
Thank you for your generous giving! Your financial support is vital to the well-being of our community, church, and school!
Upcoming Events
Martyr Mission Ticket Sales Open Tomorrow
Martyr Mission is our parish's largest fundraiser of the year. The theme is “A Night in White” and will be held at St. Stephen inside the gym and outside near the basketball courts. Guests will enjoy fellowship, fundraising, and fun under the moon and stars with an indoor/outdoor reception; catered, plated meal; DJ music and dancing; cocktails; beer; wine; and a silent and live auction. Purchase your tickets, sponsor, or donate at stephen.org/mission.
First Holy Communion - Next Two Sundays
The 2nd graders of our faith community will be receiving First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 24th (School Students) and Sunday, May 1st (RE Students). Please keep these children and their families in your prayers!
Who Wants to Travel With Father Dave to Ireland?
Father Dave is hosting an informational meeting for anyone who would like to hear about the upcoming trip to Ireland (September 20 - October 2, 2022). Mark Hoffman from Magi Travel will be here to talk about the itinerary and answer any questions. The meeting will be on Wednesday, April 27th at 7 PM in the Parish Center. More info at https://cvent.me/5xgzva.
Youth Volleyball Registration Open
SSM Volleyball is open to all girls registered as parishioners and currently enrolled in St. Stephen Catholic School or Religious Education programs in grades 3-8. We welcome athletes of all abilities, including multi-sport athletes. The registration deadline is Monday, May 9th. Register at stephen.org/sports-club-volleyball.
Martyr Moms Hosting Easter Egg Hunt on April 30th
Join us in celebrating the Easter season with an egg hunt! Hop on over to the micro soccer fields (just east of the playground) at 10 AM on Saturday, April 30th. Martyr Moms will be hosting the egg hunt and live rabbits! If your little one has been dreaming of petting a real live rabbit, now's their chance! All ages are welcome to visit the rabbits and ages 10 and under may participate in the egg hunt. Please RSVP at stephen.org/easter-egg-hunt.
Ladies Bunco on Wednesday, April 20th
Our next Ladies Bunco is Wednesday, April 20th from 7-9 PM in the Parish Center. This event is sponsored by the SSM Council of Catholic Women. Ladies must be 21+ to play, cost $10.00, with a chance to win cash prizes. BYOB (yes, you may bring your own alcohol). Snacks will be provided. Donations to our food pantry will be greatly appreciated. Please come and bring a friend. Questions, contact Brenda Kreber at 402-203-5196.
Curious about Wills and Estates?
Make plans to attend our next Planned Giving Seminar on April 28th at 6 PM in the Parish Center. Justin Hochstein, estate planning attorney, will be the guest speaker to share information about Wills and Estates. Please RSVP to Catiana Urrutia 402-861-4541 or c.urrutia@stephen.org.
Divine Mercy Novena
The Knights of Columbus invite you to participate in the Divine Mercy Novena to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday on April 24th. The Knights will have Novena and Chaplet cards available on Good Friday following the 3 PM & 7 PM services. A Chaplet to the Divine Mercy will be given prior to the 8:15 AM Mass in the Gathering Space on April 23rd. For more information visit www.praymorenovenas.com/divine-mercy-novena.
Abortion Dialogue
Our Pro-Life Ministry invites you to learn about how Abortion Dialogue Academy volunteers are changing pro-choice minds on Sunday, April 24th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Dining Room. Come and learn about this important topic.
Teaching Discernment Seminar
We are hosting a Teaching Discernment Seminar with Father Timothy Gallagher at St. Stephen on May 19- 21. Father Gallagher will share the teaching pedagogy he has developed for instructing others in the Fourteen Rules for the Discernment of Spirits and will assist participants to find their way as competent teachers of these invaluable tools for the daily spiritual life. To register and for more information visit stephen.org/teaching-discernment.