We know your life is busy, especially in the Advent season.
You might be longing for less anxiety and hurry in your life and craving more slowness and peace.
In this first week of Advent, we are excited to share a meaningful video reflection with you. In this video, Fr. Mark Toups shares how to hear God's voice and find more joy and peace in your daily life.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Advent season. May the light of the Advent candles guide your way toward the birth of our Savior.
In His love and grace,
The Religious Education Team
First Reconciliation
Please pray for the 157 students who will make their First Reconciliation this week. Thank you to the catechists and teachers for their guidance in preparing them for this sacrament.
Children will sit with their families at First Reconciliation, not with their classes. Parents, siblings, grandparents and Godparents are all invited to attend and to receive the Sacraments themselves! How wonderful for your children to witness your continued devotion, as this is hopefully just the beginning of your child's lifelong practice of receiving this beautiful sacrament.
Children receiving the Sacrament should be dressed in their "Sunday best attire." Father will lead us all in a prayer service, and we will say the Act of Contrition together as a group. Families may line up for one of eight priests who will be hearing confessions. (Please stay seated if lines are long.) There is no assigned seating. The last few pews will be left vacant for privacy. Please turn in the last page of the Reconciliation packet if you have not turned it in yet. We excited for them to experience God's love in Reconciliation!
First Reconciliation
December 4, 2023 7:00-8:30 pm
- Rel. Ed. Tuesday Classes
- Parent Led Families
- SSM School 2A (Gill)
- SSM School 2B (O’Leary)
First Reconciliation
December 5, 2023 7:00-8:30 pm
- Rel. Ed. Wednesday Classes
- SSM School 2C (Schweers)
Since Christmas falls on a Monday this year, Catholics have two obligations to fulfill on Christmas weekend-one for the 4th Sunday of Advent and one for Christmas. Both obligations can be fulfilled on Sunday, just not at the same Mass. Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses are liturgically 4th Sunday of Advent Masses. Sunday afternoon and evening Masses will be Christmas Vigil Masses.
- 4th Sunday of Advent Vigil Mass - Saturday, Dec. 23rd: 5 PM
- 4th Sunday of Advent Mass - Sunday, Dec. 24th: 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM
- Christmas Eve Mass - Sunday, Dec. 24th: 4 PM, 4:15 PM (gym), 6 PM, 11 PM
Christmas Day Mass - Monday, Dec. 25th: 9 AM, 10:30 AM (live-streamed)
Disciple of Christ Award winners this week.
Myles Doke Grade 1
Charlie Rohlfsen Grade 1
Bennett Case Grade 1
Grace Bowder Grade 1
Alex Meyer Grade 1
Kruz Kankousky Grade 2
Violet Taylor Grade 2
Ellie Tong Grade 3
Annika Loftin Grade 4
Mia Thorson Grade 4
Logan Vobejda Grade 4
Tennley Kanger Grade 4
Mia Sinnett Grade 4
Sophia Morris Grade 8
Weather Cancellations
Should icy or snowy weather occur, the Religious Education program observes the school closing policies of the Millard School District. If Millard Public Schools cancel classes or evening activities due to inclement weather, we will not hold Religious Education classes that evening. Occasionally, because of deteriorating weather conditions during the day, we will need to cancel R.E. classes late in the afternoon or early evening, even when Millard has held classes. Cancellations and plans for re-scheduling activities will be published on the parish web-site at www.stephen.org. Parents will also be notified by text messaging or email. Parents should use their discretion as to whether it is safe for their children to attend class. The safety of our children is always our primary concern.
Dear Parents,
Cold and flu season is upon us. We ask that you keep your child home if he or she is not feeling well or is exhibiting any flu-like symptoms including, but not limited to fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue as well as vomiting and diarrhea. They should be symptom free for 24 hours.
SSM Knights of Columbus Annual
Free Throw Contest
Since 1972, councils have sponsored the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship for boys and girls from the ages of 9 to 14 to provide an athletic outlet and encourage the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition. Kids compete within their own gender and age and progress from local level to district, regional and state/province competitions. Just show up at the gym on January 5th; no registration required!
Upcoming Dates
- Dec. 4/5: First Reconciliation; 7 p.m. in Worship Space; Grade 2
- Dec. 6: St Nicholas Day
- Dec. 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception; Rel. Ed. Offices Closed
- Dec. 19/20: Last Rel. Ed. Class this year. Classes will go to Adoration & have Christmas Celebrations.
Main Office: 402-896-5683
Sandy Kimmey, Director of Religious Education
s.kimmey@stephen.org or 402-861-4510
Eileen Smith, Assistant Director of Religious Education
e.smith@stephen.org or 402-861-4513
Sam Jizba, Confirmation Coordinator, s.jizba@stephen.org or 402-861-4512
Anita Finger, Office Assistant & Copy Room Facilitator
a.finger@stephen.org or 402-861-4523
Office Hours
Monday: 9 am to 3 pm
Tuesday: 9 am to 6:30 pm
Wednesday: 10 am to 8 pm
Thursday: 9 am to 1 pm