On this Gaudete (“Rejoice!”) Sunday, reflect on what you are thankful for. This week, write down things in your life that cause you to rejoice. Then, thank God for those blessings. True joy ultimately comes through following God's will for our lives.
A great tradition to start during the Advent season is preparing your Nativity Set with the exception of Baby Jesus. A Nativity set that is (temporarily) missing the Baby Jesus adds to the anticipation as a good reminder that it’s not quite Christmas yet!
St. John Paul II started the tradition of “Bambinelli Sunday”, where he encouraged children to bring their baby Jesus from their family’s nativity set to St. Peter’s Square for a special papal blessing. The children then place their baby Jesus figurine under the Christmas tree until Christmas morning (when he then rejoins the Nativity set).
St. John Paul II started the tradition of “Bambinelli Sunday”, where he encouraged children to bring their baby Jesus from their family’s nativity set to St. Peter’s Square for a special papal blessing. The children then place their baby Jesus figurine under the Christmas tree until Christmas morning (when he then rejoins the Nativity set).
Religious Education Classes December 19/20
Religious Education classes will finish the hour this week with classroom celebrations! However, at the beginning of classes, all the kids will go to the Worship Space for about 15-30 minutes in Eucharistic Adoration, a practice we hope your children grow to know and love! While we will have the children coming in and out, at least one adult should be with our Lord at all times. Therefore we are asking parents to please prayerfully consider signing up to sit in the church with Jesus during your child's class! Thank you!
What is Eucharistic Adoration?
Eucharistic Adoration, in the most basic terms, is the worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass. The Eucharistic Host is displayed in a monstrance on the altar so that all can see and pray in the presence of Christ.
Why spend time in Eucharistic Adoration?
While it is true that we can pray to God anywhere, the Eucharist holds a privileged place in Christian worship because in it, Christ is fully present: body and blood, soul and divinity (Catechism #1374). Think of it this way: In his love, God wants to be as close to us as possible; this is why he became incarnate—flesh and blood—in Jesus. But even as he was preparing to leave us in that form, he wanted to continue to remain physically, intimately present with us, so he gave us the Eucharist (Catechism #1380). And it is through the Eucharist that we become the Body of Christ, the Church, thus continuing his physical presence and his mission in the world.
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)
Altar Servers are 5th-12th grade students who assist our priests and deacons during weekend Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. If your child is interested in becoming an Altar Server, please complete the Altar Server form below.
Disciple of Christ Winners
Carolee Cote Kindergarten
Wesley Hickman Kindergarten
Austin Brown Kindergarten
Hayden Gilsdorf Kindergarten
Mayze Hassanali Grade 2
Eva Bowder Grade 3
Bella Glab Grade 4
XJ Lee Grade 4
Charlie Turner Grade 5
Addie Morris Grade 6
Lily Morris Grade 6
Hannah Schwisow Grade 6
Jacob Dickey Grade 7
Adler Doht Grade 7
Catechist needed for 6th Grade Religious Education Class
Our 6th grade Rel. Ed. class on Tuesday & Wednesdays at 5:30 PM need a catechist for the second semester beginning January 10, 2024. All materials and lesson plans are provided. Please contact Eileen at e.smith@stephen.org if you can volunteer. Thank you!
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. 19/20: Adoration Service & Christmas celebrations.
- Dec. 26/27: No Rel. Ed. Classes
- Jan. 2/3: No Rel. Ed. Classes
- Jan. 7: Catechist Potluck
- Jan 9/10: Classes Resume
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