On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we celebrate God’s faithfulness in sending Jesus, and we remember that faithfulness as we look forward to Christ’s second coming.
Here are some family activities for the fourth week of Advent:
- Spend time at the crib: Have a quiet time of prayer near the Nativity scene. Consider asking questions like, "What does the manger teach us?"
- Read an Advent devotional: Use an Advent devotional to guide your family in the Word.
- Color a nativity page: Use a free coloring page to help children count down the days until Christmas.
- Fill out a family census: Fill out a family census and then read Matthew 1 to learn about Jesus's family tree.
Rel. Ed. Classroom Volunteers Needed
for Second Semester
After the holidays we will need a volunteer to help with Ms. Hannah's 1st grade class on Wednesday at 5:30 pm and cover the class while she takes some maternity time off in February. It is a small class of five students and all the lessons are planned and materials will be provided.
In addition, we have a few classes that could use a volunteer to help the catechist during class and an office volunteer on Wednesday at 4:00 pm. If you have an hour a week to help us out, we could use your assistance. Here are the times and grades that could use an extra hand:
Wednesday at 4:00 pm: Grades 3, 5, 7, 8, Office Volunteer
Wednesday at 5:30 pm: Grade 2
Wednesday at 7:00 pm: Grade 8
High School Youth Group
All 9-12th graders are welcome to join us every Wednesday! Snacks and drinks are provided. Learn more at stephen.org/witness-wednesdays.
December 25th: OFF for Christmas Break
January 1, 2025: OFF for Christmas Break
Open to current 8th Graders to High School Seniors
STEUBENVILLE 2025 REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Wondering what to get your teen for Christmas this year? Get them the life-changing gift of attending the Steubenville Youth Conference. This year we are heading back to Rochester, MN the weekend of July 11th-13th. Spots are limited!
Middle School Youth Group Update
During the early days of this new liturgical year, it seems fitting to introduce this second of two articles updating you all on the momentum behind a new Middle School Youth Ministry program at our parish. I am encouraged by the positive feedback this initiative has received. I am particularly grateful to Tiffany Cole who has generously offered her time and energy to lead this effort. She is collaborating with Adam Ybarra, our Director of Mission, to advance this important ministry. Our new program is in line with our mission that “…all encounter Christ, know Christ, and proclaim Christ.” This means that providing an atmosphere in which an experience with the living God is at the center. To that end, I invite you to please consider sharing your talents with our middle schoolers, whether they be musical gifts for praise and worship, organizational, activity-planning, or other skills that may benefit our youth. While a schedule is not yet firmly established, the gatherings are expected to be monthly on Sunday evenings. The presence of Safe Environment Certified adults will be most helpful. If you would like to assist in any way, please contact Adam (a.ybarra@stephen.org), and he will get you in touch with Tiffany and the Middle School Youth Ministry team. I am excited about this opportunity for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in our parish. Please keep them in your prayers. May God bless you all in a particular way in this holy season of Advent.
Peace, Fr. Matthew
Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 24/25: No Rel. Ed. Classes
Dec. 31/Jan 1: No Rel. Ed. Classes
Jan. 5: Volunteer Luncheon 12:30 pm in the GPC
Jan. 7/8: Rel. Ed. Classes Resume
Jan. 18: Trivia Night
Jan. 21/22: EPS Baby Bottle Drive
