First Sunday of Advent
On the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle on the Advent wreath, often called the "Prophet’s Candle" or the "Candle of Hope," is lit. This candle symbolizes the hope of the people of Israel who waited for the Messiah and the hope of Christians today for Christ’s return.
Parent Note: First Reconciliation is in addition to regular scheduled classes. All second graders are still expected to attend their Religious Education Class on December 2nd or December 3rd.
Catechist Assistant Needed
Volunteer Needed: Do you have an hour available to help in a 7th grade class on Wednesdays at 5:30? We are looking for an assistant to help the catechist in this larger 7th grade class. This is a wonderful way for parents to be involved without the additional commitment of leading a class. This role functions more as a chaperone vs. instructor. Please contact our office if you are available to volunteer at 402-896-5683 or fill out the volunteer form below.
Saint of the Week
"The whole earth is a living icon of the face of God." – St. John Damascene (676 -749), Doctor of the Church.
St. John Damascene, also known as John of Damascus, is one of the Fathers of the Eastern Orthodox Church and is best known for his strong defense of icons. Born in Damascus, he received a classical and theological education and followed his father into a government position under the Arabs. After a few years, he resigned and went to the Monastery of Saint Sabas. In 1890, Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church.
His patronage includes pharmacists, icon painters, and theology students.
St. John Damascene, also known as John of Damascus, is one of the Fathers of the Eastern Orthodox Church and is best known for his strong defense of icons. Born in Damascus, he received a classical and theological education and followed his father into a government position under the Arabs. After a few years, he resigned and went to the Monastery of Saint Sabas. In 1890, Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church.
His patronage includes pharmacists, icon painters, and theology students.
Feast Day is December 4
As we enter December, it is a good time to review our inclement weather policy.
St. Stephen the Martyr Religious Education observes the school closing policies of the Millard Public Schools (MPS) and/or Omaha Catholic Schools (OCS). When school is canceled, we will send families a text and/or email (using the Flocknote communication system).
If either district calls off school due to inclement weather on a Tuesday or Wednesday, Religious Education classes will be cancelled for the evening. In the event that MPS and/or Omaha Catholic Schools issues a late start, we will issue our own weather announcement based on weather conditions impacting the evening. If MPS announces a remote learning day in lieu of a snow day, classes will be cancelled.
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.
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.
Youth Conference-July 10-12, 2026
Open to 9th Grade -College Freshmen
Over the next few months, all our classes will be going over the Circle of Grace curriculum. This is a curriculum for the safe environment education of children and young people supported and mandated by the Archdiocese of Omaha. Please look over the following documents for more information on the program and on helpful tips on how to discuss important topics with your children.
Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 1: First Reconciliation Rel. Ed. Families; 7 p.m.
Dec. 2: First Reconciliation School Families; 7 p.m.
Dec. 23/24: No Rel. Ed. Classes
Dec. 30/31: No Rel. Ed. Classes
Jan. 4: Catechist Winter Banquet; 12-4 p.m.