Third Sunday of Advent
Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday, is a joyful pause in the penitential season, signaled by rose-colored vestments and a rose candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing the nearness of Christ's birth and encouraging rejoicing. Readings focus on rejoicing in the Lord, finding joy in God's presence, sharing with the needy, and reflecting on Jesus's healing actions as fulfillment of prophecy, urging believers to prepare with inner peace and selfless love.
Religious Ed. Classes December 16/17
This will be our last class meeting till after the new year begins. We will begin classes with an Advent Adoration Service for the first half of class. The students will then return to their classroom for an end of the year celebration. If your child will be bringing treats to share, please remember no nuts.
Parents are welcome to come to the Adoration Service and spend some quiet time with Jesus. Thank you for your continuous support!
The Religious Education Office will be closed on the following days:
-December 24 & 25
-January 1 & 2
The Time Has Come!
Catching Fire Middle School Youth Group will officially launch on
Sunday, February 1st at 7:00 pm!
If you are in the 6th through 8th grade, join us as we explore what it means to be a young Catholic in today's world full of all the noise and distractions that surround us. We will offer a number of fun engaging experiences and opportunities which will allow us to learn about the relationships we have with Jesus, with our friends and families, and within ourselves. Catching Fire will encourage us to play an active role in our faith formation journey under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We will meet every Sunday (except on some holidays) from 7:00 - 8:30 pm and start our night in the school main lobby. No need to bring anything — other than an open heart, mind, and soul! Be there or be square!
Questions? Contact Mike Kennedy at m.kennedy@stephen.org or 402-861-4509.
Catechist Assistants Needed
Volunteers Wanted: Do you have an hour available to help in a 7th grade class on Wednesdays at 5:30 or a 6th Grade class on Tuesdays at 4:30? We are looking for an assistant to help in these classes. This is a wonderful way for parents to be involved without the additional commitment of leading a class or a college student needing some service hours. 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. Safe Environment Certification will be required if over 19.
Steubenville Youth Conference July 10-12
Youth Conference-July 10-12, 2026
Open to 9th Grade -College Freshmen
Registration Now Open!
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.
Upcoming Dates:
Dec 16/17: Eucharistic Adoration During first half of all Rel. Ed. Classes
Dec. 23/24: No Rel. Ed. Classes
Dec. 30/31: No Rel. Ed. Classes
Jan. 4: Catechist Winter Banquet; 12-4 p.m.
