Parents Please Join Us This Week For Stations of the Cross
This week students will go to the GYM with their catechists for Stations of the Cross. While the church houses our beautiful sculptures, when students are seated in the pews, it is hard for them to see them. We will project pictures of the Stations on the big screen in the gym, as well as any student responses, so that kids may better see and participate.
WHY WE PRAY THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
1. To Remember Jesus’ LoveJesus willingly suffered and died on the cross because He loves us! Jesus paid the price for our sins so that we may live with Him in Heaven one day. The Stations of the Cross help us see how much Jesus went through purely out of love for you and me!
2. To thank and grow closer to Jesus
We "walk beside Jesus" and pray to Him at each Station of the Cross. We talk to Him as our friend and savior and thank Him for each suffering He went through for us. We grow close to Jesus as we retrace His last days, just as Jesus stays close to us every day.
3. To Learn About Being Kind and Brave
Everything Jesus did when He lived on the earth sets an example for each of us today! Even in his darkest hours, on the way to the Cross, Jesus teaches US about forgiveness, helping others, and being strong when things are hard.
Religious Education 2025-2026
Volunteer Sign Up Is Open
Volunteer Registration is now open for next year! We cannot thank our current volunteers enough for their service to our parish this past year and pray you will volunteer with us again!
Please carefully read the "REQUIRED COMMITMENTS" for each volunteer position before signing up to ensure you are able to fulfill all the duties expected of your position. Please note that advanced lesson planning, as well as 10-minute early arrival is expected of all Lead Catechists!
Please carefully read the "REQUIRED COMMITMENTS" for each volunteer position before signing up to ensure you are able to fulfill all the duties expected of your position. Please note that advanced lesson planning, as well as 10-minute early arrival is expected of all Lead Catechists!
A list of filled/available volunteers positions will be posted in the window of the RE office. Please sign up today to ensure your desired position is available!
Lenten Parish Mission with Archbishop Emeritus George Lucas
Sunday, March 15th - Tuesday, March 17th
Easter Books Plus More For Sale
St Stephen the Martyr School would like to share some information about their Spring book fair. They have partnered with the Ignatius Book Company this Spring and have a wide variety of Catholic faith books for all our parish families to enjoy. Each purchase earns Ave Dollars that the Religious Education Department can use to purchase additional resources for the department. Order by March 16th to receive the books by Easter. They will be mailed directly to your home.
Families must login and can get free shipping for orders $15 or more! Click the link below and follow the steps.
Steps to follow:
1. Parents must create an account.
2. St. Stephen the Martyr School is preloaded for easier setup.
3. Fill out the child's information.
4. Choose your child's classroom: Religious Education
5. Click on 'get started'.
Vacation Bible School
June 8th - 12th
9 AM to Noon
Welcome
Brooke Keller
Coordinator of
Middle School
Ministry
Welcome
Christine Hinton
Confirmation Coordinator & Event Assistant
We are excited to announce that Brooke Keller will be joining the Religious Education team as the parish’s new Coordinator of Middle School Ministry. Brooke is a familiar face to many at St. Stephen’s, bringing years of expertise and experience within the parish, school, and archdiocese. She is committed to offering dynamic, faith-filled opportunities where the parish and school’s middle school students can gather and grow in friendship and community.
We are excited to announce that Christie Hinton will be joining the Religious Education team as our parish’s new Confirmation Coordinator and Rel. Ed. Event Assistant. A former high school teacher, Christie has served as a volunteer in the St. Stephen’s Religious Education program for 18 years. She has been a catechist for nearly every grade and is currently the Rel. Ed. Coordinator for Grades 6 and 7. Christie also facilitates a weekly St. Stephen’s Bible Study, and she is a valued member of the SSM Religious Formation Advisory Board.
Upcoming Events at Mercy
Mercy Palooza for 5th & 6th Grade Girls | Saturday, March 21 | 5–7 PMJoin us for a fun and interactive evening designed for 5th and 6th grade girls to experience Mercy High School through a carnival-style celebration with a Candyland theme, featuring bounce houses, cotton candy, games, candy galore, and exciting prizes. REGISTER HERE
Summer Camps at Mercy High School
A variety of summer camps are available for students to explore interests, build skills, and connect with Mercy and students including Show Choir, Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Soccer, & Tennis. REGISTER HERE
2026 KOC Scholarship Application
The St. Stephen the Martyr Knights of Columbus are accepting applications for the 2026 Deacon Wesley Kreun Memorial Scholarship. This is not an academic scholarship; recipients will be selected based on service within the parish and other charitable activities. Scholarships include four $500 one-year awards for students attending local Catholic high schools, four $1,000 one-year awards for students attending an accredited college or university, and one $1,000 one-year award for a student attending a trade school. Applications are available at the kiosk in the gathering space or the parish office now through April 30, 2026. Completed applications should be returned to the parish office. For questions, contact Hank Hardy at hwhardy02@gmail.com. God bless!
Upcoming Dates:
March 17/18: Stations of the Cross
March 23: VBS Registration Opens
March 31: Rel. Ed. Registration Opens
April 7/8: Millard Spring Break-No Rel. Ed. Classes
April 12: Easter Egg Hunt
April 19: First Holy Communion; 1 pm & 3:30 pm
April 28/29/30: Confirmation; 6:30 pm
May 5/6: Last week of classes
VBS: June 8-12
