October 16, 2020   

Due to the covid-19 crisis, we are not able to offer our traditional fall retreat for Catholic men, however we are pleased to present a special weekend experience on October 23 -24.

Bishop Daniel Muggenborg will lead us in a time of prayer, reflection and renewal as we consider the power of Eucharist in our lives. We will gather Friday evening and Saturday during the day here at St Stephen the Martyr!

We welcome you to attend in person or via live-stream. There will be no fee for this event, however registration will be necessary. To register please visit  https://ststephenslife.com/come-to-the-table
For everyone's safety masks will be required and social distancing measures will be in effect. Additional details are at this time being worked out, and will be communicated to all who are registered. We hope to see you in person or online soon!

Moms, you are invited to be part of this exciting event next month!  Over 80 amazing women will speak directly and honestly about the core issues that moms of all ages and stages of life encounter.  

The Catholic Moms Summit will show you how to find lasting balance, peace, and joy! To register for free click the image above!

Fr. Ed will preside at a White Mass on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 PM which gathers health care professionals under the patronage of St. Luke on his feast day to ask God's blessing upon them. A special invitation goes out to all of our doctors, nurses, EMTs, lab technicians, pharmacists, radiologists, medical administrators, and other health care professionals to attend this Mass. If you are a health care professional and miss the online registration, please come anyway. We are saving a few extra seats for you. Feel free to bring your family and invite other friends in the health care industry.

* Do you have questions about the Catholic faith and its teachings?  
* Do you know someone who is interested in becoming a Catholic?
* Are you a Catholic who needs to complete their Sacraments?
YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR OUR INQUIRY SESSIONS: that are ongoing each Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, in our Social Hall with social distancing/masks. For more information or questions contact; Anne Merklin at sstmassociate@gmail.com or call the office at 253-631-1940.  

Our weekend Masses, including the Saturday Night Vigil (5:00 PM) and Sunday morning (9:00 and 11:00 AM) are now be celebrated indoors. This move does involve the challenge of room capacity. Due to space restrictions, the livestream of both Sunday morning Masses will be screened downstairs in the Church Hall. Communion will be distributed both upstairs and downstairs during those Masses. To register to attend, please visit https://ststephens.flocknote.com/signup/17016 

Please remember there is still no Sunday obligation to attend Mass. Please do a self health check before attending public Masses. Also, if you have any health conditions that put you at a greater risk under these circumstances, please stay home and know we will miss you. We can all still celebrate together with the 9:00 and 11:00 AM  live-streamed Masses!

Please note that due to space and scheduling considerations, the daily Mass on Thursdays has now moved to 8:30 AM. this Mass will also be livestreamed.

Darlene Simpson and Jeannine Kuolt are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of St Stephen the Martyr.  Donations are 100% tax deductible. Breath of Aire has performed a benefit concert for 9 years in a row to support the Terrific Tuesday meals community meal program.  Since June 2010 volunteers from several local churches have served home cooked meals and friendship every Tuesday to individuals and families in need or just wanting to share a meal with others.  

     

Because of the circumstances we are all experiencing at this time,  Breath of Aire was unable to perform this year and we lost our major  income source.  We need  to make up the fund shortage or we will not be able to continue this program.

     

Currently we  are unable to serve our sit down dinners at our sponsor churches, St. Stephen the Martyr and St. John the Baptist because of health and safety guidelines mandated at this time, but we continue with preparing and serving weekly takeout meals to many who are homeless in downtown Kent.    We are also able to provide meals for the women and children at KentHope, and we have been providing dinner weekly to Vine Maple Place clients.  Both KentHope and Vine Maple Place are significant resources to assist women and families in crisis by providing for immediate needs and offering support services to give them hope and help them become self-sufficient.   In total Terrific Tuesday Meals provides between 145-185  dinners each week and we hope to be able to continue this work.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and Prophets (Matthew 7:12 NIV)

So please help us continue this program.To make a donation please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-terrific-tuesday-meals-have-dinner-on-us/donate

Requests for financial aid have doubled in the last few months. A majority of parishioner requests for help stem from a medical issue. With church donations down it is difficult to decide where to donate your funds.  It would be much appreciated if you could give just a few dollars in your blue envelope or mark on your check "Outreach". Your prayers are also gratefully accepted.

Thanks to the FDA Farm to Families Boxes Program, we haven't needed as many food items. We only give out one bag of food with the boxes of food program, before we were giving out 3 bags of food.  But right now we do need a few items: peanut butter, cereal,; jam/jelly,  fruit, and bread.

If you have any unused gift cards we could use them.  We are providing them to students to purchase  their school supplies. Thank you for all you support.

Has Covid-19 negatively impacted your life?  If you are a registered parishioner, we may be able to help you!  Have you gotten behind on a utility bill, your rent, or have another financial need?  If so, call the parish office or email Darlene Simpson at darsimpson@gmail.com to see if we can help.  Non-Parishioners needing financial help should contact our St. Vincent de Paul HelpLine at 206-767-6449.   If you need prayers, help with errands, or just want to talk with someone, please call the office at 253-631-1940 and talk to Betty Mencke who can connect you with the appropriate person.  Remember We are Here for You!