February 26, 2021
Learn to Pray the Psalms this Lent!
Come for a Lenten Morning of Reflection with Abbot Marion Q. Nguyen, O.S.B. of St. Martin's Abbey (University) on March 6th; following Daily Mass 9:30-Noon in the Church at St. Stephen the Martyr. You will experience the timeless power of the Psalms by listening to Abbot Marion's talk and praying with him the Psalms. Praying the Psalms nourished Jesus, and they continue to provide believers with a path to faith, strength, gratitude, praise, and joy! Renew your spirituality with the life-giving power of the Psalms!
Abbot Marion has been a doctorate student in monastic spirituality from the Pontifical Atheneum of Sant’Anselmo in Rome. He also taught classes at St. Martin’s University, worked for the campus’ Benedictine Institute and the University Office of Institutional Advancement, and served at St. Mary Parish in Anacortes.
To learn more about our featured speaker Abbot Marion click here!
Attend in Person: Please click the image above and register by completing the online form.
Attend via Livestream: Simply click the image above to view the broadcast on March 6.
For more info or questions contact Anne Merklin at sstmassociate@gmail.com or 253-631-1940 ext 126.
Special Screening of Pray: The Motion Picture Saturday March 27
Mark your calendar now to attend a screening of the inspiring true story of Patrick Peyton, who immigrated to America, experienced hardships, a calling to priesthood and healing through the miraculous power of prayer. This moving documentary tells the story of a tireless missionary, an unlikely hero, and one of history’s greatest advocates for family prayer. Watch for screening details in next weeks Update!
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross return on Friday nights, February 19 - March 26, at 7:00 PM in the church. Live music begins at 6:45 PM. To avoid crowding around the stations participants will be asked to remain in their pews for the duration of the prayer. Please note that the February 19th holy hour following the stations has been cancelled.
Living Stations of the Cross
Attention teens: Planning is underway for a Covid-safe version of the Living Stations to be presented on Good Friday. Teens, contact Debbie Bloomquist at sstm.youth@gmail.com.
Online Living Stations of the Cross
Last year, the living Stations of the Cross was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and an online version was presented for parishioners. The 36-minute video is again available by clicking the image above. Please pray for our youth as we explore a special live adaptation for this year's Good Friday.
Help Wanted: Experienced Full Charge Bookkeeper, 20 – 25 Hours per Week
Saint Stephen the Martyr is looking for a faith-filled, enthusiastic, collaborative, detailed orientated, and experienced Full Charge part-time Bookkeeper that will contribute to our parish vision of “Sharing the Transforming Light of Christ and leads a life consistent with Catholic social and moral teaching.
Duties include a/r, a/p, bi-weekly payroll, preparing financial statements for pastor and finance council, and light human resource paperwork. Accounting software, Excel, and Word experience required and PDS knowledge a plus. The successful candidate will have strong relational, collaborative, verbal, and written communication skills. Training on processes and systems available from the current pastoral assistant for administration. Competitive pay, DOE. Please submit inquiries to Eric Miller, PAA, and Bookkeeper, sstmbookkeeping@gmail.com
Duties include a/r, a/p, bi-weekly payroll, preparing financial statements for pastor and finance council, and light human resource paperwork. Accounting software, Excel, and Word experience required and PDS knowledge a plus. The successful candidate will have strong relational, collaborative, verbal, and written communication skills. Training on processes and systems available from the current pastoral assistant for administration. Competitive pay, DOE. Please submit inquiries to Eric Miller, PAA, and Bookkeeper, sstmbookkeeping@gmail.com
Help Us Update Our Records!
It has become evident that our parish database is in dire need of an update! So many folks have changed their contact information or had children that our records are now inaccurate or incomplete. Please click the image to go directly to our online update form.
St Stephen's Now Livestreaming on Vimeo!
Our livestream broadcasts have recently been upgraded with the addition of the video hosting service, Vimeo. Click the image above or visit https://www.ststephenslife.com/holy-mass-live-stream where you can enjoy Mass and devotions live, within a media player right on our parish website (yes, you can expand to full screen). Want to watch yesterday's Mass? In our new Vimeo player the liturgy won't be interrupted with commercials! Still a big Facebook or Youtube fan? No worries; our liturgies will continue to be simulcast to those platforms as well.
From the Food Bank
This week the Food Bank needs:
1. Pasta (spaghetti, manicotti, linguini, macaroni, etc.) 2. Instant Potatoes (mashed, scalloped, au gratin, etc.) 3. Shelf stable milk or powdered milk (Dollar Tree has shelf stable milk) 4. Canned beans (chili beans, kidney beans, lima beans, etc.) 5. Canned chicken, canned ham or Spam 6. Dried herbs or spices (to help make food taste better, basics, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, oregano etc.) 7. Granola Bars (look for ones with less sugar, made with oats or other whole grain.)
St. Stephens' Medical Closet
The St. Stephen's Medical Closet provides free and easy access to medical equipment for St. Stephen's parishioners and their families. Parishioners can borrow donated equipment for as long as they need it, returning it when the need is no longer there. There are no fees. We run solely on charitable community giving. If you are in need of medical equipment or would like to donate medical equipment, please contact one of the following team members: Donna Williamson 253-854-1290 Willi3_5@q.com or Jennifer Walker 253-985-0109.
Little Saints Preschool
Registration for Little Saints Preschool for the 2021-2022 school year is underway! The Mon/ Wed/Fri 3's & 4's class is already full but there are still openings in the Tuesday/Thursday 3's class and the Monday-Thursday Pre-K class. Pick up a form in the kiosk by the windows near the parish office and send to: Abbie Nelson, Little Saints Preschool, St. Stephen the Martyr, 13055 SE 192nd St. Renton, WA 98058 or sstm.littlesaints@gmail.com. We anticipate being back to our full schedule beginning in September! If you have any questions, email Abbie at sstm.littlesaints@gmail.com.
Gabriel Angels & PREPARES
Gabriel Angels & PREPARES Companions say thank you again for diapers & supplies. Please continue to donate laundry soap pods, wipes, larger size diapers 3 to 6 and pull-ups 4T-5T-6L for our families. The newborns are thriving and growing. We are in need of Gift Cards especially Fred Meyer for gas and non-covered items. Zoom Training for NEW VOLUNTEERS is coming soon. Contact Roberta at robertajorgensen@comcast.net or Kathleen at 253-653-6074 for more information.
Welcome Video Reviews Details for Coming to Mass
Please click the image above for a video discussing details for attending Mass at St Stephen the Martyr.
Holy Land Olive Wood
We are happy to have Bethlehem Olive Wood carvings available for sale this weekend only. One hour before and after Saturday evening Mass and after Sunday morning Masses until 3pm. The Olive Wood will be located downstairs in the classroom wing, rooms 128/129 so to maintain safe distancing. We appreciate your support of the families who are living in the Holy Land.
Please Continue Your Financial Support
The restrictions on public Masses have seriously impacted our weekly collections. Like most parishes, 90% of our revenue comes from the generous support of our faith community. This generosity supports the many ministries of the church as well as maintenance of the building and grounds, utilities, insurance, and payroll. Please remember our parish in your prayers and by making your regular donation. You may donate through the mail or via electronic giving by clicking here.
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
If your loved one is in need of anointing, please call the St. Stephens parish office to make arrangements for Fr. Ed to visit. If the person in need of anointing has or is suspected of having COVID-19, we will assist you in connecting with one of the dedicated Priests the Archdiocese has commissioned to administer sacraments to COVID-19 patients.
Want to Learn More?
Click the image on the left to see our weekly bulletins