February 3, 2020

Sunday, February 2nd - Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

The Presentation of the Lord is a feast that points back to Christmas when Jesus, the Light of the World was born. Even more so it leads us forward to Easter, when we celebrate His Resurrection and the triumph of light over the darkness of sin and death. In honor of this important feast day the Church calls for a solemn procession with lighted candles to represent the entrance of the infant Jesus into the Temple, and as a foreshadowing of the candle-light Easter Vigil procession. This weekend Fr. Jockim and Fr. Ed will bless candles by the font at the beginning of the Saturday 5 PM Mass and the Sunday 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM Masses. (Due to a Baptism and Confirmation, a candle blessing will take place after the 11 AM Mass.) All are invited to bring candles from home to be blessed for your personal use and to participate in the procession if you desire.

Monday, February 3rd - Feast of St. Blaise and the Blessing of Throats

On the feast day of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, the Church offers a blessing for people afflicted with diseases of the throat and any other illness. The blessing is carried out using two crossed taper candles that were blessed on the previous day. All are invited to attend daily Mass at 6:30 PM on Monday to receive this blessing.

A Short Course in Catholic Evangelization

Class Continues 7:00 PM February 4th & 11th - Newcomers Welcome!

Come for this three-session seminar to explore the truth regarding the Catholic approach to Sharing the Transforming Light of Christ! Evangelization is at it's heart relational - not just making converts, but inviting people into relationship with Christ and the Church by being in relationship with them themselves. Each 2-hour session combines two presentations, personal reflection, small group sharing and a break. Presentations explore the goal and the methods of Catholic evangelization, foundational attitudes and characteristics for effective evangelization, and the core Gospel message. No charge. We will meet in the Main Church Sanctuary.

Please RSVP at https://ststephenslife.com/how-to-share-your-faith Presented by Dr. Ron Ryan, Projects Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Terrific Tuesday Meals

We Are Back !!!

Come join us here at St. Stephen the Martyr for Dinner at 6:00 PM. We host meals in February, April, June, August, October, December. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Protecting Our Children

There are several new bills in Olympia that endanger public school children of Washington State. Please watch https://ststephenslife.com/legislative-advocacy for action YOU can take to help STOP bad legislation from becoming law.

Hope for Housing Fundraiser This Saturday!

St. Stephen Housing Association’s long awaited Hope for Housing fundraiser is happening Saturday, February 1st in the Social Hall. Tickets are available for $25 online at ssha.eventbrite.com. Tickets can also be purchased for $30 at the door the night of the event. Join us for a night of music with Steve Olson, wine and appetizers, and the best silent auction around. All proceeds go toward helping homeless families get back on their feet. For more information please call 253-638-9798 or email at office@ststephenhousing.org.

Souper Bowl of Caring - February 1-2 Following all Masses

This will also be on a flier in the bulletin this weekend.St. Stephen's Confirmation candidates will join teens across America on Super Bowl Sunday as they collect money which will be given to the Charity of their choice. All donations collected at St. Stephen's will go to the St. Stephen's Food Bank to help provide food for those in need in our area. How does this work? Parishioners are asked to make a donation of $1.00 each (larger donations will also be accepted). and/or non perishable food items following the Masses on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2nd.

Souper Bowl of Caring - February 1 & 2nd Following all Masses

This will also be on a flier in the bulletin this weekend.St. Stephen's Confirmation candidates will join teens across America on Super Bowl Sunday as they collect money which will be given to the Charity of their choice.
All donations collected at St. Stephen's will go to the St. Stephen's Food Bank to help provide food for those in need in our area.

How does this work? Parishioners are asked to make a donation of $1.00 each (larger donations will also be accepted). and/or non perishable food items following the Masses on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2nd.

Gabriel Angels & PREPARES

All Volunteers (NEW and Current) are invited to Gabriel Angels and PREPARES Training to learn how St. Stephen, Catholic Community Services and you can better assist Pregnant & New Moms, Dad, Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers with one or both of these Programs. Training will be after Saturday Morning Mass on February 8th until 12:30 pm in the Outreach Building. Refreshments served. To register; contact Roberta Jorgensen robertajorgensen@comcast.net
or Kathleen Tansey 253-630-7755.

Senior Citizen Valentine Dinner February 9th

All St. Stephen's Senior Citizens (65 years of age or older + their spouse) are invited to attend a special Valentine Dinner hosted by our Confirmation candidates. We will begin at 12:30 pm.
Reservations are required; Sign up in the narthex following Masses this weekend. Last day to sigh up is Sunday, February 2nd. For more information contact Debbie Blomquist in the Youth Ministry Office. 253-631-6175 ext. 113 or email sstm.youth@gmail.com

Saturday Night Social February 15

Our next Saturday Night Social is February 15th following the 5:00 pm Mass. We meet in the Narthex and all are welcome to stay. Please bring your favorite dish to share. Come for great fellowship, faith sharing & food!

Want to Learn More?

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