Prayer to Saint Joseph
Guardian of virgins, and holy father Joseph, to whose faithful custody Christ Jesus, Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed; I pray insistently and beseech you by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart, and chaste body, ever most chastely serve Jesus and Mary all the days of my life. Amen.
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Memorial Day at St. Stephen |
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Memorial Day
Diocese of St. Petersburg
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Memorial Day Mass
May 31, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 11801 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater.
Monsignor Robert F. Morris, Vicar General of the Diocese of St. Petersburg,
will be the main celebrant.
Please join us for this special Mass, as we remember those who
gave their lives in service to our country and all the souls
of all the faithful departed.
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New COVID-19 Recommendations at St. Stephen |
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The general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days for Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg has expired. |
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· Wearing a mask is now optional.
· Please maintain three feet distance between households.
· Every pew will be in use.
· You may enter and exit through any door and they will remain unlocked.
· Please wear a mask as you walk up to receive Holy Communion in your hand. Please view the graphic below to see all of the locations in which an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is located.
· Please continue to refrain from physical contact, such as the sign of peace.
· Collections will not be taken during Mass. Please continue to use the wooden boxes at the entrance for donations.
· The offertory procession will return.
· The Baptismal font will be turned on and Holy Water will be located at the side doors.
· The restrooms are at full capacity.
· The water fountains will remain turned off.
· Daily Mass livestreaming will continue and the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass will be the only weekend Mass to be streamed.
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You can receive Holy Communion by going to any one of these location markers, which indicate where an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is located. |
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Note from Eddie Gemma
Coordinator of Young Adult and Youth Ministry
As this chapter of your life comes to a close, another journey is right around the corner. Parents often tell their graduating sons and daughters, “Welcome to the real world.” For some of you, this reality will hit like a stack of bricks. For others, who are heading to higher education, it may not hit you until your parents drop you off in your freshman dorms, say their goodbyes and drive away. They will be leaving you alone for the first time and granting you a new freedom—the freedom that comes with adulthood. You may not be with your family, but you will never be alone. The road ahead is uncertain, the trail unpaved and the challenges waiting. You will have times of strife and you will emerge on the other side of conflicts as a better and stronger person in the Lord. Never forget His presence and His helping hand.
The importance of community cannot be understated as you enter into this next chapter. The reality of the situation cannot be sugar coated. We live in a world that is growing more and more secular, depression rates are rising and the distain for our neighbors is growing. How do you put yourself in the best situation to succeed? When you arrive at your destination, seek out your Catholic community! Jesus will always be with you, no matter what you may be going through. Sometimes we need friends to remind us of this fact. We need a community to fall back upon when we are doubting. This community will pick us up off the ground from time to time. You are not alone in this journey and you should never think you have to be alone. There may be times of doubt, anger, fear and sorrow. There may be times where you turn your back on God. Know this, even if you leave your faith behind: God will leave the 99 in the countryside in search for you, and when God finds you and returns you to the 99, the 99 will rejoice and you will be welcomed back with open arms.
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Lifeteen and EDGE Summer Plans |
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Click here to visit our website! You will learn about all the exciting summer events planned for our Middle and High School youth groups!
We are inviting adults to be part of our Middle and High School summer events Core Team. If interested, please contact Eddie at (813) 671-4434 or email Eddie at
Lifeteen
Fellowship for High School students. This month, we meet on June 6, 13 and 27 after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. Meet in the FLC gymnasium for dinner and then fellowship in the youth room.
EDGE
Fellowship for Middle School students. This summer, we meet Saturday nights on June 19, July 24 and August 21.
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Vacation Bible School
July 12 to 16, 2021
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Registration Now Open!
Our registration forms are now available on our website under Vacation Bible School. Deadline for registration is June 18, 2021. For more information, please contact Kim or Gracielle at (813) 671-4434.
Volunteer or Donate!
If you are interested in helping children learn more about their Catholic faith in a fun and exciting way, your help is appreciated. If you cannot volunteer with ministry of presence you can contribute needed items, such as; paper plates, plastic silverware, plastic 8oz cups, mini water bottles, box of graham crackers, large marshmallows, markers, glue sticks, ribbon, color card stock paper, plastic table cloths, balloon bags, painter’s tape, sport items and trophies. We ask that you please drop off items only at the Faith Formation Office. For more information, please contact Kim Davis at ( 813) 671-4434. VBS volunteer forms for adults and youth are now available on our website under Faith Formation/VBS. Click here!
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Scholarships for Catholic Schools
Deadline is June 1, 2021!
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On May 11, 2021, Governor DeSantis signed legislation that expands access to education choice scholarships. If you have been thinking about sending your child to a Catholic school but felt you could not afford it, now is the time to apply. These changes will go into effect on July 1, 2021. St. Stephen Catholic School is currently enrolling for the 2021-22 School Year. Contact Nicki Gallagher at ngallagher@sscsfl.org for more information.
Following is a list of students eligible as of July 1, 2021, and the next steps they may take NOW :
· Students of families with higher income (i.e. nearly $100,000 for a family of 4) - Families may APPLY NOW by clicking here. DEADLINE IS JUNE 1.
· Siblings of Gardiner Scholarship students - Families may SIGN UP TO BE NOTIFIED when they may apply by visiting our legislative updates page.
· Dependent children of a member of the United States Armed Forces -This is intended to include only active-duty members of the Armed Forces. Families may SIGN UP TO BE NOTIFIED when they may apply by visiting our legislative updates page.
· Students with one of the following diagnoses: speech impairment; language impairment; orthopedic impairment; other health impairment; emotional or behavioral disability; or specific learning disability, including but not limited to dyslexia, dyscalculia, or developmental aphasia - Families may SIGN UP TO BE NOTIFIED when they may apply by visiting our legislative updates page.
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Project Rachel is a confidential healing ministry for the many people,
both men and women, who have been impacted by an abortion decision.
One Day Retreat for Post-Abortion Healing
Saturday, June 5, 2021 - Largo, Fl
Saturday, June 26, 2021 - Men Only - Tampa, Fl.
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is required,
please email projectrachel@ccdosp or call (813) 924-4173.
Registration Fee: $20 includes retreat materials, light breakfast and lunch.
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Consecrated Marian Ministry |
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Starting on June 5, 2021, there will be a monthly Rosary procession every first Saturday of the month to observe the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to honor our Blessed Mother. This procession follows the 8:30 a.m. daily Mass. The procession moves from the church to Mary’s garden. Families are invited to bring their children. Children will lead the Rosary with flowers to offer to Mother Mary.
June 12, 2021
On June 12, 2021, we will have a Rosary procession for the feast of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary. Come and enjoy the celebration and divine blessings. Following the event, cake will be served.
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Your spiritually adopted baby is now two months old in the womb.
Your baby is making progress developing all of his external features and internal organs. His brain is functioning at 40 days. His mother can hear his heartbeat now on an ultrasonic stethoscope. Baby-teeth buds are present at six and a half weeks. It has been reported that a two month old baby can suck his thumb. From this moment, your spiritually adopted baby grows and refines his body. But everything he needs to survive after birth is already present by the end of the eighth week.
Please pray for the unborn.
Pray this simple prayer daily for mothers in unplanned and difficult pregnancies.
SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we love you very much. We ask You to bless and protect all unborn
children in their mothers' wombs. Help us to see that although these babies are
hidden from our sight, they are not hidden from God. Amen.
In January, the St. Stephen Respect Life Ministry will hold its annual Baby Shower Donation Drive for mothers and babies in need. Spiritual adoption packets are available by contacting Jeanne at (813) 335-6394.
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Scam Alert
Diocese of St. Petersburg
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$316,859.36 pledged!
This is 82.24% of our goal!
Thank you!
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Let the Holy Spirit work through you!
We understand that our community has been experiencing financial setbacks from this previous year. Any amount helps. We encourage your family to give the average donation of six dollars. Thank you for helping your community.
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12
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Please find an envelope on the right wall of the narthex.
Help your diocese reach 11 million by helping your parish reach $385,325.
We are almost there!
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Looking for a part-time job? |
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We are looking forward to getting back to normal at St. Stephen. To continue serving our community, we need your help! We are looking for a part-time staff member to join the team in maintaining the facility. The hours will be flexible, with some nights and weekends. If interested, download the application and email to tom@ststephencatholic.org.
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We are still accepting volunteer applications! |
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We still have Monday and Wednesday afternoons available from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the operations of the church front office.
For more information, see Denise Moyer or Lisa Lopez at the front desk.
Thank you!
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Looking for a daily relationship with God? |
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Some helpful ways to strengthen your prayer life are devotional guides, Catholic apps and subscriptions. Here are some ideas! A good app is Laudate. This app is free, download today! Click here! You can also receive daily emails which can inspire you. For example, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Click here to subscribe! If you prefer printed material, a good option is subscribing to the Magnificat. Any Magnificat has an order form. Fill it out and mail it. If you do not have a current Magnificat, please visit https://us.magnificat.net/.
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What is your daily relationship?
Your fellow parishioners would love to know!
Email communications@ststephencatholic.org.
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Graduating Senior Baccalaureate Mass and BBQ |
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Clergy Appreciation Dinner |
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Sanctuary Lamp
If you are interested in having the sanctuary lamp burn in honor or in memory of a loved one, please call (813) 689-4900.
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Friday, May 28
Mass (church)
8:30 a.m. Pray for Julia Haggith (RIP).
Confessions (chapel)
After the 8:30 am Mass till no one is in line.
8th Grade Graduation
Join us in congratulation and prayer for the graduates.
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Saturday, May 29
Mass (church)
8:30 a.m. Pray for Jim Hill (RIP).
2:45 Confessions (chapel) till no one is in line.
4:30 p.m. Pray for Gunna Woelfel (RIP).
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Sunday, May 30
Mass (Church)
7:30 a.m. Pray for Reina Lydia Vega (RIP).
11:30 a.m. Pray for the parishioners.
5:30 p.m. Pray for Roger Reid (RIP).
The Most Holy Trinity
We pray to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Fun Fact
Pouring the Ocean Down a Hole
"One day Augustine was meditating on the mystery of the Blessed Trinity, strolling along the beach as he pondered. Lost in thought, he encountered a child who had dug a little hole in the sand. With tiny bucket in hand, the youngster had begun making trips to the sea and back, pouring pails full of water into the hole in the sand. Observing this for a while, Augustine asked the child what he was doing. "I'm putting the ocean in a hole." Condescendingly, Augustine said, "But you can never do that." Whereupon, the youngster responded, "And neither can you ever figure out the Holy Trinity." Legend has it that the boy disappeared, because in fact he was an angel." - The Catholic Source Book
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Monday, May 31
Mass (church)
10:00 a.m. Pray for all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
No Confessions
Front Office Closed
Memorial Day
A special prayer for the military personnel who have passed away.
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Tuesday, June 1
Mass (church)
8:30 a.m. Pray for Jeannine Evans (RIP).
6:00 pm Confessions (chapel) till no one is in line.
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Wednesday, June 2
Mass (church)
8:30 a.m. Pray for Felicito Soliman (RIP).
Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations (chapel)
After 8:30 Mass - 6:00 p.m.
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Thursday, June 3
Mass (church)
8:30 a.m. Pray for Tracy Ann Ramey Black (RIP).
10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass Pray for the repose of the soul of John Zielinski.
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Facebook and Instagram
Parish: @ststephencatholicchurch
Lifeteen: @st.stephen_lifeteen
School: @sscsmustangs & @sscsfl.org
Encourage others to subscribe to the Cornerstone!
Share this link below with your family & friends!
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