Liturgical
Ministries
The Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass is the Source and the Summit of the Christian Life. At the Mass we offer both the Divine Victim, Jesus Christ, and we offer ourselves fully to God. By this offering and through Holy Communion all take part in this liturgical service, not indeed, all in the same way but each in that way which is proper to himself. Strengthened in Holy Communion by the Body of Christ, Catholics manifest in a concrete way the unity of the people of God.
Though the priest leads the worship of the Mass, the faithful assist in elevating the celebration of the Mass in beauty and reverence through various liturgical ministries.
Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the priest to celebrate the liturgy and help make Catholic worship more reverent, efficient, and beautiful. To serve so close to the Lord at his great sacrifice is a great honor and privilege, and to assist the faithful in reverent praise of God is a wonderful service to His Church.
Servers must have received Confirmation and First Communion and have attended an altar server training session at the Church.
Lectors
Lectors have the honor of proclaiming the Word of God and reading the prayers of the faithful during Mass. This ministry unites a deep love of Sacred Scripture with a heart for service. Through the readings at Mass God speaks to his faithful people and prepares them to receive the most Holy Eucharist. With prayerful preparation the Lector clearly and boldly proclaims the Word of God to the faithful at Mass and lives Christ’s command to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world throughout their daily life.
Lectors must have received Confirmation and First Communion and have attended a Lector training session at the Church.
Ushers
Be the first friendly face when parishioners and visitors walk into St. Stephen's. Ushers assist the congregation with seating, offertory, taking up the gifts, direct the congregation during communion, and distribute parish bulletins.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
Bishops, Priests, and Deacons are the Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. At times, due to pastoral need, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be called upon to assist the priest in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful during Mass. EMHC’s may also be called upon to assist the priests and deacons in bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound.
The reception of the Eucharist is the most sacred moment in the life of a Catholic, as such, the minister of Holy Communion must distribute our Lord with great care and reverence.
An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion must have received Confirmation and First Communion and have attended an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion training session at the Church.
Music Ministry
“The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 112)
The St. Stephen Music Ministry welcomes parishioners who wish to share their musical talents in service to the liturgy. Sacred Music serves the liturgy as it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites.
If God has blessed you with musical ability, whether as a vocalist or an instrumentalist, please return this gift to Him by helping lead sacred music during the liturgies at St. Stephen Catholic Church.
Flower Ministry
Flowers beautify our sanctuary and create a welcoming, reverent space for worship. They are given to honor loved ones, mark special occasions, and offer thanks. Parishioners are invited to donate flowers as a gift to the community in remembrance or celebration.
Sign up to Donate Flowers: Honor or remember a loved one, celebrate a special date, or simply say thank you by donating flowers for our church.
Adoration
“The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven, and will help bring about everlasting peace on earth,”
– St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is from Thursday at 8 am until Saturday at 12 noon. All are welcome to stop-in and pray with Our Eucharistic Lord, or sign up for a weekly commitment.
The Adoration Chapel is located on the third floor, up the north (school side) stairs. It is open 24/7, including outside of formal adoration time
