If you are interested in any of these organizations, please contact the rectory (773-7647) for more information.

A B C D E F G H J K L M O P R S U W Y

A
ADULT ENRICHMENT: The Parish Council coordinates the development of Small Faith Communities - groups of people that meet on a regular basis to share their faith, learn about their church, and share the Scriptures and how they relate to everyday life. Other adult education programs are planned as the need arises.

ALTAR SOCIETY: Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Consists of ladies whose responsibilities include buying and cleaning of altar linens and vestments. They care for the sanctuary and altar including flower arrangements. They set up for Masses and lead a monthly recitation of the Rosary at a local nursing home. Membership is open to all women of the parish.

Annulments: Those who wish to have a previous marriage examined by the Church should contact the pastor.

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BAPTISMS: 2nd Sunday after 11:00 a.m. Mass; 3rd Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Mass and other times as requested. (See Baptism in Sacramental Guidelines section.) Adult Baptism: See R.C.I.A..

BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE: Provides the option of a breakfast or brunch prepared and served by parishioners after a funeral, if desired by the bereaved family. They also help to plan the liturgy for the Mass.

BIBLE STUDY: Various Bible study groups meet regularly on Grand Island. Contact the rectory for more information.

BOY SCOUTS: (ages 11-18) Troop #630.

BROWNIES: Program of crafts, field trips and merit badges that help 1st and 2nd grade girls learn more about the world they live in.

BULLETIN: Deadline for all bulletin articles is Monday at 12:00 noon at the rectory. THe pastor must clear all bulletin announcements.

BUSINESS Manager: The parish business manager is an administrator in support of the pastor's responsibilities to the parish.  A steward of the physical, financial and personnel resources of the parish.  If you need assistance, please call Karen Cammarata 773-7647.

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C.C.D.: See Religious Education

CEMETERY: Plots are available in St. Stephen's Cemetery, located beside the old church. There is also a Columbarium for cremated remains. Contact Sandy or Helen 773-7647.

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP: See Prayer Groups

CHOIR (ADULT): Sings every weekend from September to June, usually at the 9:00am Mass. Also on special occasions. Choir practice is every Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE: Gives the parishioners opportunities through a variety of ministries to extend themselves to the wider community by organizing, developing and maintaining various "outreach" programs in the Parish.

CLOTHING COLLECTIONS: Twice Yearly.

COLOMBIAN SQUIRES: A youth group sponsored by the Knights of Columbus for Catholic boys ages 12 to 18.

CONFESSION: See Reconciliation.

CONFIRMATION: Students - Administered in Grade 11 after completion of the Confirmation Program (See Sacramental Guidelines.) Adults - Adults who are not confirmed are asked to participate in our R.C.I.A Program.

CONVERT PROGRAM: See R.C.I.A.

CUB SCOUTS: (ages 6-11) Pack #630.

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DIVORCED & SEPARATED: See L.I.N.K.

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ENGAGED ENCOUNTER: Weekend retreat for couples engaged to be married. For information call the Family Life Dept. 847-2210, or 876-4406.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: most Thursdays in the Daily Mass Chapel from 12:30pm - 8:00pm.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: Eucharistic Ministers assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. They volunteer to  bring the Eucharist to our homebound parishioners as requested. A training session for new Eucharistic Ministers is conducted by the Diocese.

EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE: Nourishes and fulfills a person's desire for a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ by spreading and refreshing the Word of God through unique experiences such as missions, retreats, etc. Encourages Catholics to share their faith with others and to reach out to the inactive and unchurched members of the faith.

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FAMILY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION: Comprised of all parents of children enrolled in St. Stephen's School. The F.S.A. provides financial assistance for extra-curricular programs and opportunities for parent interaction in fund-raising and social activities.  

FINANCE COUNCIL: Assists the Pastor in determining the use of parish property and finances.

FIRST COMMUNION: The Sacrament of the Eucharist is administered for the first time at the end of Grade 3, after a minimum of 3 years of preparation. (See Sacramental Guidelines).

FOLK GROUP (Contemporary Ensemble): Group of musicians and singers that provide the music for the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass. Weekly practice.

FOOD PANTRY: Helps supply food, in emergency situations, for the needy. It is located here and administered by the Neighbor's Fund of Grand Island. A food collection is taken up at Easter and Thanksgiving time.

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GIRL SCOUTS: Troop #146 (Grades 3-5).

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HANDICAP: The Main Church has no stairs and is handicap accessible. There are handicap parking spaces available along the side of the church. The Old Church has several stairs and is not easily accessible to the handicapped. Those who have difficulty walking are encouraged to sit in the first row of the church. Communion will be brought to the pew.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP: Teenagers of the parish (grades 9-12) who gather socially, for service to the parish, and for their own personal growth. Affiliated with the Diocesan C.Y.O. Organization. Parish Youth Minister: Lori Gates 773-7647.

HOLY NAME SOCIETY: Meets the 2nd Sunday each month following the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Spiritual Director is the pastor. Offers parishioners, 18 years and over, opportunities for social and spiritual fellowship, as well as opportunities for service to the Parish. The activities of the Society are intended to provide for the spiritual growth of its members.

HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION: See FAMILY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.

HOSPITAL VISITS: If your loved one is in hospitalized and would like a visit from the Parish family, please contact the rectory. Each hospital also has its own Chaplain.

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JANITOR: See Maintenance Supervisor

JUNIOR HIGH MINISTRY: See Middle School Youth Group

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Mary Star of the Sea Council #4752. Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month at K. of C. Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Rd. Phone 773-4752. An organization of Catholic men bound together by unity, fraternity & patriotism.

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LADIES OF CHARITY: A national society that consists of women of all ages who help in serving the poor. They make mittens, slippers, and gifts for the elderly. Members of St. Stephen's also make bandages for the American Cancer Society and for missions. They also make favors for patients at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. New members are welcome. The ladies meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 12:00 noon in the Old Church Basement.

LECTORS: See: READERS

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: In order to receive a letter of recommendation to be a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation, one must:

1. be registered Stephen's Parish;

2. have received the Sacrament of Confirmation;
3. attend Mass weekly & receive Communion on a regular basis;
4. valid church marriage if married.

For parents: they must be sending their children to a Catholic School or Religious Education classes. Letters of Recommendation are issued from the rectory.

LITURGY COMMITTEE: Meets once a month to prepare for various liturgical celebrations and special liturgies by discussing the music, decorations, and various needs a liturgy may require.

L.I.N.K.: An organization of lay ministers reaching out to separated & divorced people through Family Life workshops, retreats, days of reflection, social events, & a levels programs.

LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN: Children grades 1 through 5 are dismissed on Sunday at the 11AM Liturgy after the opening prayer.   They are led by the catechists to a separate room in the church building where the Scripture readings for that Sunday are shared and experienced by the children. At the preparation of the gifts, they are led back to the main body of the church.

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MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR: Contact the rectory for maintenance concerns.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Weekend retreat for married couples. Call Family Life Dept. 847-2210 or St. Columban Retreat Center 947-4708.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION: See "Sponsor Couple Marriage Preparation."

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP: Group formed for grades 6 to 8 to help them grow socially, spiritually, & in service to the Church & community.

MINISTERS OF THE SICK: Special ministers of the Eucharist will take Communion to anyone who is unable to attend Mass for a month or longer due of sickness. Contact Rectory.

MISSION: Mission is a spiritual enrichment retreat which gives opportunities for personal growth, a sense of Church as community, and a better understanding of the Catholic Faith. Held once yearly over 8 evenings. Contact the Rectory 773-7647.

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Oversees the music program, including the Adult Choir and the selection of music for weddings.

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OFFICE: 773-7647. Located in rectory (side door). Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Parish Secretaries: Sandy Beyer & Helen Lemme.

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Parish COUNCIL: A group of Parish volunteers who meet 10 times a year to advise the Pastor concerning all aspects of Parish Life. The council is the principle organization dedicated to the good of the Faithful of our Parish.

Parish Library: The library is located off the Narthex.  Spiritual books, tapes, videos, reference texts and magazines are available to adults and children.  All materials are on loan for 3 weeks at no cost. 

PENANCE SERVICES (Reconciliation with Individual Confession): Parish - held every Lent & Advent and frequently during the year for various groups of parish youth.

PRESCHOOL RELIGION: Teaches children ages 3 to 5 about God through crafts, stories, songs, etc. Meets Sundays during 9 am & 11:00 am Masses (Sept. to May).

PROMISEKEEPERS: Groups of men that meet in small groups and in large gatherings to share their faith.

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R.C.I.A: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that initiates adults into the Catholic Church. The Inquiring Period takes place during the fall and the Initiation Process and Instruction takes place during the winter culminating with Baptism, if necessary, and the Rite of Reception into Full Communion taking place and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Interested parties should contact Fr. Paul at the rectory (773-7647).

READERS: Readers (lectors) proclaim the Word at liturgical celebrations on Sat. or Sun. once a month and also daily if they desire. A training session for new Readers is conducted by the Diocese.

RECONCILIATION: Saturday 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.. Anytime by appointment. (See Penance Services).

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE: Committee formed to foster more awareness of the Pro-Life teachings of the Church, and to encourage participation in pro-life activities. Affiliated with Diocesan Respect Life Office.

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SACRISTAN: Women and men who help decorate and clean our two churches.

SCHOOL: www.ststephensgi.org or e-mail school@ststephensgi.org.

SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD: The Board makes recommendations in the areas of planning, finance, public relations, and policy for the school. It consists of 16 to 21 members of St. Stephen's parish elected to a 3-year term. The board is committee driven and meets as a full board approximately 10 times a year.

SCOUTS: Teaches good citizenship, and how to work well with others in the community and Church. Stresses physical fitness with many outdoor activities and camping. See listings for BOY SCOUTS, CUB SCOUTS, DAISIES, BROWNIES, & GIRL SCOUTS.

SECRETARY:

SEPARATED & DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP: See L.I.N.K.

SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES: See ADULT ENRICHMENT

SPONSOR COUPLE MARRIAGE PREPARATION: Married couples in our parish meet with an engaged couple for 3 to 5 meetings in the home of the married couple. Each session is about 2 1/2 hours and involves sharing and dialogue on selected areas of married life. This takes place after the initial interview with the priest of the parish. Reservations need to be made well in advance (5 to 6 months).

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USHERS & Usherettes: Ushers and Usherettes are the first to welcome and greet the Christian community as it gathers in the Lord's House for Liturgy. Ushers and Usherettes also assist in the seating of the congregation, taking up the collection, assisting in the orderliness of Holy Communion distribution, and assist the congregation as it leaves the church.

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WEDDINGS: Friday evenings; Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.. (See Sacramental Guidelines Section.)

WOMEN OF THE WORD (W.O.W.): An inter-denomination bible study & discussion program for women. Meets Thursday mornings.

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YOUTH MINISTRY: (See High School Youth Group or Middle School Youth Group)

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Copyright © 2007 Saint Stephen's Parish
March 12, 2008