Family

Baptism Class Presenter

Teresa Wright 253-631-6175 x120 sstm.baptism@gmail.com
Baptism is an exciting time in the lives of families, and helping to prepare them for this sacrament is a vital and joyful job. Baptism preparation class is required for parents and godparents before their child can be baptized. Instruction includes Baptism theology, role and responsibility of parents and godparents in raising their child Catholic, suggestions about sharing the Catholic faith with the growing child, and instruction in the Baptismal ceremony at St. Stephens. Classes are offered once monthly on a Saturday morning and each class takes approximately four hours. Baptism class presenters prepare and instruct parents and godparents of infants and young children who will receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Any adult member of St. Stephen the Martyr Parish who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation can volunteer as a Baptism Class Presenter. Couples wishing to teach together are most welcome. Volunteers receive the training necessary to know the theology of the sacrament, the ceremony, and class presentation. 

Baptism Ceremony Host(ess)

Teresa Wright 253-631-6175 ext. 120 or sstm.baptism@gmail.com
Baptism host/hostesses aid the presider and families before, during the baptism ceremony, and immediately after mass. Families and the presider are grateful for the welcoming and helpful support provided by our volunteers. Commitment is generally one Mass per month and volunteers must be able to arrive at the church at least forty minutes prior to their scheduled Mass. Any adult member of St. Stephen the Martyr parish can participate as a Baptism host/hostess and training is provided. 

Marriage Preparation Sponsors

Marriage Preparation is an exciting time in the lives of our new couples. Couples who were married in the Catholic Church and who have been married for at least 15 years can help bring the new couple closer to God and each other by acting as Marriage Preparation Sponsors. These important Sponsors review the Pre-Marriage Inventory with the new couples and discusses what the already married couple found to be most helpful in their married lives, and what potential pit falls the new couple may face. Marriage Preparation Sponsors commit to working with between one and three couples a year with most interaction taking place between September and May.

Library

Our goal is to provide Catholic reading materials for all ages to grow in their faith. We have a broad selection of books, easy reading booklets and pamphlets on the Catechism and Traditions of the Catholic Church. Materials used by our Faith Formation classes are available for browsing. Video and audio tapes are on display for checkout and return. The library is locate to the left of the tall doors as you enter the main Sanctuary and is always open for browsing.

Adults:

Bible Study

Faith Formation Office 253-631-1675
The Bible Study group is committed to studying the Bible in order to better understand God’s will and how to best implement this in daily life. The group meets on Tuesdays from September through April. Two classes are offered one at 9:15 a.m. and the other at 6:15 p.m. The program includes at home readings, instructional DVDs, and small group discussions. Bible Study is open to all adults at St. Stephen’s. Join us to enrich your faith, meet members of the parish, and create new skills in following God’s plan!

RCIA Team/Adult Confirmation

Anne Merklin, Pastoral Associate  253-631-1940, sstmassociategmail.com
The RCIA Team is a group of parishioner volunteers who lead the series of classes providing Catholic teaching and welcoming for those who wish to join the Catholic Church. Any adult interested in joining the Catholic Church, receiving the sacrament of instruction or updating their Catholic faith is welcome to attend RCIA classes. Classes are held weekly and include presentation, small group discussion, and social interaction.There are occasional retreats.

Returning Catholics

Bill Swedberg  253-631-1940  x121 billswedberg@gmail.com
The purpose of Returning Catholics is to provide a warm welcoming environment, a sense of community, and helpful information on current church teachings to those returning to the Catholic Church. This class also provides the information necessary for those adults who have not received the sacrament of confirmation. Class is open to all who have been away from the church and want to return or those wanting to update their Catholicism. The Returning Catholics/Adult Confirmation Class is held twice yearly and consists of 10 weekly sessions. Weekly sessions include: prayer, Scripture sharing, and presentations on a variety of church topics, Q&A, and social time.

Children:

Children’s Ministry

Shannon Battles 253-631-6175 ext. 114 ststephenskids@gmail.com

Although the parents are the primary spiritual educators of their children, we the catechists and community are commissioned to spread the “Good News” to all. We offer this support, guidance, and community to your family in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Children’s Ministry’s goal is to provide for our children, through a variety of programs, a path to meet God at each child’s level of comprehension and previous Faith Formation experience. We foster the personal and spiritual resources that will empower each child to walk in Jesus’ footsteps in their everyday life. Children’s Ministry adheres to the guidelines from the Diocese; General Directory for Catechists, Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Bible and guidelines set by Vatican II. Many volunteers are needed. Each is given materials, and instructional classes that provide tools to foster the goals in the children with whom they are working. Volunteers assist with Teaching Weekly Classes, Liturgy of the Word, Program Coordinating, Vacation Bible Camp and Service Projects. We have a teacher and co-teacher or aide in every classroom. No experience required, just a desire to help children know God and live their Catholic faith.

Connections Team

Shannon Battles 253-631-6175 ext. 114 ststephenskids@gmail.com 
The Connections Team provides weekly ministry to 5th graders. Through collaborative planning, they offer catechesis, prayer and spiritual development opportunities, social activities, games and really great snacks for the preteens at St. Stephen’s. Connections takes place on Sunday nights from 6:45pm to 8:15pm and the team meets once a week for planning. Volunteers are adults who are confident in their Catholic faith, enjoy working with preteens, and who like to have fun! Join us is making a difference in the lives of the young people in our parish!

First Sacraments, Pre-Sacrament, RCIA for Children

Shannon Battles 253-631-6175 ext. 114 ststephenskids@gmail.com
Preparation for First Sacraments is done through student classes, parent classes, and child/parent retreats. It is required that the child be baptized (with submitted proof), at least in second grade, and have received a full year of classes before starting their sacrament year. The length of Baptism preparation varies. It is a full year program for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Book and class supply fees apply. Scholarships are available. Many teachers and assistants are needed each year.

Vacation Bible Camp

Shannon Battles 253-631-6175 ext. 114 ststephenskids@gmail.com
One week each summer, all children of the parish grades K-6 are invited to come to Vacation Bible Camp. This is a program of Bible Study involving all five senses in a fun atmosphere. Many volunteers are needed.

Youth:

Confirmation and Remedial Sacraments

Debbie Blomquist 253-631-6175 ext 113 sstm.youth@gmail.com
The sacrament of Confirmation is a two year program.
Beginning in 9th grade the students are eligible to enroll in the first year program.  They will begin by  attending the Sunday Night Life Teen Program.  Beginning in January they will be required to attend 12 classes which will include a course on Theology of the Body.  After completing the year one program they will be eligible to enroll in the Year two Confirmation program which begins in September.  They will be required to attend 24 classes (October - May), a weekend Confirmation Retreat, the Archdiocese High School Youth Convention in November or Steubenville Youth Conference the summer prior to year two, participate in service projects, and attend  parent and sponsor retreat days.  
Candidates should be 16 years of age at the time of Confirmation.  Special permission can be granted by the Archbishop if the candidates birthday falls within a few weeks of the Confirmation Ceremony.

In order to comply with the Archdiocese of Seattle Guidelines for the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Stephen the Martyr Parish is moving to a 2 year Confirmation Program September 2015.  During this transition year the Confirmation Team will be striving to accommodate the teens that are in grades 10-11-12 so that we can provide them with  the best spiritual experience and formation that we can, so that they will be prepared to receive all the grace and gifts that the Holy Spirit has waiting to give them in the Sacrament of Confirmation.  
Proof of Baptism is required before the student can be enrolled in the Confirmation Program.  
For more information, questions, or help with developing a plan for your son's  or daughter's Confirmation Preparation, please call Debbie Blomquist in the St. Stephen's Youth Ministry Office.  

 Remedial Sacraments are available to those youth who have yet to receive Baptism, First Eucharist, and/or First Reconciliation. Adult volunteers are always needed as part of the Confirmation Core Team and Sacrament Instructors.

"Life Teen" (High School Youth Ministry/Faith Formation)      Adult Volunteers NEEDED!!

Debbie Blomquist 253-631-6175 ext 113 sstm.youth@gmail.com
The Life Teen Mass is a high-energy Catholic Mass aimed at teenagers that runs during the academic school year. Jr. and Sr. High Life Night gatherings occur immediately follow Mass (6:45pm - 8:30pm). Teens and Adult Core Team Members gather to have fun and explore various education, religious, and social issues from a spiritual perspective. All teens are welcome to attend and bring friends! Adult volunteers are always needed to act as Core Team Members, engaging the youth in community and helping the youth to make the connection between faith and their everyday life. Core Team Members must be at least four years older than the youth that they are working with.
The teens are provided with a snack/light meal following the 5:30pm Mass.  All parents are asked to help in the ministry of "Feeding the Hungry - TEENS" by signing up to help provide, serve and clean up a meal about once per semester.  By parents participation in the Food Ministry you help to free up the Core Team to minister to the teens at the Life Night.  We also ask that the parents support the teens and the Core Team in their ministry by your prayers.    

"EDGE"  (Jr High Youth Ministry / Faith Formation)                                         Adult Volunteers NEEDED!
Jr. High youth and Adult Core Team Members gather on Sunday evenings following the 5:30pm Mass (6:45pm - 8:30pm) in the social hall to explore their Catholic Faith with their peers through fun activities, wittness talks, prayer, interactive activities, sharing of the gospels, teachings from scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
In addition to the EDGE program, the  Jr. High youth will be provided with opportunities to attend weekend retreats, the Archdiocese Ralley, participate in service projects, serve in ministries at weekend masses, participate in monthly Saturday evening theme nights and off site outings, and more.
To register, pick up a registration form at the EDGE night or from the Faith Formation Office.

Parents - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!  Following Mass on Sunday evenings we provide a snack / light meal for the hungry Teens!  (We know teens are ALWAYS hungry)  In order to be able to do this we need to have the
help of each family in providing food, helping to set up, serve and clean up about twice a year.  We have a parent that will help to coordinate the food ministry and let you know what it is that we need you to provide. We will have the sign up sheet available for you when you bring your jr. Higher to the EDGE night.
We do not charge a registration fee for the EDGE program but we need your support with this Special Food Ministry.  
If you would like to serve as a Core Team Member or help in other ways, please contact Debbie Blomquist at 253-631-6175 ext. 113 or E-mail:  sstm.youth@gmail.com

 

Living Stations

Debbie Blomquist 253-631-6175 ext 113 sstm.youth@gmail.com
For over 30 years Jr. and Sr. High School students have given time and talent during Lent to present a visual impression of the Stations of the Cross. Performances of the Passion of Christ go out to other church communities in preparation for Easter. Often this moving spiritual expression is accompanied with a communal Reconciliation service. A support team of additional volunteers is needed to help with music, lighting and sound, costumes, props, makeup, script, drama practice, and transportation. This ministry is a great way to encourage our youth to enter into the prayer of the Stations and walk with Christ in preparation for Easter.

Youth Mission

Debbie Blomquist 253-631-6175 ext 113 sstm.youth@gmail.com
Sr. High youth are given the opportunity to put their faith into action by doing a week of service during the
summer in the Yakima area. Teens help those individuals who are less fortunate than themselves. Mission
is also a fun experience as all involved grow spiritually and develop new and deep friendships. Adults are invited, as working partners and advisors, to attend and work alongside the youth. Adults volunteers serve as drives and mentors. Participating teens and adults make a yearlong commitment to fundraise and grow together in support through team meetings and formation.  
If you would like to join the St. Stephen the Martyr Mission Team contact Debbie Blomquist in the Faith Formation Office.  At this time the Yakima Mission is full.  

At this time the 2017 Young Neighbors in Action Yakima Mission has two spaces left on the St. Stephen's Youth Team.  

Quest Retreats * High School Quest Retreat

Debbie Blomquist 253-631-6175 ext 113 sstm.youth@mail.com
Each year the Jr. High and High School Youth have opportunities to go on a weekend retreat which is filled with faith, friendship and fun through song, prayer, and activities. A priest attends to offer the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. 
These "Quest" weekend retreats can be a life changing spiritual experience for our youth!  A Core Team of 10-15 adult volunteers work to plan the retreat and walk with the youth on this spiritual journey.