St. Stephen Church AUGUST WE, THE PARISH OF ST. STEPHEN, WILL CARRY OUT THE MISSION OF JESUS 2021 CHRIST AS A WELCOMING, WORSHIPING, CATHOLIC COMMUNITY BY SHARING, NEWSLETTER GROWING, AND LIVING THE GOSPEL.

Mass Schedule: Saturday: Confessions are held every Saturday from 3:30pm to 4:00pm 4:30pm - Church 6:00pm - Outdoors on School Parking lot

Sunday: 7:30am - Church 9:15am - Church (also live-streamed) 10:45am - Church

Mass Reservations are no longer needed. 8030 Bradshaw Road, Kingsville, MD 21087 Masks are optional. Phone: 410-592-7071 Fax: 410-592-6803 Website: www.ssparish.org ST. STEPHEN SCHOOL NEWS!

Please view more information on the school's website, here. In Other School & Parish News

St. Stephen Middle School Movie Night - Who is ready for a night of food, games, popcorn, and movies?! All middle school students are welcome to join us on Friday, August 6th, 7-10 PM in the school hall. Food, drinks and popcorn will be provided for everyone. Embark on an adventure of mini games to discover what the movie of the night will be! The first team to figure out what the movie is wins Chick-fil-A gift cards!

Click here to RSVP & vote for your favorite movie!

Questions? Call or email Aubrey Briggs at the Parish Center. 410-592-7072 [email protected]

Support for children from families who have experienced separation or divorce - Thanks to a grant awarded to her foundation, St. Stephen’s school counselor, Mrs. Lynn Kapusinski will be leading a Catholic‐based group for children from divorced or separated families, starting in September. The group is open to school and parish families and those in the community. It will meet weekly for 10 Sundays from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm. A home component for parents will also be provided. Families experiencing divorce or separation whose child or children will be in grades 4- 8 this fall are encouraged to contact Mrs. Kapusinski at [email protected] for more information. An intake interview is required prior to registration. A limited number of spaces and partial scholarships are available.

Parish and School Soccer Registration Now Open - Parish Rec Soccer: The long history of Rec soccer at Stephen returns this fall! Parishioners with boys and girls entering grades K-8 that are interested in playing rec soccer this fall should email their name and grade that they will be entering to [email protected] . Games will be on weekends in the ABSP (Formerly CYO) league against different Catholic parishes. Open to all parish youth, boys and girls.

School Team Soccer: Coach Jon Draper is returning to coach the St. Stephen school boys’ middle school team again after winning 5 MIAC championships in a row. School boys entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade that are interested in playing for the school team should email Mr. Rob: [email protected] with name and grade entering in the fall. (Yes, you can play on the Parish ABSP (Formerly CYO) team as well. School games are after school during the week).

Faith Formation Updates - We are thrilled to announce that registration for Faith Formation 2021-2022 is OPEN! Registration is for grades PreK-8. All sessions are 9:50 to 10:40 Sunday mornings, starting October 3, 2021. We joyfully welcome everyone back to IN-PERSON sessions! Be sure to visit our website at ssparish.org/ffregister to register today! Questions? Please contact Yvonne Malick at the Parish Center. [email protected] or 410-592-8666. We can't wait to see you in the fall!

How to contribute to the Church -

Click here to make a one-time donation Click here to make/setup monthly donations

You can also use Text to Give. Just text “register” to 410-237-8023, click the link in the reply, fill out the form and submit your registration! You will be able to text a donation amount to 410-237-8023. You will receive a confirmation text. The payment method you chose in your registration will be charged. It is as easy as that and completely secure! If you wish to mail in your offertory envelopes, you may do that as well since we collect the mail each day. Thank you for your consideration. God bless you!

WWW.SSPARISH.ORG Young Adult Ministry Youth Ministry Update (ages 18-39) (for youth in grades 6-12)

8/9-13 Community Work Camp: We are pleased to offer our annual Young Adult Ministry Contact Info: Kellie Reynolds Harford Regional service camps ! If you’re [email protected] (best) or 410-592-7294. the week of August 9-13 interested in attending for a few or all of the days, you can sign up for Follow us on Twitter: @ststephenyya the days you like! Deadline for the workdays is 8/4. We even have 2 Like our Facebook Page: ststephenyoungadultministry Fun Days – 8/11 at Guppy Gulch Water Park and 8/13 at Hershey Park Check out our Pinterest Page: ststephenmd and they each have their own deadlines. Use the Signup Genius for Follow us on Instagram: @mrskellie details and to register for any or all of the weeklong activities. Please note the cost and supplies needed for each day. Looking for a virtual 8/17 Young Adult De-Stress Night: Join us for our August De- option? Email us! [email protected]. Stress night at the Towne Grill in Joppatowne! We'll meet for dinner While the Hershey Park advance ticket & bus option were due 7/30, at 6pm and stay for karaoke at 8pm! Please RSVP so we can get a there may still be availability, so leave a note in the comments when table for those who want to eat, contact Briana M. at 443-807-8674. you sign up! Find the SUG icon at the bottom of our website www.ssparish.org 8/17 Peer Minister Reunion: If you served as a Peer at St. Stephen, we hope you’ll join us for a reunion at the August 17 de-stress night, 8/11 Guppy Gulch Swim Day! Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join see info in this newsletter! Meet at 6pm to join us for dinner, the Catholic Churches of Harford County for our annual trip to swim karaoke is at 8pm. We hope you can be there! Let me know you’re at Guppy Gulch from 10am to 3:30pm. A permission form from the planning to attend so we can look for you! [email protected] parish as well as a Guppy Gulch waiver are both required. Swimmers pay $22 & wear a wrist band; non-swimmers pay $10. Everyone near or Are you interested in 8/18 Service & Social Justice Committee: in the water is required to wear a life-vest (they are provided). Bring Catholic Social Teaching and how that teaching can inform current $22 cash and pay when you arrive, bring all your forms! You can bring events of our community and world? If you would like to serve on your own food as well as purchase items from the snack shack. Please this parish committee that meets once a quarter as well as assist note: There is no transportation provided, we will meet at the location. with our many parish service projects. Next meeting will be via This is a private club, only those who are registered groups may enter zoom, Wed, August 18th at 7pm. If interested, please contact Rene (no walk-ins). Due to the inherent risk, those age 12 and under, please Monaghan at [email protected]. attend with a VIRTUS certified adult who is willing to swim with you. Questions, please contact Mrs. Kellie at 410-592-7294 or 8/28 - 29 Young Adult Retreat with Bon Secours - We’re looking [email protected]. You can sign up on the Sign Up Genius forward to quality community time with lots of our traditional retreat elements in new, creative, and safe ways! The retreat will Community Work Camp page by August 8 by clicking the SUG icon feature live talks from guest speakers, small group discussion, time at the bottom of our website www.ssparish.org for personal reflection, and social time. To keep everyone safe, and to bring people together from across the country, we will be holding the retreat on a virtual platform. And depending on your comfort level, we will be coordinating optional opportunities to High School Peer Ministers: connect in-person with participants who live nearby. Our time We are planning now for a together will be focused on the Charism of Healing! More details to summer leadership training follow upon registration! Register Here. retreat! If you are entering grades 9-12 in the Fall of 2021 Engaged Encounter Weekend Information. Engaged Couples, and would like to learn more did you hear the great news? Baltimore Catholic Engaged about serving as a high school Encounter is now offering TWO In-Person retreats in 2021!!! Spaces peer minister at St. Stephen, are limited so be sure to visit our website and register you and your please contact Mrs. Kellie! fiancé TODAY! The Summer In-Person Engaged Encounter [email protected] commuter (no overnight accommodations) retreat is taking place at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Parkville on Saturday and Sunday August 14th and 15th, 2021. The Fall In-Person commuter High School Youth seeking to celebrate Confirmation: If you are retreat is taking place at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish in Middle interested in preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, please let us River on Saturday and Sunday . You November 13th and 14th, 2021 know – we would love to work with you and help you prepare! Please can find more details and register for these weekends on our NEW contact Mrs. Kellie so we can set up a time to meet this month. website: https://baltimore.engagedencounter.com/. These [email protected] or 410-592-7294 weekends will fill quickly so register soon!

Young Adults seeking to celebrate Confirmation: If you are interested in preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, please let us know – we would love to work with you and help you prepare! Confirmation Notices Please contact Mrs. Kellie so we can set up a time to meet this month. [email protected] or 410-592-7294. Confirmation 2022 – We held orientations in June and July to review your Confirmation Immediate Preparation year. This opportunity is for Long Term Volunteer Opportunity! Do you want to help make a those youth who are entering grade 8 or higher in Fall 2021 who difference in the lives of children in foster care in Harford County? successfully completed their Remote Preparation year. Weren’t able to Americorps is looking for local applicants to serve with CASA of attend, email Mrs. Robin at [email protected] and we will get Harford County for 40 hours a week from Sept 2021 – August 2022 information to you. as a Volunteer Coordinator. The member receives extensive training through Volunteer Maryland, a modest $15,100 stipend paid Confirmation 2023 – We held orientations in June and July for your throughout the year and a $6,345 education credit upon Confirmation Remote Preparation year. This opportunity is for those completion of the program that could be used to pay for school or youth who are entering grade 7 or higher in Fall 2021. Weren’t able to to pay off student loan debt. Link to the application: here attend one of the orientations, email Mrs. Robin at [email protected] and we will get information to you. General Notices

08/06 Feast of the Transfiguration! Watch for information about this special day in the August 1 Bulletin!

8/15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: The first name of this solemnity was the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Later, its name in the East carried over, the Dormition (or Falling Asleep) of Mary. In the West, it became known as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This solemnity celebrates the fact that Mary’s Assumption is “a pledge of the future participation of the members of the mystical Body of Christ in the paschal glory of the Risen Christ.” It shows that the Lord “reserves a munificent reward for his humble Servant because of her faithful cooperation with the divine plan, which is a destiny of fullness, happiness, glorification of her immaculate soul, her virginal body, perfect configuration to her Risen Son” (Directory, no. 180). The Mass has a proper vigil, and the solemnity replaces the Mass of the day when it occurs on a Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Solemnity of the Assumption reminds us of the unique role that Mary served in the process of our salvation. Although she was without sin, we have the possibility of receiving God’s forgiveness for our sins through Christ. Her entry into Heaven prefigures our own hope of experiencing the same eternal life.

8/15 Kenya Partnership Anniversary Tea Social! The Kenya Committee will be celebrating the 22nd anniversary of our partnership on the Solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption on the 15th of August. In honor of this special day, the Kenya Committee will hold our annual Kenya Tea Social on, Sunday, August 15, 2021 after 10:45 AM Mass in the church basement. Please stop by and join us for refreshments and fellowship as we unite with our brothers and sisters from St. Steven Church in Mombasa. Youth looking for service hours – please see the service projects section for an opportunity to help!

8/17 Infant & Children’s Clothing “Swap” All are welcome to a free clothing event at St. Stephen on Tuesday, Aug 17 in the School gym from 9am – 1pm. Gently used clothing, some accessories, and some maternity clothing will be available for free! Each person will be welcome to a “Stuff A Bag” we’ll provide. Want to donate? Please contact us before Aug 15: Kellie [email protected] or Kate [email protected]. Want to volunteer? Please contact [email protected] or 410-592-7294.

9/15 Save the date! Ladies of Charity will meet Wednesday, September 15 at 1 pm in the Kunkel Room of the Parish Center. Welcome back and open to any interested women. Discussion includes new president, baptism ministry, Thanksgiving donuts and coffee. For more information, please contact Linda Armour at 443-386-1150

Life After Loss 6-week bereavement session: For those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, Life After Loss offers a healing process in small group gatherings. The next 6-week session begins August 18 and runs on Wednesday nights through Sept 22, from 7pm – 8:15pm; please register for this free opportunity by Wed August 11. Location at St. Stephen to be determined. If daytime is better, an afternoon session is also possible in the coming months. Please contact Sr. Angela for Bereavement Ministry at 443-955-1198 or [email protected].

Know a Parishioner who needs a Friendly Call - Please help us identify those who are isolated and homebound and need someone to pray with or talk to. If you are aware of a parishioner who is alone, alert our Parish office at 410-592-7071 with their name and phone number. A ministry volunteer will reach out and offer them a friendly voice! Thanks in advance for helping us better serve our parish family.

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program - On March 24, FEMA released the interim policy guidance on the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. It will be a reimbursement program for eligible funeral expenses for deaths related to COVID-19 that occurred after January 20, 2020. More information: Here

Archdiocesan Mental Wellbeing Initiative. As part of the new archdiocesan initiative to promote mental wellbeing and to assist our communities in coping with the emotional aftermath of the pandemic, the Archdiocese is exploring the possibility of providing the internationally acclaimed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training (www.mhamd.org) to parish and school staff throughout the Archdiocese. If you are interested in joining a cohort of trainers and are a certified MHFA instructor or are interested in becoming one, please send your name, parish, location, and contact information to Mary Ellen Russell at [email protected].

Sisters of St. Francis Golf Tournament - The Sisters of St. Francis would like to invite you to their 26th Annual Golf Tournament on September 20 at Penn Oaks Golf Club in West Chester, PA. Please join us for a fun day of golf, dinner, and auction to support our aging sisters. 1:00 PM – Golf Start (lunch served at 12 PM) 6:00 PM – Cocktails 6:30 PM – Dinner/Auction For more information visit Here or email [email protected] The Sisters of St. Francis thank you for your support!

Prayer to Begin the School Year: Blessed are you, Lord God, Creator of body and mind and heart; you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge to guide your people in all their ways. At the beginning of this new school year, we implore your mercy: bless the students, teachers, and staff of St. Stephen School and all our local schools, that together we may grow in faith, hope, and love as we learn from you and each other how to follow your Son Jesus. Expand the horizons of our minds, that we may grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge; deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways; and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need. Glory and praise to you, Lord God, in the Church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever. Amen!

Year of the

Tarcisius was a Roman boy during the time that Christians had to meet secretly for Mass. One day, Tarcisius offered to take the Eucharist to prisoners. On the way, he was attacked, kicked, and beaten by other boys, but he refused to let them have the Eucharist. His injuries were severe, and he died protecting the Eucharist. St. Tarcisius is a of altar servers; his feast day is August 15th.

Share with us! We are looking for brief, personal stories on how the Eucharist has influenced your life. Please submit your personal story here. Service Opportunities

8/7-8 Diapers Needed: We are holding a Diaper Collection following all Masses the weekend of August 7 & 8. Youth volunteers are needed to help collect and store donations in the Church basement. Register to volunteer for a Mass on the Signup Genius. (Confirmation candidates: this is a Parish Service Project). Diapers will be donated to Birthright of Bel Air.

8/15 Kenya Anniversary Tea Social: The Kenya Committee will be celebrating the 22nd anniversary of our partnership on the Solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption. In honor of this special day, we will hold our annual Kenya Tea Social on Sunday, August 15, 2021 after 10:45 AM Mass in the church basement. Join us for refreshments and fellowship as we unite with our brothers and sisters from St. Steven Church in Mombasa. Youth volunteers are needed to bake goodies, room set up and serve tea. Use the Signup Genius to volunteer, click the icon at the bottom of our website www.ssparish.org. (Confirmation candidates: this is a “Parish Service Project”).

Helping Hands Food Pantry: At St. Stephen we are still collecting non-perishable food items in our donation bin (located in the room under the parish center porch). If you see the bin is full, please contact Kellie [email protected]. Helping Hands Food Pantry at Salem United Methodist Church is open Monday and Friday 10 am to 12 noon. Anyone in need of food can receive it by calling 410-592-2226. Please phone ahead so your order can be ready for pick up and social distancing can be maintained. Thank you for your support!

Consider making a casserole for Our Daily Bread. They are feeding the poor daily with take-out meals and everyone seem to love our chicken noodle broccoli casserole. The recipe can be found here: https://www.ssparish.org/service. You can call Susan Lattin at 410-803-7379 for more information. Both the casseroles and the food pantry items can be dropped off in the donation room located in the parish center basement under the back porch. (Please do not leave groceries for the food pantry on the back porch, thanks!)

Walking with Moms in Need - Do you have a heart for women who are pregnant and parenting and need help? Perhaps you’ve been there yourself, or maybe you’ve helped someone else in the past. We invite you to join us as we embark on an effort to serve mothers in need in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference.” In order to assess, expand, and better communicate resources to local pregnant moms, couples, and families in need, our parish is joining a nationwide effort entitled: “Walking with Moms in Need.” Our next step is to identify resources and see where gaps may exist. For more information, and to ensure you receive news and updates, please contact Kellie Reynolds at 410-592-7294 or [email protected]. To learn more about the nationwide initiative, visit www.walkingwithmoms.com Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug 12 at Holy Spirit Church at 5pm.

St. Stephen Soccer Registration is now open! We are excited to bring back soccer at St. Stephen this fall! Registration is open to all St. Stephen students, parishioners, and members of the community. We will be participating in the Archdiocese of Baltimore Soccer League for boys and girls, ages 6-14. We are looking for coaches and someone who would be interested in running a clinic for pre-K and Kindergarten students. We look forward to seeing everyone this fall! To register, please visit www.ststephenabsp.squarespace.com. For questions or to volunteer email [email protected].

Looking for the Sign up Genius? Go to our parish home page at www.ssparish.org and scroll down until you see the “sign up genius” logo. Click the logo to be taken to our parish events! Check the SUG often to see the latest opportunities!

St. Stephen Scout News

Girl Scouts: St Stephen Girl Scouts participated in the Kingsville 4th of July Parade this year as part of community service.

If your daughter entering K-12 is interested in joining a troop that meets at St. Stephen please email [email protected] or call 410-877-0698 and leave a message for a call back. Girl Scouts is the premier leadership organization for girls. We camp, hike, climb, travel, create and lead all while having fun and making lifetime friendships.

Cub Scout Pack 877: hosted a campfire program on Friday 7/9 at the St. Stephen Fire Pit. Our Cubmaster, Mr. Chris, put together some songs and skits as a warm-up. Then we had several of our Scouts lead and perform more skits. While the skits were being performed, Mr. Chris and Ms. Suzanne made some delicious desserts over the campfire, they made a chocolate cherry cake and a peach cake. The best way to finish a campfire is to enjoy some s'mores! On August 7, we are hosting a trail run at the Anita C Leigh Estuary Center in Abingdon.

Pack 877 is now forming its Lion den for Kindergarten youth- we would like to welcome Jaime and JJ!

Our Fall Registration Nights will be on Mon 8/16, Tue 8/17 and Sun 8/22, Times and locations are in the process of being finalized. If you are interested in learning more about the Pack, or signing your child up for Scouts, please email Ashley at [email protected]

Scouts BSA Troop #877 - St Stephen Troop 877 is always happy to have young boys/men join the troop. Interested scouts should email the Scoutmaster, Tim LaChapelle at [email protected] and/or the Executive Committee Chair Cindy Stevens at [email protected] for more information. You can also view upcoming Troop 877 activities here at this link: https://troop877.trooptrack.com/calendar

Troop 877 is still offering Camp Cards/Scout Coupon Cards which for a $5 donation, provides over $80 in discounts to local businesses like Jiffy Lube, Ace Hardware, Dick's Sporting Goods, Wendy's and Taco Bell to name a few. For each $5 card, $2.50 will go to Troop 877 and $2.50 goes to the Baltimore Area Council's Disadvantaged Scouting program. The BAC's Disadvantaged Scouting program helps defer costs and provide equipment for our Baltimore BSA families that are economically disadvantaged. Please reach out to Trish Paine at [email protected] on how to get your Camp Cards/Scout Coupon Cards.