April 8, 2018
St. Stephen ParishDivine Mercy Sunday, Octave of Easter Welcomes You

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Celebrate With Us!
Most Holy Eucharist:



Saturday Vigils 4:30pm
Sunday
7:30, 9:30, 11:30am;

5:30pm Life Teen Mass
MondayVSaturday 8:30am
Tuesday
6:30pm


Reconciliation (Confession):

Saturday
3:00pm V chapel
Tuesday
5:30
Or by appointment


Baptism of Children:

To arrange and prepare for your child’s baptism, please contact our Faith Formation Office (671V4434) to set up an appointment.

Youth & Adult Confirmation:

Please contact the Faith Formation Office at 671V4434.
Marriage:

Please contact the parish office to meet with a priest or deacon at least six months in advance.

Anointing of the Sick:

First Saturday at 8:30am Mass or any time upon request. Kindly inform the parish office of those who are ill for visitation and sacraments.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Youth: St. Stephen offers a RCIA yearV round process. For more Congratulations to our children who received their First Eucharist Saturday!
information on becoming Catholic, please call the Faith Formation Office, 671V4434.
Parish Office Faith Formation


10118 Saint Stephen Circle 10428 Saint Stephen Circle Eucharistic Adoration:
Riverview, Florida 33569 Riverview, Florida 33569 Wednesday 9am until 6pm 813.689.4900 813.671.4434
in the chapel
First Friday 9am V 10am
St. Stephen Catholic School
10424 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview, FL 33569 Morning Prayer: MVSa 8:10am
813.741.9203

2 May 6, 2018 The 6th Sunday of Easter The Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Reading Acts 10:25V26, 34V35, 44V48  Gospel John 15:9V17

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him
Jesus said to his disciples:
and, falling at his feet, paid him homage.
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Peter, however, raised him up, saying,
Remain in my love.
"Get up. I myself am also a human being."
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in


my love, Then Peter proceeded to speak and said,

just as I have kept my Father's commandments "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.

and remain in his love. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts
uprightly is acceptable to him."

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
While Peter was still speaking these things,
and your joy might be complete.
the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to This is my commandment: love one another as I the word.
love you.
The circumcised believers who had accompanied No one has greater love than this,
Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy to lay down one's life for one's friends.
Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles You are my friends if you do what I command you.
also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues I no longer call you slaves,
and glorifying God.
because a slave does not know what his master is Then Peter responded,
doing.
"Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing I have called you friends,
these people, who have received the Holy Spirit because I have told you everything I have heard even as we have?"
from my Father.
He ordered them to be baptized in the name of It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you Jesus Christ.
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will
remain,
Responsorial Psalm 98:1V4 so that whatever you ask the Father in my name R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his he may give you.
saving power.
This I command you: love one another."

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, Second Reading 1 John 4:7V10 DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any
means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is of God;
L O A everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for Scriptures of the Week

God is love.
V VV

Monday Acts 16:11 15 / Jn 15:26 16:4a In this way the love of God was revealed to us:
V V

Tuesday Acts 16:22 34 / Jn 16:5 11 God sent his only Son into the world
VV V
so that we might have life through him.
Wednesday Acts 17:15,22 18:1 / Jn 16:12 15
V V
In this is love:
Thursday Acts 18:1 8 / Jn 16:16 20

V V
not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
Friday Acts 18:9 18 / Jn 16:20 23
V V
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Saturday Acts 18:23 28 / Jn 16: 23b 28 Sunday

Acts 1:1V11 / Eph 1:17V23 / Mk 16:15V20
www.StStephenCatholic.org 3 Pastor’s Page First Eucharist Days We as adults teach our children many things, but
they learn most from our attitude rather than our words. What are the youth of this parish learning We have just celebrated one of from us about living the Catholic faith?
the most beautiful and special
days in the life of our parish; the As the children from our parish rejoiced in their children of St. Stephen received first experience of receiving the Eucharist their Savior Jesus Christ for the yesterday, it is good for us more mature followers very first time in the Eucharist. 125 children of God of Jesus Christ to ask: are we as adults still excited made their First Communion yesterday. We will when we receive Holy Communion? Has it become celebrate again next week with the remaining 99 just a habit or do we still long to eat the flesh of children, for a total of 224 children receiving First the Son of Man?
Holy Communion.


As our children were strengthened by the gift of The joy and innocence of these beautiful amazing the Jesus in the Eucharist, are we as adults, still children of God shines so brightly on this their living our life as a dignified Temples of the Holy special day. As I rejoiced with them, this Spirit?
anonymous quote came to mind.




A child is a person who is going to carry on what you God Bless, have started. His is to sit right where you are sitting Fr. Dermot and attend, when you are gone, to those things you think are so important. You may adopt all the policies you please, but how they will be carried out depends on him. Even if you make leagues and treaties, he will have to manage them.

He will assume control of your cities, states and nations. He is going to move in and take over your prisons, churches, schools, universities and corporations. All your work is going to be judged and praised or condemned by him. Your reputation and your future are in his hands. All your work is for him, and the fate of the nations and of humanity is in his hands.
So it might be well to pay him some attention.

emember to join us in the Consecration of the Diocese of St. Petersburg to the Immaculate R Heart of Mary this Sunday at 3:00 PM! If you cannot drive to the Cathedral of Saint Jude for this event, you are more than welcome to gather in our main sanctuary for a simultaneous liveVstream of the holy hour, complete with Eucharistic Exposition on our own altar.

Come to consecrate yourself, your family, and our world to the Our Lady, and echo her fiat V “Let it be done unto me according to your Word.” Pope Francis has granted a Plenary Indulgence for the occasion of this consecration . See more: www.dosp.org/heartof mary/.

www.StStephenCatholic.org 4 May 6, 2018 The 6th Sunday of Easter Will you help? 
Evangelization is a key a mission of the church that dates back to the time of Jesus, the Apostles and Paul. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus told us to “Go and Make Disciples.”
We have all seen this parish graphic in our weekly bulletin which indicates that Evangelization is the core focus of our mission here at St. Stephen.

In the weeks and months ahead, we plan to expand our Evangelization efforts to reach out to inactive parishioners and later, the broader community.
It will be a major undertaking requiring many current Diocese of St. Petersburg
parishioners’ help in reaching out to those who we may Golden Anniversary Events
be able to help.


V
May 6 Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary We are looking for joyous people, who have a positive

Cathedral of Saint Jude at 3:00 pm attitude and a willingness to help others. It should be a
V Join us in our sanctuary for the live streamed very rewarding experience as we see parishioners
event and holy hour of consecration to the returning to the Church.

Immaculate Heart of Mary.


View it here at St. Stephen V live streaming!

If you feel a calling to help, please let us know by emailing Nick Turco at [email protected]. We plan to have the first meetings before the end of May to determine how we begin.

Mission Statement
We, the welcoming family of
Saint Stephen Catholic Church,
inspired by the Holy Spirit and
MAY 19, nourished by Word and Sacrament,
2018 are commied to grow
together in Christ,

Cathedral sharing God’s gi s by
of Saint Jude spreading the Light of Jesus Christ

throughout our greater community. www.StStephenCatholic.org 5

May 6, 2018 The Mustang SCHOOL NEWS Spirit FM V Read to the Rhythm V 5th Grade Sea World
Guest DJ

Fifth grade has been
Brianna had the opportunity to spend studying living systems in
time with Abby and Fernando on Science. As part of our Tampa Bay’s Hit Christian music radio show Spirit FM 90.5.
unit, our class took a field
trip to SeaWorld.


Our first adventure was to Her entry into Antarctica where we got the “Read to the up close to a Rhythm” variety of penguins. summer reading challenge this We even spotted past summer one special was selected. penguin. This little Once chosen, girl can not grow she was invited feathers and wears a wetsuit to swim. We loved seeing to spend an her.
hour on the

morning Some of our show. She students braved the big had a great coasters including Manta, time and Mako and Kraken. Some of would love our other kids fed the to do it stingrays realizing how again!
much fun it is.

We saw baby dolphins




playing with their moms in
the nursery, but the highlight of our day was at the Shamu Show. We learned that the Killer Whale is in fact a dolphin. They live all over the world, even off the  coast of Florida. To finish the show, the Orcas showed us the
power of their tails, splashing our class many times and soaking our Congratulations! students and chaperones. Fifth grade had a great day!
Hannah Grace W. has been selected
as a recipient of the 2018 National Submitted by: Kelly Maikowski 5th Grade Teacher
Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award!
MISSION STATEMENT

St. Stephen Catholic School is devoted to inspiring students to achieve their full academic potential while demonstrating a desire to continue Jesus’ mis- sion by applying Catholic morals, beliefs, values and practices in their eve- ryday lives. We are committed to motivating students to sustain a lifelong love of learning. www.StStephenCatholic.org 6 May 6, 2018 The 6th Sunday of Easter FAITH FORMATION Attention: 2018  Graduating Seniors NEWS
You are cordially invited to the
St. Stephen Annual Baccalaureate Mass on May 20th at 5:30 pm and BBQ following Mass. This Mass is dedicated to graduating high school sen‐ iors. You are invited to wear your cap and gown and process in with the clergy at the start of Mass. Immediately following Mass there will be a celebratory BBQ for the seniors and their fami‐ lies sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Please RSVP with number of attendees via email to [email protected] or call our Office of Faith Formation by May 11, 2018. (671V4434) Hope to see you there!

K-5 Faith Formation sharing their faith through prayer! To the CATHOLIC MOMS Ministry for providing a wonderful meal to our Life Teen group last Sunday. Thanks also to Martha’s Ministry for providing service.
Life Teen Schedule for the month of May

God Bless You!
Come Join Us!

th May 6  “The Drive Of Your Life!”
DONATIONS WELCOME!! th May 13  NO LIFE TEEN (Mother’s Day)
th  V
Our Vacation Bible School is in May 20 End of School Year Party/BBQ  Senior procession5:30 pm Mass
need of the following items: th 
 May 27 NO LIFE TEEN (Memorial Day)  • Gallon water bottles • Goldfish Crackers
• Pretzels Our Neophytes are now experiencing Mysta‐  gogy on Sunday morning.
Please continue to • Colorful Sharpie Markers pray for them and also for our Candidates who • Red & blue plastic table cloths will complete their Sacraments of Initiation • Black duct tape on Pentecost Sunday.

•  We also offer year round Inquirywould you like to in‐ Blue painters tape quire about the Catholic faith? Come join us on Sunday • 5Voz bathroom cups mornings in Room 2 at the Family Life Center following  the 9:30 am Mass. Any and all donations are appreciated. If you have been away from the Church for some time Please drop items off to the Office of and would like to return home, please join us on Sunday Faith Formation. Thank you for your mornings following the 9:30 am Mass at the Family Life generosity! Center, Room 4. If this time is not convenient, please

contact our Office of Faith Formation for more infor‐ Office of Faith Formation813V671V4434 mation.
www.StStephenCatholic.org 7

Come Grow With Mother’s Day Breakfast Us Sunday, May 13
in the FLC
We’ve got a study group for everyone V just call our following the
office (671V4434) to sign up for one, and get started!
7:30 & 9:30 AM
Masses
Divine Mercy groups meet in Rooms 4V5 on Sundays at free! 4:15pm and Tuesdays at 9:15 am; studying the Diary of Saint Faustina.

Catholic Moms Sharing meets in Room 4 every other Breakfast Menu Sunday from 7:00V9:00 pm, and just began April 29. Their current topic is Having a Mary Heart in a Martha’s Pancakes: 1, 2 or 3 World.

The Wednesday group meets at 9:30 am in Scrambled eggs Room 4 (visit this group’s Facebook page, Catholic Bacon (3 Strips) or Sausage Patties (2) Moms Sharing).
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy / Danish Pastries
Tuesday YOUNG ADULT Bible Study meets 2nd & 4th Drinks: Coffee/Tea/OJ/Water/Milk/Chocolate Milk Tuesdays at 7 pm in Room 1. Join us for The Gospel of Mark, continuing through May 22.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study V Study runs April 25 V WILL YOU BE THE NEXT WINNER OF THE May 30. Topic: The Lamb’s Supper. $5 book fee.

2018 MEN’S CLUB ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP? Thursday Morning Bible Study V Meets at 10am in Room 10, April 19 V May 24. Topic: Celebrating the Mass. $10 GRADUATING SENIORS, PLEASE APPLY. book fee.

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE Thursday Night Bible Study Meets at 7pm in Room 10,
CHURCH OFFICE, AND ON THE CHURCH to study Epic: The Journey Through Church History. WEBSITE. May 10 V October 18.

Friday morning Bible Study meets in
Room 10 at 10am. APPLICATION PERIOD IS MAY 20 TO JUNE 30. The next topic,
Revelation: God’s Gift of Hope, runs April Applications can be returned to the parish office:
27  June 8. Book fee is $10.
10118 Saint Stephen Circle, Riverview, FL 33569


For materials required for these classes, and to register, please call the Office of Faith Formation! (813.671.4434)
SAVE THE DATE

What:

CLERGY APPRECIATION DINNER
THE CATHOLIC FAITH. ON DEMAND.
When:

Saturday, June 16
6 PM
WWW.FORMED.ORG
Where:
Family Life Center (FLC)

Honoring Fr. Dermot, our pastor; Fr. Curtis, our Parochial Vicar who is leaving us this summer; and welcoming Fr. Tim Williford, who is joining us after his ordination May 19.

Prepare to also honor our esteemed deacons who serve us in so many ways V Deacon Dan Gratkowski and Parish code: VMZPPF for free registration Deacon Ed Dodenhoff.
www.StStephenCatholic.org 8 May 6, 2018 The 6th Sunday of Easter

Sharing God’s Blessings

May God bless you for your generosity!

Your Gifts To God … And To Your Parish We are 4,954 families! Offertory Collections April 28V29, 2018  Collection:

$ 26,531.16
No. of envelopes:
813
Average gift:

$ 27.42
WeShare Offertory 04/20V27/2018 $ 6,808.85
Average Gift WeShare:

$ 42.55

This Week V Second Collection For more information about online giving, contact Susan Magann at the church office! Thank you for your generous contribution to the monthly “Second Collection” for our parish debt, which is Do you have a garden statue of Our currently over 11 million dollars.
Lady? Send a picture to us by
Facebook or email Quarterly Blessings: Thank you for being a “living stone” of our
church, and for your gifts to the community [email protected].
We have been collecting your stories of St. Stephen! of the Blessed Mother’s touch in your life of faith V thank you! Last call!!

Sunday, May 6  Monday, May 7 Tuesday, May 8  Wednesday, May 9 7:30am † Susana Bascha Mass Schedule and Intentions

9:30am † Melanie McCarty 8:30 am † John Maerz 8:30 am † Elena Aufiero 8:30 am Vocations 11:30am For the Parishioners 6:30 am † Robert Wallace III 5:30pm †Ed and Grace Mueth

Our full calendar is available on our website:  Click on the “TOP EVENTS” link at bottom of our homepage: www.StStephenCatholic.org

New Parishioner Registration 12 pm AA BS-RM3 9 am Divine Mercy Cenacle FLC4 9 am - 6 pm Eucharistic Adoration after all Masses this weekend 7 pm EDGE (Gr 6-7) FLC 12 pm AA BS-RM3 Chapel 8:30 - 11 Coffee and Donuts FLC 7 pm Career Transitions AW 5:15 pm Children’s Choir CH 9:30 am Catholic Moms FLC4 9am RCIY - Youth FLC 4 5:30 pm Confessions Chapel 10 am Adult Bible Study FLC10 3 pm Consecration to the 7 pm Young Adult Study FLC1 12 pm AA BS-RM3 Immaculate Heart of Mary - Live Streamed CH 7:45 pm Venturing Crew POR 6:30 pm AA BS-RM3 4pm Reception FLC4 7 pm EDGE Choir Chapel 6:30pm Life Teen Night YR 7 pm Gr.8 and High School 7pm Catholic Moms Sharing Pizza Rolls & Stuff FLC FLC4

Sixth Sunday of Easter

www.StStephenCatholic.org 9 CAN YOU SERVE? We’re Here to

You can serve the Lord, make Serve You!
friends and become an important Fr. Dermot Dunne Pastor
part of your Parish Family, ALL AT Fr. Curtis Carro

Parochial Vicar
THE SAME TIME! Come join us.


Deacon Dan Gratkowski
Retired
Ushers are needed for Saturday Deacon Ed Dodenhoff Bereavement Ministries
afternoon and Sunday Masses, and And Liturgy

to serve at Easter and Christmas Mrs. Linda Umoh

School Principal
Masses, as well as our special Rosie Bridges Director of Faith Formation
occasion Masses. Participation in an Kim Davis

Coordinator of KV5

orientation class is required. Sue Haines Faith Formation Administrator


V
If you can volunteer a few hours of Meredith Gosda Assistant, K 5 and EDGE

your time on a weekly, biVweekly or Tara Ferry Assistant Coordinator, Faith Formation

monthly schedule to serve as an Chris Westfall Music Minister

usher, please call Jim Petosky, 813V José Rivera Music Minister V Tom Doyle
Parish Manager
672 6504 or leave a message at the
parish office. (813V689V4900)
Bernadette Kalle Parish Secretary Gretchen Robens Communications
Jill Ragans


Pastoral Assistant
Susan Magann Administrative Assistant
Denise Moyer
Pastoral Assistant
John Boyle

IT Specialist
Allen Odell
Facility Manager
Let’s get together in the Family Life Center (Maintenance Line: 813.734.5877)
Sunday after the 7:30 & 9:30am Masses!
www.StStephenCatholic.org
New parishioner registration is available there. Like us on Facebook! @St Stephen Catholic Church
Follow us on Twitter! @SSCSbits

Thursday, May 10  Friday, May 11 Saturday, May 2  Sunday, May 13  Mass Schedule and Intentions
7:30am
† Louis Pepper
9:30am For the Parishioners
8:30 am † Enrique Rodriguez 8:30am † Regina Przywara 8:30am Robert Dean 11:30am Michael Anglin

4:30 pm † Tina Moschgat 5:30pm † Dominic

Abbruzese Sr.
FACILITY KEY:
FLC = Family Life Center

CH = Church

SCH = St. Stephen School
AW = Angel Wing of school (west module)
YR = Youth Room, Family Life Center
SSR = St. Stephen Room (left of narthex)


MR = Music Room
MPR = Multipurpose Rm.
POR = Portable Building

CC = Church Conference Room
CR = Calming Room

BSVRM# = Bell Shoals Campus (Mercy Ministries)

10am Adult Bible Study FLC10 10 am Adult Bible Study FLC10 7:30 am Men’s Book Club FLC7 8:30-11am Men’s Club Annual 10:45am Meals on Wheels BS-KIT 10:30 am Food Pantry BS-KIT 9:15 am Legion of Mary FLC1 Mother’s Day Breakfast - FLC 12pm AA BS-RM3 7 pm Men’s Club POR 10 am 1st Eucharist Mass CH 6pm BINGO! FLC 3 pm Confessions Chapel
4:15 pm Divine Mercy Group FLC4 6:30pm Cub Scout Pack 610 FLC4 6:30 pm Life Teen Night YR 7pm Boy Scout Troop 610 FLC1 7pm Adult Bible Study FLC10 7pm Adult Choir Rehearsal MR

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www.StStephenCatholic.org