St. Stephen the First Martyr

You May Have Heard...

That the Archdiocese is closing 7 schools at the end of this academic year. With the exception of St. Peter’s, Liberty, the schools are on the other side of the river. It is unfortunate but the hard reality is that education—both public and private is becoming more and more expensive. Pray that our remaining schools can continue to survive because they provide that solid foundation that our chil- dren need in this day and age.

It Always Bears Repeating

We have not escaped winter yet. I need to remind parishioners once again that no matter what the weather conditions may be, Mass will be celebrated. Father Reynor and I do not have to venture out. But understand that you are NOT obligated to attend Mass when the weather would jeopardize your safety and health—this is especially important for the elderly among us.

Renew and Rebuild Update

It appears that the first of the campaign projects that we have planned to undertake—the addition of toi- lets where the existing hospitality room is—will be- gin in the early part of February. Please plan accord- ingly.
 

It’s That Time of Year Again...

The 2019 Cardinal’s Appeal is underway. Since we were in the midst of Renew/Rebuild, the parish did not have an Appeal last year. This year’s assigned goal is $125,000. While we seek to achieve that goal, we would like to increase the number of those contributing. Remember no gift is too small. In 2016, a little more than 500 families out of 3,000 made a gift. As of last week, 53 families pledged $10,120 which is 8% toward our assigned goal.

Did you hear the buzz about our Advent Reflections this past season?  If you did, and wondered what they were all about, we have posted them all on our website here:   /advent-reflections-2018
This was a wonderful ministry where priests, deacons and laity wrote a personal reflection on the reading of the day, and it was a genuine way to share our faith.  It also gave us a chance to get to know the people you might just see from a distance in church (or ShopRite!) a little bit better.
We will be offering Lenten Reflections during this Lenten season as well, and they will be available through Flocknote.  If you haven’t signed up for Flocknote (delivered right to your email inbox), do it here now!  
  /sign-up-for-flocknote
In addition to the wonderful reflections, it’s a great way to stay in touch with parish news and events!

St. Stephens parishioners now have the opportunity to sponsor Altar Flowers for a week at a time, to remember loved ones through memorials, offer thanksgivings, or recognize a birthday, baptism, wedding, anniversary or special event. The cost is $100 which will help to support this ministry. All flower offerings will be recognized each Sunday in the bulletin. Flower arrangements will be ordered by the parish staff.

As part of this pilot program, altar flower offerings are being accepted now through March 1. 

If you would like to sponsor flowers, please stop in the rectory office. Donations may be made in the form of cash or check made to St. Stephen Church. 

Please go to our monthly calendar by clicking here: /february-2019-calendar-of-events

Go to our News and Event's page  (click here: /current-news )  to find the latest news from the Vatican, National Catholic Register, Catholic News Service and more!

75 Sanfordville Road
Warwick, NY 10990

The church office is located in the church building, which can be accessed from the Sanfordville Road or West Street Extension parking lots.