525 Jackson Street, Anoka, MN 55303 | 763.421.2471 | StStephenChurch.org

Todos son Bienvenidos

February 14, 2016 | 1st Sunday of Lent

In ThIs Issue:From the Desk of Father Jack, page 2

Worship Associate Position Open, page 3

Youth Ministry Events, page 4

Catholic Schools Raffle Update, page 5

Opportunity to Work with WHO Group at a ‘Feed My Starving Children’ MobilePack Event, page 6

Anuncios en español, paginas 8-10

RCIA Rites of Sending and Election/Call to Con-tinuing Conversion this Weekend This Sunday, February 14, those in the RCIA process celebrate the Rite of Sending at St. Stephen’s and the Rites of Election/Call to Continuing Conversion at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.

In the Rite of Sending, sponsors witness to the readiness of catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and candidates (those who have been baptized) to progress toward the Easter sacraments. Candidates and catechumens state their desire to celebrate the sacraments. Catechu-mens sign their names in the Book of the Elect, signifying their readiness and intention to be initiated into the life of the Church at the Easter Vigil through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The as-sembly accepts the sponsors’ testimony, prays for the catechumens and candidates, and recommends that they be presented to the bishop.

In the Rite of Election, the catechumens are presented to the bishop as ready to enter their final preparation for initiation into the Catholic Church. The bishop elects the catechumens to take part in sacramental initiation at the Easter Vigil. They receive a new status, the Elect.

In the Call to Continuing Conversion, candidates are recognized for their progress and encouraged as they continue their preparation to come into full communion with the Catholic Church or complete their initia-tion sacraments.

We celebrate this important transition with them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during Lent, which is their time of reflection, deeper conversion, and preparation for the Easter sacraments. We an-ticipate their celebration of their sacraments at the Easter Vigil March 26, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Catholic Services AppealIt is not too late! If you have not given your gift in support of the 17 Collective Ministries of this Arch-diocese to the Catholic Services Appeal, either drop your pledge in the collection basket at Mass or utilize the prepaid envelope from the mailing and send it directly to CSAF’s processing center.

Every gift matters, so please prayer-fully consider your gift. Thank you for your continued support of the Catholic Services Appeal. These are the ministries served by the Appeal:

American Indian MinistryArchdiocesan Council of Catholic

Women (ACCW)Campus Ministry –

Newman CenterCampus Ministry – Saint Paul’s

OutreachCatholic Charities

Deaf MinistryElementary Schools

Evangelization and CatechesisHigh Schools

Hospital ChaplainsLatino Ministry

Marriage, Family and LifeParishes

Prison ChaplainsSaint John Vianney College

SeminaryThe Saint Paul Seminary

Venezuelan Mission

New Parishioner Registration Next SundayThe next new parishioner registration is scheduled for Sunday, February 21 immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass in FCC Rooms 6 and 7. A general overview of parish programs and minis-tries will be presented. All are welcome!

Need Prayer?The Church of St. Stephen Interces-sory Prayer Group will pray for any of your needs: health, financial, marital, spiritual. All requests are confidential. If you have a prayer request, please call Joan, 763-270-5370 or Dolores, 763-421-0612.

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Pastor’s Page | Fr. Jack Long

The Church of St. Stephen is served by the clergy of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Priest StaffFr. Jack Long, Pastor Fr. Kevin Manthey, Parochial VicarFr. Joseph Kuharski, Parochial Vicar

DeaconsRev. Mr. Peter BednarczykRev. Mr. Charles WaughRev. Mr. Ramón Garcia

PARiSh OFFiCe 763-421-2471

WORShiPDirector, Bernie Leach 763-712-7435Associate, Barbara Ferron 763-712-7458Associate/School Liturgy Coordinator, Terri Renner 763-712-7459

FAiTh FORMATiOnDirector and Adult Formation, Katie Gebhard 763-712-7439Early Childhood (Sun. School), Ann Ridder 763-712-7430Elem. Formation, Children’s Sacraments, Emilie Bauer 763-712-7430M.S. Formation, Tammy Santander 763-712-7480H.S. Formation/Confirm., Chantell Haider 763-712-7440RCIA Coordinator, Pam Havel 763-712-7437Youth Ministry, Troy Bauer 763-712-7456Formation Asst., Mary Johnson, 763-712-7456

LATinO MiniSTRyDeacon Ramón Garcia 763-712-7482Suzanne Garcia 763-712-7464

PASTORAL CAReDirector, Sr. Mary Anne Schaenzer, SSND, 763-712-7441

SChOOL Main Office 763-421-3236Principal, Rebecca Gustafson 763-712-7484

PARiSh ADMiniSTRATiOnAdministrator, Jay Gish 763-712-7434Human Resources and Finance Director., Lynne Pinewski 763-712-7472Facility Manager, Chuck Wilson, 763-712-7474Office Manager, Monica Freeman 763-712-7438Admin. Asst., Facility Scheduling, Marketing Coord., Julie Gerads 763-712-7485Admin. Asst., Marketplace Coord., Eileen Howe 763-712-7478Admin. Asst., Cemetery Coord., Mary Jane Beberg 763-712-7479Admin. Asst., Renee Hogan 763-712-7442Weekend Admin. Asst., Sharon Sroga 763-421-2471Weekend Admin. Asst., Kathy Whittaker 763-421-2471Weekend Admin. Asst., Mary Ann Caesar 763-421-2471

Parish DirectoryFrom the Desk of Father JackGreetings,

First of all, I would like to give a big SHOUT OUT to all those who worked and planned the Mardi Gras cele-bration. Wow, what a fun evening! I love when there are opportunities for the people of God to gather and

have fun. I also love when the people of God get together to raise mon-ey. All in all it was a great success. I want to say thank you to all who volunteered. It was through your time and talents that we had such a great evening.

I also want to thank all you generous people who attended Mardi Gras and opened up your wallets. Great things happen here at St. Stephen because of the generous efforts and money you parishioners share. So thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now we are in the midst of Lent. Lent means springtime, so there is a real positive spin on this liturgical season. Not only will the days be getting longer and warmer but after these 40 days in our own spiritual deserts we will experience new life at Easter.

Look to the three pillars of Lent to assist you in drawing closer to our Lord: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I would encourage all of you to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Reconciliation Day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 from noon to 8:00 p.m. We have in-vited many priests to assist us. Mark your calendars. We will not be add-ing any other Confession times because we will be assisting our brother priests at their parishes since they are helping us.

Know, too, that Pope Francis has asked all dioceses throughout the world to have a 24 hour confession time. There will be two Reconcilia-tion Services - one at the Cathedral and one at the Basilica. Both of those services begin at 12 noon. After the Reconciliation Services the Cathe-dral and Basilica will be open for 23 hours with priests hearing individual Confessions throughout the day and night. The date for this worldwide Reconciliation time is Friday March 4 - noon, Saturday, March 5. I think this would be a wonderful way to celebrate your Lenten Reconciliation.

Fasting is a ancient spiritual practice. When we fast from food/drink we grow hungry. When we feel these hunger pangs we are called to prayer. I know what I’m fasting from this Lent and the money I don’t spend will go towards the third pillar of Lent - almsgiving. Almsgiving, too, is an ancient spiritual practice. In the Old Testament, almsgiving was for the remission of sins. So practice the pillars of Lent and I assure you that you will grow closer to God.

I also encourage you to attend some of the Friday evening Fish Dinners. These are great meals and great opportunities for you, the people of God, to gather as a community. Much like the Mardi Gras, except we won’t ask you to open your wallets.

Happy Lent everyone and peace,

Father Jack

Readings for the WeekMonday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Ps 19:8-10, 15/Mt 25:31-46Tuesday: Is 55:10-11/Ps 34:4-7, 16-19/Mt 6:7-15Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19/Lk 11:29-32Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25/Ps 138:1-3, 7-8/Mt 7:7-12Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Ps 130:1-8/Mt 5:20-26Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8/Mt 5:43-48Next Sunday: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18/Ps 27:1, 7-9, 13-14/Phil 3:17--4:1 or 3:20--4:1/Lk 9:28b-36

BaptismsWe welcomed the following children into our faith community through the Sacrament of Baptism February 7:Sterling Magnus Gilbert, child of Matthew and Joanna Gilbert

3www.ststephenchurch.org/worship/

Worship

Presider & Musician Schedule

MASS Intentions

Weekend of February 20/21, 20165:00 p.m. Fr. Joe Kuharski

Adult Contemporary Ensemble Accompanist - Marie Tomala

8:30 a.m. Fr. Joe KuharskiAdult Choir Accompanist - Nancy Furch

10:30 a.m. Fr. Kevin MantheyPsalm 100 Accompanist - Nancy Furch

12:30 p.m. Fr. Kevin MantheyCorazon Mariano

6:00 p.m. Fr. Jack LongTeen Music Ensemble Accompanist - Nancy Furch

Monday, February 158:00 a.m. Reverend James C. Zappa

Tuesday, February 168:00 a.m. Reverend John F. Riley

Wednesday, February 178:00 a.m. Samantha Tutka9:00 a.m. Clara and Helmer Johnson

Thursday, February 188:00 a.m. Steven Minarich

Friday, February 198:00 a.m. Ramona Kasper

Saturday, February 208:00 a.m. Agnes Schmelzer5:00 p.m. Fr. Nathan LaLiberte

Sunday, February 218:30 a.m. Bud Rasmussen10:30 a.m. Parishioners12:30 p.m. (Spanish) John Manthey6:00 p.m. Collette Thill

Lenten Worship During the WeekThere are many opportunities for prayer at St. Stephen’s. The rosary is prayed each morning at 7:15 a.m. Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m. in the main church during Lent. The Sta-tions of the Cross are prayed Fridays during Lent at 7:00 p.m. in the main church. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Liturgy of the Hours are prayed Monday through Saturday in the Holy Cross Chapel or Refuge immediately following the 8:00 a.m. Mass.

Student Ministers for Catholic Schools Week MassesThanks to the following students of St. Stephen’s School who served as liturgical ministers at the Catholic Schools Week Masses January 30/31:

5:00 p.m. Mass – Lectors: Brekkyn Lammert and Allison Hookum; Psalm-ist: Elise Pinewski; Choir members: Emily Hess, Breanne White, Saman-tha Trevino, Brianna Brunner, Joseph Pinewski, Daniel Beaupre, Brekkyn Lammert, Emily Snicker, Habbel Dawit, Ellen Wareham, Erin Wareham, and A.J. Helmbrecht; Altar Server: Kaitlyn Schlosser

8:30 a.m. Mass – Lectors: Joe Hinkle and Cari Krieger; Psalmist: John Ja-nuschka; Choir members: Gracie Thomason, Jack Thomason, Madison Johnson, Tyler Czech, Luke Rising, Tyra Ngole, Gabriel Fiske, Carson Klersy, Jonathan Munene, Allen Cameron Analise Eidem, Aidan Smith, Charlotte Petermeier, Greta Pallow, Jackson Douglas, Victoria Lang, and Teagan Gordy; Altar Servers: Christopher Lamps and Parker Lang

10:30 a.m. Mass – Lectors: Grace Murphy and Wally Donnay; Psalmist: Teddy Burnes; Choir members: Megan Waskosky, Samantha Jenson, Al-lison Witt, Katie McKay, Grace Beuning, and Matt Johnson; Altar Servers: Blake Swanson and Christopher Engstrom

Special thanks to Music Teacher Heather Douglas for helping with music at the 8:30 a.m. Mass and to Worship Associate Terri Renner and Forma-tion Teacher Hannah Berchem who worked very hard to prepare all the students to serve as ministers for all these Masses.

Worship Associate Position OpenThe Church of St. Stephen is now accepting applications for the posi-tion of Worship Associate for liturgy. It is a part time position. Candidates must be practicing Catholics and have familiarity with Catholic liturgy and liturgical principles. Other requirements include experience work-ing with and organizing people, and computer skills. Application forms are available through the Parish Office. Please send applications and re-sumes to Jay Gish, Parish Administrator, at the Parish Office.

The RefugeWho: Students in grades 9-12

What: Deathball, Music, Snacks and Grill the Priest and Theology Minor.

When: February 17, 6-8:00 p.m.

Where: The Refuge

Contact Troy with questions or for more information: 763-712-7456, tbauer@ststephenchurch.org.

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Faith Formation

www.ststephenchurch.org/faithformation

“Oremus (Let Us Pray) - A Guide to Catholic Prayer” The Anoka Council of the Knights of Columbus and St. Stephen’s Faith Formation Department will be co-sponsoring a multi session course titled “Oremus - A Guide to Catholic Prayer” between Sunday Masses

in FCC 10. The classes are free and will be held from 9:40–10:20 a.m. The study is presented by Fr. Mark Toups on DVD.

Dates and topics are as follows: February 14: Relational Prayer, February 21: Discernment in Prayer, February 28: Dealing with Distractions, March 6: Desolation and Conso-lation

There is no fee; no pre-registration required. Refreshments will be served. Questions? Contact Katie Gebhard at kgebhard@stste-phenchurch.org, 763-712-7439.

An important part of Lent for our parish will be participating in the Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

RICE BOWL PROGRAM. Please help support our world-wide m i s s i o n s this Lent.

Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent: HUNGERING FOR OPPOR-TUNITY - Our journey with CRS Rice Bowl begins in Colombia, where coffee beans are chang-ing lives! What actions can we take this Lent to change lives—at home and around the world?

Visit crsricebowl.org for more in-formation.Photo credit: Oscar Leiva/Silverlight for CRS

VIRTUS Training for Adults Volunteering with MinorsIf you are an adult interested in volunteering in programs with children and teens here at St. Stephen’s school or parish, please remember that all volunteers are required to complete a background check, attend a VIRTUS awareness session and sign a Code of Conduct. A VIRTUS session is scheduled in FCC Room 10 February 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

To pre-register, please visit www.virtus.org. It is very important that you pre-register to make sure your attendance is counted.

Last Friday Night PartyWho: Students in grades 9-12

What: 4-Corner Capture the Flag, Wii/board/card games, and kickball. Join us for food, music and fun!

When: February 26, 8-10:00 p.m.

Where: Meet in The Refuge

Questions? Contact Troy at 763-712-7456, tbauer@ststephenchurch.org or Greg at gfreeman@ststephenchurch.org.

High School “Faith through Film” NightJoin us in The Refuge Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a movie night complete with popcorn, pop, and snacks! We will be watching the original Spider-Man. Stop by for a great movie, great friends, great food, and a movie connection to your life and the Bible you may have never expected! Questions? Contact Troy Bauer at 763-421-2471 or tbauer@ststephenchurch.org.

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School

www.ststephenschool.org

Enroll with ConfidenceFrom pre-school through eighth grade, St. Stephen’s School of-fers a quality faith-based Catholic Education. Come join our family of believers. All are welcome! To enroll, please call the school of-fice at 763-421-3236.

St. Stephen’s Catholic School integrates faith with academics to prepare students to make solid Christian choices. It is an accredited, private school, comprised of pre-school, elementary, and middle school levels.

Faith: As a vital part of the parish community, we educate students in a Catholic atmosphere enriched by the Gospel messages of peace and justice. The spiritual development of students is the primary goal. The school recognizes that a person's faith is formed by living out that faith in community through prayer, worship, service and study; and grounded in our Catholic tradition.

Academics: In partnership with their family, each student is encouraged and directed to reach his or her potential. Our academic program emphasizes mas-tery of the basics, academic excellence, and a variety of extracurricular activities. The school prepares students to be fully equipped for their next level of academic achievement.

Community: The school seeks to provide a safe and trusting learning environment where each student is valued and chal-lenged to grow spiritually, academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.

St. Stephen’s Catholic School is a caring Christian community that nourishes spiritual development and academic excellence.

Philosophy

Mission Statement

Catholic Schools Raffle tickets are available in the school and parish offices during the week as well as the Gathering Place after week-end Masses. Tickets are $5 and 100% of each ticket stays at St. Stephen’s School thanks to the generosity of Catholic United Financial. Help us reach our goal of $20,000. We are at 62.85% of our goal - $12,570!! Thank you for your support! Our local Catholic United Financial Sales Representative is Kendra Turner: 763-442-8711; kturner@catholicunited.org.

Catholic Schools Week Susie Toenjes, Fourth Grade Teacher

National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2016 was January 31 - February 6. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2016 was “Catholic Schools: Communi-ties of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

Catholic schools offer academic excellence and faith-filled education for students. St. Stephen’s has had a parish school since September of 1881 when St. Anne School was dedicated. The new Church of St. Stephen School building opened and welcomed students in September of 1950. The rest is history.

This year the school celebrated Catholic Schools Week beginning with parish Masses January 31 and an open house at the school. A special part of the week began before Catholic Schools Week with school families decorating a piece of wood or tile for a school cross. This is displayed in our school foyer. Each day of Catholic Schools Week we celebrated our school, students and parish. New this year, St. Stephen’s took part in Operation Gratitude along with other local Catholic Schools writing to heroes in the military.

St. Stephen’s Catholic School is a treasure and in celebrating Catholic

Schools Week each year, our school focuses on the value Catholic edu-cation provides to young people and its contributions to our church and our nation.

With SympathyThe prayers and sympathy of the parish are offered to the family and friends of Stan Colburn and earl Gerads.

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Pastoral Care

www.ststephenchurch.org/service/pastoral_care

Please Pray for...Susie AbbottMichael AbbottLynn AkerJo AlexanderMarie AmbergRosie AnchetaCasanova AntoniaGeoff ArseneauDonna BajtoshRose BartholomewPat BednarczykBruce BergMatt BergSue BergHarlen BeyerJudy BiermaierAnne BlueJeffery BlueWayne BlueJames BoyceMarjorie BragelmanDon BreyenJulie BrightKenneth BrightSheila BrisbinJerry BrletichPhil BruntDeborah Burkhardt-CotterHarold Burkhardt Jr.Theresa BurnsErma ButlerDorothy CarverJudy ChouinardShane Cotter Jr.Linda CzechBernice DavichPhyllis DayAeryn DeKreySamantha Rose DeLappRosemary DonnetteBarb DrydenJami DucharmeRichard DuclosRoslyn DuclosJeff EickhoffPam EklundRachel Aykens ElliotSr. Catherine FiegenLiam FieldsTheresa FilkinsRichard FillmoreRon FlorJeff FoxPaul GammelgaardJohn GobernatzSherry GoldensteinMila Gonser-McGillChris GorresLynn GravettCullen GroffGloria GuimontNatalie GuimontGuthrie FamilyDon HallerGreg HarmCody HarmonSandra HartmannKhloe HartnettMary HeieJ.C. and E.L.P. HernandezJane HerrRichard HoelscherHarriett Holseth

Marie Doris HovindTatiana HueleKaty JamesJames JanuschkaKathryn JostTammie KaslowJanice KatnisKate KempstonJustin KetzBill KeyesJeremy KletzinTom KobelinskiMelissa KosciskoJeanette LashinskiEdward LaTuffMichael LehnPatti LeTourneauVernon LieserJoelle LillyEllie LinnDolores MartinsonShirley MastersEd MelnarikElissa MerrittJanelle MerrittEileen MevissenJohn MevissenMadisyn MevissenJane MeyersDuane MichaelisBruce NovakJerry OdashKerry OfferdahlMary OlsonWilliam OlsonLucille PatchenBarb PetschlBernadine PhillipsGavin PiersonPhilip and Marge PinewskiBella RadbaughRuss RadloffRick and Leanne RajtarLinda RenstromBarbara RivardJeff RollerGary RoseArnold RudenickLynn SchaustMatt SchaustDean SchenkTom SchinnEileen ScottJack and Millie SigfridSteve SigfridCarter SimonsonRoman SkowronMolly SpangHelen StegeKathy SteinkeZoeann StephensHope StewartChad SwansonJeni ThomasJohn and Janet TracyLeo VanyoJanet VittitowJeanna WanczykivSteve WatermanKathy WojcehowiczIsaac YarmonAlice ZappaDennis Zinda

Loaves and FishesLoaves and Fishes will be serving Tuesday, February 16 at River of Life Lutheran Church.

Sidewalk Counseling TrainingIf you can hand someone a brochure, you can help save a life! Nearly ev-ery day in the Twin Cities, about 32 babies are scheduled to be killed in the area’s four abortion centers. Attend this free seminar and learn how to save these babies and help their families by peacefully and prayerfully offering pro-life brochures and speaking the truth in love to those enter-ing abortion centers. Prayer supporters are also needed and are wel-come to attend this seminar. Thursday, March 10, 7–9:00 p.m., Epiphany Church, Coon Rapids. To register, contact Pro-Life Action Ministries at (651) 797-6364 or debra.braun@plam.org.

A Special Opportunity to Work with WHO at Another ‘Feed My Starving Children’ SitePeople from our WHO group will be participating in the Northwest Met-ro Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack™ event, February 24, 9:30 a.m. at the egan Company Warehouse in Champlin.

Thousands of volunteers from the northwest suburbs will take part in hand-packing two million meals February 24-28. Ten percent of the total funds raised will go back to local food shelves to support hunger initia-tives in our own community. Join them. Please call Gayl at 763-422-0024 to sign up. You can help make a huge impact on hunger.

To learn more about FMSC, visit fmsc.org. FMSC is a nonprofit that has tackled world hunger since 1987 by sending volunteer-packed, nutri-tious meals to 70 countries. In our world today, an estimated 925 million people are chronically hungry, though there is enough food in the world for everyone to have adequate nutrition.

40 Days for Life Prayer VigilKnowing “with God, all things are possible,” people of faith and conscience around the world unite in prayer to end abortion. St. Stephen’s Life Matters team invites all to participate in the 40 Days for Life prayer Vigil February 10 – March 20 at Planned Parenthood (671 Vandalia St., St. Paul, MN 55114). There will be daily Pastor led prayer @ 3 p.m. or come anytime during the day to pray. If you are unable to participate in person, we encourage you to pray and fast at home. Go to https://40daysforlife.com/ to access new pro-life podcasts or to sign up for daily devotionals and prayers.

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ADMINISTRATION

Calendar of EventsMonday, February 15

Church Cleaners: Church/Chapel/FCC 6, 8:30 a.m.Men’s Group: St. Paul Room, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 16NO Faith FormationVIRTUS Training: FCC 10, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 17WHO Group: Archbishop Romero Room, 8:30 a.m.No Faith Formation

Men’s Group: St. Paul Room, 6:30 p.m.Peace and Justice Committee: Library, 7:00 p.m.Reconciliation: Chapel, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 18Summerfest Large Group Meeting: FCC 1-2,6:30 p.m.Bible Study: FCC 4, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, February 19Fish Dinner: FCC 1-9, 5:30-7:00 p.m.Stations of the Cross: Church, 7:00 pm.

Saturday, February 20Special Needs Faith Formation: The Refuge,9:00 a.m.Reconciliation: Chapel, 3:30 p.m.Family Table Meal: FCC 1-6, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 21Sunday Sunday: School Classrooms, 10:30 a.m.Baptisms: Church, 2:30 p.m.H.S. Faith Formation/Confi rmation: Gym, 4:15 and 7:15 p.m.Men’s Group: St. Paul Room, 7:00 p.m.Intercessory Prayer Group: Bride’s Room, 7:00 p.m.

Stewardship Refl ection“I have now brought you the fi rst fruits of the products of the soil which you, O Lord, have given to me.” (DT 26:10)

This line from the Old Testament off ers two challenges. First, do you give to God from your “fi rst fruits”, the best that you have to off er, or do you give from what is leftover? Second, do you remember that everything you have has been given to you by God? Ask God for a grateful and generous heart, every day.

Welcome to Members Registered in December and January

Walter and Harriet AbelSheana Benitez and VincentPatton familyArturo Cuate and VictoriaPacheco familyCharben and DonnabelleCayetano familyJohn and Joyce Dinnetz

Noah LaCoursiereMary Kaye and Mike MassMan Nguyen and Hanh Vu familySteven and Anita ReinitzPaul Sershen and Kelli GoldsteinSteve and Jamie TuckerDiego and Shae Valle family

‘Reel’ in a Great Deal on a Meatless Meal!It’s time to enjoy a great fi sh dinner Friday evenings during Lent, 5:30-

7:00 p.m. in the Faith Community Center. The menu includes fried and baked fi sh, mashed potatoes, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, dinner rolls, apple crisp, coff ee, milk and lemonade. The cost is only $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 4 - 12 years of age and kids under 4 are free. Invite your family and friends for a delicious dinner!

Join the fun and volunteer for one or more Fridays. New faces are very welcome. Please contact Carole Santer at (763) 421-1971 or e-mail at cjsanter2244@hotmail.com.

Knights of Columbus MembershipIf you’re interested in helping those in need, serving our parish, and growing in faith, then please consider joining the Anoka Knights of Co-lumbus serving St. Stephen’s Parish. Whether you are new to the Knights of Columbus or considering transferring or reactivating your member-ship, we’d love to have you! For more information contact Membership Director, Al Kempf at 763-421-0116.

Rosary Repairs and DonationsIf you have a rosary that needs re-pair, you may drop it off at the par-ish offi ce to the attention of Carol. Please include your name and phone number with the rosary. If you have all the pieces, please bring them.

If you have any unused rosaries or rosary parts that you would like to donate, they will be recycled for the missions. You may drop them off in the offi ce as well. Please clearly mark rosaries intended for donation. Thank you!

BienvenidosMiSA DOMiniCAL

en español todos los Domingos a las 12:30 p.m.

Horario de Oficinas en Español: con el Diácono:

Domingo y Martes de 10:30 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.

Miércoles, Jueves y Viernes: de 1:30 p.m. a 9:00 p.m.

Sábados: de 11:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.Tel. 763-712-7482Fax. 763-421-4230

iglesia de San esteban

Oficina Parroquial en Inglés:Tel. 763-421-2471

Párroco Padre Jack LongPastor Asociado

Padre Kevin Manthey Tel. 763-712-7421

Diácono Ramón García

Tel. 763-712-7482

Preparación Matrimonial Llamar seis meses antes

de la fecha deseadaInformación para la preparación

Sacramental:Bautismos, Primera Comunión, Reconciliación, Confirmación Matrimonios y celebraciones

para Quinceañera

Lecturas de La SemanaLunes: Lv 19, 1-2. 11-18/Sal 19, 8-10. 15/Mt 25, 31-46Martes: Is 55, 10-11/Sal 34, 4-7. 16-19/Mt 6, 7-15Miércoles: Jon 3, 1-10/Sal 51, 3-4. 12-13. 18-19/Lc 11, 29-32Jueves: Est 4, 17n. p-r. aa-bb. gg-hh/Sal 138, 1-3. 7-8/Mt 7, 7-12Viernes: Ez 18, 21-28/Sal 130, 1-8/Mt 5, 20-26Sábado: Dt 26, 16-19/Sal 119, 1-2. 4-5. 7-8/Mt 5, 43-48 El Próximo Domingo: Gn 15, 5-12. 17-18/Sal 27, 1. 7-9. 13-14/Flp 3, 17--4, 1 o 3, 20--4, 1/Lc 9, 28-36

Los Tazones de ArrozUna parte importante de la Cuaresma en nuestra parroquia es la partici-pación del Programa de Los Tazones de Arroz, por parte de Los Servicios Católicos de Alivio (CRS). Apoya a las misiones mundiales esta Cuaresma.

Una Reflexión para El Primer Domingo de La Cuaresma: Hambre de Oportunidades - Nuestra jornada con CRS co-mienza en Colombia, donde el café está cambiando las vidas. ¿Cuáles son las acciones que podemos tomar en esta Cu-aresma que puedes cambiar a

las vidas, aquí y en el mundo? Visita: crsricebowl.org. Para obtener más información, visita: www.crsricebowl.org.

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Ministerio Hispano Anuncios en Español

Los Servicios CatólicosNo es demasiado tarde para entregar su donación para Los Servicios Católicos, para beneficiar a los 17 ministerios de La Arquidiócesis. Se pu-ede dejar el sobre en la canasta de la colecta durante la misa, o mandarlo por correo en el sobre pre-pagada, y va directamente al Centro de CSAF. Cada donación es importante, y por eso pedimos que hagan oración al escoger la cantidad de su donación. Gracias por su apoyo de Los Servi-cios Católicos. Aquí esta una lista de los ministerios que reciben fondos:

El Ministerio de Los Americanos Nativos

El Consejo Arquidiocesana de Las Mujeres Católicas

El Ministerio de La Universidad-Centro Newman

El Ministerio de La Universidad-Outreach St. Paul

Las Caridades Católicas

El Ministerio de Los SordosLas Escuelas Primarias

La Evangelización y Catequesis

Las Escuelas Secundaras (“High schools”)

Los Capellanes de Los Hospitales

El Ministerio Latino

La Oficina de Matrimonios, Familia y La Vida

Las Parroquias

Los Capellanes de Los Cárceles

El Seminario de St. John Vianney

El Seminario San Pablo

La Misión en Venezuela

$9,300,000 Meta total de la CSA12805 Highway 55, Suite 210 | Plymouth, MN 55441

T: 612-294-6622 | www.csafspm.org

Pláticas BautismalesLas pláticas pre-bautismales se toman el primer sábado de cada mes. Llamar a la parroquia para llenar la reg-istración para confirmar la fecha de su asistencia para la plática del bautismo.

1. La celebración del Bautizo son los domingos dentro de la misa de las 12:30 pm, o el tercer o cuarto sábado del mes a las 10:30 am.

2. En la Iglesia de St. Stephen no hay cuota para el sacra-mento del bautismo.

3. Las pláticas las tomarán papás y padrinos. Se reco-mienda que si los padres no están casados por la Iglesia Católica al menos los Pa-drinos si lo estén, o ser to-talmente solteros, sin estar conviviendo con ninguna otra persona. Los padrinos tienen que ser católicos.

4. Las pláticas bautismales son los sábados (llamar para las fechas exactas del mes), de 11:00 am a 1:00 pm. en el salón Romero.

Llamar para registrarse al: Diácono Ramon Garcia: Tel 763-712-7482.

Fechas Próximas Para Las Pláticas Bautismales:

llamar a la oficina.

Fechas Próximas Para La Celebración de los Bautis-mos (los sábados):

llamar a la oficina.

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Ministerio Hispano Anuncios en Español

El Sacramento de La ReconciliaciónEl sacramento de la Reconciliación es uno de los tesoros más grandes de nuestra fe católica, porque es por medio de la confesión que experimenta-mos la sanación y la misericordia de nuestro Señor, por todos nuestros pecados. Es por esta razón que la Iglesia pide a todos los católicos que nos confesemos por lo menos una vez al año, y nos invita a frecuentar el sacramento aún más.

Las confesiones en español:sábado, 20 de febrero, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

miércoles, 24 de febrero, 7:00 p.m.sábado, 27 de febrero, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

miércoles, 2 de marzo, 7:00 p.m.

Una Reflexión del Primer Domingo De La Cuaresma"El diablo le dijo…. ‘Todo eso será tuyo, si me adoras.’” Jesús enfrentó la tentación, como todos nosotros. Sus cuarenta días en el desierto no se llenaba de consuelo sobrenatural ni de gozo. Él fue sometido a cada ten-tación, y al acabar los cuarenta días, él tenía hambre. En otras palabras, era humano. En-frentaba dificultades igual que nosotros. Su naturaleza divina no cancelaba su naturaleza humana. El enfrentaba dificultades igual que nosotros tanto físicas que espirituales, en su cuerpo y en su alma.

Como vemos en el Evangelio de hoy, la es-trategia que usaba Jesús para luchar en estas batallas físicas y espirituales fue de sumer-girse en La Palabra de Dios. Para silenciar al diablo durante este ayuno, Jesús hablaba las palabras de las Escrituras. Se arraigaba en las verdades eternas, depen-diendo de ellas en los momentos de la prueba. Cada vez que Satanás trataba de seducirlo con una promesa nueva, Jesús respondía con un versículo de la Biblia. Y cada vez, Satanás fue silenciado y tuvo que inten-tarlo de otra forma. Finalmente cuando Satanás había agotado a todos los ángulos diabólicos, “el diablo se retiró de él por un tiempo.” Jesús ganó la victoria, usando las armas de La palabra de Dios.

Al entrar a la estación de La Cuaresma, nosotros podemos ser armados de la misma manera. Empezamos la batalla contra nuestro propio or-gullo, la pereza y la avaricia, al comprometernos a la oración, el ayuno y la generosidad con lo que hemos sido dado. Al fin de cuentas, esta-mos trabajando para poner a Dios primero, en lugar de entregarnos a nuestro propio egoísmo y nuestro deseo de la comodidad. El diablo quiere vernos “adorar” a el de estas maneras. Pero, en lugar de esto, va-mos a equiparnos para proclamar y vivir las palabras que Jesús mismo usaba: “Adorarás al Señor, tu Dios, y a él solo rendirás culto".

Retiro Familiar de CatequesisEl sábado, 27 de febrero, ten-dremos nuestro retiro para todas las familias con hijos en clases de primera comunión y confir-mación. El retiro es familiar, en-tonces esperamos a los padres de familia, los niños de catequesis y también los otros hijos. Bienveni-dos a todos.

También, si hay algunas familias que no están actualmente en las clases de catecismo, pero les gus-taría participar en el retiro, les da-mos la bienvenida también. Vale la pena.

No es necesario registrarse, solo hay que llegar a las 8:30 a.m. el día sábado, 27 de febrero. El re-tiro termina a las 4:30. Se llevara a cabo en el FCC. Pedimos a to-das las familias a que traigan un guisado para compartir entre to-dos. Gracias, y nos vemos el 27 de febrero.

Fiesta: Last Friday NightQuien: Los estudiantes in grados 9-12

Que: 4-Corner, Capture the Flag, juegos de Wii, de mesa, de barajas; tam-bién habrá kickball. Vengan para comida, música y diversión.

Cuando: el 26 de febrero, 8-10:00 p.m.

Donde: The Refuge

Preguntas, contactar a Troy at 763-712-7456, tbauer@ststephenchurch.org o a Greg at gfreeman@ststephenchurch.org.

40 Dias Para La VidaUna Vigilia for Life Prayer Vigil Sabiendo que con Dios, todo es possible,l las personas de fe y de consciencia por todo el mundo van a unirse en la oración para que ya no haya abortos provocados. El equipo de Life Mat-ters de la Iglesia de San Esteban te invita a participar en Los 40 Días Por La Vida: Una Vigilia, el 10 de febrero hasta el 20 de marzo, en Planned Parenthood (671 Vandalia St., St. Paul, MN 55114). A las 3:00 p.m. habrá una oración guiada por un pastor, pero estas invitado a llegar la hora que puedas. Si no puedes llegar, te invitamos a orar y ayunar en la casa. Ver: https://40daysforlife.com/ para tener acceso a podcasts pro vida o para apuntarse para recibir oraciones diarias.

Entrenamiento Para Ser Consejero/a ProVidaSi tienes la capacidad de entregar un folletito a una persona, tu tienes la capacidad de salvar a una vida. Cada día, en Las Ciudades Gemelas, aproximadamente 32 bebes están por ser abortados en los cuatro cen-tros de abortos provocados en el área.

En este entrenamiento gratis, puedes aprender a salvar a estos bebes, y ayudar a las familias, al entregar folletos pro-vida, y hablando de la ver-dad, con amor, a los que están entrando a los centros de aborto. Siempre damos la bienvenida a los que puedan orar, y están invitados a asistir al entrenamiento también. El entrenamiento es el jueves, 10 de marzo, de 7–9:00 p.m., Epiphany Church, Coon Rapids. Para registrar, contactar a Pro-Life Action Ministries, al (651) 797-6364 o a debra.braun@plam.org.

Jóvenes de High School: “La Fe en Las Películas” Vengan con nosotros el miércoles, 24 de febrero, a las 6:30 para una película, con palomitas, soda y bocadillos. Vamos a mirar la película Spi-derman, el original. Estas invitado, para ver la película buena, estar con los amigos, comer, y encontrar una conexión entre la película que tal vez nunca habías anticipado. Contactar a Troy Bauer at 763-712-7456 o tbauer@ststephenchurch.org.

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Ministerio Hispano Anuncios en Español

Una Reflexión De La Corresponsabilidad1er Domingo de Cuaresma

“Por eso ofrezco ahora las primi-cias de los frutos del suelo, que tú, Señor, me diste” (Deuterono-mio 26:10)

Esta línea del Antiguo Testamen-to nos ofrece dos retos. Primero, ¿Le das a Dios tus “primeros fru-tos”, lo mejor que puedes ofrecer, o simplemente le das las sobras? Segundo, ¿recuerdas que todo lo que tienes te ha sido dado por Dios? Pídele a Dios cada día, un corazón agradecido y generoso.