St. Stephen, the First Martyr Parish Blog

Prayers For Evan Kamback

2012-01-26T12:39:00.001-05:00

Young Evan Kamback is battling cancer. As he continues his chemotherapy treatments, we as a parish want to lift him and his family up in prayer. We will offer the prayers of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for Evan on Tuesday evening, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to join us.

K of C Free Throw Contest - UPDATE!

2012-01-25T10:38:00.001-05:00

The Free Throw Contest will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 1:00 p.m. - note the time change. See the post below for the ages and requirements.
Immediately after the Warwick Contest ends, they will hold the District Championship for the winners!

K of C Free Throw Contest

2012-01-21T10:07:00.001-05:00

The Free Throw Contest has been re-scheduled for Saturday, January 28 at 3:00 p.m. in St. Stephen's Gym. After the winners are chosen, they will compete in the District Championship - to be held immediately after the Warwick Contest.

Girls & Boys, ages 10-14 (proof of age and permission of parent/guardian needed)
More info - call Mike Aiello 973-853-6847 3dognite@warwick.net

Snow Cancellations - Update

2012-01-21T10:04:00.001-05:00

Saturday, January 21, 2012
All parish activities and programs, including the K of C Free Throw Contest, are cancelled for today.
The only scheduled liturgies are:
Confessions 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Mass 5:00 p.m.
Please use good judgment before deciding to drive!!!

Snow Cancellations

2012-01-21T08:03:00.003-05:00

Saturday, January 21
Religious Education classes are cancelled
No information as yet regarding the K of C Free Throw Contest

New Priest Assigned To St. Stephen's

2012-01-12T09:28:00.004-05:00

We are delighted to inform you that Cardinal-Elect Dolan has assigned Father Angelo Micciulla as Parochial Vicar to St. Stephen’s Parish. He is scheduled to begin his ministry on Wednesday, January 25.

Father Micciulla is a native of Staten Island. He studied for the priesthood at St. Joseph’s Seminary and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New York in 2005.

His first assignment was at Our Lady of Sorrows in White Plains. Most recently he has served at Sacred Heart in Suffern. Please give Father Micciulla a warm welcome to our parish!

Additional Statement From Bishop Lagonegro

2012-01-12T09:25:00.003-05:00

Dear Father McLoughlin,

Last Sunday when I spoke to the parishioners of St. Stephen about Father Casmir Mung’aho, Archbishop Dolan and I truly believed from our discussions with Father Casmir that the child he fathered was born before he entered St. Joseph’s Seminary here in the Archdiocese of New York. On further investigation, we now know that the child was born during his first year as a student at St. Joseph’s Seminary. We are letting you know this so that you know that we are being honest and straightforward with you. You and all the people of St. Stephen are in my prayers. God bless.

Bishop Dominick Lagonegro

2012 Consistory of Cardinals - Pilgrimage to Rome

2012-01-12T09:23:00.004-05:00

The Archdiocese of New York is happy to announce the elevation of Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan to the College of Cardinals. Join The Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan and the Archdiocese of New York on this pilgrimage to Rome, with highlights being the Consistory ceremony on February 18, and Solemn Papal Mass of Thanksgiving on February 19. Due to time sensitivity (deadline January 20), contact Peter¹s Way Tours today for detailed information. For enrollment brochure, Email: Angela@petersway.com or call: 800-225-7662.

Statement Regarding Father Casmir

2012-01-10T14:05:00.001-05:00

This is the message given by Bishop Lagonegro at all Masses at our parish on January 7/8.

It has recently come to the attention of archdiocesan officials that while he was a seminarian, before he moved to New York and was admitted to St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, Father Casmir Mungaho fathered a child, in a consensual relationship with an adult woman.

As an applicant for our seminary and as a candidate for Holy Orders, Father never revealed this to our bishops or seminary authorities, which he certainly should have done. The fact that he is the father of a child was not known to us at the time of his ordination nine months ago.

Given the need for Father Casmir to address this matter and reflect on his responsibilities in a very serious way, his assignment to St. Stephen’s is now ended. Please pray for him, as well as for the mother and the child whose lives are so precious.

While we regret having to bring such sensitive matters to your attention, Archbishop Dolan and I believe that it is better to be forthright with you. We are sure that when there is sobering news like this about leaders in the church, our faithful people should hear it first from their pastors rather than from someone else.

Please know that your parish is very dear to us. We have great respect for your pastor Fr.
McLoughlin, and are working to get you and Father McLoughlin another priest as soon as we can.

(From Father Michael) - I ask all of our parishioners to please keep Father Casmir, the mother and the child in your prayers.

New Year's Weekend Masses

2011-12-28T09:12:00.001-05:00

Saturday, December 31
Confessions 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 1
Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

Parish Office Closed
Sunday, January 1 & Monday, January 2

Funeral Mass - Joan M. Fay

2011-12-28T09:10:00.002-05:00

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Joan M. Fay on Friday, December 30 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for her family.

Funeral Mass - Robert H. Denny

2011-12-24T09:11:00.002-05:00

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Robert H. Denny on Wednesday, December 28 at 11:30 a.m. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his family.

Funeral Mass - John J. Dutcher

2011-12-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for John L. Dutcher on Wednesday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his family.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:06:00.001-05:00

From all of us at St. Stephen's, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve
4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & Midnight

Christmas Day
7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

Office Hours
Saturday, Dec. 24 - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Christmas Day - Office Closed
Monday, Dec. 26 - Office Closed

Reconciliation Monday

2011-12-15T10:41:00.001-05:00

All parishes in the Archdiocese of New York will open their doors for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday, December 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Come and take advantage of this opportunity to experience God's mercy. Please note that this is the final scheduled time for Confessions before Christmas. There will be no scheduled Confessions on Christmas Eve.

Funeral Mass - Matthew J. O'Connor

2011-12-15T10:39:00.001-05:00

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Matthew J. O'Connor on Friday, December 16 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his family.

Wedding - Morgan & Illanovsky

2011-12-07T17:02:00.001-05:00

Christopher Morgan and Brianne Illanovsky will receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on Friday, December 9 at 3:30 p.m. The celebrant will be FDNY Chaplain Msgr. John Delandick. Please pray for the couple.

Funeral Mass - Diane L. Scott

2011-12-07T17:00:00.001-05:00

A Funeral Mass will be offered for Diane L. Scott on Friday, December 9 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for the members of her family.

Immaculate Conception - Holy Day of Obligation

2011-12-07T16:58:00.001-05:00

Thursday, December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. She is Patroness of the United States. Masses will be offered on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and on Thursday at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass - William Denny

2011-11-22T18:53:00.001-05:00

A Funeral Mass will be offered for William Denny on Monday, November 28 at 12:00 noon. Please pray for the respose of his soul.

Funeral Mass - Michael P. McHale

2011-11-22T18:52:00.001-05:00

A Funeral Mass will be offered for Michael P. McHale on Saturday, November 25 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for the repose of his soul, and especially for his wife Ashsa and young daughter Alexandria.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-17T11:06:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, November 23
- Our school will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving at 9:00 a.m.
- Our parish office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Our school will be open 1/2 day.
- Religious Ed classes are cancelled
- An Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 7:30 p.m. at The Warwick Reformed Church (across from St. Anthony's Hospital).

Thursday, November 24
- Our parish Mass of Thanksgiving will be at 9:00 a.m.
- All offices closed & church closed at 11:00 a.m.

Friday, November 25
- One parish Mass at 9:00 a.m.
- All offices closed

Memorial Mass - Francis Roberto

2011-11-17T11:05:00.001-05:00

Our parish will offer a Memorial Mass for the soul of Francis Roberto, son of Flora Roberto, on Saturday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m. Please pray for the repose of his soul.

Welcome Maryknoll!

2011-11-05T10:04:00.003-04:00

We welcome Father Kevin Hanlon to our parish! Father Kevin will preach at all Masses this weekend about the Missionary Work of Maryknoll. He will ask your support in a second collection.

Weddings

2011-11-05T10:03:00.000-04:00

We will celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage this weekend for Frederick Warnecke & Heather Goetz and for Michael Derych & Jaclyn Sleder. Please pray for them!

Death of Sister Jeanne Miceli OP

2011-10-29T11:34:00.000-04:00

Sister Jeanne Miceli, OP was former Principal of our parish school. Her Funeral Services will be held at the Dominican Chapel in Sparkhill, NY. Wake Services will be held on Monday, October 31 at 3:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, November 1 at 10:30 a.m. May she rest in peace.

All Saints and All Souls

2011-10-27T08:30:00.001-04:00

All Saints Day is November 1.
Masses are on Monday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
All Souls Day is November 2
Masses will be offered at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and at 7:30 p.m.
Please remember to return your Intention envelopes for our Novena.
Additional envelopes are in the atrium.

Anniversary Mass

2011-10-27T08:28:00.000-04:00

Father Michael and his classmates from St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating 30 years of Priesthood on Friday, October 28 at 5:00 pm at St. Gregory in Garnerville. Please pray for all priests and for vocations to the priesthood,

Funeral Arrangements - Jon Scharfenberger

2011-10-19T13:19:00.001-04:00

A Funeral Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Jon Scharfenberger on Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m. A wake will be held for Jon on Friday, October 21 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Lazear-Smith and Vander Plaat Funeral. Home in Warwick. Please continue to pray for Jon and his family.

Funeral Mass

2011-10-19T08:28:00.000-04:00

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Paige Hazard. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. Please continue to pray for the family.

Jon Scharfenberger

2011-10-19T08:27:00.001-04:00

We sadly inform you that Jon Scharfenberger died on Tuesday, October 18. Funeral arrangements are pending and should be available on Wednesday, October 19. Please pray for Jon and for his family.

Pray For Jon

2011-10-15T09:54:00.002-04:00

Your prayers are still needed for Jon Scharfenberger. John is still in Critical Condition at a hospital in Georgia. Please lift him up in prayer, and please also pray for his family,

Pastor's Convention

2011-10-15T09:52:00.001-04:00

Father Michael will attend the annual Convention of Pastors at Spring Lake, New Jersey on October 17-21.

Confirmation Enrollment

2011-10-15T09:51:00.001-04:00

Confirmation Candidates for the Class of 2013 will be Enrolled in our Confirmation Program at all Masses the weekend of October 15-16. Please prat for our Confirmandi.

Wedding

2011-10-15T09:49:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, October 15 at 2:30 p.m., we will celebrate a Nuptual Mass for James Zaccone and Kristen Legge. Please pray for them as they receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Funeral Mass

2011-10-10T11:21:00.002-04:00

A Funeral Mass will be offered for Johannes "John" N. Schirmer on Wednesday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his family.

Funeral Mass

2011-10-10T09:48:00.002-04:00

A Funeral Mass will be offered for Mary Cerone on Tuesday, October 11 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for Mary and for her family.

Your Prayers Are Needed

2011-10-10T09:46:00.002-04:00

We ask your prayers for Jon Scharfenberger. Jon has been serving as a Pro Life Missionary. His group was involved in a fatal car accident on Saturday, October 8. Jon is in Serious Condition in a hospital in Georgia. We also ask your prayers for those who died in this tragic car accident.

Funeral

2011-09-30T16:51:00.001-04:00

Please pray for the soul of Pilar M. Cramer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Wedding

2011-09-30T16:48:00.002-04:00

We ask your prayers for Anthony Augusta and Krystle Revella. They will receive the Sacrament of Marriage on Saturday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m.

PARISH MASTER PLAN

2011-09-26T09:33:00.002-04:00

Since the construction of our beautiful parish church in 1990, we have not created a "Master Plan" detailing the "Final Look" for our church, inside and out. It is time to begin a Master Plan. Do you want to be part of this effort? Come to a meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.

The Crown, Pastoral Letter

2010-04-02T19:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Parishioners,
During Lent we open our hearts to the call of Christ. The events of Holy Week and Easter remind us that the victory of Jesus can be ours if our lives find their model in Him.We invite you to live again the great mysteries of our faith by attending services and receiving the sacraments during Holy Week and Easter time. We are blessed when you are present. Please plan on coming - and bring a friend.We all pray that the blessings and grace of this Holy Season be with you and your loved ones. Happy Easter!
Devotedly yours in the Risen Christ,

The Priests, Deacons and Staff of St. Stephens Parish

Father Michael

2010-03-06T11:00:00.002-05:00

Funeral Mass

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Alfredo J. Arno.
A Funeral Mass will be offered for him on Monday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Parish Mission Announced!

A Redemptorist Mission will take place at St. Stephen's On November 7-10.
We will be delighted to welcome Father Paul Bryan and Sister Mary Sninsky.

Father Michael

2010-03-03T10:47:00.004-05:00

Parish Schedule for Friday, March 5

10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass for Kathleen P. Smith.
Please pray for her husband Herman and children Cheryl, Larry and Cindy.
Wake Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 at Lazear-Smith and Vander Plaat

6:00-9:00 p.m. - Confessions
Twenty Five Churches in Orange County will be open for Confession. See our bulletin for details.

2010-02-27T18:56:00.002-05:00

Dear Parishioners, On the first Easter Sunday morning the disciples of Jesus journeyed from grief, despair and confusion, to faith, hope and an inexpressible joy. It is a journey we often make in our own lives.We invite you to make this journey with us this Holy Week and Easter. May our participation in Holy Week and Easter services enrich our understanding of the great truth of God's inexhaustible love for us and bring us profound peace and joy. We hope that you can join us in our Holy Week services and receive the Sacrament of God's mercy. Please try to be with us-and bring a friend. All are welcome! We are blessed when you are with us.To all our parishioners, friends and families, may you experience the joy and blessing of the Easter season.

Devotedly yours in the Risen Christ, The Priests, Deacons, and Staff of St. Stephen's Parish