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Your ushers are here to assist the priest and parishioners at communion, take the collections, headcounts and help the handicapped. They are here at all holidays, Christmas and Easter services. They also serve at First Communions and Confirmation Installations. Help serve the Lord by serving His people! For more information or to join them please call the rectory at 954-987-1100.
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This ministry, restored by the Second Vatican Council, exists since the first centuries of the Church. The dignity of this ministry is found in the intimate contact of the minister with the Blessed Sacrament. The main function of the Eucharistic Minister is to bring Communion to the sick and the handicapped, who are unable to attend Mass. They may distribute Communion at Mass, and, in the absence of a Priest, they may expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.
These ministers must be men and women of up-most devotion for the Blessed Sacrament, and will procure their spiritual enrichment by attending Bible studies, retreats, prayer groups, etc. at least once or twice every year. The Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled well in advance of the date they are to serve to avoid conflicting appointments. If an Eucharistic Minister cannot be present at his/her appointed Mass, it is his/her responsibility to look for a substitute. All Eucharistic Ministers must be registered and active members of the Parish as well as be practicing Catholics. If you are interested in joining this ministry please call the rectory.
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The objective of the St. Vincent de Paul society is to bear witness to the love of Christ by providing aid to those in temporary distress. Most frequently, this aid takes the form of food, temporary shelter, information on employment opportunities, etc. In special circumstances, it may involve financial help. Its activities include interviewing the needy, running a food pantry, coordinating food drives, etc. in the parish. Keeping records for the diocesan council and the government, and home visits.
We operate with a very limited income -- That which we receive from baskets manned by the ushers after Sunday Mass. We are able to help only our own parishioners in financial emergencies. We are greatly helped in our ministry by the kindness and cooperation of our Oblate fathers and the ushers. You, our parish family, have blessed us with your generous response to our monthly food drive.
The time requirements for volunteers are several hours a week depending upon the individual worker. Meetings are monthly at the individual conference level and at district level.
To see if you can help feed the hungry in our community call the Rectory at 954-987-1100, leave your name and number and we'll get back to you.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded about 200 years ago by Blessed Frederick Ozinam, a student at the Sorbonne, to help the priests and nuns feed the poor after the French Revolution. He enlisted the aid of other students to help in organizing works of charity and named his society for Father Vincent de Paul, founder of the Lazarist Fathers and the sisters of Charity. Today there is a St. Vincent de Paul Society in almost every Catholic parish, and Frederic Ozinam is a candidate for sainthood.
Each parish conference of St. Vincent de Paul strives to meet the needs of the parishioners and, as far a possible, the needs of others who live within the Parish boundaries, whether Catholic or not.
The St. Vincent De Paul Society needs your help to feed the hungry. They need volunteers . Please call:
Blanca Abad 954 303 1538
Pedro Rodriguez 305 282 0780
Guillermina Jimenez 786 843 2559
Maria Gonzalez 954-562-0689
Oficina 954 987 1100
Men! You are invited to join the local Knights of Columbus, Holy Spirit Council 6032. Help others and gain fun and fulfillment. 1.6 million members can't be wrong. For more information call Tony Scott at (954) 966-7217.
Getting Married?
If you are getting married, first let us say Congratulations! Then let us remind you that you need to come talk to one of our priests at least six months in advance. No date can be set prior to speaking with a priest. Couples must be registered in the Parish for at least six months before the wedding. Please call the rectory at (954) 987-1100 to make an appointment.
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After 12:45 PM Mass; Baptism 2:00 PM SUNDAY
Después de la Misa de 12:45; Bautizo 2:00 PM DOMINGO
Baptism Class: (9am-11am, in the Church); Saturday prior to the Baptism Sunday.
Clase Pre Bautismal: (9am-11am en la Iglesia) Sábado anterior al domingo del bautismo.
*NO More Private Baptisms Will Be Scheduled.
*NO Se Agenderán Más Bautizos Privados
For more information about Baptism of your child at St. Stephen, please call the Church Office at: (954) 987-1100.
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We often get asked what the requirements are for godparents chosen by catechumens or by families of children to be baptized. Here are the norms from the Catholic Church for all to be aware:
Godparents (or sponsors) are persons, other than the parents of the one to be baptized, who must have the capability and intention of carrying out their responsibilities as a catholic in a mature way.
A candidate for baptism may have either a godmother or godfather or both a godfather and godmother.
A person sixteen years of age is presumed to have the requisite maturity, but the archbishop, pastor, priest or deacon may decide there is just reason for an exception to be made.
Those designated as godparents must have received all the Sacrament of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist. And be living a life consistent with faith and the responsibilities of a godparent -- they must not be living in sin (ie., if married, must be a sacramental union in the Catholic Church). In addition, the godparents must also be registered members of the Catholic Church and canonically free to carry out their duties.
A baptized and believing Christian not belonging to the Catholic Church may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent. A non-baptized person may not serve as sponsor, god parent or witness.
For further reading: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Washington D.C.: USCCB, 1988. pp. xiv-xvii.
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