St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish February 19, 2017 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish February 19, 2017 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Parish Mission Statement Following the example of our patron St.

com www.saintstephenstl.org Chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph 6304 Minnesota St. Louis, MO 63111 SCHOOL 3929 Wilmington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63116 314-752-4700 314 752-5165 fax michelwendellssp@gmail.

1 St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish February 19, 2017 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Parish Mission Statement Following the example of our patron St. Stephen, we are called to be witnesses of God s love and to be a faith-filled, reconciling parish. PARISH 3949 Wilmington Avenue St. Louis, MO fax stephenprossp@gmail.com Chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph 6304 Minnesota St. Louis, MO SCHOOL 3929 Wilmington Avenue St. Louis, MO fax michelwendellssp@gmail.com www. Reverend Ron Hopmeir, Pastor frron@saintstephenstl.org Mrs. Mary Regan, Pastoral Associate maryreganssp@gmail.com Mr. Mike Nigh, Director of Music mikenighssp@gmail.com Mrs. Barbara Edelmann, Office Manager / Bookkeeper, barbedelmannssp@gmail.com Mrs. Leigh Manalang, Senior Ministry Coordinator, leighsgsm@gmail.com Mrs. Michel Wendell, Principal michelwendellssp@gmail.com Mrs. Mary Paule, Child Safety Coordinator, Secretary, marypaulessp@gmail.com

STEWARDSHIP: SHARING TIME, TALENT, TREASURE and PRAYER But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies, easier said than done, no doubt.

It allows us to have a little more empathy for our enemy. When we pray for others, even our enemies, maybe it softens their hearts as well. February 5 Sunday Contribution $ 5,442.

Or Where does the money go? Once a month, in addition to the monthly stewardship report, we will include in the bulletin a listing of some of the monthly expenditures for the parish and school.

2 STEWARDSHIP: SHARING TIME, TALENT, TREASURE and PRAYER But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies, easier said than done, no doubt. But, remember, the foundation of stewardship is prayer. When we are in close communication with God, it opens our heart and it turns our attention away from me and moves it towards God and others. It allows us to have a little more empathy for our enemy. When we pray for others, even our enemies, maybe it softens their hearts as well. February 5 Sunday Contribution $ 5, On-line Giving Contribution $ 1, Total weekly contribution $ 6, R & I $ Tuition Assistance $ WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO Some of you ask What are our bills? Or Where does the money go? Once a month, in addition to the monthly stewardship report, we will include in the bulletin a listing of some of the monthly expenditures for the parish and school. Below are some of the bills paid in January AT&T -- $ Ameren -- $4, Snowplow and salt -- $ HVAC service and repair -- $7, Laclede Gas -- $5, MSD -- $ Progressive Waste Solutions -- $ Health Insurance -- $14, Liability tax -- $15, Wicks Organ Fire and alarm -- $ Lectors Saturday, February 25 4:00 PM - s. Chechik, P. Cooper Sunday, February 26 8:00 AM - C. Deeken, L. Driscoll 10:30 AM - B. Dowd, L. Harbaugh Servers Saturday, February 25 4:00 PM - Anthony P., TJ S. Sunday, February 26 8:00 AM - Lily M., Charlie B. 10:30 AM - Drew V. Luke J. YOUTH MINISTRY ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! Please join us this Wednesday, February 22 from 7-9 PM at Bishop DuBourg High School as we celebrate the good things that God did during last weekend's Luke 18 retreat. See for more information! THIS WEEK AT ST. STEPHEN PROTOMARTYR Monday February 20 Tuesday February 21 Wednesday February 22 Thursday February 23 Friday February 24 Saturday February 25 Sunday February 26 Parish Office Closed Quilters 9 AM - 2 PM Mass 8 AM Arthritis Exercise 9AM Finance Meeting 7 PM All School Mass 8 AM Pastoral Council 7 PM Mass 8 AM Arthritis Exercise 9 AM All School Mass 8 AM Mass 8 AM Vigil Mass 4 PM Mass 8 & 10:30 AM Book Discussion 2 PM

3 February 19, 2017 Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time WELCOME! If you are new to St. Stephen Protomartyr parish or just visiting, Welcome!! Visitors please sign the Guest Book found near the main entrance to the Church. If you would like to register in the parish, please call or the parish office. Welcome to the neighborhood and parish community!! SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES CELEBRATION St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish prayerfully recognizes these couples who are participating in the Special Anniversary Celebration this weekend. We will include some words of wisdom from them in next week s bulletin. Congratulations to all these couples and the many others from our parish who could not attend the event but are celebrating milestones in marriage! 60+ Years Marion & Beverly Gardner Pat & Mary Powers 50+ Years Larry & Glennetta Esswein Herbert & Catherine Pfaff 45+ Years Martin & Brenda Bickel Thomas & Jeanette Brown James & Pamela Dischert Dennis & Mary Regan 35 Years Doug & Mary Paule 25 Years Kurt & Laura Rettig READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Sir 1:1-10 Ps 93:1-2, 5 Mk 9:14-29 Tuesday, St. Peter Damian: Sir 2:1-11 Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, Mk 9:30-37 Wednesday, The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle: Pt 5:1-4 Ps 23:1-6 Mt 16:13-19 Thursday, St. Polycarp: Sir 5:1-8 Ps 1:1-4, 6 Mk 9:41-50 Friday: Sir 6:5-17 Ps 119:12, 16, 18, 27, Mk 10:1-12 Saturday: Sir 17:1-15 Ps 103:13-18 Mk 10:13-16 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Is 49:14-15 Ps 62:2-3, Cor 4:1-5 Mt 6:24-34 FAITHFUL DEPARTED In the charity of your prayers please pray for the repose of the soul of Arnold Herb Herberts, Rich Meisemann and the father of Lisa Kovac who died this past week. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. May they rest in peace. CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS Contribution statements for 2016 are available at the rectory during normal business hours. Give us a call and we will have it ready for you to pick up. If you would like your statement sent to your home, please send a selfaddressed stamped envelope to the rectory. You can also drop your request in the collection basket. SAVE THE DATE At Christmas we gave out 250 books titled The Mass is Never Ended. Now we would like to give you the opportunity to discuss this book with other parishioners. So dig the book out of the pile and finish reading it. What did you think of the book? Did it offer you new insights? What are your thoughts about what you read? There are no right or wrong answers! We will meet Sunday, February 26 at 2 PM. Join us!! THANK YOU The Moylan family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of those who have helped us through these last few weeks with prayers, meals, and an outpouring of support as we have begun the journey to tackle Steve's cancer diagnosis and treatments. He is continuing to heal from surgery and will begin chemotherapy and radiation on February 27th. Please continue to keep him in you prayers. Rachel Moylan

4 St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish THOSE PEOPLE. A school had organized a food drive. A teacher was looking at all that had been collected. Not just the usual mac-and-cheese donations, but some pretty high-end items filled the bins: gluten-free crackers, rice pasta, artichoke hearts packed with seasoned oil, and quinoa. Another woman walked by, and seeing the items that had been donated, smiled and said, "Too bad they won't know what to do with most of it." The teacher asked, "What do you mean?" "Those people won't know what most of that stuff is. I mean, really. Quinoa?" The teacher had heard correctly: "Those people." The teacher knew "those people." Eight months before she had been one of "those people." It had been eight months since the last time she had gotten groceries at the local food pantry. Eight months since the longoverdue child support from her ex-husband kicked in. Even though it wasn't much, it made the difference between being able to buy enough food for her and her family to make it through the week - and for that she was grateful. "Those people." She remembered the first time she had gone to the food pantry. She drove by several times before working up the courage to pull into the parking lot. "I can't" she whispered and went home - to the empty refrigerator and kitchen cupboards. Finally, desperation overshadowed pride. "Those people." She finally walked through the door. She could feel the heat on her cheeks as she filled out the paperwork, telling complete strangers her life history, how much money she earned, and what she spent it on. "Those people." She quickly learned that food pantries are hit-or-miss. Some days the shelves are full, and with really good things - and other days you can barely pull a few meals together from the dented cans and spoiled produce. But beggars can't be choosers, right? Those people." She made five trips to the pantry over eleven months. When she told her kids, she expected them to laugh or get angry or be embarrassed. Instead, they helped her put the groceries away, quietly. She remembers all the meals she made with food pantry items. Oven-roasted chicken with quartered rosemary potatoes. Turkey chili. French toast. More mac-and-cheese than she cared to admit. One of her favorites was an organic risotto, flavored with mushrooms and olive oil. "Those people." She wanted to walk up to that woman in the hallway, grab her by the shoulders, and shake her: You don't know a thing about how it feels to walk into one of "those" places and be one of "those" people. You've never looked at your kids and had to hide your tears because you had no idea how you were going to feed them." But she didn't. All she could muster was: "I like quinoa." QUARTER AUCTION To which the woman replied, "Well, yes, of course. You're not one of those people." If only she knew. [From "The Gift of Food" by Jennifer Ball-Tufford, Family Circle.] It's not that we "hate" others: it's our attitude of superiority over those who don't measure up to our "standards" of what is good and right and correct, it's that lack of respect and empathy for the poor that Jesus condemns. The Kingdom of God is first realized when we can see "those people" as our brothers and sisters, worthy not only of our help and understanding but of our respect; that, in their perseverance and courage as they struggle to make lives for themselves and their families, the love of God dwells in their midst, as well as ours. The Kingdom of God begins when we realize that "those people" are us. From: Connections: February 2017 Mark your calendar for this terrific Parish fundraiser!!!! When? Saturday, June 3 7:00 PM SSP Parish Center How Much? $15 admission per person. Includes bid card, beer, snacks and fun! Who? Reserve as individuals or a table of 6-10 people. This is an adult event. What do I bring? Bring quarters to bid on great items! Maximum individual bid per item $1.00. Choose from nearly 100 bid items valued from $10 - $100! Remind me - how does it work? Watch for bulletin insert soon! New this year: An "All In" Bid Card will be available. Accepting donations NOW!! New items, gift cards, services. Restaurants, Hardware, gas cards to name a few! Values from $10 to $100 (We use MSRP or original value on retail items not sale or reduced prices) If you missed the last one, don't miss out again! More information in future bulletins or contact: Leslie Harbaugh Sharon Reibe Linda Seemiller

February 19, 2017 OUR ALUMS SHINE Congratulations to Salvatore Vitellaro who was one of 32 recipients of the 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King jr Model of Justice Award by the Archdiocese.

5 February 19, 2017 OUR ALUMS SHINE Congratulations to Salvatore Vitellaro who was one of 32 recipients of the 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King jr Model of Justice Award by the Archdiocese. This award is presented to high school students who demonstrate through their attitude and their work, a commitment to serving humanity in the broader community. These students make justice a central part of their lives, and commit themselves to the noble struggle for equal rights. And congratulations to Samuel Chechik who is the recipient of the Archbishop John L. May Service Award. This award recognizes outstanding leadership and community service of students in Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The recipients demonstrate to others they are Alive in Christ! As the recipients of the annual award, these Catholic high school seniors show extraordinary volunteer achievement in their schools and communities. Congratulations Sal and Sam you make us very proud!! MEN S WHITE HOUSE RETREAT The 2017 St. Stephen Protomartyr White House Men's Retreat will start with dinner on Thursday, March 23 and end after lunch on Sunday, March 26. Please tell me if you can join us in You can also register on-line by accessing whretreat.org and clicking on the register button on the left side of the page. When asked which group you will be attending with enter St. Stephen Protomartyr. You can also discover more about the White House retreat experience by visiting whretreat.org or asking one of us past retreatants. Please share this invitation with your friends and family. Peace, Ron Thenhaus LOOKING AHEAD February 26 - Book Discussion March 1 - Ash Wednesday March 1, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7 - Fish Fry March 9, 16, 23, 30 - Lenten Speaker Series with Fr. Sean Martin Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time SCHOOL NEWS This has been a good news week, and I am thrilled to share it with you. You may remember that on January 21 st our Robosharks attended the Clavius Jamboree at SLUH. Our team earned a Gold Banner. Our teams achieved proficient and mastery level scores in the challenges. In his to us Jeff Pitts wrote, St. Stephens has become an anchor for our program, and we are so happy you did well at the jamboree along with the FLL qualifier." Last Friday, the 4 th of February, our Bellarmine Speech Team competed at St. Margaret of Scotland. Our team did very well congratulations to our students. Aislin T. Molly B. Lily R. Clarisse A. Speech Meet Results Humorous Category Blue Ribbon Red Ribbon Serious Category Red Ribbon Blue Ribbon Duet Category Lily M. & Caroline S. Red Ribbon Brian B. & Luke W. Red Ribbon Last Sunday four of our First Grade Cub Scouts, Kellan M., Liam K., Jaxson B., and Mack W. received the Light of Christ Award. The Light of Christ program is designed to help first and second grade Cub Scouts develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With the parents active assistance and participation is this program, each Tiger and Wolf Cub Scout comes to see Jesus as a real person and his friend. The program emphasis is on the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist. Michel Wendell, Principal VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SSP Vacation Bible School June 26th - 30th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon For all children entering Preschool - 5th Grade Mark your calendars! Summer Vacation Bible School at SSP is June 26-30, Plan to join us for a week long exploration of God s light within each of us.

LIVING YOUR FAITH: DRIVERS NEEDED Jesus said to his disciples, This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12).

Please consider getting involved in sharing Christ s love with others by becoming a volunteer driver for South Grand Senior Ministry.

As a volunteer, you would give rides for older adults to medical appointments once a month. Please contact Leigh at 481-1133 ext. 307 or leighsgsm@gmail.com to learn more.

6 LIVING YOUR FAITH: DRIVERS NEEDED Jesus said to his disciples, This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12). There are many ways we can respond to this command and one of them is through volunteer service. Please consider getting involved in sharing Christ s love with others by becoming a volunteer driver for South Grand Senior Ministry. This important ministry aids individuals in remaining safely in their own homes, provides social interaction, and connects us as a community of faith. As a volunteer, you would give rides for older adults to medical appointments once a month. Please contact Leigh at ext. 307 or leighsgsm@gmail.com to learn more. TOP SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM If you missed our presentation from the Better Business Bureau about Scams Targeting Seniors, we will print some of the top scams here in the bulletin over the next few weeks. Grandparent Scam This scam is designed to fool seniors into thinking a grandchild has been injured, arrested or stranded in a foreign country and is in need of money. The con makes up an urgent situation I ve been arrested, I ve been mugged, I m in the hospital and pleads for help and money. How to Avoid Don t disclose too much information scammers make their story more believable by picking up on details you give them. Ask a personal question such as the name of a family member or a favorite activity. Communicate with your family and know when they will be out of the country and where they will be. Don t let senior scams catch you off guard. Ask questions, do your research, don t share information, never wire money to strangers, and hang up! For more information, contact the Better Business Bureau at or stlouis MISSOURI PROPERTY TAX CREDIT FOR SENIORS It s time to apply for the Missouri Property Tax Credit or the Circuit Breaker as it is popularly known. If you are 65 or older, you may be entitled to receive as much as $1100 back from your paid 2016 property taxes or rent. There are income limits to qualify. For renters, your annual income cannot exceed $27,500 for a single person or $29,500 for a couple. For homeowners, a single person can earn $30,000 annually and a couple can earn a maximum of $34,000. Leigh Manalang, Senior Ministry Coordinator, will be happy to answer your questions about this benefit, send you the forms or assist in completing the forms. If you are homebound, she can make an appointment to do this in your home. Please call Leigh at ext. 307 for information, forms or appointments. Please note: If you file a Missouri Income Tax return, this should be done by your tax preparer as part of your tax return.

7 St. Stephen Protomartyr MASS INTENTIONS Monday, February 20 8:00 AM - No Service Tuesday, February 21 8:00 AM - Scot Harvey Fortis Lawder Sr. Wednesday, February 22 8:00 AM - Elmer Schuster Thursday, February 23 8:00 AM - Richard Meisemann Friday, February 24 8:00 AM - Victoria Fields Saturday, February 25 8:00 AM - Bob Welby 4:00 PM - Pour Parishioners Sunday, February 26 8:00 AM - Michael Bauer 10:30 AM - Terry Federer PLEASE PRAY for our sick and recovering Amanda Attatian - Suzi Beck - Janice Doerhoff - James Forgash - Mary Lopinot - Irene Hoff - Thomas Lorenz - Janet Matthews - Catherine Messmer - Robert Morse - Steve Moylan - Dan Nichols - Angie Peters - Grace Phillips - Joey Renick - Margaret Ringkamp - Beth Simon for our homebound Jeanette Holmer - Rosemary Kobylinski - Florence Morrison - Rose Schuster for those in nursing homes Lorraine Burke - Ellie Kearns - Rich Meisemann - Cecilia Olson - Gene VanderPluym for family members serving in the military Joel Bruce - Derek Hirtz - Brandon Johnson Stephen Napier - Jack Renick - Brian Schoellhorn - Mitch Sollmann - Mark Tisius - Bradley Westcott DEVOTIONS Tuesday - after 8 am Mass: Perpetual Help Devotions Wednesday - 8:45 am 4:00 pm: Church is available for Eucharistic Adoration First Friday of the month Holy Hour and Benediction after the 8:00 AM Mass. Parish Office Hours Monday through Thursday: 8:30 AM 4:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM 3:00 PM Closed Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and Holy Days Bulletin Article Deadline Monday at 12:00 PM. prior to the weekend bulletin. Sacramental Celebrations Eucharist Saturday evening Vigil: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM 10:30 AM (nursery available) Monday: Liturgy of the Word with Communion 8:00 AM Tuesday through Saturday: Mass 8:00 AM Holy Day: 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM Infant and Child Baptism Baptisms are celebrated at any weekend liturgy or on the last Sunday of the month following the 10:30 am. Eucharist. Parents are asked to call the parish office to arrange a Baptism. Adult Initiation / Reception into the Catholic Church Any adult who would like to know more about our Catholic faith, and/or who is interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church, please call the parish office. Reconciliation Saturdays 3:00-3:30 PM Marriage Please contact one of the clergy at least six months prior to the planned date of marriage. Anointing of the Sick We have a communal celebration of this sacrament at the weekend liturgies in the fall and in the spring. If you would like to be anointed before entering the hospital or if you are homebound, please call the parish office. Parish School of Religion Parish School of Religion formal classes in our Catholic Faith Children: 4 yrs. through 8th grade and high school Located on the campus of St. John the Baptist Parish. Call the PSR Director at Church Nursery Located in the rectory basement during 10:30 AM Mass. Enter by way of the alley. Staffed by parents. Children s Liturgy of the Word Children ages 4 through second grade are invited to participate and hear the scriptures in a way meaningful to their age. Held the first Sunday in September through Mother s Day excluding holidays.

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8 DGC Computer Solutions PC & Mac Repairs Virus Removal Networking Tune-Ups Disaster Recovery Consider Remembering Your Parish in Your Will. Call Dan Cathy Mann Realtor For further information, St. Stephen Parishioner Sales, Installation & Service please call the Parish Office. cathymann.stlouisareahomesearch.com Victor Vitt, Jr. - President Saint Margaret Sunday Missal Gloria & Fred Wessels An ideal companion for personal prayer Land Tours now available In Stock & Ready to Order Today. CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $ FUNERAL HOME DAVID J. BORGMEYER, D.D.S. AUGUSTINE J. BORGMEYER, D.D.S GRAVOIS, LEONA STREET (314) SAINT LOUIS, MO Fax (314) djbd2thdoc@sbcglobal.net GRAVOIS, LEMAY FERRY, The Most Complete Please Cut Out This Thank You Ad and Present It The Next Time You Patronize One of Our Advertisers Online National Call Today! Toll Free Following Jesus Every Day: GOSPEL MEDITATIONS FOR DAILY LIVING Ninety days worth of Gospel verses and reflections including a meditation, a prayer, a simple activity for the day and a related verse from the Old Testament. Ideal for Lent and Eastertime, or for any time of year! Directory of Check It Out Today! Catholic Parishes Denise Dowd REALTOR Phone: Mobile: DeniseDowd@kw.com Thank you for advertising in our church bulletin. I am patronizing your business because of it! If You Live Alone You Need LIFEWatch! 24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY! Ambulance Solutions as Low as Police FREE Shipping FREE Activation Fire Friends/Family NO Long Term Contracts $1a Day! Brian or Sally, coordinators CST an Official Travel Agency of Apostleship of the Sea-USA SPECIAL OFFER: FREE LIFEWatch Shoppers Tote with your order CALL NOW! Mel s Service COMPLETE AUTO REPAIRS & TOWING Mike Schwent, Owners 3970 Wilmington Ave Since FLESCH BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO. Remodeling Since 1968 Kitchens Baths Windows Decks Vinyl Siding John P. Flesch Joe Flesch OHMER & OHMER PC Attorneys at Law Trusts & Wills Income Tax Probate Court CHIPPEWA ANIMAL HOSPITAL Retirement Living - All Inclusive Across from Tower Grove Park Sponsored by St. Andrew s Resources for Seniors auto life home business health long term care Steve Butz 9700 Mackenzie, Suite 120 Since 1922 Bruce H. Kurka, D.V.M. Saint Louis, Missouri Gravois 3850 Chippewa at Gustine St Stephen Protomartyr For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc

...I am the gate for the sheep. John 10: 9

St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish May 7, 2017 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER...I am the gate for the sheep. John 10: 9 Parish Mission Statement Following the example of our patron St. Stephen, we are called to be