1544 Battlefield Boulevard South Chesapeake, Virginia

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2 1544 Battlefield Boulevard South Chesapeake, Virginia Phone: Fax: website: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 2/3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 2

3 2018 Tax Statements Lenten Lessons With Fr. Brian The 2018 Tax Statements have been released on My Own Church. Follow these easy steps to access your tax statement. Log into your My Own Church account (If you have not created an account yet, please visit our website, for directions.) Click on My Offering Click on Giving History Click on Electronic Statement Download Click on Statement A dialog box will appear and then print. If you have questions, please contact the office at ssm@ssmrcc.org or SSM Sweatshirts Are Returning! The limited edition SSM sweatshirts are returning! Order yours in the Commons after all Masses every weekend in the month of February. On-line sales will begin Friday, February 1 at Events, 2019 SSM Sweatshirts. We will NOT offer youth sizes this time. Adult Crew Necks will be $20. Zipper and Plain Hoodies will be $25. Please add $5 to all styles for 2X and 3X. Join Fr. Brian Thursday s starting March 7 and running through April 11 from 7:00-9:30pm for our Lenten Lessons. The topic this year will be The Apostles Creed. More information will be coming soon so save the dates! 9 Days For Life Pro-Life Novena Join the Knights and Fr. Brian as they continue to commit nine Friday evenings to praying for the pro-life message to spread through our church, community, state and country. Each Friday until March 1 they will meet at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary to pray a rosary and novena. This will be followed by 7:30pm Mass, for the intentions of the Pro-Life Movement. There are 4000 abortions per day in the United States. Could your prayers save any of those lives? Baptism Of The Lord - January 12/13, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 3 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - February 2/3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 3

4 Liturgical Ministries Need Your Help! Flat Father Needs YOU to join a Ministry at St. Stephen, Martyr! We need volunteers to help support the ministries that provide assistance during Masses each weekend. It takes 90 volunteers each weekend to fill all ministries! Please prayerfully consider being trained in one of the ministries listed below. Eucharistic Minister: Distribute the Precious Body and Blood during Communion. Assist with washing of holy vessels after Mass as needed. Lector: Read announcements prior to Mass. Process in with the Book of the Gospels prior to Mass. Stand at the ambo during the Liturgy of the Word, and proclaim the Gospel. Hospitality: Pass the collection baskets for first and second collections. Stand at end of each row and que people to go forward for Communion. Greet people as they enter the worship space for Mass, keep count of how many people are at Mass. Give bulletins to parishioners as they leave Mass. Man the Welcome table. Mass Coordinator: Make all preparations for the Mass: examples include lights, wine, hosts, credence table and etc. Remind altar servers of their jobs. Account for all ministry positions-get subs if necessary. Direct any processions into the Sanctuary as needed. Duties after Mass. Carrier: After Mass, pack and transport the collection to the bank. Altar Server: Process in with Father and Deacon. Assist at the altar during Liturgy of the Eucharist. If you are a Censer, you will process in and out of the Sanctuary with a censer, which holds hot coals. Cross Bearers, will lead the process in and out of the Sanctuary, carrying the large crucifix. The next opportunity for training is Thursday, February 21 at the times listed below: 7:00-8:00pm Altar Servers (start in the Sanctuary with Fr. Brian). 7:30-8:00pm Eucharistic Ministers in the Sanctuary. 7:00-8:00pm Mass Coordinators in the Sacristy. 8:00-8:30pm Lectors and Hospitality in the Sanctuary. Future training dates are Thursday, May 23 and Thursday, June 13. Times will be posted closer to the training dates. If you have any additional questions please Marge at marge@ssmrcc.org. Fourth Baptism Sunday Of The in Lord Ordinary - January Time 12/13, - February /3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 4

5 Ignited By Faith Conference Chastity Is For Lovers NC State University Reynolds Coliseum Saturday, April 6 Adults - $15 Children ages 10 through College - FREE Conference time is 7:00am-5:00pm 8:00am Mass with Bishop Zarama 5:00pm conclusion with concert The Ignited By Truth Conference is one of the largest Catholic conferences on the East Coast with a general audience attendance of Since 2003, the Ignited By Truth Conference has brought nationally known, dynamic Catholic speakers annually to the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, to enlighten the minds of thousands of adults, young adults, high school, and middle school students. God s graces have enkindled many hearts through the opportunities given for prayer and the sacraments. Catholic books and media have been purchased and taken away for further study and sharing. Ministry displays have inspired works of service. Ignited By Truth brings people together to experience the joy of life with God and sends them forth to be powerful witnesses to the Catholic Faith in their families and communities. When Catholic author Arleen Spenceley outed herself as a virgin in a column she wrote for Florda s largest newspaper, the readers spoke: Practicing chastity is crazy! Arleen learned that while chastity enables a person to love, we are called to practice it in a culture that calls it absurd. As a result, chastity which involves abstinence outside of marriage and chaste sex after wedding requires us to live counter culturally. Arleen will share her story, and in the process equip you to practice chastity in a culture that calls it crazy. All are invited to join our Youth Ministry, Sunday February 17 following the 5:00pm Mass to listen to renown speaker Arleen Spenceley, author of "Chastity is for Lovers" share her story! To purchase tickets, obtain hotel information and get directions please visit For more information locally, please contact Nancy or Ken Martin at knmart@embarqmail.com or Carol Ehrbar at carol.ehrbar@gmail.com. Together we can fill the 5,000 seat arena and IGNITE the Catholic faith in our friends and families! Fourth Sunday St. in Stephen, Ordinary Martyr Time - February Chesapeake, 2/3, 2019 VA Page St. Stephen, 5 Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 5

6 Adult Faith Formation Upper Room Prayer Fellowship "Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might; put on the full-armor of God." Ephesians 6: Strength, what does that look like to you? Join us as we desire a deeper prayer life, filled with corporal praise and worship while being open to receive both the fruits and gifts from the Holy Spirit The "Upper Room" has grown over the past three years. We are a group of like minded Christians of all ages and denominations. We begin by singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet (Fr. Kevin McGoldrick version) and other contemporary worship songs, followed by sacred scripture readings, personal testimonies, and a brief talk to help inspire and encourage all to go make disciples! We meet every Tuesday (unless noted in the calendar). Please join us Tuesday February 5 in the Sanctuary from 7:00-8:30pm. Men of St. Joseph Monthly Breakfast Men, lets ban together, both in prayer, reading of sacred scripture and the catechism with a purpose to become saints! We will discuss Temptation, How men overcome the world, flesh and the devil in order to become "saintly" warriors for Christ. We model our behavior and choices after the obedient and humble servant St. Joseph, Jesus' earthly father. We will share a Pot-luck Breakfast Saturday, February 9 from 7:00-8:00am in rooms 3 and 4. Please bring something to share, both food and your talents! If you have questions, please contact the Adult Faith Office at scott@ssmrcc.org or The Life of David Join Dr. Jack Buchner as he leads a bible study on 1 Samuel, The Life of David. This study will meet on Tuesday s now through February 26 at 9:15am and then repeat at 7:00pm in room 1. Through this study you will be able to answer the following questions, How can a murderer and adulterer be a saint? How do you deal with giants in your life? What do you do when someone tells you, you can t do something? and How does God train someone for future service? Through this study you will gain many more spiritual insights! Please join us. Lenten Mission Why are we Catholic Christians? Do you remember Fr. Brian asking all of us sitting in Mass a few weeks ago, "Why are you here, why are you coming to Mass, and Catholic? Dr. Peter Kreeft, along with the Holy Spirit will guide, educate and enlighten us to answer those questions and prepare our hearts for a renewal of our baptismal promises! To find out more about Dr. Peter Kreeft tune into EWTN (channel 1132 on COX Cable) Monday-Friday, February 4-8 at 5:30pm to view a 30 minute show presenting The Philosopher's Bench on Relativism, Individualism, Consequentialism: philosophies which have spread throughout Western culture, eroding Biblical truths. In this series, Dr. Peter Kreeft and Fr. Ron Tacelli confront the secularization of our society. Then save the date and join us in the Sanctuary, Saturday, March 23, where Dr. Kreeft will present three "key" fascinating, yet challenging topics reflecting on the question, "Why are we Catholic Christians?" The topics to be presented are: 9:30am: Angels and Demons 11:00am: Towards reuniting the Church - 70X7 reasons to be both Catholic and Protestant. 1:00pm: Whether there is any real difference between living as an atheist and living as a "cultural catholic"? This Lenten Mission is FREE, for the entire family! Donations will be greatly appreciated. Fourth Baptism Sunday Of The in Lord Ordinary - January Time 12/13, - February /3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 6

7 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Food Volunteers Collection Needed Weekend As the winter season continues, please help those in need with warm foods. We are currently in need of hearty soups, beef stew, hot chocolate, complete meals, canned meats (chicken, ham, Spam/Treet), tuna, canned potatoes, carrots, mixed vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, cereal and 2 pound bags of sugar. We will collect all items the weekend of February 16/17. Thank you for your continued caring and concern for the poor. Rita R. Hughes Memorial Prayer Garden There is something about children that makes people smile. Their innocence, hopefulness, amazing and amusing things they say and do bring out good qualities in people. Bring a child into a nursing home and watch people light up. Walk into a store with a two year old and see people smile. Watch when a dad carries a toddler on his shoulders even people driving by smile. Simeon must have smiled at Jesus. He saw more than just an infant smiling and proud parents. He knew he looked upon the hope and promise of Israel. He saw his "heir apparent," the priest, prophet and king who would bring the message of salvation to the world. Simeon no doubt smiled as he gazed upon the infant so many had longed to see. Joy is a very important part of faith. Knowing the Lord and sharing in His life should bring us a sense of joyfulness and peace, if we really believe in the promises of Jesus. Too often people leave Church the same way they leave root canal! We know and have seen for ourselves the great work of love and hope that God has done. We are His heirs! There will be a prayer service at the Memorial Prayer Garden on Saturday, May 25 to pray for those who are remembered in the Memorial Walkway. If you are considering purchasing a paver for your loved one(s) now is the time to ensure that the brass dedication plate will be installed prior to the prayer service. Order forms are available at About, Memorial Prayer Garden, in the Commons, and at the parish office. The cost is still $50 per plate and payment is due at the time of order. The Prayer Garden is located next to the rectory and is a quiet and peaceful place to pray. Fourth Baptism Sunday Of The in Lord Ordinary - January Time 12/13, - February /3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 7

8 Prayer for Our Troops Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need, and bring them home safely. May their sacrifices bring about a lasting and just peace in all lands. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen. Announcements Eucharistic Minister Training The next training for new Eucharistic Ministers will be held on Monday, February 11 at 7:00pm. For more information please Linda Curran at mlmsme@gmail.com. Amazing Grays Meeting Join The Amazing Grays Wednesday, February 6 for 11:00am Mass followed by a meeting. Blaze Family Sessions Next weekend, February 10 all Blaze classes will be a family session. Sunday classes will be at your regularly scheduled time. If you attend Blaze on Monday night you can choose to come at 10:00am or at 1:00pm on Sunday. There will be a sign in sheet for attendance. See you there! Blood Pressure Screening There will be Blood Pressure Screenings before and after all Masses the weekend of February 9/10. CATHOLIC QUOTES Words To Inspire The Faithful "One who has hope lives differently." -Pope Benedict XVI Table Sign Ups If you need to reserve a table to use at any of the Masses please visit About, Sign ups, and then Table Sign Ups on the left side navigation. Fourth Baptism Sunday Of The in Lord Ordinary - January Time 12/13, - February /3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 8

9 Mass Intentions Our Gifts To The Lord Offertory 01/27/2018 $19,991 Debt Reduction $1,081 Samaritan Fund $290 PARISH STAFF Pastor: Rev. Brian Rafferty Deacon Keith Fournier Deacon Kevin Trail Business Manager: Crystal Anderson Office Manager: Maura Waggoner Communication Director: Zoe Barnette Facility Manager: Alex Shuflat Liturgy: Marge Marino Music Director: Jessica Kohan Religious Education: (K-5 grade) Traci Baker Religious Education: (6-12 grade) Ashley Weaver Adult Faith Formation & Social Ministry: Scott Turbitt Evangelization: Dr. Jack Buchner Monday, February 4 8:30am Mass Tuesday, February 5 8:30am Mass Wednesday, February 6 6:30am Mass 8:30am Mass (Special Family Intention) Thursday, February 7 8:30am Mass 6:30pm Mass Friday, February 8 8:30am Mass 6:30pm Novena/Rosary 7:30pm Mass Saturday, February 9 8:30am Mass (Nebrido NoCon) 5:00pm Mass (Parish of St. Stephen, Martyr) Sunday, February 10 7:00am Mass (Holy Souls in Purgatory) 8:30am Mass (John Jupina Jr.) 11:30am Mass (Melanie Bennett) 5:00pm Mass (Elizabeth Hawkins) Your Prayers are Cherished for Loved Ones Inside our Parish Tony Cieslewicz Tudy Gibson Ann Harney Your Prayers are Cherished for Loved Ones Outside our Parish Bob Christian Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 9/10, 2019 Scripture Readings: Isaiah 6:1-2a, Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11 Rest In Peace Helene Colonna Childress Norbert Pugin Arlette LaTour Richard Kubatko Eleanor Mooney Fourth Baptism Sunday Of The in Lord Ordinary - January Time 12/13, - February /3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 9

10 Gospel Meditation Encourage A Deeper Understanding Of Scripture Today's Gospel is one of tension and contradiction. We enter the scene at the local synagogue. It is near the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, and he has returned home to Nazareth for a short while. There, in the midst of the men who watched him grow up and who played with him as a boy in the dusty streets, Jesus proclaims that he is the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah. The response is understandably mixed. "All spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, 'Isn't this the son of Joseph?'" Jesus reminds them - none too gently - of the Israelites' rejection of the prophets throughout history. Not only did the people ignore Elijah and Elisha, but they worked miracles among the pagans instead. Then comes the rage. "They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong." No one likes to be reminded of their own faults. In the deeply religious Jewish society, nobody wanted to be the unfaithful one. Jesus exposes the sins of the community, and it drives them not to conversion, but to rage. We can consider our own time. How often, when someone is contracted, do they quickly resort to anger, name-calling, and undermining the reputation of the other? How quickly we want to destroy! This Sunday, we ought to consider our own lives. Do we listen to the prophetic voices around us, even when they threaten to upturn our expectations? If we hear something difficult, something that reminds us of our own sin, do we accept the opportunity to prayerfully ponder? If we allow ourselves to be open to the prophetic voices in our own lives, we'll notice that God speaks through the unexpected, if we have ears to hear it. Why Do We Do That? My neighbor is just beginning to explore the Catholic faith but was raised agnostic. I grew up believing in God, praying, and attending Mass. How does one start from scratch as an adult to develop a relationship with God? Start on a personal level! How did you and your neighbor become friends? How did you begin to discuss such a personal topic as faith? Communication, spending time together, and getting to know each other are essential to forming the bonds of a relationship. Personal prayer is essential to our relationship with God. We can't be close to someone we don't know! Invite your friend to explore the stories of Jesus in the Bible. Introduce them to the lives of the saints, especially ones you think they might be interested in. Your neighbor might also have questions about the Catholic faith that you don't know how to answer. If your friend hasn't yet enrolled in RCIA classes, invite them to Mass at your parish. Introduce your friend to the faith formation director to make a connection. Personal support can be helpful as well, especially if few of your neighbor's current friends are practicing their faith. Connect your neighbor to other people in your parish living their faith well. The good examples of other faithful people could help your neighbor to feel welcomed and supported. Our Church is vibrant and alive! Baptism Fourth Sunday Of The in Lord Ordinary - January Time 12/13, - February /3, 2019 St. Stephen, Martyr Chesapeake, VA Page 10