What's Happening

WELCOME TO OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION, SHEILA MURPHY!

Please stop by the Faith Formation Office and meet her if you can!

FAITH FORMATION SESSIONS for children in Grades Preschool through 8 begin September 26, 2010. All families with children in the program last year will be receiving information and registration forms in the mail the first week of August. If your children were not enrolled last year and you plan to enroll them this year, or if you do not receive a mailing by August 15, please call Diane at the Faith Formation Office, 616-243-8998 x218.

SUMMER MASS SCHEDULE JUNE 20 THROUGH AUGUST 15: Saturday 4:30, Sunday 8:30 am and 10:30 AM

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE HAPPIER IN YOUR MARRIAGE?

Has your marriage become troubled or stressed, unloving or uncaring? Are you thinking about separation or divorce, but want to try to save your marriage? There is help available. Retrouvaille is one of the oldest and most successful marriage recovery programs in the U.S. today. For more information please call the Retrouvaille community at 616-752-7004 or visit the website at www.retrouvaille.org.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

We have several groups that meet during the school year. They will be starting up again in the fall. We will post the information here as it becomes available. HAPPY SUMMER!

FOOD DONATION WEEKENDS CONTINUE DURING THE SUMMER ON 1ST SUNDAY OF MONTH

Suggested items: peanut butter, beef stew, tuna, macaroni and cheese, rice, pasta, canned soups, fruits & vegetables, toilet tissue, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby powder, Q-tips. Donations go to St. Mary's Food Bank. Thank you for participating! Our last food donation weekend for this summer is August 7-8.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY - COMING EVENTS

WORK CAMP AT HOME - July 27-29, 2010

SAVE THE DATE! We will be joining St. Paul the Apostle doing service for Habitat for Humanity, Rays of Hope for Haiti, and Heartside Ministries. This 3-day camp is open to all high school youth and runs from 9-5. Click here for DETAILS (27 KB, PDF). Contact Cami email or txt 551-6723.

AQUINAS COLLEGE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE - July 27-29, 2010
This Institute is for any high school youth going into their Sophomore through Senior year in 2010-2011. Held on Aquinas' campus, cost $75.00 includes food & lodging. Contact Cami for details. OVERVIEW (50 KB, PDF), INFORMATION PACKET (52 KB, PDF), REGISTRATION FORM (93 KB, PDF).

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY - COMING EVENTS

JUST US - Middle School Summer Camp - August 2-4, 2010
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING BOLD? WANT TO STAND FOR SOMETHING POWERFUL? REGISTER NOW! ONLY 25 SPACES AVAILABLE. COST IS $30. Click here for FLYER & REGISTRATION FORM (126 KB, PDF).

CATHOLIC SCOUT RETREAT - August 6-8, 2010
At the Franciscan Life Center in Lowell. Programs include: Rosary Patch series, Footsteps of the Saints, other Catholic scouting emblems, and training for adult leaders on Catholic Awards. Scouts/Adults- $25.00 for the weekend. Cub Scouts-$5.00, Saturday only, unless accompanied by a parent. Meals included. Registration deadline- August 1. For more info or registration, call Scott Harvey at 364-9086, or email scottharvey@prodigy.net.

WE ARE SO BLESSED BY OUR HIGH SCHOOL CATECHISTS!

High School young people are such a huge asset to our Middle School and Elementary Faith Formation opportunities. It is our hope to make the experience as successful and fruitful as possible for ALL our young people. SAVE THE DATE - SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, 2010, 12:00-3:00 PM St Stephen Catechetical Leadership Training Institute - Open to and required for any and all high school youth interested in being a catechist or aide. Details to follow. cami@ststephenparish.com

2010 DIOCESAN CONFERENCE ON CATECHESIS - Saturday, September 25, 2010

FOR: Catechetical Leaders, Catechists, Teachers of Religion, Youth Ministry Leaders and Adult Faith Formation Personnel

THEME: "Abiding In Truth, Serving In Love" - Keynote Speaker Dr. Saundra Kennedy
PLACE: Cathedral Square's Wege Conference Center, Grand Rapids'
TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (check-in and hospitality 7:15-8:00 AM)
COST: $40 per person ($10 processing fee after September 25 deadline)

CATECHISTS: PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE IF AT ALL POSSIBLE! THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO EARN CREDITS TOWARD CERTIFICATON. St. Stephen Faith Formation Office will pay your registration fee. We can register 6 persons from our parish for $200 if the 6 registrations are sent in together and are received by the Diocese on or before September 20.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Sheila Murphy at St. Stephen Faith Formation Office 243-8998 x204 or go to the Diocese of Grand Rapids website home page (left hand side of page).

PARISH RETREAT - October 23-26, 2010

SAVE THE DATE!

WORLD YOUTH DAY - August 2011 - MADRID, SPAIN! (ages 18-35)

Plan ahead! Click here for 4-Diocese BROCHURE (330 KB, PDF) giving details including costs and transportation options.