December 14, 2025 — Third Sunday of Advent and DEC 28th

St. Stephen’s Church, Stephen

515 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 507, Stephen, MN 56757

Phone: 218-478-2231 ststephens@wiktel.com www.wiktel.net/ststephens

Pastor: Father Luis Buitron lbuitron@wiktel.com Phone: 218-242-5689

Parish Secretary: Priscilla Steinke

Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday — 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

(closed all holy days of obligation and holidays)

Pastoral Council: Kristin Gajeski, Katrina Halfmann, Autumn Schindele, and Danika Sundby

Finance Council: Alex Anderson, Daniel Gerszewski, and Darrin Kowalski

Trustees: Todd Chwialkowski and Paul Rogus

Diocesan Victim Assistance If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual misconduct on the part of a priest, deacon, or individual representing the Diocese of Crookston, its parishes, or its schools, your first call should be to law enforcement. In addition, the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator is available at 218-281-7895 (24-hour confidential number).

Project Rachel Ministry: Healing After Abortion The Project Rachel ministry is offered to women and men who have had a past experience with abortion and wish to seek healing and reconciliation. A trained counselor can be reached through this confidential phone number (218‑470‑0112) on Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-Noon.

New to the area? Please contact the parish office to register. Change of address/phone number. Please contact the parish office.

Knights of Columbus members: If you have insurance questions, please contact Field Agent Aaron Kaiser at 218-280-4707 or by email at Aaron.kaiser@kofc.org.

Mission Statement of St. Stephen’s Church

We the community of St. Stephen’s are believers in Jesus Christ; striving to proclaim His Gospel in word and in deed. Through worship, evangelization, formation and service we invite our brothers and sisters to know the Lord.

The Sacramental Life

Baptism: Pre-baptism class is required for parents.

Reconciliation: available before Saturday evening Mass: 4:30-5:00 p.m.; before Sunday 8:30 a.m. Mass: 8:00-8:30 a.m.; or call the priest for an appointment. No Reconciliation before 10:30 a.m. Mass. If you are homebound or handicapped, call Father Luis for an in-home appointment.

Marriage: All Catholics who have made a decision to enter into marriage must meet with a priest six months before the proposed wedding date. If a Catholic is contemplating marriage to a non-Catholic, the Catholic must still contact a priest to fill the requirements of the Catholic Church for the marriage to be validly recognized by the Catholic Church.

Pastoral Visit/Anointing of the Sick: If you or a family member would like to receive a home visit, the Holy Eucharist for the homebound, or the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, please call Father Luis.

St. Stephen’s Church Mass Schedule

Wednesday, December 17, at 8:30 a.m. — Mass for †Matt Kuznia by Gerri Kuznia

Sunday, December 21, at 8:30 a.m. — Mass for †Eugene Kuznia by Theresa Kuznia & Family

(Rosary said privately prior to Mass. Choir practice at 8:00 a.m.)

Eucharistic Adoration: January 4 from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Tri-Parish Mass Schedule for October, November & December, 2025

Special Prayers For

Sue Anderson, Ron Jensen, and David Wesolowski

To add a name to the prayer list — ask their permission first, then contact the parish office. Names are left on the list for four weeks. If you want a name kept on the prayer list, call the parish office for an additional four weeks.

Prayer Chain Please call the parish office with prayer requests.

Prayer Blankets Please contact Theresa Kuznia if you know of anyone who needs comfort and prayers and would like a prayer blanket from the Ladies Aid.

Stewardship of Treasure

December 7: $2,332.00 Adults: $1,955.00 Youth: $2.00 Plate: $375.00

Immaculate Conception: $100.00

2025-2026 Budget for Sunday Offertory: $101,630 / 52 weeks = $1,954.42

Donations while away for the weekend When you are away from Stephen for weekend Mass, you can still give to your home parish by dropping your donation envelope in the collection basket at the church where you are attending Mass, and it will be mailed back to St. Stephen’s. OR Did you know that St. Stephen’s Church has the option for automatic debit from a checking or savings account? Contact the parish office at 218‑478‑2231 to set this up.

Building Repair Fund If you wish to make a donation or memorial, we have the Building Repair Fund. Funds are used to maintain and make repairs and updates in the church, rectory and grounds.

Retirement Fund for Religious They gave their lives in service — now they need your help. For decades, women and men religious have cared for others, teaching, praying, and serving those in need. Many now face retirement without sufficient savings. Your support ensures they receive the care they deserve. Let us now offer them the dignity they have so selflessly granted to others. Your generosity today is not just a donation — it’s a way of thanking them for their lifelong service. Please give to the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Other Items and Future Events

Church Decorating at St. Stephen’s for Christmas We will gather after Mass on December 14 to decorate. All are invited to help!

Stephen Lions Club Burger Night — Wednesday, December 17 — serving from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Stephen American Legion. Register for the meat raffle. Fundraiser proceeds going to the Old Home Town Museum to replace the Tamarac Mac wood carving.

Christmas Gift Bags We invite all St. Stephen’s parishioners and Knights of Columbus members to come and join in this annual gift giving event. On Saturday, December 20, at 9:00 a.m., we will gather in the church basement to prepare and deliver gift bags for shut-ins. Hope to see you there!

St. Stephen’s Choir will sing at Masses on December 21 and December 25. We will practice on December 21 at 8:00 a.m. before Mass.

Christmas Program and Brunch Potluck will be held at St. Stephen’s on December 21.

2026 Donation Envelopes and Calendars are now available in the vestibule. Please pick yours up today!

Flower Donation Envelopes can be placed in the donations box or Sunday collection basket.

Advent Gift Giving Project We will once again be donating to the Saint Gianna & Pietro Molla Maternity Home in Minto, ND. This Christmas season they will likely have three moms, each with a baby, and they are going to do as much outreach to former moms as they can to really try uplift them and make them feel loved this Christmas. They would be so grateful for any donation that may help them this Holiday season. Some ways that you could help them would be with gift cards for things like haircuts, nails, gas, groceries, Walmart, Target, Hugo's, Hornbacher's or restaurants. Any gift cards or monetary donations should be placed in an envelope marked “Saint Gianna & Pietro Molla Maternity Home Gift Giving Project” and placed in the vestibule donations box or in the Sunday collection basket. Other items purchased can be put in the St. Gianna’s box or playpen located in the vestibule. Thank you in advance for the gift of giving.

Pope Leo’s Prayer Intention for December For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.

“You too must be patient. Make you hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:8

Patience is another one of those things many of us struggle with. We want things to go according to our plan and our schedule; we like things to be convenient. Any change brings anxiety and fear. Through daily prayer God reveals to us what He wants us to do with the gifts He has given us. We are able to better align ourselves with God’s will and His plan, which is far better than anything we can come up with on our own.

Tri-Parish Holy Days of Obligation/Holiday Schedule:

December 17, Tri-Parish Advent Penance Service – St. Rose at 7:00 p.m.

December 24, Christmas Eve – St. Rose at 5:00 p.m.; St. Stephen’s at 7:00 p.m.; Assumption at 9:30 p.m.

December 25, Christmas – St. Stephen’s at 10:00 a.m.

December 26, Feast of St. Stephen – St. Stephen’s at 8:30 a.m.

December 31, Solemnity of Mary Eve – Assumption at 5:00 p.m.; St. Stephen’s at 7:00 p.m.

January 1, Solemnity of Mary – St. Rose at 10:00 a.m.

Ladies Aid

As time is flying by, our December parish activities will soon be here. Dates and activities:

· Parish gift bags and visits for our shut-ins will be done once again this Advent/Christmas Season by St. Stephen’s and the Knights of Columbus Council #3385 on December 20 at 9:00 a.m. Parishioners are asked to bring items to fill them ASAP and place them in the labeled container in the vestibule. Examples: juice boxes, fruit cups, snack cracker packets, small Kleenex packets, etc.

· Christmas program and potluck brunch on December 21.

December Ladies Aid Leaders – Sue Anderson, Mindy Gerszewski, Brooke Grochowski, Mary Gryskiewicz, Amy Kowalski, Holly Kowalski, Mary Kowalski, Brittney Kuznia, Marilyn Kuznia, Sarah Marquis & Danielle Szklarski

Diocese of Crookston

Mercy Hour for Middle-School & High School Youth: December 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Fosston, Minnesota.

Mercy Hour for Individuals and Families Join Bishop Andrew Cozzens for this hour of adoration and prayer, culminating in an intimate moment of Eucharistic encounter offered for you as an individual, a couple, or as a family. All are welcome. Next Mercy Hour with Bishop Cozzens: January 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee, Minnesota.

Bemidji March for Life The St. Gianna’s Group of St. Philip’s in Bemidji will be hosting the annual Bemidji March for Life on Saturday, January 24, 2026, beginning at Noon in front of the Beltrami County Courthouse. The local March for Life is sponsored by the St. Gianna’s ministry and the Bemidji Knights of Columbus.

December 28, 2025 — The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

St. Stephen’s Church, Stephen

515 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 507, Stephen, MN 56757

Phone: 218-478-2231 ststephens@wiktel.com www.wiktel.net/ststephens

Pastor: Father Luis Buitron lbuitron@wiktel.com Phone: 218-242-5689

Parish Secretary: Priscilla Steinke

Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday — 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

(closed all holy days of obligation and holidays)

Pastoral Council: Kristin Gajeski, Katrina Halfmann, Autumn Schindele, and Danika Sundby

Finance Council: Alex Anderson, Daniel Gerszewski, and Darrin Kowalski

Trustees: Todd Chwialkowski and Paul Rogus

New to the area? Please contact the parish office to register. Change of address/phone number. Please contact the parish office.

Knights of Columbus members: If you have insurance questions, please contact Field Agent Aaron Kaiser at 218-280-4707 or by email at Aaron.kaiser@kofc.org.

Mission Statement of St. Stephen’s Church

The Sacramental Life

Baptism: Pre-baptism class is required for parents.

St. Stephen’s Church Mass Schedule

Wednesday, December 31 (Eve of Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God – holy day of obligation), at 7:00 p.m. —

Mass for †Tom Sczepanski by Eileen Sczepanski

Friday, January 2, at 8:30 a.m. — NO Mass

Sunday, January 4, at 10:30 a.m. — Mass for Tri-Parish Families of St. Stephen’s, St. Rose & Assumption Churches

(Rosary said prior to Mass at 10:00 a.m.)

Eucharistic Adoration: January 4 from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Tri-Parish Mass Schedule for January, February & March, 2026

Special Prayers For

Sue Anderson, Ron Jensen, David Wesolowski and Joyce Woinarowicz

Prayer Chain Please call the parish office with prayer requests.

Prayer Blankets Please contact Theresa Kuznia if you know of anyone who needs comfort and prayers and would like a prayer blanket from the Ladies Aid.

Stewardship of Treasure

December 21: $1,540.05 Adults: $1,390.00 Youth: $9.05 Plate: $141.00

Children’s Altar Donations: $71.00 Religious Retirement: $70.00 Flowers: $240.00

2025-2026 Budget for Sunday Offertory: $101,630 / 52 weeks = $1,954.42

Building Repair Fund If you wish to make a donation or memorial, we have the Building Repair Fund. Funds are used to maintain and make repairs and updates in the church, rectory and grounds.

Other Items and Future Events

Our condolences to the family and friends of Julie Pawloski, who was recently called home to the Lord. May she rest in the peace of Christ.

Thank you to Carol Sunsdahl and Georgie Nelson for all your service to our parish counting our weekly donations for 30+ years. You have been a wonderful blessing to our parish. Thank you!!

Thank you to all those who donated items and to those parishioners and Knights of Columbus members who packaged and delivered the gift bags to the shut-ins. You have helped to brighten the Christmas Season for many. Thank you!

2026 Donation Envelopes and Calendars are now available in the vestibule. Please pick yours up today!

Tri-Parish Holy Day of Obligation Schedule:

December 31, Solemnity of Mary Eve – Assumption at 5:00 p.m.; St. Stephen’s at 7:00 p.m.

January 1, Solemnity of Mary – St. Rose at 10:00 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE – Weekend Tri-Parish Mass times change the weekend of January 3-4

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Giving thanks to God and using our words and actions to give all glory to God is the foundation of living a

stewardship lifestyle. We were made in God’s image and likeness, gratitude and generosity is in our DNA. As beloved sons and

daughters of God, we are all part of God’s family. Using our gifts to help others is our gift back to God and helps grow the

Body of Christ here on earth and establishes a pathway to Heaven for each of us.

Ladies Aid

Thank you to all who prepared food and those who served the two funerals on Monday. Sharing, once again time, talent and treasure with our grieving families. A huge thank you to the people that shared their day in the church basement - your time is priceless,

Kim Clark, Craig and Marlys Halfmann, Darrin Kowalski, Mary Kowalski, Jerry and Marilyn Kuznia, and Vernon and Bev Smith. God Bless!

Thank you to the RE students and teachers for sharing the Christmas Story with us as we celebrated the 4th Sunday of Advent. God bless your voices with His praise and thanksgiving as we celebrate Christ’s birth in our hearts. Thank you to all who continued celebrating at the parish potluck - delicious food and fellowship time. Serving were Brooke Grochowski, Marlys Halfmann, Amy Kowalski, John and Holly Kowalski, Finn Kowalski, Darrin Kowalski, Brittney Kuznia, Amaya Kuznia, and Sarah Marquis. Thank you!!!

January Ladies Aid Leaders – Katie Adolphson, Julie Bolduc, Arnette Borowicz, Britni Gajeski, Kim Gajeski, Katrina Halfmann, Marlys Halfmann, Nan Nelson, Barb Price, Connie Price & Carol Sunsdahl

Diocese of Crookston

2025 Jubilee Year of Hope Closing Mass on Wednesday, December 31, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston.

Join Bishop Andrew Cozzens as he marks the end of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope with a solemn and joyful Closing Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Together, we will give thanks for the graces of this holy year and look ahead in hope as we enter the new year in prayer and unity. All are welcome! Come celebrate, pray, and mark this sacred moment with the diocesan family.

Mercy Hour for Middle-School & High School Youth: January 28, 2026, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Nazareth Retreat House in Crookston has many retreats and cursillos scheduled. For more information go to the Diocese of Crookston website or call 218-775-2403.

Wishing you many blessings

in the New Year!

2025 FLOWER MEMORIALS/DONATIONS

Brian & Tammi Anderson – In Memory of Thomas Sczepanski/Chester & Jane Anderson

Todd & Kathy Bazey – In Memory of Aaron Bazey, Lawrence Kuznia & Pat Osowski

Bob & Mavis Benson

Rita Chwialkowski – In Memory of Our Deceased Family Members

Tom & Marlene Dowdle – In Memory of Sophie & Raymond Sevigny/Clem & Christine Dziengel/

Paul Kirkeby

Marilyn Hanson – In Memory of Family & Friends

Craig & Marlys Halfmann – In Memory of All Our Deceased Family & Friends

Roger & Yvonne Kazmierczak – In Memory of Ray & Bernice Kazmierczak/Casey & Irene Erickson

Barb Kuznia – In Memory of Deceased Family Members

Duane & Sandra Kuznia – In Memory of Deceased Family & Friends

Gerri Kuznia – In Memory of Deceased Family & Friends

Jerry & Marilyn Kuznia – In Memory of Deceased Loved Ones

Kevin & Brittney Kuznia & Family – In Memory of Thomas & Greta Kuznia

Theresa Kuznia – In Memory of Eugene & Francine Kuznia/Leo & Julia Stich/Peter & Polly Kuznia

Carol Riley – In Memory of Andrew Riley

Paul & Jess Rogus & Family – In Memory of Alice Rogus

Jim & Donna Safranski & Family – In Loving Memory of Robert & Delphine Safranski/

Art & Elvera Sundby

Rick & Priscilla Steinke – In Memory of Arnold & Adelle Kostrzewski/Bill & Agnes Steinke/John Schrank