Message from Fr. Dermot

A Time for Healing—Anointing Mass Returns

 
Christ’s compassion toward the sick and his many healings of every kind of infirmity are a resplendent sign that “God has visited his people” and that the Kingdom of God is close at hand. Jesus has the power not only to heal, but also to forgive sins; he has come to heal the whole man, soul and body. His compassion toward all who suffer goes so far that he identifies himself with them: “I was sick and you visited me.” His preferential love for the sick has not ceased through the centuries to draw the very special attention of Christians toward all those who suffer in body and soul. It is the source of tireless efforts to comfort them. Jesus Christ came to heal us of our infirmities. (Catechism 1503)
 
 
Starting in November, each month at St. Stephen we will offer an “Anointing Mass” on the first Saturday of the month. All who are suffering from a grave illness or are preparing to have major surgery done (anything that requires a general anesthetic) please come and during this Mass we will offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, to those who are SERIOUSLY ILL. For everyone who is not seriously ill, but is suffering, the prayerful healing of the Eucharist is offered.
 
 

In Case of Grave Illness—Anointing Mass Explained

 
The Anointing of the Sick “is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.” (Catechism 1514)
 
If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person’s condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced. (Catechism 1515)
 
As we offer this sacrament to those who need it, we ask our community to keep the sick in your daily prayers that they may know the strength of Christ in their time of struggle. If you need spiritual healing because of sin in your life, come celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

One of the hardest-working groups we have at St. Stephen is the Knights of Columbus.  Work has begun on major upgrades to our Mary's Garden, with a pergola now in the works!  

View the photo album on this page.

We are looking for instrumentalists to help play at various Masses throughout the year. Wind instrumentalists, specifically flutes, clarinets and all brass, we ask you to consider sharing your time and talent. Your instrument playing level should be at least at a High School level or higher. The ability to cleanly play high notes and 16th notes is needed. Click here for more information!