The St. Stephen Middle School Youth Group is open to youth in grades 6-8.  It is designed to provide and opporutnity for the youth of St. Stephen to come together for Faith, Fellowship & Fun.  
 

Welcome our new
Coordinator of
Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Eddie Gemma 
Eddie@ststephencatholic.org
813-671-4434 



Nothing to fear, the Youth Minister is here!
Hello St. Stephen Parish, my name is Eddie Gemma and I am overjoyed to be joining y'all as the new Youth Minister.  I am currently 25, was born and raised in the small state of Rhode Island have been living in the Tampa Bay area for about a year now.  I graduated from St. Leo University in the Spring of 2019 and shortly after, was called by the Lord to serve as a summer missionary for LifeTeen at Camp Wildsky in Medina, Texas.  Some of my hobbies include sports, video games, music, movies and practicing jujitsu.  I look forward to meeting everyone and thank you for making me feel at home.  

God Bless, 
Eddie Gemma

Youth Minister, St. Stephen Parish

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 8th GRADE &
ADULT CONFIRMANDI!

To view photos, please click onto link below...

https://kristaclendenenphotography.passgallery.com/-ststephenconfirmation2021        

GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

TEENS
8TH GRADE – HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
(AGES 14-17)

In order to begin the preparation process for Confirmation, teens must be entering the 8^th grade or older, and have completed their first year 7th grade preparation, and already received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist/Holy Communion.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION about the PROCESS

In June those entering 8th grade will receive a letter to being the Confirmation preparation.  St. Stephen Catholic School 8th graders will receive a letter in the beginning of the school year to register.

• The registration for this process is held in June - September.
• Classes will be held on Monday evening beginning September 14 - Time: 6:15 - 7:15 pm at St. Stephen Catholic School location.  
• At the beginning of this process, there is a required parent meeting at which the entire process is explained to parents.  Parents packets are given out at that time with all necessary information needed.  Please know, this information will be needed in order for your youth to be confirmed.  Registration, Information Form, Patron Saint Form, Service Hours Form, Sponsor Form and Mass Attendance Log.  It is never too early to begin thinking about a qualified Sponsor, Patron Saint, and ways for youth to be involved in the parish. 
• Along with attending a one retreat, teens are expected to complete 10 hours of Community service, choose a sponsor, pick a Patron Saint name (Catholic Saints.org) for themselves.
• We ask that parents drop off their youth in front of St. Stephen Catholic School. All youth are to walk directly to their classrooms.  Should your youth need to sign out early, please let the receptionist know.  Receptionists will be located at the sign in table at the entrance of the school.
• We ask parents to pick up their youth from their classrooms - no car line will be available.  Please pick up your youth no later than 7:45 pm.  If you are running late, please contact Joanna to let her know.
• Volunteers are always needed - please view and download the volunteer form to get started - (View/Download our Volunteer Form - please contact Sue Haines at Sue@stephencatholic.org for information about Safe Environment Diocesan requirements.  
  •  Teachers (Catechist), Assistants, Hall Monitors, Youth Group Leaders.   Youth activities will be held on separate evenings.

 For more information about the Confirmation process, please contact Kim Davis at Kim@ststephencatholic.org.  To register 8th Confirmation Program, please stop by our Faith Formation Office located at St. Stephen Catholic School (east wing).  You may also register online and email to SUE@STSTEPHENCATHOLIC.ORG or fax to 813-671-2994.