Adoration
Join us in Adoration every weekday:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Friday 9:00 – 11:45 am
Every vocation in the Church comes from and through Christ Jesus. It is he who calls. Spending time in Eucharistic Adoration with our Divine Lord and Friend is a good place to go to ask what he wants with our life. Why not spend some time each week in adoration, in union, in contemplation of the Lord present in the Eucharist?
Want to get involved? Adorers typically make a commitment to spend one hour before the Blessed Sacrament. Please contact: adoration@ ststephenbentonville.com if you would like more information or are interested in helping.
The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease.
Mass
Mass Ministries
We are always looking for new volunteers to make Mass happen. Please reach out to the Parish Office if you are interested in helping and feel called to assist us in this area. Some of the things we need help in are:
- Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion
- Ushers
- Lectors
- Linens and Decorations
- Hospitality Ministry
Becoming Catholic (RCIA)
The United States Bishops have stated that the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is “renewing the life of the Church in the United States” and that it must continue to be a priority in our parishes.
Why is it a priority? This is a priority precisely because it does (or at least it can) renew parish life. The RCIA is a journey of conversion for the person participating in the initiation process, and by extension it can be a journey of conversion for the whole parish! The people who come to our parish doors saying, “I want to be Catholic,” are indeed “seeking” something. What they really seek is GOD. The parish then, should open its arms to invite them into this process whereby they develop, deepen and enrich their relationship with this loving God.
RCIA is the Church’s way of forming new disciples of Jesus Christ. Through a gradual, complete and comprehensive training in the Christian way of life, the unbaptized come to know Jesus Christ through the Catholic Christian community and they learn to live as Jesus’ disciples.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming Catholic, please contact the Parish Office.
Sacraments
Baptism
Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in his life in Jesus Christ and makes us his children. It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from sin.
Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people. Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation. The child is baptized in the faith of their parents, godparents and of the Church.
Baptisms are offered here once a month in English and Spanish. Baptism preparation required but is typically 1.5 hours in the evening. Parents must be registered members of St. Stephen. No baptisms in December. Before scheduling the training and baptism you will need to have information on the godparents such as a letter of good standing and proof of sacraments. Please contact the Parish Office with questions.
First Communion/First Reconciliation
The mystery of the Eucharist is where our entire life finds its purpose, meaning, and unity. The child is led to experience this truth in the program of preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to his/her capacity, and can receive the Body of Christ with faith and devotion.
The immediate preparation period will help the child experience the mystery of the Eucharist in his/her daily life. This means helping the child discover the loving presence of God and the value of his/her life, when it is lived in communion with Jesus. The child’s life is a gift of love and he/she is invited to live in a loving way. The mystery of the Eucharist is where the whole of our lives finds meaning and purpose. We invite the children to come to the life-giving gathering of the parish community where people come to give thanks for all of God’s gifts and to learn how to share them in love.
Remote preparation for celebrating the Sacrament of Eucharist begins as soon as a child enters into the religious education program. Sacramental Penance should precede the reception of First Eucharist. Parents should be involved in the preparation of their child for this sacrament and participate, together with the entire family, in its celebration.
For more information, contact Monica Shoemaker, youthoffice@ststephenbentonville.com .
Confirmation
Marriage
Your decision to marry is one of the most important decisions in your life, and we are happy you have chosen to be married in the Catholic Church. Know that the Church supports and cares about you and your marriage!
Contact the Parish Office to reserve your date on the parish calendar before making any arrangements for your reception. Ideally this should be done at least 9 months from your desired date, two additional months are requested for weddings outside the country. Once your church date is secured, we will contact you to begin your preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage.