Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is a group of volunteers committed to help maintain the sanctuary of St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church.  We do light housekeeping every Friday of each week after the morning Mass.  This includes changing and washing the altar linens, dusting, watering the plants and floral arrangements, replacing the altar and votive candles, and polishing the sacred vessels. Teams rotate every 5 weeks, so you’re not needed every week. We also help decorate the sanctuary during Christmas and Easter seasons.

Altar Servers

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and His Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life.  Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to His Church.”  O.K., this is a little deep for our younger parishioners, but a great way for our kids to be more involved in our weekly celebration is to join the St. Stephen’s Altar Servers team.  Boys and girls 10 years or older are invited to learn more about the Mass, participate more actively in our community worship, and serve as an example to all of our young parishioners by joining our team of great Altar Servers.  

Click Here to Download ->   Altar Server Registration Form

Click Here to Download ->    St Stephen Altar Server Guide May 2023.pdf  

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Lord Jesus, without seeing you with our bodily eyes, we believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is Christ yesterday, today and tomorrow. This is a very special and privileged ministry as we are authorized to dispense Holy Communion during Mass. To be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, you should take part in Eucharistic Adoration and frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Appointments to this ministry require the approval of the pastor. 

Persons called to serve the parish community in this way must be certified by the Archdiocese and take the required training.  They are then appointed by the Archbishop for a specific term to help distribute Holy Eucharist at Mass. 

If you are interested, please Click below to download Application Form

  ExtaOrdinary Minister of Holy Communion Application Form.pdf

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound

Trained and certified Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion conduct a Communion service for Catholics living in nearby Assisted Living facilities or nursing homes.  They also bring Communion to parishioners at home who are unable to attend Mass because of sickness or disability.  

Greeters

The Greeters Ministry is a very rewarding and enjoyable ministry. From the very beginning of St. Stephen the Martyr we have strived to offer a warm, welcome environment for newcomers as well as current members. We encourage everyone to join this ministry to help make each and every person feel welcome as they come to our church to celebrate Mass.

Lectors

Lectors form a Ministry to serve our faith community by proclaiming the Word of God through scripture readings at Mass.  We help make God’s word come alive, and inspire contemplative reflection within the congregation.  We strive to enhance the proclamation of God’s word through preparation, study and understanding of scripture.  Lectors are required to be registered parishioners for one year, attend a one-time training session and an annual refresher class.  

Click to download:   Lector Handbook St Stephen.pdf

Ushers

 Ushers assist with preparation of the Church prior to Mass, greet parishioners, seat the congregation,  collect the Offertory, assist the Gift Bearers, direct the congregation during Communion, provide assistance to anyone with special needs, and distribute bulletins at the end of the Mass.  Ushers who regularly attend the Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m. are accordingly scheduled to that Mass.  For Sunday morning Masses, each Usher group will serve the 8:30 or 11:00 a.m. Mass typically for one month, three times each year.  There will be a required meeting during the Advent season while other meetings are scheduled only as needed.  Easter and Christmas Masses are served on a volunteer basis. 

Usher Guidelines Manual 2026.pdf      As of March 4, 2026

Wedding Coordinators

The Coordinator helps the couple plan their wedding ceremony according to the guidelines of the church and is present for the rehearsal and wedding to direct/assist where appropriate.