Page 7 - Annual Report to Parishioners RTP 2024 - 8 Page v3_Neat

Medical Closet
Our medical closet remains a vital resource for our parishioners, providing essential medical equipment. We have re-
ceived numerous donations that have been distributed to both the community and food pantry patrons. Additionally,
some items were collected and donated to Gateway Medical Alliance, which shipped these crucial supplies to under
served communities worldwide. Our volunteer Dr. Deb Rodgriguez also takes items to Mexico and other communities,
spreading your love and donations literally to the ends of the earth. Contact the Medical Closet by calling Mary Marler
at 206-910-8025
Liturgy

A highlight of our liturgical year was the Ordination of Deacon Joseph Tapia-Beeman by Bishop Schuster in May. The
Mass and reception were attended by many parishioners, friends, and family, as well as clergy from throughout the
Seattle Archdiocese and Mundelein Seminary. This was a wonderful opportunity for our music ministers to support
Joseph in his journey to priesthood. The repertoire was chosen by Deacon Joseph and included Gregorian chant, a
polyphonic motet, hymnody, and devotional songs. The music presented a challenge for our combined parish choirs and
after many hours of dedicated practice, the outcome was
beautiful. The Children and Youth Choir is in its second
full year singing and learning music repertoire drawn from
the Church’s treasury of sacred music. The foundation of
the children’s musicianship and ministry is chanting the
psalms, the prayer book of the Church. The choir sings for
various Masses throughout the year and for the Children’s
Holy Hour on First Fridays.

St. Stephen’s parish is the owner of a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a teenager who loved the Holy Eucharist
and lived a joyful, generous, holy life that is an inspiration for young people. The former Eucharistic reservation room off
the right side of the chapel will be the new home for this special relic. So far new flooring has been installed and
colorful paint applied to the walls. Also planned are a devotional candle stand, bench seating, and an artistically pleasing
confessional screen. Blessed Carlo will be canonized as a saint in 2025.
Old traditions became new again at St. Stephen’s with the assistance of parishioners with roots in Mexico. During Advent
we celebrated Las Posadas – meaning “the inns” – which is a reenactment of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph
looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem. We also celebrated El Día de la Calendaria (Candlemas Day a.k.a. Presentation
of the Lord) on February 2nd with a candle blessing and procession, and the procession and blessing of baby Jesus
figurines from our home nativity sets. Each event was followed by a celebration featuring traditional Mexican foods. With
the formation of our new parish family, we look forward to celebrating Hispanic Catholic traditions together with St.
Anthony parish.

Facilities & Grounds -

We are blessed by our gracious volunteers who help maintain, repair and enhance our Campus by their generous gifts
of time, talents and treasure. Our Thursday Crew/Campus Crew help us to have a beautiful “Road” from the entrance to
the exit and in-between are the tasks of mowing, blowing leaves, trimming, painting, changing lights and numerous
behind the scenes projects that gives us a peaceful environment to worship God.
One project undertaken this past year was the installation of the new Social Hall exterior
doors. This was headed by a few key volunteers and was paid for by some of the portion of
the Priest’s Pension Plan that was returned to SSTM. We host the
annually which is a wonderful time to refresh and prepare our grounds and buildings for
Easter. More than 100 volunteers were able to join in the work of the day. We had a tasty
and ample lunch provided by loving hands in the kitchen. We also received & installed our
new statue for our outdoor Way of the Cross, Station #11 – This
project was started several years ago by Fr. Ed & the Facilities & Grounds Commission. A
sculptor was commissioned to create the Stations in Bronze. Several donations were made by
parishioners and like the Via Dolorosa, it is a journey that is steep, crocked and challenging
(as a Road to Heaven). It is a way to meditate on the sufferings of our Lord in his sacrifice for
us. We will continue to receive new statues and will hold an informational meeting soon where we can introduce the
Sculptor and the plan to continue the project. May God continue to guide us on the “Road” to Heaven.