Page 5 - Annual Report to Parishioners RTP 2023 - 8 Page

During this time of spirit-led change, we experienced another miracle – we found our next
Youth Minister, Michael Joseph! Michael and his wife, Kendra, joined St. Stephen’s in February.
They were drawn to volunteer in the youth program; it felt like they were family-come-home.
Michael’s presence and background were perfect for leading our teens. He joined the staff
during Easter Week and led us through the end of the year. Confirmation was celebrated on
Pentecost. We had 42 teens and 8 adults Confirmed that night. We were blessed then, and
aware of the many other blessings that came through this year: over 30 new volunteers, a
revitalized post-covid youth program, a new Youth Minister, and a new foundation in the Holy
Spirit. May God continue to bless our teens and this ministry.
Young Adults
During this fiscal year, the young adults fund raised and prepared for a pilgrimage to World Youth Day. In Lisbon,
Portugal. 30 people (20 from SSTM) traveled for two weeks through Fatima and Lisbon. We had the opportunity
to carry Mary in the candlelight vigil, a private Mass at the Church of the Apparition and saw the Pope! On the
last night, we slept under the stars with 1.5 million people for Mass. It was incredible to be part of the universal
church. We greatly appreciate the generous support of the parishioners at SSTM. We couldn’t have don’t it
without your financial support and prayers.

Adult Faith Formation
We had a very active year in Adult Faith Formation as the negative effects of COVID were left behind. RCIA, Adult
Confirmation, Marriage Preparation, and Baptism for Infants were well attended. Bible Study had two sessions and
most participants met in person.

Chris Hall brought parishioners together for an Advent Morning of Reflection,
on the Early Church Fathers. We had a very well-attended Parish Mission on
“Falling in Love with Jesus,” lead by Fr. Blount. Parishioners, Archdiocesan
Catholics and non-Catholics, attended the Parish Mission to hear Fr. Blount’s
message of love, prophetic words and healing service on the last night of the
Mission. We also had Alan Ames come for a night of prayer and healing.

In October, men of the parish gathered at Black Diamonds Camps for their
annual Men’s retreat. In June, the Parish Women’s Retreat was led by Dr.
Sarah Bartel on “Abiding in Jesus’s Love.” Both Retreats were well attended
and brought many blessings to participants.
Overall, it was a great year, and we were blessed with wonderful speakers who brought parishioners spiritual
inspiration and healing while providing Adult Faith Formation Sacramental preparation and the Sacraments for
many of our parishioners.

Food Pantry and Outreach Programs

Mother Theresa, the patron Saint of the St Stephen’s Food Pantry said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people,
then feed just one.” With the extremely generous donations from you, our parishioners, and the tireless hours
of our many volunteers, we have managed to feed 9,779 people this year! Our food and other supplies have
also been supplemented by the generosity of St Anthony Parish, Issaquah Food Bank, Fare Start Culinary
Training, Big Lots of Renton, and The Adult Teen Challenge Rehab Center.

The number of those needing food assistance increased from an average of 47 families
a week to 71 families in one year’s time, that’s over 40% more families whose emer-
gency needs are being met by your Food Pantry Ministry. We have gifted 8,284 bags
of groceries, supplemented with eggs, milk, and bread, and with the partnership and
generosity of The Gabriel Project, we have delivered 362 packages of diapers and wipes
to our young families. Though the numbers are confidential, the Outreach Program has
assisted parishioners with counseling needs such as employment, obtaining housing,
financial management, obtaining green cards, and social security benefits just to name
a few.