Page 6 - Annual Report to Parishioners RTP 2025 - 8 Page

Adult Educational programs focused primarily on bringing together parishioners
for spiritual enrichment and to get to know Fr. Bryan. In his first year as Pastor,
Fr. Bryan gave an Advent Morning and Evening Reflection, and a Lenten
Morning and Evening Reflection at both Parishes on different days.
The Women’s Retreat, in June, was led by our new Vicar for Clergy, Fr. Marlo
Abad, on The Retreat had 120 participants and volunteers,
many of them from both parishes. Fr. Marlo’s facilitation brought many
blessings to women from both parishes. Additionally, the Bible Study program
had two sessions, that were well attended and was open to St. Anthony’s
parishioners. Adult Faith Formation programming is looking forward to further
collaboration and enrichment opportunities in the coming year!

Liturgy

The beginning of Fiscal Year 2025 was marked by a change in our priestly leadership with the arrival of
Fr. Bryan, Fr. Marlo, and Fr. Chanda. Each brought a unique personality and style to our liturgies and we
were blessed to experience and learn from three wise and talented Priests.

Two combined liturgies with St. Anthony parish stand out
as mountaintop experiences: Fr. Bryan’s installation Mass
in November where he took an Oath of Fidelity to the
Church, the Bishops, and our parish family, and
Confirmation in May, at which over 120 individuals
received the Sacrament. On both occasions, St. Stephen
and St. Anthony musicians and liturgical ministers worked
together to make the Masses solemn and beautiful.
Several languages were incorporated to represent our
diverse parish family community.

Fr. Joseph Tapia-Beeman’s celebrated his first Mass as Priest/Presider in
June. This is a rare and special occasion for a parish which providentially fell
on the great Feast of Pentecost, as did his Deaconate Ordination in May of
2024. Fr. Joseph’s new vestments, chalice, and paten were blessed. The
solemnity was elevated by the inclusion of his seminarian brothers, his
priestly mentors, and his family.

In January, our Choir Director of two years, Niña DeJesus, departed to
discern a religious vocation at Abbey of Sainte-Marie des Deux-
Montagnes, a cloistered community of contemplative women located in
Montreal. Complementing Niña’s charisms for prayer and music, the women
at the Abbey celebrate the Solemn Liturgy in Latin with Gregorian chant and
enjoy the simplicity of monastic life.

Tim Gately, our newest Liturgical Musician was hired to take on accompaniment and
leadership responsibilities for various music groups at the parish. Tim’s skills and
positive energy make him a great addition to our parish staff.