Page 7 - Annual Report to Parishioners RTP 2025 - 8 Page

Facilities & Grounds
Our gates welcome all to a beautiful campus; this happens with the help of our Thursday Crew
and folks. This year we continued developing our outdoor Way of
the Cross with the installation of 2 new statues: Station #4 (Jesus meets his mother) near the
entrance of our campus and Station #13 (Mary holds the body of Jesus). These additions have
fostered an increase in parishioners and guests praying in this serene setting.
In Nov. 2024 we experienced a “Bomb Cyclone” which toppled 2 enormous trees on
our little island in the parking lot. Thanks be to God, nobody was hurt - but, the
Thursday Crew had quite a BIG cleanup! The parking lots were cleaned and ready for
the Masses that weekend.
Snow can be a yearly challenge (or blessing). Our volunteers jump or shovel, into
action! The House of God needs love and attention, through daily maintenance.
Darling Dusters clean the church every Monday. Painting, various repairs, the daily
custodial touches keep our spaces clean and beautiful. Few of our guests are likely
aware of the effort it takes to ensure a peaceful & safe environment. Thanks you to all the volunteers who
make it their priority to “prepare the way of the Lord.”

Parish Governance (Administration)

FY 25 saw many changes including transitioning to a new Pastor and Parochial Vicars. Our parish staff have
seen changes through retirements, entering religious life and other career moves. When possible, we have
explored where St. Anthony and St. Stephen staff can work together to help mitigate these changes. We have
implemented new accounting, parishioner database, and Microsoft 365 productivity software. We
implemented a renewed effort to complete deferred maintenance projects and past ACA rebate projects.
Long awaited work on replacing our roof was started, new hall chairs were ordered, and plans for improved
entrances and Landscaping, are underway. As we move through these changes, we are maintaining our
strong worship and adoration programs as well as the many ministries serving the less fortunate, spiritually
deprived, and the sick. We will work to continue to be good stewards of God’s Gifts given back to us by the
generous parishioners of St. Stephen the Martyr.

Outreach Ministries

Terrific Tuesday Meals (TTM)

Since 2010, St. Stephen the Martyr has led TTM in partnership with volunteers from eight
area churches, serving nutritious meals each week to those in need—including low-
income seniors, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown Kent.
This year, TTM served approximately 7,838 meals with the help of an average of 22
dedicated volunteers each week. The program operated on a modest annual budget of
$15,737, supported entirely by donations and benefit concerts such as .
Meal numbers and community participation continue to grow - July 2025 alone saw 1,131
meals served, a 49% increase over July 2024. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of parishioners,
volunteers, and partner churches whose compassion and service keep this ministry thriving week after week.
We are always seeking new volunteers. To get involved contact Jeannine Torlai-Kuolt at jmtk@comcast.net.

Prepares
Our Pregnancy and Parenting Support ministry (Prepares) continues to be a joyful witness of our parish’s
care for life and families in need. This year, St. Stephen the Martyr accompanied 16 mothers and 48 children
from pregnancy through early childhood, offering material, emotional, and spiritual support. We were blessed
to receive a $1,600 diaper grant and $660 from the PREPARES “Open Your Heart” Campaign, as well as an