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December 24, 2017 Vol. 36 No. 20

St. Stephen’s Catholic Church 4601 Neely Avenue Midland, Texas 79707 (432) 520-7394 Fax (432) 520-7395

www.ststephensmidland.com

Rev. Rodney White, Pastor Assistant Pastor: Rev. Timothy Hayter

Deacons: Leonard Hendon, Luis Mata, Fidel Saldivar, Larry Salazar Sisters: Gertrudis Muñoz, Leonila Torres

Youth Director: Deacon Larry Salazar Director of Religious Education: Gretchen Lara

Music Director: Gabriel Salgado

Upcoming Baptismal Classes:

January 7th & 14th February 7th & 14th

English : 2:00 - 4:30 Spanish: 2:30 - 5:00

Please Call Parish Office to Register (432) 520–7394.

Annual Christmas Children’s Play

December 24, 2017 4:30 PM

Main Sanctuary

Dear Parishioners, Merry Christmas! As we see in the Gospel of John, chapter 1, “the true light, which enlightens everyone,” has come “into the world!” The Word, has become flesh, “and made His dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth!” This is the root and the purpose of Christmas. This is what we celebrate! The Lord himself came among us to enlighten us, to make His dwelling among us, so that we may see His glory and share in His grace and truth. We rejoice in this beautiful gift, because in it, the Lord gives us himself, shining His light into the darkness and offering us Redemption, but we must open those window blinds to let His light in, and let go of the darkness. This light helps us to see the goodness of the Lord in ourselves and in those around us, along with the many blessings in our lives. With that, Fr. Rodney and I are blessed to be here at St. Stephen’s and to have gotten to know many of you in these past six months. I am thankful to be part of this community. Thank you all for the way so many of you have welcomed us and helped us to feel at home here. You have helped us be aware of the light of Christ, truly present among us. Have a very Merry Christmas! Sincerely in Christ, Fr. Timothy Hayter

Sunday, December 24 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Monday, December 25 - The Nativity of the Lord ~ Christmas

Tuesday, December 26 - St. Stephen

Wednesday, December 27 - St. John

Thursday, December 28 - The Holy Innocents

Friday, December 29 - 5th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Saturday, December 30 - 6th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Sunday, December 31 - Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Last Week’s Collection

Regular Collection $ 25,581.40 Building Fund $ 1,078.00 Other Income $ 1,341.02 Christmas Flowers $ 4,660.21

Financial reports are available in the parish office.

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For the week of December 24, 2017

ST. STEPHEN’S CONFESSION SCHEDULE

Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday 6:45 am - 7:00 am; 12 noon - 12:15 pm;

& 5:00 - 5:30 pm

Wednesday 6:45 a.m.-7 a.m.; 12 noon-12:15 p.m.;

5-5:30 p.m.; & 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday 7:45 am - 8:00 am; 4:00 - 4:45 pm

Sunday 20 minutes prior to each Mass

And anytime, by appointment

Mass Times For 4th Sunday of Advent

December 24, 2017 8 AM—ENGLISH

10:30 AM—ENGLISH 12:30 PM—SPANISH

Christmas Eve 5 PM—ENGLISH (CHILDREN’S MASS)

7 PM—SPANISH 12 MIDNIGHT—BILINGUAL

Christmas Day December 25, 2017

8AM—ENGLISH 10:30 AM—ENGLISH 12:30 PM—SPANISH

Sunday, December 31, 2017 8AM—ENGLISH

10:30 PM—ENGLISH 12:30 PM—SPANISH

5 PM—ENGLISH 7 PM—SPANISH

New Year’s Day January 1, 2017 7 AM—ENGLISH

12:15 PM—ENGLISH 5:30 PM—ENGLISH

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December 24 Magan Bermea

Salvatore Calabria Jessica Dominguez

Paul Foster Madilyne Ochoa

Maya Padilla Pascuala Rojas

Elijah White

December 25 Kim Eikenbary Sophia Giraldo Johnny Losoya

Marisol Ortiz Ashleyn Salazar Mark N. Tavas Bobby Torres

December 26 Rosalinda Martinez Ismarit Melendez Maila Mendoza Emilio Molina Jr.

Ofrael Ochoa Nicholas Ortiz

Jonathan Simmons Robert Villarreal

Alli Vizcanio Stephen Waugh

December 27 Janet Acosta

Analise Antillon Miko Castillo

Biane Galindo Belinda Garcia

Robert Goehring Yvonne Lentner Graciela Luna

Marisol Marquez Gustavo Mendoza Jesus E. Morales Gabriel Navarrete

Leo Orozco Andrew Qualls

Jamison Ramirez Reynaldo Ramirez Lamberto Rosas

Andy Sustaita

December 28 Barbara Aretz

Nicholas Castillo Fatima Castro Nikki Conner

Eugenio Duarte Bianica Galindo

Briseida Jimenez Alaina Marquez Alan Martinez Andres Michel

Leslie Montanez Ramon Moreno Jr.

Luis A. Olivas Juan O. Loya Faustin Perez

Glenn Redmond Jackie Rivas

Mirya Rodriguez Brenda Stice

Henry Van Bakel

December 29 Willie Abalos

Harold Brenner Christina

Karina Garcia Christopher Gutierrez

Kayla Gutierrez Kayla Gutierrez Miriam Mendoza Evelyn Neslony

Christopher Pane Anthony Reyes Joseph Reyes Andrew Waugh Yvette Zaragoza

December 30 Jesus Chavez

Isabella Fuentes Diana Gallegos Andrew Gomez

Sammy Gonzales Laura J. Cruz

Anthony Moreno Debbie Wolf

December 31 Issaias Chavez Julia Chavez

Cesar Cordova Marlie Davis Jayla Garcia

Janeth Moreno Jesus Ramos Jane Russell Teresa Sailler Andy Torres

The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, December 25th & Tuesday, December 26th and will resume normal business hours on

Wednesday, December 27, 2017.

"We publish the banns of marriage between ELAM EDUARDO RAMIREZ TAVAREZ and DANIELA CORRALES PANDO of this Parish of St. Stephen’s in Midland, Texas, USA for their upcoming marriage on March 3, 2018 at JESUS NAZARENO Catholic Church in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. If you know

cause or just impediment why these persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is for the third time of asking.”

Dear Parishioners, I would like to THANK EVERYONE for your gifts and special blessings as I will be retiring December 29, 2017. It has been a joy to work for St. Stephen’s for 22 years. I have seen this Parish grow and as my kids always said, “It’s like your second home.” As I leave, I ask that you continue to keep the Parish looking beautiful and taking care of it like it is your home. Love Nikki

We would like to Congratulate Nikki on her retirement! Twenty-two years have passed and now it's time for you to enjoy the next chapter in your life. We would like to thank you for your endless hard work over the years, your loyalty to St. Stephen’s Parish and the professional working relationship we have had. You will be sorely missed, and we wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement. Best wishes, St. Stephen’s Office Staff and Parishioners.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! This week RCIA will not meet so we may celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. On behalf of RCIA, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. God has certainly blessed us with such wonderful catechumens,

candidates, Table Team members, Hospitality Team members, and Prayer Team members. RCIA will meet again on January 2nd for our visual pilgrimage to the Holy Land by Mike Sweeney - you don't want to miss it!

RCIA News by Bill Berry

Qualls Family, Felly Camagong & Family, Janie Sotelo, Melinda Sanchez, MaryLu Perrez, Kim Waltzer, Gina Gonzalez, Braxton Munoz, Dylan Wilson, Sam Gibbs, Alyss Munoz, Alejandro Munoz Jr, Veronica Gomez-Calvo, Delaney Diaz, Raul Dominguez, Avyel Munoz, Rachel S., Burdette Family, Inez Laing, Monica Vasquez,

Jason Martinez, Guadalupe Rios, Alfonso Marquez, Isaiah V., Vanessa V., Anita P., Carlota W., Judy D., Alicia F., Jesse Julus Garcia, Mendoza Family, Martha Munoz, Sergio Patino, Aurora Reyes, Monica Vasquez, Eva Madrid, Roy Alvarez, Gary Rodriguez, Martha Munoz, Lydia Jimenez, Jesus Chavez Jr., Mark Clark, Eva Talamantez, Potsy Sotelo, Jaelynn G. Garcia, Randy & Jennifer White & Family, Louis & Betty Macchietto & Family, Larry & Pat White & Family, Heath, Sarah, & Baby Girl Logan Ruth, Maria Luisa Rodriguez, Inez Rodriguez, Josefina Alvarez, Avila Family, Fierro Family, Andrew Madrid, Fran Thetford, Gabriel Kadir, Gerald Thetford, Margaret Robson, Betty Compton, David Rucker, Delia Carrasco, Patty White, Jeff Smith, Pearl Abalos, Francisco Rodriguez Medina, Carmen Lopez, Martin Sosa, Evangelina Rodriguez, Bea Herrera, Ricky Montes, Rafael Gonzales Jr., Monica Cabrera, Joe Munoz III, Anita Morin, Anthony Garcia, Janie Sainz, Tommy Levario, Dr. Karen Leung & Santa Rosa Fire Victims, Donita Schlegal, Jose Carmen Vasquez, Rebecca Rodelo, Crystal Calderon, Mo Dominguez.

Email frontdesk.sscc@att.net or call the office at 520-7394 to be added to the prayer list!

Eucharistic Adoration Schedule

The Blessed Sacrament will be reposed Thursday, December 21st after the 5:30 pm Mass

for the Christmas Holiday. Eucharistic Adoration will resume following the 7 a.m.

Mass on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018.

Have a safe and blessed Christmas Holiday and a Happy New Year!

St. Stephen’s Cub Scout Troop

Come Join Us!

Scouting develops character, leadership, communication skills

and good citizenship.

Who: Any boy in 1st—4th grade When: Tuesdays at 6:00 pm—7:00 pm Where: St. Stephen’s Youth Building

Questions contact Cory Listner at 432-296-0695

*We are looking at restarting a Boy Schout Troop to have a troop for our boys to feed into

from Cub Scouts. If you are interested in being a Scoutmaster, please contact Cory.

Club Dance St. Stephen’s Catholic Church,

4601 Neely Ave Gloria Denman Ballroom

DATE/TIME: SUNDAY, “NEW YEAR’S EVE” December 31, 2017/8:00 p.m. – Midnight COST/ATTIRE: $25.00 per person/”Festive” BAND: “Larry Johnson Show” (Variety) CATERER: NO MEAL MENU: Dancers are encouraged to bring

snacks for their table. CLUB DANCE will provide Wine,

Tea, Water and Coffee.

NO ALCOHOL MAY BE BROUGHT INTO

THE BALLROOM BY INDIVIDUALS

**NOTE: NO BYOB is allowed due to change in church policy. Reservations may be mailed to Club Dance, P. O. Box 7421, Midland, TX 79708. Reservation deadline is Thursday, December 28, 2017. For more information, please contact our Reservations Coordinator at: clubdancemidland@hotmail.com.

«Gloria a Dios en el cielo y en la tierra paz a los hombres que ama el Señor».

A todos les deseamos una feliz Navidad y un próspero año 2018 colmado de esperanza, paz y amor.

El pesebre representa la ternura de Dios.

“Les invito a detenerse ante el pesebre, porque allí nos habla la ternura de Dios. Allí se contempla la misericordia divina que se ha hecho carne, y que enternece nuestra mirada”. Jesús nos dedicó toda su vida, dediquémonos a los demás.

“Jesús no se ha limitado a encarnarse o a dedicarnos un poco de tiempo, sino que ha venido para compartir nuestra vida, para acoger nuestros deseos. Porque ha querido, y sigue queriendo, vivir aquí, junto a nosotros y por nosotros. Se interesa por nuestro mundo, que en Navidad se ha convertido en su mundo. El pesebre nos recuerda esto: Dios, por su gran misericordia, ha descendido hasta nosotros para quedarse con nosotros” Bondad, mansedumbre por una Navidad auténtica.

“La vida tiene que ser vivida con bondad, con mansedumbre. Cuando nos damos cuenta de que Dios está enamorado de nuestra pequeñez, que él mismo se hace pequeño para propiciar el encuentro con nosotros, no podemos no abrirle nuestro corazón y suplicarle: «Señor, ayúdame a ser como tú, dame la gracia de la ternura en las circunstancias más duras de la vida, concédeme la gracia de la cercanía en las necesidades de los demás, de la humildad en cualquier conflicto” Papa Francisco.

Hermana Gertrudis Muñoz Mendieta I.C.A.S.

AVISOS: • 24 de diciembre 2017 las misas como todos los domingos • Misa de gallo Bilingüe a la media noche • 25 de diciembre 2017 Misas en ingles 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. y Misa en español 12:30 p.m.

El Santísimo Sacramento será reposado debido las vacaciones de Navidad empezando el jueves 21 de diciembre después de la Misa de las 5:30 PM hasta después de la misa de las 7:00 AM el

martes 2 de enero.

Espero que tengan una feliz y bendita Navidad

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It Was Another Great Christmas Event!

This year we were able to reach out to 147 families and their 362 children and offer them what we hope will be a wonderful Christmas. Last Saturday the parents of the children came to Helping Hands and picked up a complete set of brand new clothing and a new toy for each child which were provided by the parishioners of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and employees of Midland Memorial Hospital. Special thanks to Carmen Rodelo, Leticia Gutierrez and Rachel Rodelo from the St. Stephen’s Women’s Organization for coordinating the clothing program. The parents were then allowed to pick out two additional new toys that were provided by the parishioners of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and by donations from the people of Midland. Each family also received a $50 gift certificate to purchase groceries at Super Mercado. We were assisted in the giveaway by the St. Stephen’s Youth Group (pictured above). What an awesome turnout! Over 70 young people turned out to help the parents select toys for their children, plus they helped the adults load the toys and gifts into their cars. We also enjoyed a great lunch of enchiladas and pizza after the event provided by board president Joe Schwalbach, his wife (and Helping Hands volunteer) Julie, and their son Jon. We pray that everyone has as good a Christmas as we did in helping our families...who are either residents of Safe Place, Family Promise or whose children are enrolled in Project Head Start (for low income families). May God bless all of you and we wish you a very ...

Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Closed for Christmas Our thrift store will be closed Tuesday, December 26 and Tuesday, January 2.

Have a safe and happy Holidays!

Helping Hands

of Midland

1301 Brinson Lane

(432) 520-8900

Because we feel it is important that you know how and where your donations to Helping Hands are spent, here is what was done last week:

Electricity 6 families $ 1,599.48 Water 1 family $ 325.14 Rent 16 families $20,533.20 Medical 3 families $ 2,942.72 Misc. 3 families $ 633.72

Total $26,012.31 www.helpinghandsmidland.com