Announcements

ATTENTION:
ALL LECTORS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS,
USHERS & ALTAR SERVERS

A new schedule for the coming year 2003-2004 will be prepared.
Please let the Rectory Office know IN WRITING, of any changes you would like to make. Kindly respond by Sunday, September 21st, 2003, so that schedules can be completed.
Those who would like to become Lectors or Ushers, please put your name, address & phone number in writing into the collection basket or send to the Rectory Office.
If you would like to become an Altar Server, please give us your name, address & phone number in writing and drop it into the collection basket or send to the Rectory Office. Altar Servers must be in the 4th grade or older to be eligible to serve.

A very special “Thank You” to all those who have spent long, seemingly endless hours working to make the kitchen the high spot of our Parish Festival. This year the work was harder than in the past, because we really strived to surpass the amount of food we have ever made. Despite the long hours, it was fun and enjoyable to see everyone working together. A special thanks to those who tirelessly kept up with the continuous cleaning and washing, especially those few who washed the pans and roasters all day on Sunday. Everyone’s willing hands made this the BEST PARISH FESTIVAL EVER!

Father Edmund

FLOWERS FOR THE ALTARS:

Fresh flowers are gratefully appreciated to adorn the Altars in Church during the summer months. Kindly bring your donation to the side sacristy on Saturday mornings by 9:00 AM so that they may be arranged for the weekend Masses. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your gardens with the Master Gardener.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
is a sacramental program for adults who:

•   Have never been Baptized.
•   Have been Baptized in a non-Catholic denomination and are Considering becoming Catholic.
•   Were Baptized Catholic but never received Confirmation or First Communion.

As many of you know we initiated our first candidates to complete the Sacramental program this past year on Holy Saturday. The program is a wonderful addition to St. Stephen’s Religious programs.

If you or someone you know is interested in starting on this faith journey, please let us know. You may contact Father Edmund 343-0350 or Miss Jennifer Hall 343-9350. We hope to hear from you as we plan to begin again in September 2003.

CARE & SHARE PROGRAM

“As often as you do it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you do it for me”

We will resume our Care & Share Program in our parish. Donations will be given to the Food Pantry. Your commitment to helping our neighbors in need is heart-warming and much appreciated. We urge you to continue your generosity, and encourage our parishioners to participate with a can, a box – whatever you can give – in Christian Charity. Thank you and God bless.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER:

Summer is almost gone. With all the planning this year, did you give your marriage a needed vacation? Then plan on a Marriage Encounter Weekend and come back with a marriage that’s refreshed and full of energy. It’s not too late. The next weekend is September 12-14, 2003 or maybe the weekend of November 21-23, 2003. Call Bob & Chris Collins at 623-9202/ 1-888-801-8463 for reservations or check our website at dreamscape.com/wwwme-syracuse.

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE from the Office of Family Life Education: Jesus was popular as long as he was working miracles. When his teaching became difficult many “complained” and “walked away”. In our families, it is important to say what is difficult to hear, to speak the truth with kindness, to correct with love and to guide with understanding.

TOP’S REGISTER TAPES & CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS

Please continue to save your Top’s Register Tapes & Campbell Soup Labels. They are a valuable source of assistance to our Parish. Boxes are located at the entrances of church. Thank you and God bless you for your help and support.

ROSARY AT THE SHRINE:

The Rosary Society of St. Stephen’s Parish is sponsoring the recitation of the Rosary once a month from May to October at the Shrine at the corner of Niagara & Hawley Streets. Please bring a lawn chair. In the event of inclement weather, we will meet in the church. Future dates are: September 13; & October 13th.

CANCER CARE SUPPORT OF OSWEGO COUNTY will meet at 7:00 PM on the 4th Tuesday of each month at The Manor at Seneca Hill, Adult Day Care entrance. This is a newly formed group for Cancer patients, families and healthcare professionals. Sponsors are SUNY Upstate Medical University Radiation Oncology, American Cancer Society and Oswego Health-The Manor at Seneca Hill. Please call Laurie at Oswego County Radiation Oncology 207-9066 for more information.

ST. PETER’S CEMETERY MASS SCHEDULE – during the year 2003 Mass will be celebrated in All Saints Mausoleum at St. Peter’s Cemetery on the following days at 11:00 AM.