Saint Stephen Catholic Parish Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time November 16th, 2008 - Bulletin
		Blessed are you who fear the LORD.
		— Psalm 128:1a

	Our Liturgical Week Monday, November 17 8:00 a.m. Fr. Walsh / Joseph Abraham Tuesday, November 18 8:00 a.m. Fr. Calegari / Kathleen Emil Wednesday, November 19 8:00 a.m. Fr. Murray / Emma Johnson Thursday, November 20 8:00 a.m. Fr. Calegari / _____________ Friday, November 21 8:00a.m. Fr. Walsh / Pearl La Belle Saturday, November 22 8:00 a.m. Fr. Murray / Semiramis Virondeau 11:00 a.m. Baptism 3:30 p.m. Fr. Calegari / Reconciliation 4:30 p.m. Fr. Calegari / Judge John J. Murphy Sunday, November 23 8:00 a.m. Fr. Sauer / John Faliano 9:30 a.m. Fr. Walsh / For the Parish 11:30 a.m. Fr. Murray / Bob O’Malley 6:45 p.m. Fr. Walsh / _________________ Red indicates Mass intentions
	TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — The woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31). Psalm — Blessed are those who fear the Lord (Psalm 128). Second Reading — You are children of the light (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6). Gospel — To all those who have, more will be given (Matthew 25:14-30 [14-15, 19-21]). Special Collection Next Weekend A second collection will be taken at all masses next weekend, November 22 and 23 for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Help uphold the dignity of human life by breaking the cycle of poverty across the United States by supporting groups who create jobs, improve education and strengthen neighborhoods. OUR WEEK AT A GLANCE Monday, November 17 Religious Education 3:45 p.m./Parish Office Tuesday, November 18 Art Project 1:00 p.m./Temp. Bldg. Youth Group 6:00 p.m./Parish Office Women’s Guild 7:00 p.m./Extension Center Grief Support Group 7:00 p.m./Conference Room Wednesday, November 19 Hot Lunch 11:45 a.m./Temp. Bldg. Sep. and Divorce Group 7:00 p.m./Extension Center Thursday, November 20 RCIA 7:00 p.m./Conference Room Friday, November 21 Gamblers Anonymous 8:00 p.m./Parish Office & EC Saturday, November 22 Bible Study 8:30 a.m./Marian Room Fashion Show/Olympic Club Sunday, November 23 Youth Group 4:00 p.m./Temp. Bldg. SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Monday: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Tuesday: The Dedication of the Basilicas of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Friday: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saturday: St. Cecilia St. Stephen Bible Study Bible study continues every Saturday morning in the Marian Room after the 8:00 a.m. Mass. Please pray for the sick and homebound of our community, for all those in the book of the sick. May they know the healing touch of Jesus. William Applegate, Natividad Austria, Elena Carr, Mario Cid, Kevin Cleary, David Douglas, Betty Francesconi, Art Hazlett, Mary Elizabeth Henry, Nellie Jocson, Elizabeth Kauss, Tim Lew, Miguel Mendoza, Maggie McDonald, Irin Mullen, Mercy Newman, Stephanie Patty, Joyce Peterson, Sister Pat Phelan, Marsha Potolo, James Roach, Delores Robinson, Ian Taylor, Robert Thoel, Loretta Tribulato, Maria Elena Varela, Richard Voyles, and Mary Windrow. Dear Parishioners, November 16, 2008 I returned from vacation last Sunday to the news that tickets for the car raffle had been sold out, and the Women's Guild bake sale was a whopping success. Monday morning I was told to get fitted for the Fashion Show on November 22, and a look into our building site revealed two subcontractors busy completing the infrastructure for the plumbing and foundations. Since my return I've been hearing a lot about what's around the corner for America and the world with a new President-elect. The global economic melt-down has put us all at risk and the whole world seems to be looking for a savior. Nobody wants to risk but we all want our investments to be safe. The gospel today presents Christ encouraging us to risk and be venturesome in our faith. In fact, the model offered for a healthy Christian life is one of investment, risk and return. Our parish operates on a shoe string. We take risks with our scant funds to provide much needed ministries and services: youth, school, development, liturgical and musical, outreach to the poor and homebound, Fifty-plus, RCIA, Religious Education of public school students, Infant Baptism preparation, Just Fools.... Our parish office operates on a shoe string, with volunteer receptionists, bulletin editor, collection counters, and many other unpaid helpers...  Some parishes have interactive webpages, podcasting, and e-newsletters. There is a young adult nationwide discussion group called "Theology on Tap" which meets in the backs of restaurants and pubs to hear lectures and discuss contemporary issues of the faith. Meeting in pubs, sharing the faith on-line - who would have thought! There are many new ventures today that show the creativity and energy of a new generation of "servants" waiting for the Master's return and using the resources we have been given while he is away. Judging from today's gospel parable, discipleship requires a spirit of risk and boldness, sometimes in big matters, but mostly in small daily occurrences. Whatever the risks we take in our service of the Lord, we are encouraged in today's gospel to "give it a try" - so that when he returns we will hear him call us "good and faithful servants."  In these "presidential" times and in light of today's gospel message, I feel tempted to say: "Ask, not what your parish community can do for you, but what you can do for your community." If America has been described as a country of "go-getters" maybe we should see ourselves at St. Stephen as a community of "go-givers." Your Pastor, Fr. Joe Grief Support Group November, December and January can be very difficult months for those who are grieving the death(s) of loved ones.  Deacon Dan and Dr. Ruby are forming an eight week "Weekly Grief Support Group" to provide information on the grieving process, strategies for "getting through" the holiday season and support.  If you are interested in joining the Grief Support Group, please see Deacon Dan and Dr. Ruby after Mass or contact them at the Parish Center. A Fair Trade Christmas I admit it I like to receive gifts at Christmas. But with the economy the way it is, we need to choose wisely. Catholic Relief Service (CRS) can help by linking you to Fair Trade Gifts. Through the Work of Human Hands program, Catholic Relief Services and their nonprofit partner, SERRV, offer you the chance to buy high quality, fairly traded handcrafts and gourmet food items from disadvantaged producers all over the world.Link:  http://www.serrv.org.  When you choose to buy fair trade products you are making a strong connection with hardworking, but impoverished workers around the world. The CRS Fair Trade network guarantees fair wages to disadvantaged artisans, farmers and workers. Team up with CRS. Buy fair trade products and you return human dignity to people just like you. Thanks, Deacon Dan St. Stephen 50+ Club Our next meeting is Monday, November 24, 2008, at 12:30 p.m. We will meet in our Temporary Building. (Contact: Helga D’Arcy at 731-8211). Mark Your Calendar Today, Sunday – November 16, 2008 – Grand Raffle drawing following the 9:30 a.m. Mass. November 22, 2008 - “Sunset Style” 2008 Women’s Guild Fashion Show, 11:00 a.m., The Olympic Club Lakeside. November 23, 2008 - The Blood Mobile returns to St. Stephen. Your life saving pint is urgently needed. November 27, 2008 - Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9:30 a.m. here at St. Stephen. December 13, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. Simbang Gabi Commissioning and Mass that will take place at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Most Rev. George Niederauer, Archbishop of San Francisco will be the Principal Celebrant, to usher in Simbang Gabi, a novena of Masses held in several parishes from Dec. 15/16. January 24, 2009 – Last day to turn in register receipts for Lucky Store’s “Apples for Students” program and exchange them for education awards. January 24, 2009 – Walk for Life – West Coast 2009! Join upwards of 25,000 pro-lifers for the 5th Annual Walk for Life. To contact them or for more information go to info@walkforlifewc.com or www.walkforlifewc.com. February 21, 2009 -  The St. Stephen Women's Guild Live and Silent Auction, "A Night to Bond", will be held at the Olympic Club, Lakeside. HOSPITALITY MINISTERS for the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Sunday, Nov. 16 - Parish Council (Today) Sunday, Nov. 23 - Stewardship Sunday, Nov. 30 - Youth Group OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS Weekly collection goal $ 8,000 Past weekend collection (8/10) $ 6,730 Year to Date Goal $152,000 Year to Date $131,315 Thank you! Your continued generosity to our Parish is critical and never goes unnoticed. Jubilee Year of St. Paul Prayer with Archbishop Niederauer To commemorate the dedication of the Basilicas of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Rome and as a special celebration of the jubilee year honoring the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Saint Paul, all are invited to join Archbishop Niederauer for Evening Prayer on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church at 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco. For more information call 415 614-5586. 2008 GRAND RAFFLE The Grand Prize winner of the St. Stephen 2008 Grand Prize Raffle will be drawn this Sunday, November 16, after 9:30 a.m. Mass. Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, school families and friends of St. Stephen, we have sold all 500 tickets! Please join us as we celebrate the winners and thank our many supporters and volunteers who sold and purchased tickets to make this fund raiser for St. Stephen Church a fantastic success! Save Your Lucky Receipts! Lucky Stores’ "Apples for Students" program is running now through January 24, 2009. Please place your receipts, regardless the amount, in the box in the church vestibule. 2009 Anchor Parishioners Please help the St. Stephen Women's Guild select the 2009 Anchor Parishioners!  Nomination forms can be found in the vestibule of the church.  The 2009 Anchor Parishioners will be honored at the Women's Guild Annual Auction and Dinner Dance which will take place on February 21, 2009 at the Olympic Club, Lakeside.  Last day for nominations is Sunday, November 30th.  If you have any questions, please contact Molly Krauss at 650-992-4945 or Susan O'Driscoll at 415-334-0674. 2008 Archbishops Annual Appeal - Our goal is $69,000 Your support for Archbishop Niederauer's work and ministry amounts to $45,229 at this time. We still have a balance of $24,671 to meet. Book of Remembrance November is the month when we remember, in a special way, all of our loved ones who have gone before us . Please write the names of your deceased loved ones on designated sheets in the vestibule. The names will be placed our Book of Remembrance, which will remain on a special altar throughout the Month of November. Save Money, Earn Money For Our School! Entertainment Discount Books are now available; all profits benefit St Stephen School. Discounts include grocery stores, fine dining, fast food, movies and travel. San Francisco and East Bay books are $25 each. Books for other locations are also available. Finish your holiday shopping early! Contact Laura Birsinger (415)841-1401. Fashion Show Tickets The St. Stephen Women's Guild Fashion Show is next Saturday, November 22nd at the Olympic club. Please call Annette Rocca for information and tickets at 415 239-8926. This month we remember, in a special way, persons in our parish family who have died this past year Ann Alberigi Dorothy Helen Applegate Mary Harriett Blake Richard Buckley Jack Carpentier Joseph Chiarani Adriana Choy William Coen John Crowley Joan Keane Crotty Carole Irene Deeb John Charles Faliano Gary Del Fante Ben Hennig Byran M. Holl Iva Hsu Sofia Fontanilla Jacalne Nancy Geddes Janowski Margaret Leith Margaret Mary Little Lola Lommori Sister Nancy McLaughlin Albert Ralph Lopez William F. McCarthy Dorothy Olga Maggio Marion Maroney Renato Menses Jr. Catherine Muller Dr. Edward J. Mullins Dan Murphy Raymond Nelson Robert “Bob” O'Malley Eileen O’Neill Fr. Joseph P. O'Reilly Agnes Piccetti Maureen Ann Pool Pia Petri John Petrin Col. Frank Quesada Tish Ellen Railton June Marie Ramson Frank Ryan Sr. Thelma Samuelson Jay Sotunen Florence Marie Wassler Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord And May the Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them. May They Rest in Peace.
	St. Stephen Altar Servers Our special “thanks” to our student Altar Servers who faithfully continue to volunteer their time and talent to our parish. Our Altar Servers for November 3 thru November 9 were: Matthew Kozuch, Allison Veronello, Tony Suarez, Briaana Tompkins, Gavin Clark, Matthew Birsinger, Justin Fernandez, Cassandra Friedrich, Cassie Sigua, Catherine Pabalan, Megan Hallisy, Fiona Smith, Jay Francisco, Michelle McHugh, Leo McCaffrey, Stefano Maffei, Thomas McGovern, Erica Hipp, Sammy Baker, Danielle Tioyao, Emily Hipp and Sarah Schmitt.
	e-Contributions makes giving easy! e-Contributions allows St. Stephen to accept regular and special contributions via the Internet. Log onto www.e-paluch.com for details.
	ST STEPHEN PARISH 2008-2009 ORGANIZATION/MINISTRY CONTACT PERSON Altar Servers Mrs. Katya Minnick Altar Society Helen Perlite Bridge Group Helen Perlite Choir Director Angela Zullinger Church Hospitality Veronica Wong Fifty Plus Club Helga D'Arcy Finance Council Dan Linehan Grief Support Ruby Buffin Lectors T.J. Perlite Liturgy Committee Ruby Buffin Marriage Preparation Clergy Men's Club Tony Maffei Music Director Griselda MacDonald Parish Council Patrick Smith Religious Education Veronica Wong RCIA Ruby Buffin Stewardship Kathleen Bruno St Vincent de Paul Julie O'Callaghan Ushers Bob Anthony Women's Guild Fionnuala McElligott Youth Group Christian Fernandez
	Parish Council Information If you would like to contact the Parish Council regarding our upcoming meetings please deliver your message to the Parish Center, or you may telephone or send an email to the following Parish Council members: Patty Murphy at (415) 681-3543 or mac4murph@gmail.com Patrick Smith at (415) 759-6731 or wearepatkat@sbcglobal.net
	Eucharistic Ministers/Lectors Check our web site to review your assignments. www.saintstephenSF.org.
	Bulletin Announcements Send your bulletin announcements via e-mail to: Bulletin@SaintStephenSF.org
	Our warmest welcome to all who celebrate with us. Our warmest welcome to all who celebrate with us. If you are new to our parish, we invite you to register and learn more about our many parish ministries and organizations. You may phone the Parish Center at 681-2444, complete this form and return it to the Parish Center; drop it in the collection basket during mass or register online at: www.ststephenSF.org! Our parishioners receive the weekly newspaper “Catholic San Francisco.”   Name: ___________________________________ Address: _________________________________ Telephone: ______________________________ E-mail address: ___________________________