For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. Parents wishing to have their children baptized at St. Stephen's are required to attend a baptismal preparation class. Godparents are required to participate in the class also. The class is held on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00am in the Parish Office. To register for this class, please call the Parish Office in advance.

Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. Offered at every mass.

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others. Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:20pm or by appointment.

Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us. Contact the parish office for more information.

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God's values. By diocesan rule, arrangements for weddings need to be made by the bride and groom 6 months in advance of their wedding date. The marriage date is confirmed after the completion of the preparation process. Contact our pastor for more information.

In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.

The Catholic sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness. Please notify the Parish Office if you or a relative or friend are hospitalized or unable to attend church due to sickness or age, and would like a visit and/or Holy communion.