Community
Get involved. Belong. Serve. Share.
Current Opportunities
A BIG THANKS to the many generous parishioners who continue to serve our church and school community! The phrase “Time, Talent and Treasure” is clearly active and visible here at St. Stephen and we are blessed to have many passionate volunteers willing to step in with their donated labor, expertise, and financial resources. Check out our most immediate roles to fill and other opportunities to give back!
Sunday Hospitality Coordinator(s)
Liturgical Volunteers Needed!
Food Pantry Food Donation
We are seeking a volunteer Hospitality Coordinator to oversee Sunday Donuts and Coffee, which includes arranging/coordinating volunteers, ordering supplies, etc. This could be done as a couple or with a friend! Great opportunity to get involved! Interested or have questions?
Contact Adam Ybarra, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis at 402.861.4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org.
Every liturgical celebration is an action of Christ the High Priest and of his Mystical Body, which is the Church. It, therefore, requires the participation of the People of God in the work of God. Get involved in this "service in worship"! We are in need of volunteers to step up as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Ushers, and Greeters. If you are interested in one or more of these opportunities to serve the parish community, please contact Logan Hepp at l.hepp@stephen.org.
Thank you for continuing to support our families in need through our Food Pantry. Items can be dropped off in the entryway of the Gonderinger Parish Center. Additionally, take advantage of Curbside Drop Off with the Knights of Columbus every first Saturday of the Month from 10 AM until 12 PM.
Items needed most right now include paper towels, peanut butter, jelly, bar soap, toothpaste, cookies for kids, canned fruit, boxed potatoes, canned chili.
I am interested in...
Liturgy
Parishioner Care & Community Outreach
Prayer Ministries
Adult Groups
Youth Groups
Hospitality & Environment
Formation Leaders
Special Events
Boards & Councils
Sports Club
Altar Server (Youth Grades 5-12)
Assist the priest (and deacon) at weekend Mass/Holy Days of Obligation. Training required and offered in August. Contact: Logan Hepp at (402) 861-4502 or l.hepp@stephen.org.
EMHC (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion)
Distribute Holy Communion at Mass. Must be Archdiocesan Trained and Mandated, offered in August. Contact: Logan Hepp at (402) 861-4502 or l.hepp@stephen.org.
EMHC Homebound
Take Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound, hospitalized or in nearby senior care homes. Must be EMHC Mandated. Logan Hepp at (402) 861-4502 or l.hepp@stephen.org.
Lector
Proclaim the Word of God to the gathered assembly. Must be Archdiocesan Trained and Mandated, offered in August. Contact: Logan Hepp at (402) 861-4502 or l.hepp@stephen.org.
Adult Facilitator* for Children’s Liturgy
Program on hold.
Usher & Greeter
Entrusted with promoting a sense of welcoming, belonging, comfort and safetyty to all the faithful assembling for Mass. Assist with seating, offertory collection, and bulletin distribution. Contact: Logan Hepp at (402) 861-4502 or l.hepp@stephen.org.
Choir, Pastoral Musicians and Cantor
Sing or play an instrument at weekend Mass/Holy Days of Obligation. Note: the Children’s Choir (grades 1-8) sings once per month at the Noon Mass, the Adult Choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and the Adult Praise Choir sings at the 6:00 p.m. Sunday Mass. Contact: Paula Bonkiewicz at (402) 861-4536 or p.bonkiewicz@stephen.org.
Sacristan
Prepare the Church for the Mass celebration. Also, coordinate, direct and monitor various Mass duties. Contact: Karen Hardy at Logan Hepp at (402) 861-4502 or l.hepp@stephen.org.
Many are asking: "how can I help those in need within our community?" Here are a few options to help us bring Christ to others!
Donation Drive. Thank you for the continued support of our Donation Drive. See flyer for more information. Take advantage of First Saturday drop-off from 10 AM to 12 PM with the Knights of Columbus.
Become an ambassador for Christ! Below is a list of our immediate needs - let us know how you would like to share your gifts!
- Make phone calls to parishioners
- Send handwritten notes to parishioners
- Help parishioners remotely with technology
- Bake or cook meals
- Help organize and sort donated goods
- Deliver collected items to various recipients
- Run errands for those who cannot get out
- Help with marketing and communication
- Help with welcoming new parishioners
Food Pantry
Our Food Pantry is open to all in our parish family and the greater community who are in need. Volunteers assist in collecting donations, shopping, organizing and packaging. Contact: Deacon Denny, Pastoral Associate at (402) 861-4538, d.dethlefs@stephen.org.
Funeral Dinners
Provide assistance with food and/or serving for funeral luncheons. Contact: Deacon Denny at 402-861-4538 or d.dethlefs@stephen.org or Melissa Kane at 402-861-4501 or m.kane@stephen.org.
Prayer Shawl
Gather, pray and make Prayer Shawls/Blankets to be given to persons experiencing a crisis in their life. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 9:15 to 11:00 a.m. in the Gonderinger Parish Center. Contact: Jan Mitchell at (402) 895-3215.
Rosary Making
Gather to make rosaries for our Becoming Catholic! RCIA candidates, those in hospitals, nursing homes, and going on mission trips. This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Gonderinger Parish Center. Contact: Sara Klein at (402) 690-3526.
Back 2 Work
Assist fellow parishioners facing financial and personal challenges caused by unemployment or underemployment by providing your professional services in the areas of human resources, financial planning or family counseling. Contact: Deacon Denny, Pastoral Associate at (402) 861-4538, d.dethlefs@stephen.org
Community Care (Social Justice)
Assist in serving the needs of parish families and the broader community (food pantry, home meals, transportation, Adopt-a-Family, etc). Contact: Deacon Denny, Pastoral Associate at (402) 861-4538, d.dethlefs@stephen.org
Stephen Ministers
Provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Training is provided. Contact: Deacon Denny, Pastoral Associate at (402) 861-4538, d.dethlefs@stephen.org
Senior Care
Visit with a Brookside Village resident once a week. You will be matched with a person who shares your interests. Contact: Deacon Denny, Pastoral Associate at (402) 861-4538, d.dethlefs@stephen.org
Creation Care Team
The St. Stephen Creation Care Team is a member of the Catholic Climate Covenant that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops helped form in response to the USCCB's 2001 statement on climate change. Like the National Organization, our goals include providing information about the Church’s call to care for creation and care for the poor. We offer education and volunteer opportunities and publish a monthly newsletter. To join the team or be added to the newsletter list, contact mnlech@cox.net. Contact: Deacon Denny, Pastoral Associate at (402) 861-4538, d.dethlefs@stephen.org
Eucharistic Adoration
Commit to a daily or weekly holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament in the Reservation Chapel. Come, sit with Jesus! Contact the Adoration Committee at ststephenadoration@gmail.com.
Prayer Line
Become a prayer warrior for the intentions of others via email or telephone prayer requests. Contact: Beth Wetgen at (402) 669-4793.
Pray for Engaged Couples
Commit to praying regularly for the couples preparing for marriage. Contact: Lisa Goldsmith at (402) 980-3283 or bobdgoldsmith@msn.com.
Young Adults
This group of Adults between the ages of 18-35 meets on occasion for games, food, bible studies, and fellowship. Request to join our Facebook Group. Contact: Katie Keller at kmkeller15@gmail.com or Adam Ybarra at a.ybarra@stephen.org.
National Council of Catholic Women
This Women’s Council supports, empowers and educates Catholic Women through spirituality, leadership, and service. Meets the first Tuesday of every month during the school year (except January) from 7-8 p.m. in the Parish Center. Also, enjoy Bunco nights on the third Thursday of every month from 7-9 p.m. in the Parish Center ($10 entry at the door with cash prizes). Contact: Gigi Stamp at (402) 895-6818 or gigistamp@cox.net. Learn More: website.
Iron Sharpens Iron / That Man is You!
This Men’s Group addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. Meets Friday mornings in the Parish Center from 5:30 to 6:55 AM. Contact: Matt Hustedt at Matt@beyondprintomaha.com or (402) 699-7520.
Martyr Moms
This Mom’s Group gathers for social, faith-based and service opportunities. Find support as you are formed, fed and strengthened by other moms. This group currently has 6 circles, including Bible studies, playgroups, game nights and fitness. Learn More: Website, Facebook Group.
PrimeTimers
This Men's and Women’s group (age 55+) gathers for fun social events, special projects, and support. Find out about upcoming events here. Contact: Jan (402-592-1298), Moe (402-896-2577), Pat (402-201-7945) or stephens.primetimers@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus
This Catholic Men’s group promotes charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Meets every second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Contact: GrandKnight@kofc10160.org. Website: kofc10160.org
Vocations
This group promotes religious vocations and supports those who express an interest in becoming a priest, deacon, sister or brother. Meets the third Saturday of every month in the Staff Lounge from 8:45-9:45 a.m. Holy hour is in the Daily Mass Chapel every Thursday from 8-9 p.m. All are welcome. Contact: Connie Cinnamon at (402) 896-4188 or Gigi Stamp at (402) 895-6818.
Right to Life
This group promotes the Right to Life through programs, activities, and education. Contact: Jason Smith at (402) 968-3002 (cell) or (402) 203-3587 (home).
Edge (Grades 6-8)
This Youth Group provides a safe, fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get faith answers and to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. Meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 8 PM the Parish Dining Room. Parents welcome! View Website. Contact: Laura Bogue at (402) 861-4509 or l.bogue@stephen.org.
Life Teen (Grades 9-12)
This Youth Group provides avenues to strengthen spirituality and become involved in our community. Meets Sunday evenings from 7 - 8:45 PM in the Gonderinger Parish Center. Parents welcome! View Website. Contact: Laura Bogue at (402) 861-4509 or l.bogue@stephen.org.
What About Wednesdays (Grades 8-12)
Enjoy teen-led discussion, game nights, Bible or book studies and more! No homework. Join us Wednesday evenings from 7-8 PM in the School Library. Parents welcome! View Website. Contact: Laura Bogue at (402) 861-4509 or l.bogue@stephen.org.
Hearts Open Wide Service Squad (Teens and Parents)
We invite you to join us in being the hands and feet of Christ! The Hearts Open Wide Service Squad offers many community service opportunities. View Website. Contact: Laura Bogue at (402) 861-4509 or l.bogue@stephen.org.
Cub Scouts (Grades 1-5)
Provides year-round program designed for boys. Contact: Frank Jones at (402) 215-2099.
Boy Scouts (Boys 11-17 years old)
Experience leadership and character building through service, activities and outdoor events designed for boys. Contact: Joel Neesen at (402) 891-8152.
Coffee & Donuts (Hospitality)
Assist in preparing, serving and cleaning-up coffee, juice, and donuts after each Sunday morning Mass in the Dining Room. Contact: Karen Hardy at (402) 861-4537 or k.hardy@stephen.org.
New Parishioner Welcome
Call new parishioners and welcome them to our Parish, follow up with a handwritten mailed note. Also, assist in staffing the Welcome table after Sunday Masses. Contact: Adam Ybarra at (402) 861-4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org.
Decorations (Environment)
Help design and/or change seasonal settings in the Church. Assist in caring for flowers and plants, especially at Christmas and Easter. Contact: Karen Hardy at (402) 861-4537 or k.hardy@stephen.org.
Grounds, Upkeep & Garden Club
Assist with Parish property beautification. Contact: Dan Koenig, Director of Operations at (402) 861-4543 or d.koenig@stephen.org
Votive Candle Replenishment
Help provide the "light" for others' intentions. Replace the votive candles in the Daily Mass Chapel on a regular basis. Contact: Melissa LaPesh at (402) 598-8879 or meli3773@ymail.com.
Linens
Wash and iron linens. Repair altar linens, albs, and stoles as needed. Contact: Sue Klopp (402) 203-4940 or Karen Hardy at (402) 861-4537 k.hardy@stephen.org.
Parish Library Assistance
Catalog and shelf returned books in the Parish Library. Contact: Adam Ybarra at (402) 861-4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org.
Childcare Volunteer
Assist in caring for children ages 1-4 during adult formation classes and select parish events. Must be Safe Environment trained. Contact: Adam Ybarra at (402) 861-4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org.
Baptism Facilitator
Facilitate Baptism preparation classes for new parents. Training provided. Contact: Cheri Hassenstab at (402) 894-9638; or Adam Ybarra at (402) 861-4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org..
Small Group Host
Share your faith and experience fellowship. Host a Small Group or facilitate a Bible Study. Contact: Adam Ybarra at (402) 861-4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org.
Ages 3-5 Catechist (Religion Education Teacher)
Teach or assist teaching 3-5-year-olds during 9 and 10:30 AM Sunday Mass times. Prepared lessons provided involving crafts and music. Must be Safe Environment Trained. Contact: Ally ZimmerMas at (402) 896-5693 or a.zimmermas@stephen.org.
Grades K-8 Catechist (Religion Education Teacher)
Teach, assist teaching or be a substitute for grades K-8, weekly, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Prepared lessons provided. Must be Safe Environment Trained. Contact: Ally ZimmerMas at (402) 896-5693 or a.zimmermas@stephen.org.
Individual Sacrament Recipient Preparation Facilitator
Prepare individual children in grades 3+ to receive Reconciliation and First Communion. Must be Safe Environment Trained. Contact: Ally ZimmerMas at (402) 896-5693 or a.zimmermas@stephen.org.
Youth Group Core Team Member
Help lead our Youth (Grades 6-12) closer to Christ by joining Edge or Life Teen Core Teams. Contact: Laura Bogue at (402) 861-4509 or l.bogue@stephen.org.
Parish Festival
Join in on the fun and help plan and execute the annual Parish Festival held in August. Contact: Dan Koenig, Director of Operations, (402) 861-4543 or d.koenig@stephen.org
Trivia Night
Assist in planning and execution of an evening of fun, fellowship and friendly competition held in January. Contact: Contact: Dan Koenig, Director of Operations, (402) 861-4543 or d.koenig@stephen.org
Martyr Mission
Many hands and minds are needed to plan and execute our largest fundraiser held in March. This event includes dinner, a silent and live auction and more. Contact: Dan Koenig, Director of Operations, (402) 861-4543 or d.koenig@stephen.org
Evangelization Advisory Council
Serves as a visionary body to the Director of Evangelization and Catechesis. This team will pray together and read/discuss current Catholic literature to discern future Evangelization and Catechesis efforts. Contact: Adam Ybarra at (402) 861-4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org.
Pastoral/Spiritual Care/Social Justice Advisory Council
This is a welcoming community of faith where all may grow as disciples of Christ who love and serve God and neighbor. The council embraces Catholic teaching to support outreach ministries for all who are in need of love, compassion and the mercy of God. Focus is on the Corporal Works of Mercy. Contacts: Deacon Denny Dethlefs/Pastoral Associate, 402-861-4538 or d.dethlefs@stephen.org
Finance Council
Serves as a consultative board advising and supporting the Parish Finance and Operations teams. Contact: Ed Woll at (402) 639-9487.
Pastoral Council
Acts as a consultative board advising and supporting the pastor. Applications open annually in April. Selection process required, 3-year term. Contact: Julie Tylski at tylskisj@cox.net.
Religious Education Advisory Board
Serves as a consultative advising board supporting the Pastor, Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister. This team assists in the development and implementation of religious education and youth ministry programs. Meets quarterly, board members selected by R.E. Director and approved by Pastor. Contact: Ally ZimmerMas at (402) 896-5693 or a.zimmermas@stephen.org.
School Advisory Board
Serves as a consultative board advising and supporting the school Principal and assists in the governance of the school. Contact: Joe Reding at (402) 618-5581.
Youth Sports
Sign up for Soccer, Basketball, Cross-Country, Football, Track and Volleyball. Become a coach or help coach a team (must be Safe Environment Trained). Visit stephen.org/sports-club for a full up-to-date listing and registration information.
Men’s/Women’s Sports
Enjoy Adult Men’s Basketball and Coed Recreational Volleyball. Visit stephen.org/sports-club for contact information.
Care & Support
Are you feeling hopeless, lonely or afraid? Are you coping with loss and grief? Are you wondering where God is in your life? Big or small, we are here to help! You are not alone.
Learn MoreStewardship
Stewardship is not a program. It is a way of life. It is rooted in an awareness that we have been abundantly blessed by God. Our lives, our families, and all our possessions ultimately come to us from God. This awareness leads us to be grateful. Our response to God’s generosity is to be generous ourselves and to commit to give generously of our time, talents and treasure for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
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