Equipping Missionary Disciples with Christ, our Cornerstone

Ministries, Activities, & Events to Proclaim Christ

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who ask you a reason for your hope.” (1 Peter 3:15)

St. Stephen the Martyr desires to become a a community for all…to proclaim Christ. The call to share the Good News & give a reason for our hope and joy is the last step on the Clear Path to Discipleship.

As the Apostles shared Christ’s truth to the ends of the earth, so we too are called to share Christ’s joy with whomever me meet. 

Browse the opportunities below for you to proclaim Christ at St. Stephen the Martyr. Your participation, gifts & talents, and perspective are vital to the well-being of your parish. Please feel welcome get involved in what interests you.

  • Emmaus Outreach: The goal of the Emmaus program is to reach out to the families in our community neighborhoods. Just as Jesus shared a journey to Emmaus with some of His disciples and was recognized in the breaking and sharing of the bread, we are called to share our Christian journey with each other and make Jesus present through our love and acts of charity. Contact Adam Ybarra, Director of Mission at 402.861.4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org. 

  • Reach One More: God invites every one of us to join him in his great mission to reach one more – one more coworker, neighbor, family member, and friend. We know it’s not always an easy discussion to have. That’s where Reach One More can help. We will spend six nights showing you how to make sharing your faith a natural part of your life as a disciple. Contact Adam Ybarra, Director of Mission 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. 

  • Become a Catechist: Share your Catholic faith with the 550 children of our parish who enroll in our weekly, catechist-led Religious Education classes each school year! You do NOT need to be a school teacher nor a scholar of the faith! You need only possess a heart for Jesus and a desire to share His love with children. All materials and lesson plans are provided, and various volunteer roles are available.

  • Food Pantry: Our Food Pantry is open to all in our parish family and the greater community who are in need.  We provide not only food items but a listening ear and we ensure your dignity and confidentiality. If at any time, you are in need, call Colleen Eusterwiemann (402) 861-4538. We are always ready to open our doors! With many Blessings!
    • Volunteers – Volunteers are needed to assist in collecting donations, shopping, organizing, and packaging.
    • Donation Drives – Thank you for the continued support of our ongoing Donation Drives. Items can be dropped off in the entryway of the Parish Center. Additionally, take advantage of curbside drop-off with the Knights of Columbus on the first Saturday of every month from 10 AM to 12 PM. Look for more information in the bulletin for special opportunities to donate and lists of specific items needed.
    • More info at stephen.org/food-pantry

  • 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: Colleen Eusterwiemann, Pastoral Care Coordinator

  • Respect Life Ministry: Every human life is precious, created uniquely by God. St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church invites you to proclaim Christ through our Respect Life Ministry. From regular prayer to public demonstrations to service and giving opportunities, we hope your whole family will find a way to support a greater respect for life from conception to natural death. Learn more at stephen.org/respect-life or contact: Sara Venner 402.651.1498.

  • Walking with Moms in Need:

    St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church is Walking with Moms in Need! We are here to promote a culture of life & support our community and parish.

    It works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. Volunteers “walk” with moms throughout the motherhood journey, offering them authentic Christian friendship and ongoing support. 

Walking with Moms in Need mentors are inspired by our Blessed Mother’s witness in the Visitation. We believe our personal call as Christians is to live out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy with care for moms and respect for life. This is an opportunity for Catholic parishes and communities to “walk in the shoes” of local pregnant and parenting women in need, accompanying them in friendship and helping to connect moms with local resources.

If you are interested in helping others, please email ststephenwalkingwmoms@gmail.com or Colleen at Colleen at 402-896-4538.

  • Funeral Lunches: St. Stephen Funeral Lunch Ministry shows caring, kindness and hospitality to families who have lost a loved one by providing assistance with food and/or serving for funeral luncheons. Contact: Colleen Eusterwiemann at 402-861-4538 or c.eusterwiemannor@stephen.org or Susan McDonnell at 402-659-5237.

  • Senior Care: Visit with a Brookside Village resident once a week. You will be matched with a person who shares your interests. Contact: Colleen Eusterwiemann, Pastoral Care Coordinator

  • Baptism Facilitator: Facilitate Baptism preparation classes for new parents. Training provided. Contact Adam Ybarra, Director of Mission at 402.861.4507 or a.ybarra@stephen.org
  • Wedding Coordinator: Work with engaged couples to prepare them for their wedding day at St. Stephen. For more information, please contact Erika at 402-861-4501 or e.riforgiate@stephen.org.
  • Weekly/Monthly Tithing: To setup an online giving account and a regular gift to support this mission & programs at St. Stephen the Martyr, click here. 
  • Special Donations
    • Opportunities to support St. Stephen the Martyr through Planned Estate Giving, IRA Charitable Rollover Gifts, and Gifts of Stock Appreciations can be coordinated with Catiana Urrutia, Development Associate at 402-861-4541 or c.urrutia@stephen.org
  • Support our Special Events
    • Dinner & Auction: This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year and is usually hosted the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. There are opportunities for Corporate Sponsorships and individual gifts to support this event.
    • Martyr Marathon: This event supports the operational needs of our Catholic School. Opportunities for individual gifts and Corporate Sponsorships are available to support this event.
    • Trivia Night: This event brings together the community in competition, usually hosted in November.
  • Dinner & Auction: This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year and is usually hosted the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. There are opportunities for Corporate Sponsorships and individual gifts to support this event.
  • Martyr Marathon: This event supports the operational needs of our Catholic School. Opportunities for individual gifts and Corporate Sponsorships are available to support this event.
  • Trivia Night: This event brings together the community in competition, usually hosted in November.

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