Change Of Pastors

Pastors of the Archdiocese of New York receive a six year term which is renewable, after an evaluation process, for another six years. Father Michael McLoughlin has completed twelve years as Pastor of St. Stephen’s. He has received a new assignment, effective this summer,  as Administrator of St. Columba Church in Hopewell Junction. Father Jack Arlotta, presently the Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Highland Falls, will be the new Administrator of St. Stephen’s. Father Michael will offer Mass on Sunday, June 22 at 12:15 p.m. to be followed by a picnic on the church grounds. Hamburgers, hot dogs and bottled water will be provided free of charge. Bring whatever else you wish, including folding chairs. All are welcome! In case of bad weather, food will be served in the school. PLEASE NOTE – Help will be needed with set up on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m., and with serving the food (arrive 12 noon) and clean up (3:00 p.m.). Please call the parish office (986-4028) if you can assist. We thank the Warwick Valley Knights who have volunteered to cook.

Note about Administrator - Because the Archdiocese in the process of "Making All Things New," which may include the merging or closing of some parishes, Cardinal Dolan has determined that all of the assignments are as "Administrator" until the process is concluded.

Ascension Thursday

Masses will be offered on Wednesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. and on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (school Mass) and at 7:30 p.m.

Pastors of St. Stephen's Church

I have been doing some research. This is the most accurate list of Pastors that I could come up with. If anyone has any additional information, please let me know!

Pastors of St. Stephen’s Church – Founded 1865

1786 – “Father Farmer” (Baptisms)

1865 – Rev. Benjamin O’Callaghan (First Mass)

1880 – Rev. Edward Byrnes (First Resident Pastor)

1889 - Rev. James Callaghan

1889 – Rev. John Creeden

1890 – Rev. John McCauley

1892 – Rev. Patrick Morris

1898 – Rev. Charles Meredith

1900 – Rev. P. J. Minogue

1907 – Rev. Peter Spellman

1914 – Rev. John Flynn

1921 – Rev. James Talbot

1924 – Rev. Matthew Duggan

1939 – Rev. Eugene MacDonald

1941 – Msgr. Joseph Grundner

1952 – Msgr. Joseph Kennedy

1954 – Rev. Thomas Egan

1959 – Msgr. Edward Monckton

1960 – Msgr. Henry Pregenser

1968 – Msgr. Thomas Crotty

1970 – Msgr. William Burke

1981 – Msgr. Bernard Corrigan

1997 – Msgr. Desmond O’Connor

2002 – Rev. Michael McLoughlin

Funeral Mass - Richard J. Collins

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Richard Collins on Friday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for Richard and for his family.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice for our benefit. Our freedom rests upon the willingness of so many who gave their lives. While family get togethers and barbecues are important, let us not forget the true purpose of this day.

Saturday, May 24 - Memorial Day Mass at our Parish Cemetery at 9:00 a.m. No Mass in church unless the weather is bad. Please park at the Methodist Church and walk across. Bring lawn chairs.

Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day Mass at 9:00 a.m. Only Mass today. Church offices closed today. Father Michael will offer prayers in our Parish Cemetery during the Parade.

Funeral Mass - Joseph Sabbatino

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Joseph Sabbatino on Saturday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Funeral Mass - Ann Marie Mabee

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of Ann Marie Mabee on Thursday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her and for her family.

Funeral Mass - David G. Cunningham

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of the soul of David Cunningham on Wednesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for him and for his family.

Good Shepherd Sunday - Mother's Day - Day of Prayer for Vocations

Retreat – Good time to pray - Marriage, Priesthood.

Thinking of so many others  – single life – divorced – single parent – adult child caring for parent – working at difficult job – widow – widower – caring for mentally challenged person

 Turn to Good Shepherd –    Key is John the Baptist – Look – behold – the Lamb of God -   the shepherd becomes one of the sheep – he shares in what the sheep are going through.

 Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd – I shall not want – in verdant pastures He gives me repose – beside restful waters he leads me – he refreshes my soul  -  he guides me in right paths -  even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil – for you are at my side!!!

 Need for Good Shepherds:
Class of 2014  -  477 to be ordained this year

Average age – 34

80% between  25 – 39
2/3  white   15% Hispanic   11% Asian
30% born outside USA
1/3 have relative who is a priest/religious
½ attended Catholic schools
Began to think of priesthood about the age of 16

 70% encouraged by priest

45% by friend
43% by parishioners
38% by mothers
½  did experience discouragement – mostly by friends  only 10% by parents (change)

Mother – really not sure – felt I was too young – did not know what I was getting into – she, of course was right.  Just wanted the best, like any Mom.  What I wanted – what God wanted for me – she supported all the way!

Began like a honeymoon – but - After a couple of years – think I made a mistake – too hard -   she said “ You took a sacrament:”  You made a promise & God made a promise to you. Do you think your father and I have had it easy?   Faithfulness!!!

 My first Trappist Funeral – Father Edward - 64 years a Trappist  -  So – no matter what the vocation -  be faithful - be the best that you can be, and remember – even if we walk through the valley of death – the Good Shepherd will be by our side!!!

Taste Of The Town

May 4, 2014

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Stephen’s;

Welcome to our Tenth Annual “Taste of the Town.” It began as a dream. It is now a much loved and appreciated community event. Our hard working group of volunteers has been planning and preparing for months to make this a pleasant and enjoyable afternoon for you. Thank you for accepting our invitation!

The Warwick Valley is known for many things, including our fine foods and choice wines. It is a special treat to gather many of our local restaurants, food establishments and wineries at one location. We are most grateful to them, to our entertainers and to all of our advertisers and patrons for making our event a great success. Please mention “Taste of the Town” the next time you visit them.

Our parish educates over 1,300 children in our superb parish school and excellent religious education program. Your presence and support today helps to ensure that they will continue to receive a quality education with sound religious, moral and civic values. You are helping to form the citizens of tomorrow.

So, once again, thank you for being with us. Relax and enjoy!

Sincerely,

Rev. Michael P. McLoughlin                    

Pastor

Ms. Mary Lou Moccia
Principal