FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How can I become a member of St. Stephen's Church?

A: There are two ways in which you can register at St. Stephen's Church: (1) Stop by the Rectory during office hours for a registration form, fill it up, then hand it to the parish secretary. (2) Fill out the registration form found on this website, then drop it off at the Rectory.

Q: What are my obligations as a Catholic and parishioner?

A: As a Catholic you are encouraged to do the following: attend Mass regularly especially on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, avail yourself of the other Sacraments that the Church offers, and live a good Christian life. As a parishioner of St. Stephen's Parish, you are encouraged to support your Church both spiritually and financially. You are encouraged to pray for our Church and its members daily. Also, we encourage you to participate in the affairs and activities of the parish.

Q: What are the scheduled days for confession?

A: Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.; Monday from 6:30 P.M. to 6:55 P.M.; and by appointment.

Q: When is the Rectory open?

A: Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.; Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Q: Are there any parish organizations I can join?

A: Parish Organizations are listed on this website under "Ministries."

Q: What number should I dial to contact a priest for an anointing?

A: For anointing of the sick and for emergency, you can always call the Rectory at anytime. The Rectory number is: 201-998-3314.

Q: How do I join the the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)?

A: If you are interested in joining the RCIA program, you can contact Sr. Rita Kearney, SSJ at 201-991-0236, or you can call Fr. Richard at the Rectory for inquiry.

Q: How can I join and become an altar server of the parish?

A: First of all, you must be at least in the fourth grade to become an altar server. For information and inquiry about the process and training to become an altar server, you can call Fr. Joe at the Rectory.

Q: Does St. Stephen's Church has a youth program?

A: Yes. For information and inquiry, you can call Patricia Sherwen, the Parish Youth Minister, at 201-991-5107.

Q: Is there an adult Catechism program in the parish?

A: Yes. We have the "Why Catholic Program", the Adult Catechesis and Bible Study, and the Faith Study Classes. For inquiry about any of these programs, you can call the Rectory at 201-998-3314.

Q: How can I be a lector or a Special Minister of the Eucharist?

A: Call Fr. Joe in the Rectory during office hours at 201-998-3314.

Q: I want to get married in St. Stephen's Parish, what do I need to do?

A: First, you must be a registered parishioner of St. Stephen's, or at least you must be "connected" with the parish in some way. Second, you must contact the Rectory and speak with Terrie, the Parish Secretary, for initial screening. Third, Fr. Joe will call you up for the initial interview. From there, he will explain to you (the couple) about the marriage preparation program of the Parish.

Q: I want my child to be baptized in St. Stephen's Parish, what do I need to do?

A: Call up the Rectory for guidelines. Baptisms in the parish are scheduled once a month on Sunday afternoons except during Lent. Arrangements can be made through the Parish office.Parents and Godparents must attend a special catechetical session prior to the Baptism.

Q: I want to get my marriage annulled, what do I need to do?

A: Make an appointment with one of the priests for information, or you can inquire directly tot he Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Newark at 973-497-4145.

Q: I belong to another religious faith and I want to become a Catholic. What do I need to do?

A: Contact Sr. Rita Kearny, SSJ and inquire about the RCIA program of the parish, or you can make an appointment with one of the priests or deacons, for inquiry and information.

Q: I need some advice with regard to my marriage and personal life, who should I call?

A: Call one of the priests or deacons in the Rectory for advise.

Q: I would like a priest or deacon to bless my house, what should I do?

A: Call the Rectory to make an appointment with one of the priests or deacons.

Q: I am an adult and I want to be confirmed, what do I need to do?

A: Call Sr. Rita Kearney, SSJ or Fr. Richard at the Rectory to inquire about the process.

Q: Is there a Filipino Mass at St. Stephen's?

A: Yes, there is a Filipino Mass at. St. Stephen's every Fourth Sunday of the month at 5:00 P.M., unless announced otherwise. For information, call Fr. Alex at the Rectory.

Q: What is the proper way of receiving the Eucharist during Holy Communion?

A: Each person whould receive the Eucharist from the priest, deacon or Special Minister of the Eucharist with reverence. The Eucharist is given either by placing on the tongue or in the hand. After the minister says "The Body of Christ," or "The Blood of Christ," the person receiving the Eucharist should answer "Amen," not "Thank you." After receiving the 'Body of Christ', the host should be consumed immediately.

Q: Can I receive Holy Communion without first going to confession?

A: Yes, as long as you have not committed any mortal sin. However, you are required to make an act of contrition before receiving the Eucharist, and you are also obligated to go to confession as soon as possible after committing any sins.

Q: Is there a dress code when attending Mass?

A: Yes, please dress respectfully; short shorts, tanks tops, bathing suits, beach wear or extremely casual clothing in Church is not propere attire. Everyone should dress to give due worship to God.

Q: What is Lent?

A: The Penitential Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. It has six Sundays and 40 weekdays. The climactic last week is called Holy Week and ends in those three last days - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The days are known as the Easter Triduum.

Q: What is the Parish Council?

A: The Parish Council is an organization which oversees parish activities and affairs. The Council acts as an adviser to the Pastor.

Q: What is the Finance Council?

A: A committee of dedicated men and women who work closely with the Pastor on all matters realting to Finances and Maintenance of the Parish.

Q: How do I register my child for Religious Education?

A: Call Margaret Kelly at 201-991-0236, or you can inquire from Parish Rectory.

Q: Does the parish have a Catholic School?

A: Yes. For inquiry and information, you can call Deborah DiMattia, the School Principal, at 201-991-3271, or you can log in to the school website: http://mdacademy.org

ST. STEPHEN PARISH

676 Kearny Ave, Kearny, New Jersey 07032