St. Stephen Protomartyr

Hello!
Had this not been the Feast of the Holy Family, it would be the Feast Day of St. Stephen Protomartyr.  Because of the weather, I stuck close to home and attended the 10:30 am Mass at St. Stephen Protomartyr in South City.

Before Mass, the choir sang carols.  Also, the Church welcomed a new member today:  Oliver :)

Music:
Opening:  Good Christian Men Rejoice
Gloria:  Sing Glory to God
Offertory:  Choir sang a variation of What Child Is This?
Mass Setting:  Mass of Creation
Communion:  Snow Lay on the Ground; Away in the Manger
Closing:  Instrumental of Joy to the World

Father's homily focused on family.  In today's gospel, Joseph is at the forefront.  His symbol should be a pair of Nikes, as he always asked to travel.  Usually we hear little about of Joseph.  He was walking to protect his family.  What makes up a family?  What makes a family holy?  Do you pray as a family?  Do you encourage your children to pray?  Bring children to Mass.  God should be the center of the family.  We need to protect children not only from physical harm but from spiritual neglect.  Father reminded everyone of the Baptismal Promise to bring children up in the Faith.  We not only need to talk the talk, but walk the walk.

Father used Eucharistic Prayer II and there were bells at the Consecration.

At the end of Mass, Father asked the parish to Nazi salute bless Baby Oliver.  Then because it was the Feast of the Holy Family, Father invited families up to be blessed by either him or one of the EMHC at the end of Mass.

Pictures:

View From the Back Pew!

Nativity

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

VIII:  The Holy Women

Shrine

These windows represent the duties of a deacon (I think):

Scenes from the Gospels:

St. Stephen Protomartyr

Links:
Website of St. Stephen Protomartyr