WE DID IT!   
FINAL GOAL OF $1.2 MILLION MET!

At the beginning of 2024, we SURPASSED our Phase II Goal of $1 Million -- and in February, we reached our final goal of 1.2 Million donated to the Restoring St. Stephen Campaign!  I am very proud of you, the parishioners of Saint Stephen, for your generosity and dedication to restoring our spiritual home.  We began the Restoring Saint Stephen Campaign just a year ago, and have built an impressive momentum.

RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE

In October 2023, we moved into the Hall Chapel for Holy Mass and began construction on the church.  During construction we addressed necessary repairs, improvements, and beautification in the church’s interior. Some elements of Phase II, like bringing the church’s electrical system up to code, are unavoidable repairs. And some elements of Phase II sought to beautify our church — so that the beauty of God is clearly communicated through His House.  Our architect, Josh Hoffpauir, identified the needs were addressed in Phase II (see below).

RETURNING TO THE RESTORED CHURCH

By the grace of God (and through the intercession of our patron, St. Stephen), we were able to complete construction and return to church for Mass on Holy Thursday of 2024.  How fitting, as this is the day Christ gave us the Eucharist and the Priesthood.        

-- Fr. Istre.             _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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PHASE II Of RESTORING SAINT STEPHEN:

       Sanctuary Restoration

•   Removal of carpet and underlying wooden platform

•   Restoration of original terrazzo floors

•   Repair of termite and water damage in sanctuary walls and ceiling 

•   Oak Reredos and Altar for tabernacle constructed

•   Supports for statues of St. Stephen and St. Paul

•   New pulpit constructed — current pulpit is made of marble taken from old high altar

•   New Oak Communion rail in original location
  
  Main Body of Church

•   Refinishing pews

•   Adding back pews that were removed in previous renovation

•   Creation of cut-outs in pews for wheel-chairs

•   Beautification of devotional niches for St. Therese and St. Stephen Reliquary

  Repainting Church Interior

          Sanctuary, nave, vestibule, cry room, bathroom, sacristy, ceiling, and beams repainted
             (last repainting was 40 years ago)

       Improved Lighting and Electrical

•   Bringing electrical system up to code throughout church

•   Improved lighting fixtures above pews and in sanctuary

•   New lighting control system 

  Improved Sound System

         New sound system and speakers better suited to our church’s excellent acoustic

       Choir Loft Restoration

        Removal of carpet and refinishing of original pine hardwood floors

Fr. Sal Istre

Pastor of St. Stephen Church

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Weekend Mass Schedule

Weekly Parish Bulletin

Follow this link to our parish bulletin:

https://ststephenberwick.org/bulletins