Baptism

It is in Baptism that we enter into a covenantal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and are welcomed into the community of believers. Parents must be members of St. Stephen's Parish. One Godparent must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic. Both must be Christian and at least 16 years old. Parents and Godparents must attend a Baptismal Preparation Session prior to the infant's Baptism. Sessions are held on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Church. Baptisms are celebrated every Sunday at 1:45 pm. Please call the Parish Office at 410-592-7071.

Reconciliation

It is in the sacrament of Reconciliation that we experience the sign of Christ's mercy and forgiveness. Reconciliation Preparation (Penance/Confession) is offered to children who have reached the age of reason, usually about seven years of age. In addition to weekly catechesis in either the Parish Religious Education Program or in the Parish School, the children also work with their parents in the home, in a series of learning/sharing sessions in a textbook issued by the Office of Religious Education. Parents are requested to attend a First Reconciliation Seminar designed to help parents recognize their child's readiness for the sacrament and to give support throughout the preparation period.

Weekly, the parish offers private confession on Saturday afternoon between 3:45 and 4:15 pm. The sacrament may also be celebrated at other times by scheduling an appointment with the parish priest. Please call the Parish Office at 410-592-7071. Communal celebrations of the sacrament occur during the seasons of Advent and Lent.

First Eucharist

When a child demonstrates an ability to understand God's presence in the Eucharist, the parish invites the child and parents to prepare for reception of the Eucharist. The invitation is given when the child attains the age of discretion; i.e. about seven years of age. The child must have been enrolled in a parish program of religious education at least one year prior as well as continually throughout the year of sacramental preparation. Throughout the time of the parish religious education, the parents extend the parish program by weekly attendance at a parish Mass, working with the text issued by the Religious Education Office, and by participating in a First Eucharist Seminar.

Children then have three areas of support and catechesis: (1) weekly Mass in the parish; (2) weekly Parish Religious Education sessions or enrollment in the parish school; and (3) instruction and sharing with parents in preparation for the sacrament using a textbook issued to parents.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation celebrates the fullness of the Holy Spirit conferred upon the individual at Baptism. It is seen as the process of ongoing renewal and commitment to grow in spiritual maturity and service to the people of God, thus proclaiming the lived expression of Christ in the world. At St. Stephen Church, the Confirmation Program is a two year program and is parish based, meaning that students from the parish school and from the religious education programs meet together for activities and instruction. Mass attendance is required every weekend. In Year 1, remote preparation, 7th graders are required to have regular attendance at weekly Religious Education sessions or be enrolled in a Catholic School and are requested to give 15 hours of Christian service and participate in a group project. In addition, during Year 2 participation is required in the following: Confirmation Enrollment during a weekend Mass; Sponsor Night; four sessions on the Sacrament of Confirmation and a retreat. Sponsors take an active part in the preparation of the candidate by participation with the candidate in the Enrollment ceremony, Sponsor Night, and an Evening of Reflection, as well as the Confirmation ceremony itself. Parents offer support by attending a Confirmation Seminar and by encouraging and assisting their children in Christian Service projects. Parents/Parishioners offer support as prayer partners.

Marriage

Archdiocesan policy states that couples are required to make an appointment with a priest or deacon of the parish at least six months in advance of the date they plan to celebrate their wedding. Sometime during this period of time, the couple is required to participate in a marriage preparation program. At St. Stephen Church, couples who are engaged are invited to attend a Pre-Cana Program, held in the school hall twice per year in Spring and Fall on two Sunday afternoons from 2:00 until 6:00 pm, a total of 8 hours of sharing, dialogue and discussion. This program considers facets of marriage which are important in beginning and building a marital relationship. Topics discussed are communication skills, sexuality, decision making, finances, and spirituality. Pre-Cana Presentations are also scheduled throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore in other parishes. Also available to engaged couples is a form of marriage preparation known as Engaged Encounter, as well as the "Sponsor Couple" Program. Contact the Parish Office for further information at 410-592-7071.

If you plan to be married by a priest or deacon affiliated with St. Stephen, you must be a registered parishioner. However, if you wish to use the church building for your wedding and you are not a registered parishioner, you may do so only if you provide your own priest or deacon and have him contact the priests at St. Stephen for permission.