CHRISTMAS EVE:  Join us for a Dessert and Savory Reception after Christmas Eve Mass. The Hospitality Committee would  like to invite any Parishioner who would be interested making or purchasing a Savory or Dessert Treat for this event to sign up on the bulletin board in the large parish hall or contact Don Cummings.

BOXING DAY:  There will be an Open House at the Rectory from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, December 26, 2011 for our annual Boxing Day Open House.  All are welcome.  Please contact Michael Ensign if you'd like to bring something.

NEW YEAR'S EVE:  A pot-luck will be served after the 10:30pm Mass.  Sign up on the bulletin board in the large parish hall or contact Don Cummings.

Saint Stephen's name is derived from the Greek Stephanos, meaning "crown". Traditionally, Stephen is invested with a crown of martyrdom for Christianity; he is often depicted in art with three stones and the martyrs' palm. In Eastern Christian iconography, he is shown as a young beardless man with a tonsure, wearing a deacon's vestments, and often holding a miniature church building or a censer. Rembrandt depicted his martyrdom in his work The Stoning of Saint Stephen.

According to The Acts of the Apostles Stephen was tried by the Sanhedrin for blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11) and speaking against the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14). While on trial, he experienced a theophany in which he saw both God the Father and God the Son:

"Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:56)

Acts 6-7 describe his trial. He was stoned to death (c. A.D. 34-35) by an infuriated mob encouraged by Saul of Tarsus. Stephen's final speech was presented as accusing the Jews of persecuting prophets who spoke out against their sins:

"Which one of the Prophets did your fathers not persecute, and they killed the ones who prophesied the coming of the Just One, of whom now, too, you have become betrayers and murderers." (7:52)

The version in the Golden Legend has Stephen appointed as one of seven deacons appointed by the apostles to appease the widows among the Christians of Gentile origin. Jealous of Stephen's success in his ministry, the Jews conspire to bring him down. First, they attempt to defeat him by way of argument, but are unsuccessful since the Holy Spirit arms Stephen with divine wisdom. Next, they bring false witnesses, who accuse him of blaspheming against God, Moses, the Law, and the Tabernacle. Aided by an angel, Stephen refutes every point, a refutation recounted in some detail. Finally, they try torture; still, Stephen attempts to convert them by inciting shame and fear in them, and by showing his love for them-he prays for his opponents as he is being stoned.

In Western Christianity, 26 December is called "St. Stephen's Day", the "feast of Stephen" mentioned in the English Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas". It is a public holiday in many nations.

Adapted from www. wikipedia.org