Lent
Lent has been said by many to be the most spiritually profitable time of the year. By the three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are made more like Christ as we imitate His forty days in the desert, and as we prepare for the Sacred Triduum and Easter. A season of prayer and penance, we purify ourselves by moving away from sin and seeking forgiveness. As a Parish, here are some of the things we are doing, and the spiritual practices we observe, to live this holy season faithfully.

Ash Wednesday

The Ash Wednesday Mass will be held at 9:30 am and 7 pm at St. Stephen's Parish, and at 5 pm at Maria Regina Parish. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are both days of Fasting and abstinence from meat.

Fasting

Fasting applies to anyone over 18, and under 60. Certainly, medical reasons such as diabetes, illness, and pregnancy, release one from the requirement to fast. Fasting is held to be having only one main meal, and two small snacks throughout the day. For many, fasting also means giving something up throughout Lent – some give up Facebook, others give up smoking or drinking, and others give up chocolate or some other favorite treat. This is an excellent practice for families to do with children.

Abstaining

From the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops: This form of penance needs to be seen as a near cousin of fasting. We may give up meat or other desirable foods one or two days a week during Lent, especially on Friday, the day of Christ’s saving death on the cross. Our abstinence is another way of sharing in Christ’s work of saving the world. Throughout the year, every Friday is a day of abstinence from meat, obliging all Catholics who are 14 years or older, [and who are in good health.] We may also substitute other good actions for abstinence from meat. These could include special acts of charity (visiting the sick or aged, helping those in any need, contributing time or money to a work of charity) or other acts of piety (taking part in a service of worship with others, praying with our family, spending some extra time in personal prayer, especially with God’s holy word in the scriptures). Fish is of course the traditional substitute for meat, and eggs are certainly allowed.

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Every day, the Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at 3 pm in the church at St. Stephen's. This short prayer is offered at the hour of Christ's Death on the Crucifix. This is a remarkably powerful spiritual practice.

Rosary

The Rosary will be prayed half an hour before Saturday and Sunday Masses, honoring the Mother of our Lord. While everyone is free to pray for their own intentions, the Parish's intentions for these twelve Rosaries are: Sick of the Parish; Persecuted Christians; Success of the Parish Lent Mission; Deceased Members of our Community; Deceased Priests of the Diocese; Victims of Abuse; Spiritual Renewal of our Parish; Youth of our Parish; Holy Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life; For our Material Spiritual Benefactors; In Reparation for Sin; Mary's Intercession for our Diocese; We hope that you will join your community in prayer.

Stations of the Cross

Every Friday at 7 pm St. Stephen's will be praying the Stations of the Cross. A different format will be used weekly. Every Friday at 6:30 pm Maria Regina Parish will be praying the Stations of the Cross. This will be followed immediately by Mass. This replaces the Thursday afternoon Mass.



Parkinson’s Support Group
The Parkinson’s Support Group meeting will be held on Sunday, November 3rd, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus building. Care partners, family members, and home care workers are welcome to attend.

Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus will have their Council meeting on Thursday, November 7th at 8:00 pm.

Twilight 50+ Club
The Twilight 50+ Club, Port au Port East is having a Christmas craft & Gift sale, Bake Sale, Silent Auction, Grab bags, Ticket Raffles, and a 50/50 draw on Saturday, November 9th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

2024-2025 Sunday Missal’s and Calendars
2024-2025 Sunday Missal’s and Calendars are available for purchase at the Church entrance. Missal’s and Calendars are $6.00 for each. Please have the exact change. Thank you.

Mass of Remembrance
There will be a Mass of Remembrance on Tuesday, November 19th at 7:00 pm in Remembrance of family members who have passed between (November 14th, 2023, and November 19, 2024. The names of those who have passed during the year will be printed on the program and read aloud at this special Mass.

If you have family members who have died within the past year and resided in a different community, you may call the Parish Office at 709-643-2523 to register their names.

We invite prayers for all our beloved family and friends who have passed regardless of their religion in life. Cards will be available at the back of the Church for the names of loved ones who have passed previous to November 19th, 2024. These cards will be presented at the altar during this Mass. A goodwill offering will be at your personal discretion. 

Praying of the Rosary
Tuesday to Friday, praying of the Rosary will start 1/2 hour before Mass.

St. Stephen’s Parish
St. Stephen’s Parish is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm for private prayer.