Let no one look down on your youthfulness,

but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity,

show yourself an example of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:12

Welcome our new
Coordinator of
Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Eddie Gemma 
Eddie@ststephencatholic.org
813-671-4434 



Nothing to fear, the Youth Minister is here!
Hello St. Stephen Parish, my name is Eddie Gemma and I am overjoyed to be joining y'all as the new Youth Minister.  I am currently 25, was born and raised in the small state of Rhode Island have been living in the Tampa Bay area for about a year now.  I graduated from St. Leo University in the Spring of 2019 and shortly after, was called by the Lord to serve as a summer missionary for LifeTeen at Camp Wildsky in Medina, Texas.  Some of my hobbies include sports, video games, music, movies and practicing jujitsu.  I look forward to meeting everyone and thank you for making me feel at home.  
​​​​​​​
God Bless, 
Eddie Gemma

Youth Minister, St. Stephen Parish

Contact Eddie at 813-671-4434 or you can email Eddie at Eddie@ststephencatholic.org 

When we released everyone for Spring Break, we had no idea that we would end up closing our doors for the rest of the year.  As we look to the year ahead, we realize it is filled with a great deal of uncertainty for many of our families and our youth. We'd love to hear from you, on how we can best help you deepen your faith in the year ahead.  Please take a moment to answer this short survey so that we can see how to best serve you.  God Bless.
 

YOUTH OUTREACH SURVEY

For a few weeks, this announcement had been inching closer, as our country finds new ways to collectively fight the spread of COVID-19. I mean I knew it was coming — I saw it on the horizon — but, I’m going to be honest, I didn’t think it would actually come to fruition. Receiving the Eucharist and participating at Mass has always been such an important part of my faith journey, and at first glance, the suspension of public Masses really does feel like a loss. But, God’s will is here, now. It is present in every single moment. And this present moment is offering a brand new opportunity to connect with Christ and each other in some pretty cool ways.  By: Rachel Penate

Participating in the Mass Remotely: A How-To

Just as you would prepare your mind, body, and heart for Mass on any given Sunday, it is strongly encouraged that you don’t let these good habits of preparation go during this time. Here are a few tips for full participation of daily or Sunday Mass via digital streaming.

Prior to Mass Starting
1. Pray and read the readings ahead of time. You can find the daily readings here.

2. Engage in discussion about the readings. Consider reading and discussing the readings with your family at home (or friends over the phone). Both Life Teen’s Summit and Lectio Live offer digital opportunities to discuss the Sunday readings before or after each Sunday Mass.

3. Choose a live stream or Mass recording to watch. Since it is important to remain connected to your parish community during this time, we recommend identifying if your parish has a Live Stream of your daily or Sunday Masses. (If you don’t already know how to access this streaming service, check out your parish’s website for more information.) If your parish does not have an option available, check out the list of high-quality Mass streaming options below.

4. Get dressed. Maybe not necessarily in your “Sunday Best,” but definitely out of your pajamas.

5. Invite others to join. Plan to pray with your family, but if they will not join you, try to virtually loop in some friends via FaceTime or Zoom.

6. Bring a journal. Have a journal and pen, and be ready to write any of your thoughts, reflections, or prayers as you go through the Mass. This can be a great way to organize your prayer and remain engaged throughout the live stream of the Mass.

7. Set the scene. Do what you can to create a space set apart for prayer — of course, you’ll have your computer, streaming the Mass, but consider lighting a few candles, and if you have any sacred images or statues around the house, bring them into the space you’ll be praying in. If you don’t have any, try to print some out, or organize your screen in a way that lets you look at sacred images, while you see the live stream of the Mass.

During Mass

An Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, 
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 
I love You above all things, 
and I desire to receive You into my soul. 
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, 
come at least spiritually into my heart. 
I embrace You as if You were already there 
and unite myself wholly to You. 
Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.