St. Stephen Catholic Church

Saint Stephen Parish is a worshiping community which seeks to live its Catholic faith based on Christian values. This parish is unified in diversity, committed to community service, and called to extend God's love to everyone. .

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The repairs to the church after the winter storm are now complete and the church is now ready for Holy Mass and liturgical services.   We appreciate and thank you for your patience, prayers and support during this most difficult time. Please join us for Mass either in person or via live stream.

You will be able to view the Mass on the website home page or on our Facebook page at www.facebock.com/saintstephenchurchsalado 

SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE

• Saturday - 5:30 PM in English 
• Sunday - 9:00 AM in English - LIVE STREAMED on Facebook and on our website
• Sunday - 11:00 AM in Spanish - LIVE STREAMED on Facebook and on our website

• Tuesday - 6:00 PM in English
• Wednesday - 8:30 AM in English
• Thursday - 8:30 AM in English
• Friday - 12:00 noon in English

SUNDAY MASS DISPENSATION CONTINUES
The Bishop's dispensation of the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and other holy days of obligation remains in effect.  Members of the faithful are asked to make other acts of spiritual devotion such as a spiritual communion, praying the Divine Office, praying for the sick, reading Scripture or participating in devotionals such as praying the rosary. Especially if:

• They are 65 or older
• They are sick
• They have been advised by a healthcare professional to stay home
• They believe attending Mass will jeopardize their health or the health of a person with whom they reside.

• Maintain a 6-foot distance at all times (except between members of the same household)
• Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrances of the church building. Please, use them.
• Wearing facemasks is encouraged, but not required
• Those inside the church building will be limited to 50% of the building's full capacity
• Collection baskets will not be passed. Donations may be made via offertory stations, mail or online giving
• The Sign of Peace at Mass is suspended
• Those who like may join the celebration of the Mass from their car in the parking lot via the Facebook and website livestream. They may leave their car for the reception of Communion and must return to their car after the reception of Communion

• There will be one single-file communion line
• 6-foot distancing will be maintained
• Communion in the hand remains the temporary expectation (distribution on the tongue, while not recommended, will not be denied in accordance with Canon Law)
• Distribution of the Precious Blood remains temporarily suspended

March 5, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

This week Governor Greg Abbott issued a new executive order related to COVID-19, effective March 10, 2021, which rescinds his previous statewide mandate requiring face coverings. This order also allows for 100% capacity in most businesses. While rescinding the statewide mandate for the “wearing of a face covering,” the governor encourages all Texans to continue using face masks “wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing.”

The temporary protocols for the celebration of the sacraments in the Diocese of Austin remain in effect. Rest assured that my decision today is made through prayer and in consultation with priests, deacons, laity and medical professionals. As I have stated multiple times since the onset of this pandemic, my decisions are based on the gospel value of the sanctity and protection of human life and the Church contributing to the common good of society.

Throughout the pandemic, I have issued protocols to ensure that the sacraments remain both available and safe for the people of God. These protocols encourage parishioners to wear face masks, receive Holy Communion in the hand, distance safely between households at Mass, and monitor their own health prior to attending Mass. In addition, our parishes are required to provide hand sanitizer as well as sanitize the pews in between Masses. By practicing these protocols, I believe the people of the Diocese of Austin have made a significant contribution to the physical and spiritual health of Central Texas and I am grateful.

It brings me great hope that vaccines are available. As more people are vaccinated, I believe this will bring us to a place where we will be able to safely modify the protocols, giving more freedom at our liturgies and parish activities. My request to all Catholics in the Diocese of Austin is that we stay the course in preparation for the time when this pandemic is no longer dangerous to the health of society.

Finally, I am inspired by the incredible generosity that has maintained each parish through this difficult financial period, as well as the generous support of the Catholic Services Appeal and Encountering Christ Campaign. Because of your sacrifices we will continue to provide for the pastoral and ministerial needs in the Diocese of Austin.

I entrust the Diocese to the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church! Together, we will overcome this pandemic, recalling in hope the words of Christ who proclaims, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).

In Christ,

Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez
Bishop of Austin

Temporary COVID-19 Protocols for the Celebration of the Sacraments - English
Protocolas Temporales de COVID-19 para la Celebracion de los Sacramentos - Espanol