MASS
St. Stephen will resume the celebration of Mass on May 5 in accordance with Bishop Vásquez’s decree of April 30, 2020, and with the recommendation of the governor’s directives for houses of worship.  

DECREE FROM BISHOP JOE VASQUEZ - April 30, 2020
(English click here)     (Spanish click here)
LETTER TO THE FAITHFUL - April 30, 2020
(English click here)     (Spanish click here)

SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULE 
 

• Saturday - 5:30 PM in English
• Sunday - 9:00 AM in English
• Sunday - 11:00 AM in Spanish

DAILY MASS SCHEDULE
 

• Tuesday - 6:00 PM in English
• Wednesday - 9:00 AM in English
• Thursday - 9:00 AM in English
• Friday - 12:00 noon in English

LIVE-STREAMED MASS
St. Stephen will continue to live-stream Mass for those not able to attend or who do not feel it is safe for them to return at this time. 

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 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.

ATTENDING MASS AT ST. STEPHEN
Those attending Mass at St. Stephen are asked to make note of the following:

• 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 25% 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

THE DISTRUBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION AT MASS 

The obligation to receive Holy Communion is presently dispensed, and not required for the fulfillment of one's obligation. Those receiving Holy Communion are asked to abide by the following: 
 

• 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

  
VOLUNTEERS  
 

• Additional volunteers are required to assist in sanitizing the church after each mass. 
• There will be a training meeting in the church for ushers, greeters and volunteers who will assist them on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 PM in English and at 7:30 PM in Spanish

CONFESSION

Beginning on Saturday, May 9 confessions will again be available before Mass beginning at 4:30 pm. Confessions are also available by calling the office for an appointment - 254-947-8037.  We will continue to observe public health advisories regarding social distancing.