World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal 2023Confirmation and First CommunionConfirmation and First Holy Communion took place at St. Jude Catholic Church in Thompson on Sunday, May 21. Four children from St. Stephen's received the sacraments, they were: Larissa Pietron, Adrienne Olson, Kinley Olson, and Aubrey Capp. On Sunday, May 28 there was parish recognition of our confirmands during Mass followed by refreshments in the basement.
Religious EducationSunday, May 7th started with the Crowning of Mary and it was the last day of CCD classes. Our catechists were recognized by our DRE Jenna Kyllo for teaching and guiding our children in their faith this year. They were Charlene Sather, Cassandra McDonald, Stacey Beckel, Mandy Hoverson, Lacey Pietron, Rose Funseth, and JoAnne Uglem.
The graduating seniors were recognized by Brian Stark of the Knights of Columbus. They were Jacob Warnke, Lane McCoy, Mercedes Hoverson, and Jebb Gerszewski. After Mass, the kids all went to the basement to play Bingo for some really fun prizes. All 75 numbers were called for blackout Bingo before all the cards won! Their teachers prepared lots of pizza and rootbeer floats for them while they were playing Bingo and it was enjoyed by all. Pictures from the Confirmation retreat that was held at St. Stephen's on Saturday, May 13th.
Dates to RememberSept. 1, Friday, 9:00am Mass - followed by Eucharistic Adoration for 30 minutes, Father Casey will be in the confessional during this time. Sept. 6th - Sept. 15 - Father Casey will be gone, no daily Mass during this time. Sept. 10, Sunday, 9:00am Mass - Father James Meyer will sub for Fr. Casey. Sept. 10, Sunday - National Grandparents Day Sept. 16, Saturday, 1:00-4:00pm - Heritage Sites Tour; St. Stephen's is included in the Tour. Mass Schedule: Monday - No Mass Tuesday - 6:00pm Mass Wednesday -9:00am Mass Thursday - 9:00am Mass Friday - 9:00am Mass Saturday - 5:00pm Vigil Mass Sunday - 9:00am Mass CCD classes - For grades K-6 meet on Sunday morning, from 10:00-11:00am, in the church basement. For grades 7-12 meet on Sunday morning, from 10:00-11:00am, in the church basement. 
The Word Among Us has the readings, prayers, and responses for all the daily and Sunday masses. It's available to pick up in the narthex (foyer), if you can't find a copy there ask Fr. Casey for one.
Bible readings for: Sunday, September 10, 2023 Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Ezekiel 33:7-9 Psalms 95:1-2,6-7,8-9 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20 Prayer Intentions of Pope Francis for 2023 SEPTEMBER
For people living on the margins We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance. Easter 2023Holy ThursdayThe Mass, the Washing of Feet, Night Watch Adoration, the Scriptural Rosary.
Good FridayThe Liturgy of the Word, reading of the Passion of the Lord, the Solemn Intersessions, the Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.
Holy SaturdayThe Blessing of the Fire and the Blessing of the Paschal Candle, the Easter Proclamation, the Liturgy of the Word, the Blessing of Water, the Renewal of Baptismal Promises, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the LordThe Mass and Renewal of Baptismal Promises.
KC's Lenten Fish Fry 2023The Knights of Columbus hosted the Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, March 24, 2023 in St. Stephen's Church basement. They served battered, deep-fried cod loins, baked potatoes, corn, rolls, beverage, and ice cream bars. They had a good turnout for the dinner even though the spring thaw was just beginning and it was a bit muddy outside.
Rose Funseth and Karen Landman of the Altar Society led the Friday night Rosary and Stations of the Cross at 5:30 since the Knights were busy in the kitchen. Thank you to all parishioners who participated in the evening and to all community members who attended. The Stations of the Cross1. Jesus is condemned to death.
2. Jesus carrying his cross. 3. Jesus falls the first time. 4. Jesus meets his blessed mother. 5. Simon helps Jesus to carry his cross. 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. 7. Jesus falls the second time. 8. Jesus consoles the holy women. 9. Jesus falls the third time. 10. Jesus is stripped of his garments. 11. Jesus is nailed to the cross. 12. Jesus expires on the cross. 13. Jesus is taken down from the cross. 14. Jesus is laid in the sepulcher. Christmas 2022Christmas at St. Stephen's started on Sunday, Dec. 18th with Fr. Casey offering Mass at 10:00am; and then our DRE, Jenna Kyllo, and the CCD teachers presented their students in a program called "One Solitary Life". After the program we went downstairs for our parish potluck; thank you to everyone who brought side dishes and cookies and candy to share. Old fashioned Christmas treat bags were given to young and old alike to take home and enjoy. Christmas fell on a weekend this year, so Christmas Eve Mass was on Saturday at 5:00 and Christmas Day Mass was on Sunday at 9:00. The Mass for The Epiphany of the Lord will be on Sunday, January 8th.
CCD Christmas Program 2022"One Solitary Life"
Advent ActivitiesThe Angel Tree is in the foyer, some tags were taken but there are still some left. You can make a child's Christmas brighter with your gift. There is a box in the entryway for the Advent Food Drive and a shopping cart up in the foyer to collect your donations. The youth and children's CCD classes went out to collect the paper bags filled with groceries from donors' doorsteps, they had great success! Thank you so much!!
Update: All the gift tags were taken from the Angel Tree and beautifully wrapped gifts were left under the tree, which have now been delivered. Thank you so much! There was also a great response to the Advent food drive! Garage Replacement Project at St. Stephen'sWater and Sewer Replacement
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Join us as we serve the Lord:We invite you to "make a difference" in the St. Stephen's Parish community. Please contact Father Casey or Teresa Gorman to find out how you can:
Prayer Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous: teach me to serve You as You deserve: to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing I am doing Your will. St. Ignatius of Loyola Please pray for the health of: For our Congregation, for our families, friends, neighbors, our diocese, our country, and around the world. We pray for Ukraine.
Prayer for the Sick
Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick, we turn to You in this time of illness.. O dearest Comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with Your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in Your hands. We place our sick under Your care and humbly ask that You restore Your servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge Your holy will and know that whatsoever You do, You do for the love of us. Amen. Holy Rosary videoPray the Rosary with Bishop Barron! The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, which are traditionally prayed on Thursdays, are: 2:06 - The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan 7:20 - The Wedding Feast at Cana 11:48 - Jesus’ Proclamation of the Coming of the Kingdom of God 16:44 - The Transfiguration 21:57 - The Institution of the Eucharist
Obituaries
Willard (Willy) August Ketterling, 92, passed comfortably at his home in Larimore, North Dakota (ND). He passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023, with family by his bedside. Hospice of the Red River Valley gave support to Willy and his family the last month of life.
Willy was born March 21, 1931, at his home in Heil, ND to August Kettering and Martha (Eggers); he had an older brother, Edgar. His family primarily lived in Carson, ND. He was born during the “dirty thirties” and had his first full-time job, at the age of 13 years, for the Farmers Union as most of the men where off fighting in WWII. Willy almost died at age 4 from tonsillitis and was sickly as a young boy. He was always small but mighty. In 1949, Willy graduated from Carson HS where he excelled in multiple sports and was voted class president all 4 years of high school. He was proud to have attended ND Boy’s State that same year which was sponsored by the American Legion Club. Shortly after, Willy followed in his brother, Edgar’s lead and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War as a Yeoman 2nd Class (YN2). He protected the waters on various ships and submarines with the USS Bluefish S 222 being the submarine he spent most of his service aboard. After returning, he worked in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) office. He decided not to make this his career as he went off to college. On October 15, 1955, Willy married Merry Lou (Claymore) in Fort Yates, ND. The couple lived in Wahpeton, ND while he went to college before transferring to the University of North Dakota (UND). On June 5, 1960, he graduated with a B.A. degree in Journalism. As a family with three daughters, they made their home in Carson to begin a career in newspaper publishing. Willy was the owner and editor for the Carson Press, Grant County News, and New Leipzig Sentinel. He was a member of the Carson Volunteer Fire Department; he served as Chief, the Lions Club and various other community organizations. He was awarded the FFA Honorary Farmer Award on two occasions. Willy played softball with his friends and was known to have an occasional beer. Willy and Merry then had another daughter and a son and were both busy keeping involved with work, family and all of their activities. The Ketterling family moved to Larimore, ND in 1975 where Willy was the editor of the Larimore Leader and later the Larimore Pioneer. He was especially proud of driving school bus for the Larimore School District for 33 years and worked at two local establishments until he was 88 years old. He coached Legion Baseball and Girls Softball. Willy was a strong believer of supporting the community and was a member of the American Legion Club. He enjoyed his trips to Carson to be with friends and hunt. One of Willy’s most memorable and proud moments was his trip to Washington, DC for the Veteran’s Honor Flight of ND/MN. He was escorted by his son, Nathan (U.S. Marine) and joined by his daughter, Rene’ and her family. He has left a legacy to all of us of an envied work ethic, faithful support for his community, consistent and relied loyalty to his friends, a steadfast sense of honesty, unwavering faith in his Lord and passionate love for his family; not to mention his great humor, stories and love for gardening, sports, hunting, fishing and playing cards. Willy celebrated his 90thbirthday with his children, grand children and great grandchildren surrounding him. After Merry’s passing, Willy was active in his church and met for coffee each morning at the Senior Center with a great group of friends. He continued to support the Larimore High School football team and attend UND football games. He was thankful to live his last years at home with his daughter, Tracy and his dog, Coco, along with frequent visits and care from daughter, Amy. Willy is survived by his children, Sandra Claymore, Taos, NM; Amy Ketterling, Dickinson, ND; Tracy Ketterling, Larimore, ND; Rene’ Rynestad (Todd), Catlett, VA; and Nathan Ketterling (Ann), Fargo, ND. He had 15 grandchildren, Ashley Rolshoven Loveless (Tyler), Jared Sampson, Zane Forster (Melissa), Seth Forster (Jaylea), Kaitlyn Gorrell (Clint), Libby Kick (Tate), Bobby Joe Smith III, Christian Thomas, Tessa Claymore, Friday Elijah Thomas, Basil Rynestad, Sadie Rynestad (Joe), Caden Rynestad, Austin Ketterling, and Ian Ketterling. Great-grandchildren. Landon Loveless, Sequoia, Aden, Josiah, Avery, and Arya Sampson; Donny Forster; Jack Manolovits; Carter, Anastasia and Adriana Forster; Vann Gorrell; and Dak and Mav Kick. Willy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Merry (Claymore) Ketterling, his parents August and Martha Ketterling, brother Edgar Ketterling and wife Rosetta, and his in-laws Charles and Elizabeth Claymore along with numerous other family members. A funeral is scheduled for Monday, May 1, 2023 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Larimore, ND. Visitation will be at 1:00 with the memorial mass at 2:00 pm. Refreshments to follow in the church. Interment services, with full honors, will be held on a later date at the North Dakota Veteran Cemetery in Mandan, ND. We appreciate the support Willy and our family received from the Hospice of the Red River Valley. Any monitory donations are welcome for this organization or to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. 
Albert E. Tuma, 81, of Larimore, ND died March 4th, 2023 at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, ND surrounded by his family .
Albert was born September 22, 1941, to Mary (Lipsh) and Albert I. Tuma in Walsh County, ND. Albert was a proud and active member of the American Legion Post #97, where he served as post adjutant and commander, he also served as District 2 Commander, and Regional Vice Commander. He was also an active member of the Sons of the American Legion, Forty and Eight - serving as Chef De Gare, and Knights of Columbus. Albert never let life’s obstacles slow or hinder his enthusiasm for life. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren who he affectionately called “his kids” grow up. Albert is survived by his wife Kathy of 55 years, sons Mark (Laurie) Tuma, Fargo, ND, Tim Tuma, Larimore, ND, daughter Lori (Joe) Reinhold & grandchildren Luke Reinhold and Meg Reinhold, Arvilla, ND, sisters Eunice (Earl) Walters, Janice (Jack) Weaver and Sister-in-law Judy Tuma. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Eugene. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 9th at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Larimore, ND. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service. Military Honors will be by the Ted Valerius Post # 97 of the Larimore American Legion. Interment will be in Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore. *** In Lieu of Flowers, memorials can be made to Valley Senior Living of Grand Forks or Bellevue Cemetery in Larimore. 
Obituary for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away in the Lord on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican, which the 95- year-old Pope emeritus had chosen as his residence after resigning from the Petrine ministry in 2013. His death was a result of advanced age. Pope Emeritus Benedict was born, Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927, in Marktl Am Inn, Bavaria, Germany. He was the youngest of three children born to Joseph Ratzinger, Sr., a police officer, and Maria (Peintner) Ratzinger. Joseph Ratzinger studied philosophy and theology at the University of Munich and, along with his brother, Georg, was ordained to the priesthood at Freising, Germany, on June 29, 1951. He pursued ministry as an academic, establishing himself a renowned theologian. While a professor at the University of Münster, he was selected as a peritus (theological expert) to the Second Vatican Council. He attended the Council with then Bishop Karol Wojtyla— later Pope John Paul II. In May of 1977, Pope Paul VI appointed Father Joseph Ratzinger Archbishop of Munich. One month later, in an unusual move, the Pope created Archbishop Ratzinger a Cardinal. In 1981, he was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, one of the most important posts in the Curia, by Pope John Paul II. As Prefect, Cardinal Ratzinger was at the center of every burning debate within the Church. The ideas he championed played a vital role in the Papacy of Saint John Paul II. With Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger worked zealously to implement the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. On April 19, 2005, following the death of John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected as the 265th Supreme Pontiff. He selected the name “Benedict,” in honor of Pope Benedict XV, who served as Supreme Pontiff during World War I. At age 78, Ratzinger was the oldest man to be elected to the papacy since Pope Clement XII in 1730. Benedict's election marked the first time there were two consecutive non-Italian Pope since the Avignon papacy during the 14th Century. Pope Benedict is remembered for his teaching on the importance of friendship with Christ, his defense of Christian morality against relativism, promoting the integration of faith and reason, and his teachings on the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. On February 11, 2013 Benedict XVI announced that he would resign from the Papal Office, effective February 28, 2013. He was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415 and the first to do so without external pressure since Celestine V in 1294. At the time of his resignation, Benedict was the fourth oldest pope, at 85 years, 318 days. After his resignation, Pope Emeritus Benedict resided in Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, a former convent, in the southwest corner of Vatican City. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen Prayer of the Month For People Living on the Margins Holy Spirit, Father of the poor. How is it possible to give a real and concrete solution to the millions of the poor who often find only indifference as an answer? What path do you need to go to overcome social inequalities and restore human dignity that has been trampled so many times? Take down our complicit individualism and help us bring development processes to life in which the capacities of all are valued so that the complementarity of competences and the diversity of charisms create a common project of action. Amen” Prayer for Peace
Mary, Queen of Peace, save us all, who have so much trust in you, from wars, hatred, and oppression. Make us all learn to live in peace, and educate ourselves for peace, do what is demanded by justice and respect the rights of every person, so that peace may be firmly established. Amen Pope Saint John Paul ll 
Teresa Gorman, pictured here in her office at St. Stephen's, is our new secretary/bookkeeper as of June 1, 2019. She succeeds Kris Stark who retired after 10 years of faithful service as the church secretary.
Parish Council & Finance CouncilTom McMahon - Finance Council
Tim Pietron - Finance Council Bob Landman - Lay Director Greg McMahon - Lay Director JoAnne Uglem -Northwood -Parish Council Chair Lisa Durkin - Niagara/McCanna Gladys Trottier - Northwood Ronald Roch - Northwood Rose Funseth - Music Meg Farrell - Altar Society Mandy Hoverson -Director of Religious Education John Gorman - Youth Director Administration and MaintenanceTeresa Gorman - Secretary/Bookkeeper
Mary Ann Smith - Sacristan Sheila Denault - Church Website Dwight Stark - Snow Removal - Parking Lots Jim Lempe - Snow Removal - Sidewalks Allen Farrell - Lawn Care JoAnne Uglem -Deanery Council Rose Funseth - Deanery Council Parish CouncilClick below to read the minutes from the June 2023 Parish Council meeting.
Altar Society
Click below to read the minutes from the March 2023 Altar Society meeting.
Click below to read "2016 St. Stephen's Projects - Make a Five Year Plan of Action" outlined by JoAnne Uglem.
Click on the file below to hear Paulette sing "Ave Maria".
For people living on the margins – The Pope Video 9 – September 2023
Pope Francis always encourages us to place ourselves at the side of those who are marginalized and cast out, those who never make the headlines. In the video containing the prayer intention for September, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, he asks us a question that should not leave us indifferent. “How is it that we allow the ‘throwaway culture’ – in which millions of men and women are worth nothing compared to economic goods – to dominate our lives, our cities, our way of life? And continuing on, he pleads with us: “Let’s stop making invisible those who are on the margins of society, whether it’s due to poverty, addictions, mental illness or disability.” Let us listen carefully to his message and do what we can substitute the “throwaway culture” with a “culture of welcoming.” A homeless person who dies on the street will never appear among the top stories of search engines or newscasts. How could we have reached this level of indifference? How is it that we allow the “throwaway culture” – in which millions of men and women are worth nothing compared to economic goods – how is it that we allow this culture to dominate our lives, our cities, our way of life? Our necks are going to get stiff from looking the other way so we don’t have to see this situation. Please, let’s stop making invisible those who are on the margins of society, whether it’s due to poverty, addictions, mental illness or disability. Let’s focus on accepting them, on welcoming all the people who need it. The “culture of welcoming,” of hospitality, of providing shelter, of giving a home, of offering love, of giving human warmth. Let us pray for those people on the margins of society in subhuman living conditions, that they may not be neglected by institutions and never be cast out. The video for the Diocese of Fargo 2023 God's Gift Appeal campaign.
The Veil Removed is a short film that reveals the coming together of heaven and earth at Mass, as seen by saints and mystics, revealed by scripture and in the catechism of the Catholic Church.
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