Our community is excited to participate alongside all parishes, missions and Catholic centers in the Archdiocese to strengthen and renew our Church for the future. Please continue reading to learn how this campaign will benefit us.
When I learned of Called to Renew, I immediately thought of sharing the story of “Whose Job Is It, Anyway?” with you, my dear people of God of St. Stephen Martyr. This is the story of four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody would not do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
I hope this story will inspire our parish family as we embark on this capital campaign to benefit not only St. Stephen Martyr Parish, but also the entire Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Both our parish and the Archdiocese as a whole are Everybody’s concern. And if ever there was reason God has given us our precious lives, it is because we are called to respond to the needs of them both. Anybody — you and me — has something to offer.
Somebody has to grab this opportunity to make a difference in our Church. If you and I will not respond to this urgent call, Nobody will. And if Nobody
does, nothing will get accomplished.
The saddest day will be when the future generation says, “Nobody at St. Stephen Martyr or in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles did something”. Let us all pray that
Everybody will be in on this together. That is, Somebody, who is you and me. Anybody can.
Remember, “You don’t have to be great to begin. But you need to begin to be great.”
Pledged over 5 years for the Called to Renew Campaign.
Our Parish Receives
$245,000
To renew our parish and strengthen ministries.
Parish Needs
Parish Hall
Our parish hall is long overdue for a
renovation. Replacing the ceiling tiles,
flooring, air conditioning, and installing
new windows, will greatly improve this
space for meetings, events, and faith
formation.
Sound System
The inferior quality of our sound
system often make it difficult to hear
and participate at Mass. Installing a
new sound system and updating the
microphones on the altar and in the
music area will improve sound quality in
the church.
Security System
The safety of our children and all
visitors to our parish is a major priority.
Installing a security system with
cameras will help us ensure a safer
environment.
Accessibility
Our current chain-link fencing limits
access to our church during school
hours for parishioners with limited
mobility. Installing a sturdier and longer-
lasting wrought iron fence, with a new
section between the church and the
school, will ensure the entrance with the
wheelchair ramp is always accessible.
Future Maintenance Fund
Establishing a rainy-day fund will ensure we are able to meet future
maintenance needs.
A Bold Plan of Renewal
We — the Catholic faithful — are the agents of renewal for Church and society. I am grateful for this opportunity to walk alongside clergy and parishioners in strengthening our parishes and ministries, the heart of our Archdiocese.