Journey meets Sunday mornings in Room 15 from 9:45 - 11:15 AM (between the Masses). Although the calendar runs from September through May, new folks join us all year long.  Schedule a 1:1 to get started.

Nothing! Normally, it's $75 to cover the cost of the Bible, Catechism, binder, and materials. However, a benevolent parishioner who chooses to remain anonymous offered to pay for everyone's registration fee this year. Amazing!

After an opening prayer, we hear a short witness talk, watch a video, break into small groups for discussion, then close with resolutions and prayer.

We work our way through the Catechism, which is a summary of the essential doctrines of the Catholic Church which conveys the truth, beauty, and goodness of our faith in a way which is ever ancient, ever new.

We use The New Catholic Answer Bible and The Seeker's Catechism. These books are included in your registration and will be distributed at the first session, along with a study binder. Short readings assignments are to be completed before most sessions.

Sometimes looking at the whole year can feel daunting. Not to worry. Simply commit to one session. Most people decide to come back for another, then another.

Nope. That decision is between you and the Holy Spirit. You will get absolutely no pressure from the Journey Team to receive the Sacraments. We propose...not impose. Some people attend Journey several times before they are ready. Others decide not to receive the Sacraments. All are welcome.

Our parish provides a free subscription to Formed.org, which is like Catholic Netflix. To register for free access, select Formed for Parishes, Sign In, enter your info and 23322, choose St. Stephen, Martyr, then check your email. go to formed.org, select Formed for Parishes, click Sign Up, enter your info and 23322, choose St. Stephen, Martyr, then check your email..  

During Journey, we view Symbolon--the older version hosted by Dr. Edward Sri, not the new version. We watch the Teen Links during Journey sessions, but recommend the Adult Link at home.

We will discuss elements throughout the year and offer a Teaching Mass and Tour of the Church. In the meantime, you may find this Mass Guide helpful to learn responses and when to stand and sit.

One of the reasons we chose Symbolon video format is so you can watch the videos on your own the weeks you miss. We ask that you reach out to your small group leader or sponsor to discuss the video.

Phases of the Catechumenate

Previous Marriage
If you or your spouse/fiancé has had any previous marriages, set up an appointment with Deacon Kevin to the possibility of an annulment. The annulment process can take 6 - 18 months, so it's recommended to begin as soon as possible. Please provide the certificate(s) of marriage and divorce decree(s) to Deacon Kevin.

Declaration of Nullity
If you or your spouse/fiancé had a previous marriage declared null, please send a copy of the decree along with date, city, state, and diocese of the declaration to the Journey Coordinator.

Convalidation
If you and your spouse got married outside of the Catholic Church and desire to have your marriage blessed, please contact Deacon Kevin.

Marriage Issues

Baptism Documents

• Catholic Baptism: Contact the church of your baptism to request an Official Copy of your Sacramental Record. It must include both front and back sides and have a raised seal, and it must be dated within six months of receiving your sacraments. 
  • NOTE: The Official Copy is not the certificate that you have at home. It is always kept in at the church you were baptized. 
  • SACRAMENT NOTATIONS: If you have already received other Sacraments (Communion, Matrimony) in a Catholic Church, verify with your Church of Record (the church you were baptized) that your Official Copy includes these Sacrament Notations, which include the date, name of Church, and city/state of the Church. If it does not include these sacrament notations, reach out to the church in which those sacraments occurred and ask them to notify your church of record to update your notations prior prior to mailing the Official Copy to SSM.

• Military Sacramental Records: If your baptism was performed on a U.S. Military Installations, request an official copy from the Archdiocese of Military Services. It must be dated within six months of receiving your sacraments. Ask them to mail it to our church address noted above. If you already made your First Communion or been married in a Catholic Church, the official copy must also have the notation of these Sacraments, including date, name of church, and city and state of church. If it does not include these sacrament notations, reach out to the church in which those sacraments occurred and ask them to notify your church of record to update your notations prior prior to mailing the Official Copy to SSM.

• Non-Catholic Baptism: Email a copy of your Baptismal Certificate to Journey Coordinator. If you are unable to find a document, contact the Journey Coordinator to advise on alternate options.

If you are not yet a parishioner, welcome! Kindly register as a parishioner by creating a My Own Church account.

• Attend weekly Journey sessions
• Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
• Participate in Initial Interview and Discernment Interview
• Participate in four Rites and three Scrutinies
• Meet with Sponsor and/or Godparent
• Choose a Saint's name
• Participate in Rite of Dismissal at 11:30 Mass from Nov-April
• Receive Sacraments of Initiation at Easter Vigil
• Attend monthly Journey Continues for one year.

• Attend weekly Journey sessions
• Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
• Participate in Initial Interview and Discernment Interview
• Participate in three Rites
• Meet with Sponsor
• Choose a Saint's name
• Go to Reconciliation
• Receive Confirmation (and Eucharist) on Pentecost
• Attend monthly Journey Continues for one year.