St. Stephen Parish was created a parish by Most Rev. Daniel Curley, Bishop of Syracuse, on July 1, 1928. The first pastor was Rev. Harold J. Flynn who served from July 1928 to August 1942. Masses were celebrated first in the home of Stephen Prendergast, then at Fitzgerald’s Store in the village of Phoenix. The land and construction money for the original church were donated by the Prendergast family, the first Catholic family in the area.

The original Church was erected on the West side of the river. There were approximately 158 families on the church register. The windows at the present St. Stephen’s parish church are a beautiful remnant of the original church.

In August 1942, Rev. Edmund D. Berrigan was appointed pastor at St. Stephen’s and it was during his pastorate on October 1, 1951 that the land was purchased for the present church. At the time it was a private park with the home of the Seits family adjoining. The home became the present rectory and the first Mass at the new location was offered in this house with sixty-four people in attendance. During the period 1954 to Mary 1957, the present St. Stephen’s Church was constructed.

St. Stephen is first mentioned in the Scriptures in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, chapters six and seven. He is listed among seven men who were chosen to serve the early Christian community by taking care of the temporal and charitable affairs. This served to free up the Apostles so that they would not "neglect the preaching of God's word in order to handle finances."

Stephen is described as a man of faith and the Holy Spirit. He and his six companions were prayed over by the Apostles and ordained by the imposition of hands. The title deacon, meaning "to minister," came to be linked with their function.

Gradually the role of deacon moved into the spiritual realm. Stephen, in particular, spoke with great vigor about Jesus Christ, and in doing so drew upon himself the wrath of the Jewish priestly class. He was falsely accused of blasphemy, and though Stephen presented and defended himself ably, they invoked the Jewish death penalty of stoning him.

Stephen, full of "grace and fortitude" to the very end, met the great test without flinching, praying to the Lord to receive his spirit and not to lay this sin against the people. He became the first martyr in the year 35 A.D.

Stephen is pictured carrying three stones, symbolic of his martyrdom by being stoned to death. He is referred to as the patron of stonemasons. The symbol to the right, the red banner and palms, represents martyrdom. The symbol to the left, a harp, conveys the notion of praise. While not directly referring to Stephen, the symbol was chosen because of its location in the stairway to our choir loft. The choir greatly enhances our worship and praise of God.

St. Stephen Parish offers a range of ministries and organizations where you can share your gifts, grow in faith, and build community. Whether you're drawn to prayer, service, or fellowship, there's a place for you here. Explore the groups below and discover how you might get involved.

Adult Initiation: The process through which adults who are seeking to become part of the Catholic Church learn about the faith. Any adult who is unbaptized or baptized in another faith tradition is welcome to become part of this process to grow their faith. 

Contact Father Scardella at the Parish Office

Altar-Rosary Society:  The Altar Rosary Society promotes devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and helps maintain the church's altar and other liturgical spaces and supports the parish through various fundraising activities. 

Contact Sue Shatrau: 315-529-3832

Altar Servers: Assist the priest and deacon during weekend Masses, playing an important role in the liturgy. This ministry is open to parishioners of all ages who have received their First  Communion. 

Contact Deacon Jeff Dean: 315-317-4379

Bereavement Ministry: Offers support and comfort to those who have lost a loved one. 

Contact Peg Woodruff: 315-263-3916

Bible Study (Thursday Morning): Read, discuss, and seek to discern God’s calling through the scriptures that are proclaimed at our Sunday Mass. 

Contact Ed Wilcox: 315-668-2793

Collection Counters: Help ensure the financial health of our parish by assisting with the counting of weekly collections. This ministry provides a behind-the-scenes way to support our community. 

Contact Deacon Jeff Dean: 315-317-4379

Esther Group for Women: This group primarily focuses on Christian faith and women's empowerment, drawing inspiration from the biblical figure Esther. This group aims to provide support, encouragement, and community for women, often focusing on spiritual growth, leadership, and personal development.  

Contact MaryAnn Suppon: 315-952-7813

Eucharistic Ministry: Serve the community by assisting with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass or bringing the Eucharist to those who are homebound or hospitalized. This ministry allows you to directly share the Body and Blood of Christ with others. 

Contact Deacon Jeff Dean: 315-317-4379

Family/Respect Life Committee:  The Family/Respect Life Committee is a ministry dedicated to promoting the sanctity of life and strengthening families through prayer, education, and outreach. It works to uphold the dignity of every person, offering support and advocacy rooted in faith and respect. 

Contact Marilyn Kinzel: 315-400-7882

Friendly Hour after Mass: Provides an opportunity for parishioners to gather and socialize after Mass. 

Contact Sue Shatrau: 315-529-3832

Funeral Luncheons: Provide comfort and support to grieving families by helping to organize and serve funeral luncheons. This ministry is a practical and  compassionate way to assist those who are mourning. 

Contact Terri Iorio: 315-506-8341

Lectors: Proclaim the Word of God during  Mass by serving as a lector. This ministry offers an opportunity to share your voice and bring the scriptures to life for the congregation. 

Contact Deacon Jeff Dean: 315-317-4379

Music Ministry (Choir): Share your love of music by joining our choir! Enhance our liturgical celebrations through song and  contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of our Masses. 

Contact Toni Orlando-Gilchriest: 315-243-3642

Ushers and Greeters: Offer hospitality and a warm welcome to all who enter our church. As ushers and greeters, you play a  vital role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for worship. 

Contact Gary Woodard: 315-695-2212