Statement of Belief - February 2, 2025

Spirit of St. Stephens Catholic Community originated in a Roman Catholic parish that was deeply shaped by Vatican II and the social movements of the 1960s.  Years later, when circumstances led us to part ways with the institutional church, we took with us the best that Catholicism offers—its sacramental worldview, its emphasis on community, and its commitment to justice—and interwove these with our own deeply held values such as inclusivity (fully embracing and celebrating all genders, orientations and background), shared leadership (encouraging lay people to preach, plan liturgies and guide decision making) and the welcoming of questions (believing that diverse perspective and ongoing discernment is a sign of a vibrant faith life).

Drawing on these roots and the evolving spirit of the community, the following statements capture elements of our shared beliefs.  They are where we find ourselves at the beginning of 2025, with full awareness that our identity will continue to evolve and deepen as we grow together.

• We believe that God is present in all aspects of life and creation. Every person, moment, and part of the world holds a reflection of the divine. As a result, we celebrate the sacredness of everyday life and recognize God’s presence in our interactions and environment.

• We believe that the Eucharist brings us together as one community in Christ. It is central to our faith and reminds us of our unity. As a result, we gather each week to share the bread and wine, striving to embody Christ’s love and teachings in the world.  We welcome all to the table, inviting everyone—regardless of faith tradition, background, or where they are on their spiritual journey—to participate fully in the Eucharist with us.

• We believe that caring for those in need is an essential aspect of our faith. We are inspired by Jesus’ example and the principles of Catholic social teaching.  We believe justice and compassion are at the heart of the Gospel. As a result, we commit ourselves to acts of kindness, solidarity and advocacy, working to address the issues of poverty, inequity and injustice in our community and beyond.

• We believe that we are all baptized to be priest, prophet and teacher and that the church is made up of all its people. As a result, we encourage everyone to participate in leadership and worship, honoring the contributions and voices of all members.

• We believe that those who have gone before us—the saints and loved ones—continue to inspire and guide us. As a result, we remember and honor them in our gatherings, seeking their wisdom through prayer as we journey together in faith.

• We believe that the divine mystery of God transcends human understanding. As a result, we live into the questions, remaining open to growth and transformation as we continually seek deeper understanding and relationship with God.  We are open to the wisdom of other traditions and welcome seekers regardless of their specific beliefs.

• We believe that liturgy is spiritual food for our souls, sustaining us in our work for justice every day. As a result, we work together to create meaningful and uplifting liturgies each Sunday—following the liturgical calendar and the common Christian lectionary, while intentionally incorporating readings, music, and prayers that speak to the realities of our world.