December 5
Parish of St. Stephen Founded
Bishop Grady announces a new Catholic church to be built in the Winter Springs area. Father John Bluett is announced as pastor of St. Stephen in February. Three names were proposed for the new church; Fr. John chose St. Stephen, the first martyr, who lived a life of service as a deacon in the early church, leading prayer, preaching the Word of God, and caring for those in need.
February 24
First Parish Council Gathering
First organizational meeting of ten Catholics gathered from within the newly defined parish boundaries. The parish council officers were: Lynn Hinson, Chairman; Mike Damiano, Vice Chairman; and Mary Fedler, Secretary.
March 15
New Church Site Designated
The building site of the church building at 575 Tuskawilla Road, just north of Winter Springs Blvd, was chosen.
Mr. Rick Swisher, chapel architect for St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, was chosen to design the church facility.
The decision was made that the first construction project would be the church building, because the celebration of the Eucharist is our highest priority as Catholics.
June 16
First Parish Mass Celebrated
The first Mass of the newly formed St. Stephen parish was held at Lake Howell High School with 800 participants.
September
The St. Stephen Family Grows
Through children’s classes, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation preparation, middle-school and high-school retreats, as well as adult offerings like RENEW small-group faith sharing and the first annual Parish Retreat, parishioners of all ages came together to learn and grow in homes and apartments all over the area, connected by one faith and by the spirit of St. Stephen Catholic Church.
October 1
Church Building Funds Campaign Begins
A building fund goal of $1,500,000 was established and by November 8, 1985, parishioners had successfully generated $1,521,978 in building fund cash and pledges.
February 22
St. Stephen Church Groundbreaking Ceremony
Less than a year after the first parish organizational meeting, Bishop Thomas Grady, representative clergy, and over 450 guests participated in a Groundbreaking Ceremony and celebration.
July
New Priest to Assist Father Bluett
Fr. Mike Hamel joined the parish staff.
April 16
First Parish Mass Celebrated in the New Church
One year and 10 months after the first liturgy at Lake Howell high school, the community of St. Stephen gathered for a Holy Thursday celebration of the Eucharist as a parish family in the new church building.
Office Building Construction Complete
The office building was completed in 1987 as part of the original church construction project.
Enrichment Center 1 Built
Implementation of the original site plan continued with the building of the Enrichment Center (EC-1), a multi-purpose community life center with a large central space surrounded by meeting or classrooms and a full kitchen.
Parish Outreach Kicks Off
In the early 1990’s, St. Stephen started doing outreach, including bread runs, habitat houses, helping neighbors in the community fix homes, mentoring under privileged youth, Thanksgiving food drive, and Lenten alms. The format of these activities has changed, but outreach continues to be at the heart of St. Stephen’s mission.
Enrichment Center 2 Built
A two-story Enrichment Center was added (EC-2) with a multi-purpose gym/theater space, two levels of meeting rooms or classrooms, and a sizable media center.
December 19
Winter Springs Ecumenical Service Headed by St. Stephen
As the new millennium approached, St. Stephen sponsored an outdoor ecumenical prayer service at the Winter Springs High School football stadium, following a “Catholics Come Home” campaign inviting lapsed Catholics to come back to their faith. A space shuttle launch rose up into the night sky, an unexpected moment at the time.
Conference Center Added to the Parish
A smaller Conference Center building was added behind EC-1, with additional classrooms, a second-story Youth Center, and a comfortable Conference Center room with a small kitchen area.
February
Father George Dunne Joins the St. Stephen Pastoral Staff
Father George Dune, S.S.S., joins the parish community, serving as parochial vicar.
Pathways to Care Opens
Pathways to Care, located in Casselberry, was founded and dedicated. Spearheaded by Father Bluett and the parish, Pathways became a place where homeless individuals could live temporarily as they were helped in their physical and mental healing after hospitalization.
Safehouse of Seminole County Founded
St Stephen helped to start Safehouse of Seminole County, a 90-bed facility which serves battered and abused women.
June 9
Deacon Jim Ferruzzi Joins the St. Stephen Pastoral Staff
St. Stephen Catholic Church welcomed our first Deacon, Jim Ferruzzi, who was ordained by Bishop John Noonan.
June 16
25th Anniversary Celebrations
St. Stephen Catholic Church began a year of jubilee to commemorate 25 years of Faith, Eucharist, and Outreach. The anniversary Mass was celebrated by Bishop John Noonan on June 10.
June 2
Father John’s 50th Priestly Anniversary
Fr. John Bluett celebrated 50 years of ordination to the priesthood.
June
Father John Titled “Monsignor” by the Pope
Father John Bluett is made a Chaplain to His Holiness Pope Francis with the honorary title of Monsignor.
June 13
Father John & Father George Retire
Fr. John Bluett retired from active duty as pastor of St. Stephen. His farewell Mass was held on June 13, the 58th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Fr. George Dunne also retired as the associate pastor of St. Stephen.
June 14
Father John Giel Appointed the Next Pastor of St. Stephen
Bishop John Noonan announces the appointment of Father John Giel as the pastor of the parish.
July 1
Father George Nursey Starts Assignment as New Pastor
Father George Nursey is appointed by Bishop Noonan as the next pastor of St. Stephen.
May
Church Building Envelope Project Begins
The Church Building Envelope Project goes underway, working to make critical fixes and to rejuvenate the parish church building for years to come.
December
Capital Campaign for Project Commences
The Honoring our Past, Envisioning our Future campaign begins to replenish funds that were needed for the Church Building Envelope Project.