Today our diocese celebrates our patron saint,  Saint Stephen, deacon and martyr. Saint Stephen pray for us and intercede blessings upon our local church and the restoration and renewal of our Cathedral church building…

What does it mean to be a martyr? Does it mean to be like Saint Stephen, willing to give my very life for what I believe?  That is definitely one way, but not necessarily the only way.  The root of martyr is “witness,” and there are many ways I am called to witness. These can be familiar but they are no less courageous than the path Stephen took. Being a good friend, a loving sister or brother, honest in  ministry and work, compassionate—these are powerful forms of drawing others to the message of the Gospel and being Christ bearers attesting to the Good News. How will you testify to the gospel with your life today? On this second day of Christmas let us pray for a spirit of courage for that witness not only in words but with our lives.