Blessed Stephen was the 1st Christianmartyr and one of the first deacons of the Christian Church. St. Stephen was one of seven men selected and ordained by the Apostles to provide aid to the poor, elderly widows within the Church Community. He was a gifted evangelist, respected for his preaching abilities.
  The early years of St. Stephen's life is unknown, but his Greek name, Stephanos, suggests that he was a Hellinistic Jew. However, according to 5th century tradition, the name Stephano was a Greek equivalent for the Aramaic Kelil and the name Kelil was inscribed on a slab found in St. Stephen's tomb. St Stephen ministered mostly to the Hellinistic converts, with whom the Apostles had difficulty speaking. St. Stemphen was greatly admired for his oratorical skills and the Church had publicly acknowledged him as a man "of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3).
  But St Stephen was not without opposition. the Libertines, the Cyrenians, the Alexandrians and those Cilicia all charlenged St Stephen. He was forced to stand before the Sanhedrin and endure false accusations. When St. stephen spoke, re recited the mercies of God toward Israel and of Israel's ungratefulness. The Jewish people were enraged by his words and their fury was incensed when he accused them of murdering the Just One as the Prophets foretold.
St. Stephen looked to heaven and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). At this, the enraged crowd ran violently upon him and cast him out of the city. St. Stephen was stoned to death but had cried out to the Lord to not condemn his enemies.

  Saint Stephen Fund -- This fund is established according to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe by-laws and constitution. It is an approved fund for the designated purpose of giving financial assistance to Permanent Deacons and/or their wives.
  The Saint Stephan Fund is intended to be temporary assistance during a time of crisis or when grave financial need has been identified. Assistance from the fund is intended to be a one-time gift, but under certain circumstances the Saint Stephen Fund Committee may decide to help on more than one occasion.
  The Permanent Deacon or widow requesting assistance must complete a "Request for Assistance" form and send it to the Saint Stephen Fund Committee for review and then forward to the Office of the Director of Deacons for action.