One of the first seven deacons and the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen was stoned outside the gates of Jerusalem for his confession of Faith in Jesus Christ. The word's of Stephen found at the bottom of our stained glass depiction of his martyrdom, mirror those of our Lord on the cross when he said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do [Lk 23:34]. Likewise Stephen's very last words "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" are reminicient of Jesus' commending his spirit to the Father. Little did those present realize that the blood they shed was the first seed of a harvest that was to cover the world.

Welcome the to website for St. Stephen Catholic Church in beautiful Valley Center, California.  Occupying a plateau in the very northern end of San Diego County, St. Stephen's is a parish of the Diocese of San Diego, and is spiritual home to over 1200 families.  We are unapologetic in our esteem and adherence to the whole of Catholic teaching as handed down from the Apostles through their successors, the bishops in communion with the successor of St. Peter, the Pope.  Please take a moment to peruse this site.  We are a "country" parish that prides itself on both worthy liturgy and a welcoming spirit. Stop in for a visit and we will make you feel right at home.