By Taylor M. Coffman
Herald Correspondent
The members of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church have discovered a way to put their crafting skills to good use by building togetherness and raising money with the Arts & Crafts ministry.
Every Tuesday on St. Stephen’s church campus in Winter Springs, the Arts & Crafts ministry meets from March to November, with participants gathering to sew, quilt, knit, crochet, woodwork or practice any other kind of craft. The ministry is open to people with all levels of crafting experience, from the most seasoned expert to the newest beginner—according to the ministry’s information page, “all skills are welcome” and “there is no need to have any special craft talents.”
According to church administrator Andrew Morales, the driving force behind St. Stephen’s Arts & Crafts ministry is to provide a space for members of the Central Florida community to “share their time, talent, ideas and friendship.”
While it does succeed in doing that, there is also a larger purpose to the Arts & Crafts ministry: namely, preparing for the church’s annual Craft Fair, held in the fall.
St. Stephen’s Craft Fair initially began as part of the church’s annual Winterfest but eventually split into its own event, with everyone involved bringing a unique handmade creation to sell.
Past Craft Fairs have seen woodworks, a quilt boutique, a collection of baby’s and children’s items, custom cards, floral and home decor items, kitchen items, and many other kinds of crafts. No commercial vendors are allowed at the event, and admission is free.
All proceeds from the fair go towards the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a church-run organization aimed at providing support and outreach to community members in difficult financial situations, and often those who struggle with housing, according to Morales. Last year, St. Stephen’s Craft Fair raised over $12,000 for those in need, and they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
This year’s Craft Fair will take place between Oct. 24 to 26, 2025, with an additional Christmas Craft Shoppe opening in November. Those interested in finding out more about the Craft Fair or in joining St. Stephen’s Arts & Crafts Ministry, can contact the church’s parish office at 407-699-5683.
