Category: Parish news

A Joyous Sunday with the Archbishop of Canterbury

On Sunday, 19th April, the community of St Stephen’s, Canterbury, was honored to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, for a truly memorable morning of worship, reflection, and celebration.

A Feast of Faith

The visit coincided with the celebration of the Feast of the Saints and Martyrs of Canterbury. During the service, Archbishop Sarah presided over Holy Communion and delivered a powerful sermon, drawing inspiration from the rich spiritual heritage of our city. She spoke movingly about the legacy of those who have stood for faith in Canterbury throughout the centuries and how their courage continues to guide our mission today.

Honoring Service and Community

The service was also a poignant moment of transition for our parish family. We were delighted to have the Archbishop help us mark the ending of Shirley’s tenure as Churchwarden. We remain deeply grateful for Shirley’s years of dedicated service, wisdom, and leadership at St Stephen’s.

Following the service, Archbishop Sarah spent time speaking with many members of the congregation. It was a wonderful opportunity for our community to share their stories and reflections with her in an atmosphere of warmth and fellowship.

“It was a privilege to have Archbishop Sarah with us to celebrate our local saints and to thank Shirley for her incredible contribution to the life of this church.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see highlights from the Archbishop’s visit.

Back to School Blessing

All our parish children are invited to bring their school bags to church to be blessed for the new school year at church on Sunday 7th September at 10.30am.

The Church Hall being used for a meeting with presentation.

Agenda and Reports for the APCM 2024

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting is being held in church on Sunday 28th April 2024 at 12 noon in the Church Hall, following the Sung Eucharist. You can download the Agenda and Reports document below.

APCM2025Download

Choral Evensong for Peace
6pm Sunday 23rd February

As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine passes, join us for a special service of Choral Evensong Music, Readings and Prayers for Peace in Ukraine and other war-torn places around the world. Music sung by our choir will include ‘A Prayer for Ukraine’ by Mykola Lysenko.

Join us at 6pm in church and online.

Congratulations Rev. Sally Pickersgill!

Congratulations to Rev. Sally Pickersgill, who was ordained Deacon in Canterbury Cathedral on Saturday morning.  Sally is, of course, known to all of us at St Stephen’s as she has been our Lay Reader for several years, but now she begins her new ministry as our Curate.

The Archbishop of Canterbury laying hands on Sally at the point of Ordination as a Deacon

Lent Course – Reading St John’s Gospel

Our Lent Course, led by Fr David will be at 7.15pm for 7.30pm on Thursday evenings during Lent, beginning on Thursday 22nd February.  The sessions will finish at 8.45pm.

Our focus will be on key moments in the St John’s reflective account of Our Lord’s ministry. There is no charge but a donation, from those able to make one, towards heating and lighting, tea and cake would be welcome. Please bring a Bible; Fr David will be using the NRSV.

Appointment of Interim Priest-in-Charge

Following discussions between the PCC, Archdeacon and Fr David, the Churchwardens are very pleased to announce that Rev. Dr David Vannerley will be licensed as interim Priest-in-Charge of St Stephen’s during Choral Evensong on Sunday 21st January.  This very generous offer from Fr David means that we will have continuity and priestly leadership over the next year or so as we look at what the next role of Rector of St Stephen’s will look like and subsequently an appointment can be made. David is, of course, already known to all of us at St Stephen’s and we hope that many of you will be able to join us at this special service at 6pm next Sunday.

David’s appointment is a part-time role which will mostly cover our services on a Sunday and Wednesday alongside occasional meetings and pastoral activities.  Please note that this is not how the Archdeacon envisages a future appointment to St Stephen’s, but simply the time that Fr David is very kindly offering in what is his own retirement.  Thank you, David!

Celebrating Confirmation at St Stephen’s

On Sunday 8th October, five members of St Stephen’s community were Confirmed in a special service by The Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover.

Please continue to remember them all in your prayers.

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