The Annual Parochial Church Meeting is being held on Sunday 26th April 2026 at 12 noon in the Church Hall, following the Sung Eucharist. You can download the Agenda and Reports document below, along with the accounts for 2025.
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.
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.
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.
The Lord sitteth above the water-flood : and the Lord remaineth a King for ever.
Psalm 29.9
On Monday 21st July there was an afternoon of torrential rain. That rain overwhelmed the drains at the bottom of Hales Drive and then poured down the church path, and once our own drains were filled, into church. This happened not once, but twice. The videos below are from the second downpour.
At Choral Evensong on Sunday 10th March, we will be remembering Lady Loretta, an Anchoress who was enclosed at St Stephen’s from 1221 until she died in 1266.
A Collect for Loretta
Hear us God our Saviour
that as we rejoice in the memory of your servant Loretta,
so may we be instructed by feelings of pious devotion.
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, who lives and reigns
in the unity of the Spirit, ever one God.
Amen.
(Written by Rev. Dr Kevin Maddy, former Rector of St Stephen’s)
The Collect for Holy Women
Almighty Father,
you have built up your Church
through the love and devotion of your saints:
inspire us to follow the example of Lady Loretta,
that we in our generation may rejoice with her
in the vision of your glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
(from Common Worship)
For more information about Loretta, click here.
On Sunday 9th July, our choir sang a new anthem at our Sung Eucharist that had been composed especially for them by Christopher Gower. Christopher has had a long and distinguished career as a cathedral Organist and Choirmaster, holding positions at Exeter Cathedral, Portsmouth Cathedral and Peterborough Cathedral. On his retirement he moved to Canterbury.
Having given the world premiere, our choir will be giving the London premiere in Southwark Cathedral on Sunday 16th July.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting is being held in church on Sunday 16th April 2023 at 11.45am, immediately following the Sung Eucharist. You can download the Agenda and Reports document below.
To join the meeting on Zoom, click here.
Tea @ 3 is a social event for everyone but particularly those who live on their own but also for couples and others who would just like a afternoon of activity and fun.
Please do email Margaret if you would like to join in.
Join us either in church or online on Friday 28th October at 8.45pm as we mark the Feast Day of St Simon and St Jude with a special service of Compline, with music sung by our choir.
7.00pm Wednesday 2nd November 2022
This Wednesday evening, join us for a special Requiem Eucharist at which we remember those who are no longer with us. If you would like to remember someone by name, please add them to the list at the back of church, or send an email to Kevin: {This email is obscured. Your must have javascript enabled to see it}
We welcome Bishop Rose, Bishop of Dover, who is Presiding and Preaching at our Sung Eucharist on All Saints’ Sunday. Do join us in church or online.