During Advent, children at St Stephen’s have come forward to light the candles on the Advent wreath at the beginning of the 11.00am Mass.
As they light them, the congregation says a special prayer for each Sunday of Advent, praising Christ ‘who is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path’.
On Saturday 5th November, +Trevor Willmott, the Bishop of Dover, came to St Stephen’s and presided a Confirmation Service for the island of Guernsey.
Ten candidates from four different Guernsey churches were presented.
The joyful service was followed by an excellent and tasty reception at the St Stephen’s Community Centre.
The young people from St Stephen’s who were confirmed will now be invited to join the Guild of St Stephen and St Mary, which meets once a month.
On Saturday 2nd July, St Stephen’s hosted a ‘Royal Garden Tea Party’ that was a big success and appreciated by all.
Sunny weather, delightful music and a posh raffle made the event even more special!
On Sunday 26th June, Fr Leslie Craske (Honorary Assistant Priest at St Stephen’s) presided and preached at the Sung Mass held at 11.00am.
The Mass was followed by a cake and champagne reception, organised to celebrate Fr Leslie’s 60th anniversary of his ordination.
Congratulations, Fr Leslie!
On Sunday 26th June, a Service of Thanksgiving for Marriage was held at St Stephen’s Church.
Couples who had been married at St Stephen’s attended, as did couples from other parishes on the island.
Some couples shared their wedding photos with us, as we all enjoyed some champagne and cake!
On Saturday 18th June, a second Taizé Service was held at St Stephen’s, from 4.00pm-5.00pm.
The theme of the service was ‘Rejoice in His love’.
During a time of prayer, meditation, worship and praise, we reflected on the immense and unconditional love of God for us; and we were blessed.
At the Easter Vigil which was held on Holy Saturday, St Stephen’s unveiled its new Easter Garden (photo courtesy of Carl Symes).
The Garden was a collective effort, prepared by parishioners and children alike, who donated many beautiful flowers and plants.
At the Easter Vigil Sung Mass, worshippers at St Stephen’s were joined by members and priests from the Town Church, the Parish Church of St Michel du Valle and by the Dean of Guernsey, the Very Revd. Tim Barker.
At the end of the Mass, the Dean rolled the stone away from the entrance to the tomb.
Christ is risen, Alleluia!
On 18th March, Fr John Moore was interviewed by Jenny Kendall-Tobias on BBC Radio Guernsey about the first Taizé service held at St Stephen’s on the eve of Palm Sunday. As a result of the broadcast, many people from the island attended and were able to join together in worship, praise, prayer, meditation and adoration.
On Sunday 22nd February, BBC Radio Guernsey aired an interview of Fr John Moore, who spoke to Andy Hislop about plans for the future ministry of St Stephen’s.
Recently, the St Stephen’s Sunday Club raised £120 from the sale of home-made marzipan fruits and peppermint creams for Save the Children’s Refugee Fund. This is enough money to buy nearly five weeks of food for a child.
