At St Stephen’s we will be very happy to help you mark important moments in your life and the life of your family. In all instances, the first point of contact is the parish clergy. Due to Covid-19 some restrictions are in place at the present time, please speak to Fr Michael or Fr Peter for the latest advice.
Baptism and Christenings
Baptism is the gateway to life in the Christian Church. Every year many babies, young people and adults are baptised (‘Christened’) into the Christian faith at St Stephen’s and it is always a joyous occasion.
If you would like information on baptism for your child, or perhaps you would like to make a deeper commitment to the Christian faith yourself, please contact one of the clergy. Further information from the Church of England on Baptism and Christenings can be found below.
If you would like to arrange for your child to be baptised, please come and speak to one of the priests after any Mass.
Confirmation
Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey at which you affirm for yourself the faith into which you have been baptised and your intention to live a life of committed discipleship. This affirmation is confirmed through prayer and the laying on of hands by the bishop. The Church also asks God to give you power through the Holy Spirit to enable you to live in the way of Jesus. Confirmation classes run each year; please contact one of the clergy for further information.
Further information from the Church of England about Confirmation can be found below
Weddings and Blessings
Saint Stephen’s is both beautiful and spiritual and therefore the ideal place to celebrate your marriage.
Support to help you prepare for marriage will be provided by a member of the clergy Preparation for marriage will normally take place over several weeks and a guide to getting married in the Church of England can be found below.
Blessings and services for the renewal of vows are also available by arrangement with one of the clergy.
To be married at St Stephen’s you must either live in the parish or worship with us or have a particular connection. Please get in touch with the parish priest to find out more about this. Preparation for marriage will normally take place over several weeks. The marriage fees are set annually by the Church of England.
To find out which parish you live in, visit A Church Near You and enter your postcode.
Funerals and other Ministries
The parish priest will always be glad to meet and minister to people who have been bereaved. This might be to pray with them, offer a Mass for the soul of their departed loved one, or to arrange a funeral in collaboration with the chosen funeral directors. We will always be here to help you through one of life’s most difficult times. A Church of England funeral is available to everyone, giving support before, during and after the service, for as long as it’s needed.
For further information please contact a member of the clergy and additional guidance on funerals from the Church of England is provided below.
Prayer and Reconciliation
Spiritual direction, prayer and the ministry of reconciliation (‘confession’) are available upon request. Please contact one of the clergy.
Ministry to the Sick and Dying
Clergy are available to support the sick and the dying with prayer, holy communion visits and the anointing of oils. Please contact one of the clergy.
If you need a priest for an emergency call Fr Michael on 07713258429.
For more information please contact us
Saint Stephen With Saint Mark, Lewisham 