St Stephen's - 40th Anniversary (School Mass)

A joyful celebration for 40 years of St Stephen’s Church took place on Wednesday 22nd April.
Many regular members of the Sunday congregation joined with the children and staff of St Peter’s School to celebrate Mass on this special day. The celebrant was Canon Paul. The school brass band played a lively rendition of “It’s Me O Lord” as the congregation took their places.
The church was packed and as usual was a welcoming, beautiful place for worship. The altar linen, flowers and decorations—including the Cross symbolising the Risen Christ behind the altar in the alcove—all reflected the love and care of those who prepare the church for Mass.
Adults and children who attend St Stephen’s 9.15 Mass on Sundays played important roles in this celebration. James Nahajski and Netty Redding were the altar servers and Nicky Whiles introduced the Mass.
Matthew and Felicity Bray read the Psalm and Sam Egerton–Kemp, the Bidding Prayers. Anne Benson and Christel Mc Cartney, who for many years have contributed so much to the smooth running of all Masses, liturgies and celebrations, took up the offertory gifts.
The Gospel reading recounted the stoning and martyrdom of St Stephen. Canon Paul began his homily by telling us that this building is not as important as the people who come into it. We, the people, are the Church. We need to be like St Stephen. We must be full of love for God and others, forgive and tell people about Jesus. Canon Paul pointed out the triangle in the ceiling showing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He said we are full of the Holy Spirit and need to be brave and courageous like St Stephen, the first friend of Jesus to die a martyr. Canon Paul reminded us that throughout the 40 years people had been coming to Sunday Mass, bringing with them their sadness, joys, hopes and worries. This building is a place where people come together to celebrate God’s love, and then go out to show this in their daily lives.
There was singing throughout Mass and Instrumental music for reflection after Communion.
At the end of Mass Christel and Anne were presented with a cheque from the school for £300 for St Stephen’s. A special thanks to them was included in the Mass leaflet, as they always make school children and staff feel part of the community at St Stephen’s. Coffee and biscuits were served by children from the school in the Community Room.

Deirdre Renwick