The Episcopal Church

St. Stephen's is an Episcopal Church, part of the Anglican Communion that exists on every continent and comprises some seventy million members. The name Episcopal comes from the Greek word episcopos, which means bishop. So the Episcopal Church is a "Church with Bishops."

St. Stephen's is part of the Diocese of Massachusetts whose Bishop is The Right Reverend M. Thomas Shaw, S.S.J.E.  The St. Stephen's community consists of nearly two hundred households and is as diverse as its members' ages.


Belief and Practice

The Episcopal Church encompasses the truths of the Protestant and Catholic Traditions. We are both Scriptural and Sacramental. Holy Scriptures invigorate our study, worship, and corporate life. The Sacrament of Baptism begins a life of constant union with God in the fellowship of the Church, and the Holy Eucharist is the central act of Sunday worship whereby we partake of Christ's love and renewal, and the living Christ abides in us.

Our greatest theological document is "The Book of Common Prayer". This book has formed the Episcopal Church's thought and practice since its first publication in 1549, and continues its powerful influence in the current 1979 version. The Book of Common Prayer contains a system for Christian spiritual living including the daily prayer and weekly worship of the Church, with Psalms, Creeds, Catechism, and historical documents.

Time, Talent & Resources

Membership in the Church involves the good stewardship of our time, talent and financial resources. Our mission is to work, pray and to support the spread of God's Kingdom. Visit Stewardship for more information on how you can support our mission and ministries.

Joining St. Stephen's

You become a member of St. Stephen's by Baptism, regular church attendance, support of our mission and by receiving Holy Communion. It is expected that all adult members of the church will have affirmed their faith through Confirmation. To help in communication we publish a monthly Parish newsletter, The Carillon. Please be sure that you're on our mailing list.

Our Parishoners' Words

"St. Stephen's is a loving, supportive community that accepts me as I am and prayerfully accompanies me on my sometimes stumbling journey of faith. For this I give eternal thanks."

"I am a new member of the church finding serenity at a time of confusion and sorrow, and I feel the strong sense of community in St. Stephen's which presages my greater involvement in reaching out to other people."

"St. Stephen's is a welcome home. As newcomers we have been warmly greeted. As Christians we seek to grow in our faith here with you. May God continue to bless His family here."