St. Stephen

Introduction

The church was designed by James Flint, though some references attribute the design to Richard Love.

History

The church was named after Saint Stephen, possibly because Baldisaro Porri, who came to Skipton in 1827, may have persuaded Sir Charles Tempest to choose that name. In 1850, the church was enlarged with west and east transepts, giving it a cross shape.

The parish serves the Catholics of Skipton, Craven and the Dales. The parish's walking group has paused its monthly walks since November 2023.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is a sandstone building without aisles, with a south-east baptistery and west porch, in Early English style with pointed lancet windows divided by statues. The church is built on a north-south axis with the altar at the north end, the sacristy in the west transept and the Lady chapel in the east transept. The parish is always in need of musicians and singers, and interested people are asked to contact the Parish Office.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish offers Education in the Faith programmes, open to those considering becoming catechists. The parish's three churches are registered for Catholic weddings.

The parish provides guidelines for the management of its graveyard. The parish has a Pastoral Council with a constitution.

The parish provides Children's Liturgy and Children's Masses. The parish provides live streaming of Mass and other resources.