Episcopal schools are distinguished by an environment where spiritual awareness is valued and God’s presence in our daily lives is recognized.
At Saint Stephen’s, the way we approach faith and spiritual education revolves around inclusion, understanding, compassion, personal character, and ethics. While Christian-centered, we are proud of the diversity of religious faiths represented here. All families and children are welcomed without question. This diversity is a strength.
Christ Episcopal Church is the setting for regular services where scripture and inspiring messages are shared, prayer and thanksgiving are offered, student musicians perform, and quiet silence is observed. Chapel is an integral part of school life at every grade level. Each week, in age-appropriate ways, students gather in their respective divisions for 30-minute services. Upper School students take further responsibility by planning their own chapels.
Through the encouragement of our dedicated, full-time campus chaplain, faculty, staff and administrators, we enjoy an atmosphere where people of diverse faiths find freedom of expression.
As explained in the National Association of Episcopal Schools’ “Principles of Good Practice for Chapel and Worship,” Episcopal schools are established not solely as communities for Christians but as diverse ministries of educational and human formation for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Much as Jesus spoke to all present before him, both followers, non-believers (and believers who practiced other faiths), Episcopal school worship embraces the breadth of the human family.
Chapel is a time for our entire school community – Christians, Hindu, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, and people of no faith tradition — to come together and encourage one another on our individual and shared journeys of faith and spirit. Saint Stephen’s guides and challenges all of its students to build a life of genuine meaning, purpose, and service.
