Introducing the New Vicar
My name is Fr Stephen, and I’m very much looking forward to becoming your new Vicar on 17th June.
Fr Josiah has asked me to write a few words of introduction and to tell you a little about myself, my background, and what I’ve done in the past.
I’m married to Coleen – this year is our 20th anniversary, so we must be doing something right! Between us we have two sons, Wendell and Jamal. Coleen works for social services with young people leaving care. She has been a very important part of my ministry at St Alphege, and I’m sure that will continue when we move here.
I was first recommended for training to the sacred priesthood as I left university in 1974. I was told that I had to spend at least a year in the ‘real world’ before I could begin my theological studies – that moving seamlessly from school, university, theological college to ordination would not equip me for my vocation as a priest. Well, I clearly took this advice to heart as that one year in the real world became 40 years!
I spent 20 of those 40 years in the Youth Service, first as a full-time youth worker for local authorities and voluntary organisations, and then as a Youth Officer managing full and part time youth workers and advising the management committees of voluntary youth providers in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth, and then Greenwich.
When the Inner London Education Authority was abolished in the early 1990s, I went to work for Social Services in Greenwich, and became the head of their Information Technology Unit.
After a few years, I moved into the social housing sector as a management information specialist, later becoming the Director of Corporate Services for a large west London housing association. I moved to Manchester as Director of Business Services for the city council’s remaining housing stock, later taking on responsibility for property management as well. This was a difficult time in the sector as there were 24 tower blocks in Manchester’s stock and I took on this new responsibility only a few weeks before the Grenfell Tower disaster – as you may imagine, the shock waves of this tragedy ran through all social housing providers.
During my time in Manchester, I decided that 40 years was probably a sufficient real-world apprenticeship, and I went back through the discernment process and began my training for the priesthood. I trained in Salisbury and spent a couple of months studying at the Beda College in Rome – a wonderful and lasting experience.
Since ordination I served my title in St Augustine, Kilburn and in St Mary the Virgin, Hayes, so you could say that I’m coming home! My first incumbency has been at St Alphege, Edmonton where I have served since 2019 until February this year.
I can’t wait to meet you all, and to work with Fr Josiah and Susan as we embark on a new chapter for St Anselm. With many blessings for each and every one in the parish.
Fr. Stephen Brown SSC
Notices
It is the intention of the Bishop of Fulham to Collate to the Benefice of St Anselm, Hayes on Monday 17th June 2024, Fr. Stephen George Brown SSC.
The Bishop of Fulham will be ordaining Deacons on Saturday 29th June, at 11:00am and Priests on 30th June, at 5:00pm. The venue is St. Andrew, Holborn.
We will need some donations for the Foodbank in the coming days. Your support will be appreciated. We need the following items: Tin Fish, Cereals, Long Life Milk, Sugar, Rice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee etc.
Please we would like to meet all those who would like to volunteer in the Boys’ Brigade to see Fr. Josiah after Mass.
Please support the church generously through your giving at www.stanselm.co.uk/giving