St Stephen Catholic Church

This was my grandmother’s childhood church. She played the piano/​organ for services as a teenager in the 1920s. So I’ve always had a fondness for the church and its building. The church was originally run by Vincentians Fathers in conjunction with the Daughters of Charity. Today it is a Diocesan church which was merged with the parishes of St. Henry’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel in 2008. The church building is the 2^nd largest in NOLA.
Last weekend I returned to attend the St. Joseph’s altar at the church and was informed that this was an Italian church so I immediately called my mother upon exiting. And her response was since when? I’m guessing the 1960s. So that’s an interesting change.
I last attended services here on a Carnival Sunday (Dimanche Gras?) before the miserable Napoleon construction and it was amazing. Clearly many families were camped out on the route waiting for the first of the parades to roll but first they all went to mass together, in their carnival finest. The priest that day welcomed all the visitors to the church and gave a lovely sermon on family and joy. It was perfect.
Th school sells food and beverages during the carnival season as a fundraiser AND usually sets up an ATM outside so that’s helpful.
Random family fact: My grandmother was not allowed to be married in the church in 1938 because shockingly she married a protestant. Instead the priest walked over to my great grandmother’s house (a block or two away) and married my grandparents at her home.

just a quick note — despite nola’s character and enviroinment, i didn’t find this to be a very progressive (or liberal) church. the search continues.

St Stephen’s is a beautiful church in Uptown. Mgsr Christopher Nalty is the pastor. He is one of the most dynamic and energetic priests in New Orleans. If you ever have a chance to hear one of his homilies during Sunday Mass, they are insightful, deep and always have a funny or interesting nod to the great city he was born in, New Orleans! There is adoration and Mass on Tuesday evenings starting at 5PM and confession before Sunday Mass.