New National Director

Fr Keith Stoakes, newly appointed National Director, at the National Mass 2025

We are delighted to announce that Cardinal Nichols, in his capacity as Superior General of the Guild, has appointed a new National Director of the Archconfraternity of St Stephen.

He has appointed Fr Keith Stoakes, a priest of the Archdiocese of Westminster, serving currently as Parish Priest at St Mary and St Michael, Commercial Road in central London. For over 20 years he has been the Westminster Archdiocese Director of the Guild and brings with him a wealth of Guild and parish experience.

The National Director is appointed to represent the Superior General of the Guild on its Central Council and supports and advises the Honorary President and Vice-President.

At the 120 year anniversary Mass held at the chapel of Sacred Heart High School, Hammersmith, London, the starting place of the Guild, Honorary President, Paul Briers, made the announcement to those assembled.

“His Eminence our Superior General [Cardinal Nichols], accepted the resignation of our National Director, Fr Dennis Touw, in these last couple of weeks, but a fitting place here, at the home of the Guild, to announce the new National Director of the Archconfraternity, Fr Keith Stoakes. We very much look forward to working with you Father, and heres to the next 100 years.”

We thank Cardinal Nichols for the speedy appointment, and offer our prayers for Fr Stoakes’ ministry to us.