​

​

St. Paul’s Church of Palmer called Reverend Steven W. Sousa as their new minister in 2022. Steve, his wife Lucy and daughter Madalina live in nearby Fiskdale, Massachusetts.

Having grown up in Granby, Massachusetts, Rev. Sousa has been in active pastoral ministry for over thirty-five years, serving churches throughout Massachusetts. His education includes undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and ministerial training at The Stevens School of Lenox (now Maryland College & Seminary).

Rev. Sousa’s extensive experience in Christian ministry includes pastorates in both protestant denominations and in non-denominational churches. With a focus on family ministry, Steve has ministered in many youth and children’s groups including founding and administering the Springfield Christian K-12 private school. During his pastorate at the Living Gate EV Free Church of Granby he was instrumental in organizing the Great Awakening Music Festival held there for numerous years. Vacation Bible School at the church ran for many years as the largest and most well attended in the area. In each church that Rev. Steve has ministered in he has initiated nursing home ministries where music and words of comfort are brought to seniors.

With a warm and empathetic personality Rev. Steve is widely known for being an effective pastoral counselor. According to Sousa “My heart and most sincere desire is to bring a sense of peace and wholeness to individuals and their families, especially to those on the margins of our communities.” Speaking about St. Paul’s, Rev. Sousa continues “St. Paul’s Church of Palmer, a part of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, has had a long tradition of ministry to the Palmer Community. It’s uniqueness of ministry and worship lies in its message of love, a love that not only welcomes all people, but that affirms who they are; while not expecting conformation to religious conventions . Our church is a place where folks can explore the spiritual life as a unique individual with unique beliefs and experiences.”

Reverend Sousa is enthusiastic about the future of St. Paul’s church and anticipates much active ministry of the church in the greater Palmer community. According to Rev. Sousa “Some of the church’s plans for the upcoming months include a ‘Blessing of the Animals’ Sunday, a Young Teen’s Dance, the start of ‘All Voices’ teen youth group, a Candlelight Christmas Eve Candlelight celebration, Holy Week Seder Supper, a ‘Blessing of the Motorcycles’ , classical and folk concerts . Our church also provides small groups for both spiritual development and also for reflective meditation. ”

​

- Taken from Palmer  Journal Register , September 2022

​

​