Stade is traditionally a Protestant town — two large Lutheran parishes with early Gothic churches in the middle of the old town shape the picture. Alongside them is the Catholic parish of Heilig Geist, with St. Josef’s church.
One of the two large Protestant parishes in the town centre, with roots in the 13th century; the ministers are Tobias Grotefend and Jonas Milde. The parish has around 3,450 members. Services, organ recitals and early-music evenings also draw visitors from further afield.
Stade’s second large Protestant parish, gathered around the oldest church in the town. Pastor Ann-Katrin Hamsch looks after numerous social projects, especially support for families with children and for older people. The parish has about 3,900 members.
The central administration of the Protestant church district covering Stade and the parishes of the surrounding area. It can answer questions about every parish post, about educational programmes, church weddings and adult baptism.
The only Catholic parish in Stade, part of the diocese of Hildesheim. Services in German are held on Sundays and weekdays. On certain dates in the church year mass is also celebrated in Polish — ask the parish office for the exact schedule.
