Who was Saint Stephen?
In the book of Acts, Chapter 6, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Since the days of the Apostles, caring ministry has been a hallmark of the Christian faith community.
As the Apostles worked to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ as his elders, some of the Greek-speaking widows were being neglected in their daily distribution. The Twelve decided to ordain seven deacons to oversee their care. In doing so, the deacons extended the pastoral care of the Apostles, the first Bishops of the early Church.
So the Twelve called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom, to whom we can hand over this duty. We ourselves will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.’ The whole assembly approved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,….Acts: Chapter 6, 2 – 5
That is what Stephen Ministry helps the church do today.
God Doesn’t Want Us To Walk Alone
There are times when every one of us experiences difficulties – loss of a loved one, illness, spiritual crisis, loneliness, job loss, divorce, separation, miscarriage, adoption, discouragement and many others. God never intended for us to go through these experiences alone.
That is why we are brought together as a parish. It is why pastoral care is a vital part of who we are at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.
Pastoral Care is Essential
Pastoral care builds community by the spread of the Gospel through acts of caring and mercy.
No one can be excluded from the mercy of God; everyone knows the way to access it and the Church is the house where everyone is welcomed and no one is rejectedPope Francis’ Homily of 13 March 2015
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is one child of God, walking beside another child of God who is hurting. It is a parishioner who has gifts for caregiving and provides emotional and spiritual care for others. Stephen Ministry pairs a person in need to a person who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages.
Stephen Ministry provides one-to-one care to people in our parish who need someone to talk to, someone to walk with them during a difficult time in their life.
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of ChristGalatians 6:2, NRSV
Stephen Minister Commissioning
Join us for Mass the weekend of January 21 – 22, when we will be commissioning our newly trained team of Stephen Ministers. This is a group of 13 parish volunteers who have undergone more than 50 hours of training in preparation for service to parishioners seeking confidential, one-to-one care and support during a difficult time in their lives. Priests, Deacons and Pastoral Staff Assistants will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always more needs for ongoing care. Through Stephen Ministry, gifted lay people are trained to support and extend individual support available through our parish.
Pray for Our Stephen Ministers
Stay tuned for additional information about our new Stephen Ministry and the services and companionship they are able to offer to parishioners.
For now, we invite you to pray for all Stephen Ministry volunteers during their time of formation.
