What is Stephen Ministry?

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Patrick Catholic Church,

As noted a recent bulletin and newsletter article titled, Parish and Deanery Planning Update, this is a time of transition for our Church, as we address shifting demographics and resources that impact our faith community. Now is our time to plan for future generations of Catholics.

What Does Church Look Like?

But what of the Catholics who are already at our door seeking help in times of their need? Perhaps more importantly, what about those who have turned away from our door because we could not offer them a caring hand in times of crisis? Without a resident pastor, and the growing need for priests throughout the Archdiocese, we must re-think what it means to be a “church community” for one another.

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, separation, loneliness, job loss, 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 Parish.

The purpose of pastoral care is to build 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

When our church serves those in crisis, they tend to remain and find a home in our church. Conversely, we lose them and the grace of their presence if they do not find compassion here. We are diminished as a parish by the loss.

To increase Saint Patrick Catholic Church’s ability to provide this critical pastoral care, our Pastoral and Finance Councils recently adopted a highly successful, ecumenical pastoral care model called Stephen Ministry. It equips lay parishioners to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our parish and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Stephen Ministry equips God’s people for ministry by providing 50-65 hours of training and ongoing support.

Do You Feel Called to Stephen Ministries?

Does this sound intriguing? Could this be a ministry that taps into your spiritual gifts and passions? Would you like to join others in laying the initial groundwork for this amazing outreach?

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a Stephen Minister or if you have been trained as a Stephen Minister, Cabrini Minister or similar calling in another church please download, print and complete the Stephen Ministries Interest Form or email Penny Melton, Stephen Ministry Leader or call the Parish Office 253-383-2783 to let us know.

Also, check out the Q & A: Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Stephen Series.