Stephen Ministry is distinctively Christian caregiving for people going through difficult times or who are other wise in need of support in their lives.  Stephen Ministry provides a process of equipping God’s people for ministry.  Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry:  The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

Stephen Ministers are lay members of our parish who are specially trained to listen and provide support and encouragement to other members of the parish, people in many different circumstances. 

There are five different types of "Needs for Care": 
·  Crisis Care: (new immediate issue);   ·  Follow-Up Care: (after shocks, continued recovery); ·  Chronic Care:  (terminal, never ends); ·  Preventative Care: (prior to anticipated event); · Supportive Care:  (for a friend caring for a loved one).

A testimonial from a Stephen Care Receiver:
“… for me once a week as I have been meeting with my volunteer Stephen Minister we talk about any number of things and my Stephen Minister listens to me with great patience, always encouraging me to talk and the talking helps me process my feelings.    I enjoy the spiritual support in my life.”  A MALE Stephen Care Receiver

“I remember sitting in the parish office for a few minutes, discussing the Stephen Ministry.  How could I have known that it would enrich my life so greatly.     Thank you for sending me my Stephen Minister.  Over this past year she has been fantastic.  She was the right person at the right time. Thank you.”  A FEMALE Stephen Care Receiver

Testimonials from Stephen Ministers:
"The scope and depth of the training program is impressive.  Not only are we learning and practicing the skills needed to work in this Ministry, but also have access to many other materials and people who have experience in doing the same." Mary Ianni

"It is an awesome responsibility and joy that Jesus decided to do his work in the world today through us."Rich Badics

"The training for Stephen Ministry has been a life altering experience. Not only have I become a part of a wonderful new community of Stephen Ministers but also I have learned a great deal about myself and how to work with others."  Sara Maxam 

"Stephen Ministers know that trying to help others is contagious.  It affects your whole life and provides a wide variety of positive growth experiences to build upon."
Neil Mueller 

Become a trained Stephen Minister!  Applications are accepted until _October 31__.   Our Stephen Ministry Training Series Classes will begin on Thursday evenings January 8, 2009.

(Stephen Series Module Titles are listed here.  Stephen Minister Training Schedule dates at St. Francis will be announced at a later date.)

You’re invited into this ministry. 
Please contact:    at the Parish Social Ministry Office.
Learn more at: www.stephenministries.org

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting;
• A St. Francis Parish member  with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role;
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spitirual care;
• A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages;
• Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week for as long as there’s a need. 

The Stephen Leaders are chosen by St. Francis Parish to implement and manage Stephen Ministry.  Stephen Ministries St. Louis trains them at Leader’s Training Courses in how to recruit, select, train, and supervise Stephen Ministers.  (See photos of our Stephen Leaders here below.)

You’re invited into this new ministry. 
Please contact:    at the Parish Social Ministry Office.
Learn more at: www.stephenministries.org
 
 

Our Stephen Leadership Team at St. Francis Parish: 2007 Bob Ferris, & Karen Shellie are new team members trained at the week long "Leader's Training Course" for Stephen Leaders in August 2007, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2005 Ginger Hadd, Mark Hadd, Marty Javornisky, Karen McClellan, Nick Synko, Kathleen Tobey, & Scott Wright.  This team is trained at the week long "Leader's Training Course" for Stephen Leaders on July 31-August 6, 2005, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.