The Spirit is a Moving  !

On Sunday, June 1 at St. Francis’ 10:30 AM Mass 4 new Stephen Ministers & 2 new new Stephen Leaders will be commissioned to serve as good listeners and companions on the journey for parish members who ask.    (821-2121)  stfrancisa2.com/stephen/.   New Stephen Ministers are:  Fisher Denise, Neil Galbraith, Melinda Niemann, & John  Shaheen.  New Stephen Leaders are:  Bob Ferris & Karen Shellie.

These 4 new Stephen Ministers have been through 50 hours of specialized training in Christian caregiving and join a team of 16 Stephen Ministers at St. Francis Parish. 

Stephen Ministers provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to people experiencing a difficult time. Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care receiver for around an hour to listen, care, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support for the person. Caring relationships last for as long as the person’s need persists.

The training process involves the organization work of our Stephen Leaders, who facilitate the series of courses from January – June each year.

We pray for God’s blessing upon our new Stephen Ministers & Leaders and especially upon the persons with whom they care that they will experience hope and healing.   We pray also for the continued ministry of St. Francis’ other Stephen Ministers & Leaders.

Bob

Karen S.

Today is Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, the Holy Spirit is working through our newly commissioned Stephen Ministers.

Stephen Ministers are now providing care for people in our community.

We all know someone in crisis who doesn't know where to turn. Someone who is tense, upset, worn out - needing someone to talk with, someone to care. 

There are three easy steps to help. 

Listen and care for your friend in your own relationship together. 

Ask your friend for permission to share his or her need with someone who can help. Be sure to tell your friend that all information will be kept confidential. 

Once permission is given, report his or her need as promptly as possible. You can do this by calling our parish social ministry office at 821-2121. (Please do not report a friend's need without first asking his or her permission to do so.) 

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 or relative caring for a loved one). 

"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 a 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 

Not pictured here: Marty, Kathi, Nick, Mark H, Thomas, Mary, and  Karen M.

Sara Rich

Ginger Alice Scott