Stephen Ministry

Many of us are much more open to giving care than to receiving it.  That’s just how it’s always been.  But now our life has suddenly changed.  Some days we are even worn down with what we are feeling. We don’t want to burden our friends or loved ones with our sadness, our anxiety, our worry.  We need to talk but we wonder if maybe they have heard our story one too many times.   Shouldn’t we be able to get on with life by now?  As a result, we try to be strong wearing a smile that is holding back a flood of pain.  
 
Suffering alone is not what God intents for us.  Very often, it is in prayer and supportive companionship that we experience the wholeness that Christ promised.  Stephen Ministers are, first of all, compassionate and caring people.  They are trained to listen and encourage, always in strict confidentiality.   

Stephen Ministers have received 50 hours of initial training.  In addition, after that year of training, they continue to attend year-round Continuing Education and Supervision.  In these meetings, our Stephen Ministers continue to train in both providing spiritual support and increasing their ability to be effective listeners.  We recognize and advertise the fact that we do not provide professional therapy or counseling.

If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry, or, with their permission, know of someone who could benefit from Stephen Ministry, we would be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have. 

Please call our confidential phone line at 585-586-8089 x130. Please leave a contact number and a Stephen Ministry Leader will return your call. 

*This ministry is run through the Holy Spirit - St. Joseph Catholic Community.