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Ministries Singles and Family Ministries Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry Logo.jpg
 
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."    Galatians 6:2 
 
 Want More Information?
To learn more about the Stephen Series please visit the Stephen Ministry organization website.
  

 Application Form
Join us for the next training session, begining September 2008. To apply fill download the application form here (in whichever format works best for you) and return to Linda Bell in the Pastoral Ministry Office, Room 10, in the Parish Activity Building.
  


Congratulations to the Stephen Ministry Class of 2008 who were
commissioned April 6, 2008:

Ray Baert
Mary Buechler
Maggie Chuah
Pam Connaughton
Marilyn Galvin
Paula Klevanosky
Moe LaVerdure
Jo Lynne Ragan
Roxanne Reese
Mary White

May God bless them as they begin this special ministry.

 

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Staff Liaison
Linda Bell
972-596-5505 x 4245
lbell@eseton.org



Stephen Ministers meet with those who are experiencing difficulties in their lives such as the loss of a spouse, loss of a job, illness, retirement, hospitalization, being shut-in, marital difficulties, child/teen issues, etc. within a strictly confidential, one-on-one relationship.  If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Christian listener, please call Linda Bell today.

Next Training

STEPHEN MINISTRY is a one-on-one care ministry, always a woman to a woman and a man to a man.  The training is excellent, it covers many facets of providing support and care to someone facing difficulties of any kind.  Stephen Ministers aren’t counselors or problem solvers; they walk the journey, encourage, support and bring Christ’s unconditional love to those in need.  There is a 50 hour training course taught on Thursday evenings beginning September 18, 2008.  Stephen Ministers will be commissioned at the end of the 50 hours of training; the date depends on what holidays and vacation dates fall on Thursdays. For more information about becoming a Stephen Minister contact Linda Bell at 972-596-5505 Ext. 4245 or Pat at 972-235-1861.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
The STEPHEN SERIES is based on the premise that all Christians are ministers. The responsibility of passing on God’s love for people is not just for a chosen few, but for all Christians. Likewise, the joy of helping others is the privilege of all Christians who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit for doing ministry. If you feel a calling to assume the responsibility of effectively caring for those who are hurting by being a Stephen Minister, call us. 

We are dedicated to giving care in time of sorrow, illness, relocation, empty nest or transition. Do you know someone experiencing such circumstances? Are they getting support? Are you unsure how to reach out?  Are you unsure how to reach out? 


Active Stephen Ministers
Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Alicia Acosta, Linda Bell, Regina Benkowitz, Doug Biglen, John Blanks, Donna Chapman, Mary Lou Evans, Linda Floyd, Bill Fochtman, Bill Harvey, Katherine Huntoon, Jon Johnson, Hedy MacAlister, Dorothy McGuill, Marina Merino, John Miller, Robin Morehead, Pat Phillips, Pat Rosengrants, Lorraine Schannen, Donna Schreiber, Jim Schumacher, Frances Sheffield, Laura Shoemaker, Lory Stack, Ros Stockton, Van Thoreson, Mary Travis, Lowell Wait, Karen Wenger, Jo Wier
 

ME? A STEPHEN MINISTER?

“I Can’t Be a Stephen Minister!”
Maybe you haven’t said this aloud, but you may have spoken it to yourself in the mirror - or at least thought it. Anytime some new challenge shows up, the "I can’t" phrase is bound to be nearby. What are some of the reasons you’ve given yourself for not becoming a Stephen Minister?

“I’m not qualified to be a Stephen Minister.”
What qualifications are necessary to be a Stephen Minister? You need to be a caring person who is willing to learn, grow and serve. You must be willing and able to maintain confidentiality. You need to make a commitment to training, ministry and supervision. If you meet those qualifications, your Stephen Leaders will equip you with the rest of what you need: training, support, encouragement, care and prayers.

“I don’t know what to say or do in a ministry situation.”
Stephen Ministry training is thorough and practical. It includes listening, dealing with feelings, assertiveness, confidentiality, how to begin and end caring relationships, and how to care for people who are experiencing losses or transitions. The goal of training is to prepare Stephen Ministers for whatever they might encounter when working with care receivers. You will learn what you need to know to succeed as a Stephen Minister.

“I have had problems in my own life.  How can I help other?” 
Because you have worked through past problems, your experience of finding God’s help and care in your struggles is some of the best preparation you’ll ever receive for caring for others during their tough times. Stephen Ministers aren’t problem solvers, they are problem bearers. What a privilege it is to walk beside another person as that person works through his or her struggles!

“I don’t have enough time to be a Stephen Minister.” 
There’s a way in which that is true for everyone – time is a precious commodity. That’s why it only makes sense to use it in activities that make a real difference – in others’ lives as well as in your own life. When you make the commitment to be a Stephen Minister, you will find the hours you need to make it a priority among the many activities you’re involved in. The time investment is significant, but so is the contribution you will be making to building God’s kingdom.

Linda Bell (972-596-5505) or Pat Phillips (972-235-1861) can put you in touch with Stephen Ministers who can share with you their personal stories of how God has poured blessings into their lives through their service as Stephen Ministers. In another year, one of these blessing stories may be your own

 The After People

Frequently parishioners will ask, “Can you tell me exactly what Stephen Ministry is?  They’re the after people.”

…after you’ve washed and returned the last casserole dish.
…after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
…after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away, and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.
…after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held on bay come crashing in on you.
…after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.
…after the doctors have said, “There’s nothing more we can do.”
…after the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.
…after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you ever imagined.
…after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
…after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
…after the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.
…after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.
…after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.   
 
Courtesy of Stephen Ministry Newsletter.
 
If you are in need of a Stephen Minister or interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Linda Bell at 972-596-5505, ext. 4245 or email lbell@eseton.org or contact Pat Phillips at 972-235-1861.
  

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