St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the patron saint of our parish, calls us to “Do what we can and God will do the rest. What seems so impossible to nature, is quite easy to grace.” A beautiful response to this call, is found in our parish’s Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in faith communities that use the Stephen Series system. It is based on the premise that as Christians, we are called to help bear each other’s burdens and in the process, Christ uses our presence to impart his healing grace. Stephen Ministry equips and empowers lay caregivers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

Who are Stephen Ministers and what do they do?
Stephen Ministers are men and women in our parish who have been well-trained to offer emotional and spiritual support to people going through difficult times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time – their care receiver — meeting with that person once a week for about an hour to listen, care, pray, and encourage. The relationship is completely confidential. Men are matched with men and women with women. Twice a month, Stephen Ministers will gather together with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education.

For what kinds of life challenges do Stephen Ministers offer care?
Stephen Ministers walk alongside people experiencing any number of life struggles. This may include loss of a loved one, a chronic or terminal illness, job loss, divorce, physical rehabilitation, long-term care, or other life crisis. When a care receiver’s needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team makes a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource.

Below are a couple videos of care receivers who discuss how Stephen Ministry has impacted their lives. Similarly, a written testimonial of a care receiver’s journey can be found here.
Stephen Ministers care, God cures.

Stephen Ministry offers comfort and hope.

The holidays are fast approaching and Stephen Ministry knows that it can be a difficult time for many in our community who are suffering and  may feel alone.  We pray that you may experience this season of hope and come to feel the loving embrace of our Lord. 

“God of all seasons, as we move through Advent and Christmas, we look for you. 
You ask us to hold onto hope: the hope that Jesus truly is Emmanuel, God with us; the hope that you will bring light to the darkness; the hope that this good news will reach everyone, even our own hearts.   It can be so hard to live in hope—to wait and wait, through seasons of flourishing and seasons of languishing. If we are able now to lean into hope, may we hold hope for our neighbours who cannot.  And if we feel hopeless, may we trust in the truth that our hope is held by you. Jesus, as we hear the story of your coming, and we wait on your promise to come again,  we ask that you show your presence among us here and now.  Help us to find our rest in you.  Be our strength and consolation, and bring joy to our longing hearts.“
  —Adapted from “A Prayer for Hope at Christmas,” Sanctuary Ministries 

I joined the Stephen Ministry to help others and gain knowledge allowing me to provide faith and care support for my aging family. The Stephen Ministry has allowed me to grow in many more ways than expected and has improved everyday interactions with not only my family but everyone I encounter daily.”
— Kevin, Mother Seton Stephen Minister

“Being a Stephen Minister has enabled me to share talents given to me by God to do good. I do not consider my efforts a great deed, but recall the words of St Teresa of Calcutta ‘to do small things with great love.’ My care receiver is a reflection of God’s love. In her, I see glimpses not only of myself but of the God who put us together to bring about healing and hope. Being a Stephen Minister allows me to be Christ’s hands in the world. It is an enriching, humbling and rewarding experience. “
– Maureen, Mother Seton Stephen Minister

“I am well-prepared to be a Stephen Minister. All that I have learned in training will allow me to provide quality care to my future care receivers. I feel comfortable, I feel equipped and after commissioning will be one hundred percent ready to serve.”
–Symphosia, Mother Seton Stephen Minister.