Stephen Ministry
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.
Our leaders with Dr. Ken Haugk, the founder of The Stephen Series.
Summer 2025
We are happy to announce that we commissioned 5 new Stephen Ministers in May. They are an enthusiastic group who have completed 50+ hours of training and are ready to offer compassionate, Christ-centered care. When asked how prepared they feel after completing the training, one participant replied:
“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.”
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.
“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
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.
If I or someone I know might benefit from having a Stephen Minister, what do I do?
You may contact our referrals coordinator, Anne-Marie Kim at the parish office (stephenministryatmsp@gmail.com or 301-924-3838 x204.) Stephen Ministry welcomes referrals from anyone who is aware of a parish member or other person in the community who is hurting and in need of support. If someone you know is hesitant to make the call themselves, offer them some information about Stephen ministry and ask if it’s OK to give us their contact information and we will follow up.
If you have questions about Stephen Ministry, please contact Anne-Marie Kim at 240-668-4214 or Tami Fries at 301-789-3005.
Listen to Their Stories
For Stephen Ministers