• Stephen Ministry is a lay ministry program that equips people to provide Christian care to those experiencing any type of life need. Through a confidential, one-on-one caring relationship with a Stephen Minister, someone experiencing challenging times can receive the care and support that they need.

• As a lay ministry, this care is not designed to replace professional counseling, but rather is meant to offer a trained lay person to walk alongside a fellow Christian who is experiencing pain.

• Stephen Minsters at St. Mary’s Parish are parishioners from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.

For more information please click on the links below:

Stephen Ministry Fact Sheet

• Stephen Ministry caregivers are St. Mary’s parishioners who have had over 50 hours of training, in order to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as, grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.

• Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, and all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people.

• As part of the Stephen Ministry team, caregivers meet twice a month for Support and Continuing Education about resources and skills needed to best serve those in need.

• If you are experiencing some of life’s many challenges, and interested in having a Stephen Minister, phone the parish at 860-658-7627 and a Stephen Leader will visit with you about being matched with a Stephen Minister. This person would meet with you to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

• teaches principles and skillsengaging, and a lot of fun!
• gives you new insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting.
• equips you with relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of life.
• helps deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver.
• is highly interactive, engaging, and a lot of fun!

Initial Training

1. The Person of the Caregiver
2. Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours
3. The Art of Listening
4. Distinctively Christian Caring
5. A Process Approach to Caring
6. Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly
7. Maintaining Boundaries in Caregiving
8. Crisis Theory and Practice
9. Confidentiality
10. Caring between Visits: Caregiving and Communications Technology
11. Using Mental Health Professionals and Other Community Resources
12. Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief
13. Caring for Those with Depression: The Stephen Minister’s Role
14. Understanding Suicide: How to Help People Get the Care They Need
15. Bringing the Caring Relationship to a Close
16. Supervision: A Key to Quality Christian Care
17. How to Make a First Caring Visit
18. Go—God Is with You!

Continuing Education is a critical part of the Stephen Ministry process.

• We are constantly working toward improving our knowledge and skills to better serve those in need. Training for Stephen Ministers does not end with commissioning!
• We participate in meaningful Continuing Education each month that expands our understanding and gives depth to our caregiving.
• Continuing education along with supervision is an important way we support our Stephen Ministers.

Recent continuing education offerings include the Music & Spirituality sessions held in the summer of 2023.  Stay tuned for additional offerings of continuing education that you may attend!
 

• The national Stephen Ministry organization has created a website with an extensive number of resources that are available to all Stephen Ministers to support quality Christian caregiving.  www.stephenministries.org.

• Learn about Stephen Ministry: www.stephenministries.org/stephenministry/default.cfm/917?mnb=1.

• Care Receivers tell their stories: www.stephenministries.org/stephenministry/default.cfm/1597?mnbsm=1.

• St Mary’s Library: Stephen Ministry has created binders filled with local resources and organizations ready to help and support people in crisis and need..  
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• Phone: (860) 658-7627 ext. 114 
• Email:   [email protected]

• Linda Duff
• Linda McGurn
• Sharron Locandro