Stephen Ministry is distinctively Christian caregiving for people going through difficult times or who are other wise in need of support in their lives.  Stephen Ministry provides a process of equipping God’s people for ministry.  Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry:  The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.
 

Receive Care from  Stephen Ministry! Call 821-2121.

Become a Stephen Minister! Stephen Ministry Application (PDF Document) (Word Document)

Stephen Ministry Is For You! We invite you to participate in one or two of the sessions to see how good it really is.    Perhaps you may be interested and able to participate in one or two evening sessions this year, but, perhaps not able to commit to the whole 50 hours this year.  We especially invite those of you who are caring for a family member, or a friend, or if you are already doing one-on-one ministry for St. Francis Parish in areas like ministry to homebound, jail, the Elizabeth Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul, Christian Service, and/or phone calling ministries. At least one week prior to the class dates listed here, we ask that you call or email your RSVP to Scott Wright 821-2121 swright@rc.net -- : Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours; -- : The Art of Listening -- : Distinctively Christian Caring -Part 1 -- : Distinctively Christian Caring -Part 2 -- : Process versus Results in Caregiving -- : Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly -Part 1 -- : Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly -Part 2 -- : Maintaining Boundaries in Caregiving  AND,  Crisis Theory & Practice: Danger versus Opportunity -- : Confidentiality -- : Telecare: The Next Best Thing to Being There -- : Using Mental Health Professionals and Other Community Resources -- : Ministering to those Experiencing Grief -- : Dealing with Depression: The Stephen Minister's Role -- : Helping Suicidal Persons Get the Help They Need -- : Bringing the Caring Relationship to a Close -- : Supervision: a Key to Quality Christian Care -Part 1 -- : Supervision: a Key to Quality Christian Care -Part 2 -- : How to Make a First Caring Visit -- : Follow Me Other class titles will include:  Ministry to the Dying and Their Family and Friends;  Caring for People before, during, and after Hospitalization;  Ministering to those Experiencing Losses Related to Aging;  Ministering to Persons Needing Long-Term Care;  Ministering to Those Experiencing Divorce;  Crisis of Pregnancy and Childbirth; & Providing Spiritual Care.  Do You Dream of  Truly Making a Difference  in the Life of a Friend, One You Haven't Met Yet? What is my purpose in life?  Where is God leading me? Discover Stephen Ministry! Our next Discernment Seminar is to be announced soon. Join us and learn how you are already a part of this important ministry at St. Francis. Our Stephen Leaders giving this Course Series and Seminar are excited to share personal testimonies about how lives are being changed for the better because of this ministry. Questions:  Scott Wright  821-2121.

Stephen Ministers are lay members of our parish who are specially trained to listen and provide support and encouragement to other members of the parish, people in many different circumstances. 

A testimonial from a Stephen Care Receiver:
“… for me once a week as I have been meeting with my volunteer Stephen Minister we talk about any number of things and my Stephen Minister listens to me with great patience, always encouraging me to talk and the talking helps me process my feelings.    I enjoy the spiritual support in my life.”  A MALE Stephen Care Receiver

“I remember sitting in the parish office for a few minutes, discussing the Stephen Ministry.  How could I have known that it would enrich my life so greatly.     Thank you for sending me my Stephen Minister.  Over this past year she has been fantastic.  She was the right person at the right time. Thank you.”  A FEMALE Stephen Care Receiver

Testimonials from Stephen Ministers:
"The scope and depth of the training program is impressive.  Not only are we learning and practicing the skills needed to work in this Ministry, but also have access to many other materials and people who have experience in doing the same." Mary Ianni

"It is an awesome responsibility and joy that Jesus decided to do his work in the world today through us."Rich Badics

"The training for Stephen Ministry has been a life altering experience. Not only have I become a part of a wonderful new community of Stephen Ministers but also I have learned a great deal about myself and how to work with others."Sara Maxam 

"Stephen Ministers know that trying to help others is contagious.  It affects your whole life and provides a wide variety of positive growth experiences to build upon."
Neil Mueller 

Become a trained Stephen Minister!  Applications are accepted until November 30__.   Our Stephen Ministry Training Series Classes will begin ... DBA ... ?.

(Stephen Series Module Titles are listed here.  Stephen Minister Training Schedule dates at St. Francis will be announced at a later date.)

You’re invited into this ministry. 
Please contact:    at the Parish Social Ministry Office.
Learn more at: www.stephenministries.org

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting;
• A St. Francis Parish member  with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role;
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spitirual care;
• A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages;
• Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week for as long as there’s a need. 

The Stephen Leaders are chosen by St. Francis Parish to implement and manage Stephen Ministry.  Stephen Ministries St. Louis trains them at Leader’s Training Courses in how to recruit, select, train, and supervise Stephen Ministers.  (See photos of our Stephen Leaders here below.)

You’re invited into this new ministry. 
Please contact:    at the Parish Social Ministry Office.
Learn more at: www.stephenministries.org