About the ministry:

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry because it is absolutely essential for building safe, healing, caring relationships.  This assurance builds trust and creates a safe place where care receivers can risk revealing their most painful issues - problems they might not even discuss with close friends or family.  Confidentiality helps create a relationship that promotes healing and hope. 

Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our parish and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.  Examples of the challenges faced by care receivers include, but are not limited to:  death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, terminal illness, aging, or chronic illness.  Recently, many of us have experienced pandemic fatigue as we cope with the isolation and decreased social contact brought about by the coronavirus. 

In any of these circumstances, individuals may benefit from someone who meets faithfully each week to listen, pray, support, and encourage.  The relationship between caregiver and care receiver may last anywhere from a few weeks to two years.  The relationship is confidential; what is said between the caregiver and care receiver remains between the two of them.

We have nearly 20 Stephen Ministers at St. Benedict Parish who come from all walks of life with ages that span many decades.  The referral committee selects caregivers of the same gender who possess the caregiving gifts appropriate to the individual in need.  You can request a Stephen Minister for yourself or for someone you think would benefit from this ministry. 

Ministry Leaders:
Phyllis McDowell & Judy Hurlbert

If you are interested in more information about this ministry or if you would like a Stephen Minister's care, please call (607)398-0382 and leave a message and a Stephen Minister will return your call.