What is Stephen Ministry? 

Stephen Ministry is designed to care for the people of Mary, Mother as well as our surrounding community.  As you go through life, you may experience a personal crisis or difficulty and need someone to listen -- possibly someone outside of your family or circle. A Stephen Minister can meet with you confidentially, one-on-one for an hour each week.  During this hour, you can share your thoughts and feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental setting.

Stephen Ministers are members of the Mary, Mother parish who are trained to listen, care, encourage, and provide spiritual and emotional support for people experiencing challenges in life, such as:

•  Family Challenges 
  • Divorce/Broken Relationship 
  • Single Parent 
  • Child with Disability 
  • Adoption/Foster Care/Blended 
  • Family Changes 
  • Unexpected Pregnancy 
  • Miscarriage/Stillbirth/Infertility 
  • Consolation after Abortion 
• Major Medical Crisis 
  • Terminal Illness/Cancer 
  • Hospice 
• Chronic Care Situation  
  
  • Long term illness/Condition/Disability
  • Caregiver for Spouse/Parent
• Death of a Loved One
• Incarceration
  • Challenges for Family
  • Re-integration to Society
• Military Challenges
  • Deployment of Loved One
  • Adjustment Deployment Return
• Vocational Issues
  • Job Stress/Problems
  • Retirement
• Faith Issues/Spiritual Crisis
• Other Crisis/Life Difficulty

We have Stephen Ministers ready and available for you now. To learn more, contact Janet Gorshe, Pastoral Care Coordinator in the Parish Office (952)890-0045 or e-mail, jgorshe@mmotc.org.

Who are Stephen Ministers?

Stephen Ministers are not counselors or professionals.  We are members of the Mary, Mother parish and have been trained to provide one-to-one, Christ-centered listening care. We have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting and are equipped with caregiving ministry skills.  A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week to provide confidential care by listening, encouraging, and offering emotional and spiritual support. 

Is God calling you to use your talents and life experiences to care for others?  If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Janet Gorshe at the parish office. 

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2.