SEWELL – In 2011, when Father Sanjai Devis, VC, then parochial vicar at Church of the Holy Family, was starting up a vital ministry in his community, he knew just who to call.
“You can’t say no to Father Sanjai,” laughed Barbara McAleer, who received the summons with her husband, Frank.
The new initiative? Stephen Ministry, an international effort in which trained individuals assist their neighbors through times of struggle, such as the loss of a loved one, a serious medical condition, family struggles with addiction, mental illness or loss of a job.
Since being commissioned in May 2012 with 24 other faithful, the couple has found deep meaning in being listening ears and caring hearts for their sisters and brothers.
“I’ve seen the Holy Spirit at work. Not only am I walking with them, but I’m learning from them,” McAleer said.
Fifteen years later, the two and their dedication are still going strong at the parish, and the Stephen Ministry itself has grown across the Diocese.
“The energy to do this is just the same as it has always been,” Frank McAleer noted. “I’ve never thought about giving this up.”
On Jan. 30, the McAleers joined 49 other Stephen Ministers from seven parishes at Church of the Holy Family for an evening of prayer, fellowship, encouragement and dinner.
It was the first diocesan-wide gathering of such ministers since 2020.
“All of you gathered here care for each other and work together to be an extension of Christ’s love in our churches and communities,” said Nicole Keefer, executive director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden, of which the Stephen Ministry is now part.
“Thank you for all your work. I hope you leave here knowing that you are seen, heard and appreciated for all the work you do,” she said.
Father Devis, now pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Williamstown, recalled when, in 2011, he first learned of the Stephen Ministry.
He brought the idea to Holy Family’s pastor at the time – Father Robert Hughes, who gave Father Devis permission to bring it to the parish. That “one pebble” dropped into an ocean of faith became a compassionate wave.
“I’ve seen that ripple effect of that one pebble,” he told the ministers and leaders. “Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people, through people. Christ is caring for our hurting sisters and brothers through each and every one of you.”
Founded in 1975 by Dr. Kenneth Haugk, a Lutheran pastor and clinical psychologist, Stephen Ministry is an international and interdenominational ministry in more than 14,000 congregations, from more than 150 denominations, with more than 600,000 trained ministers.
Today, throughout the Diocese of Camden, there are 15 parishes with a Stephen Ministry. The newest leaders, from Margate’s Holy Trinity Parish, began last March.
Sue Cosenza, from Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Collingswood, is happy to be one of those helping hands for the past six years. Amidst a busy life that also includes four kids and a job as a preschool teacher, she “gets as much out of it as the care receivers do.”
“I’m happy to be there for someone who needs someone to walk with them through their hard times. God gave me the gift to listen, and this is how I can use it,” Cosenza said.
At a table of nine Stephen Ministers from Berlin’s Saint Simon Stock Parish, Rich Galassini was pleased to have an evening to gain inspiration and support for his work.
“This ministry is so needed and important, and everyone here loves Jesus, the ministry and each other,” he said.
Admitting that sometimes, as a Stephen Minister, he can “feel like a sponge that’s been loaded up with too much water,” Galassini said he was happy to spend time with his peers “to help wring me out so I can feel fresh again.”
“Everyone here lets their light of faith shine, and they’re inspiring me not to hide my own.”
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