As we journey through life, we all face challenges that can affect us emotionally and spiritually.
Death of loved ones, a difficult medical diagnosis, job loss, major life transitions, divorce or broken relationships, stress and anxiety, and other hardships can leave us with feelings that may be difficult to accept, understand and manage in daily life – especially if working through them alone.
Fortunately, emotional and spiritual support is available through the Stephen Ministry, a Christian lay ministry. Since 1975, Stephen Ministry has been providing compassionate care and carrying out Christ’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) The Stephen Ministry does this in a powerful and practical way.
Stephen Ministry equips trained parish lay volunteers, known as Stephen Ministers, to provide high-quality, Christ-centered care for those experiencing a life crisis or challenge. VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden supports parishes in offering this ministry across South Jersey.
There are 16 active Stephen Ministries in parishes across the Diocese of Camden. Stephen Ministers meet weekly, in person, with care receivers – those in need of support. All information shared is strictly confidential; men are paired with men, and women are paired with women. Stephen Ministers are compassionate, full of faith, trustworthy, skilled and Christ-centered caregivers committed to walking alongside others during difficult times.
Stephen Ministry brings hope and healing to others through five core caregiving components:
Presence: Stephen Ministers are attentive listeners and present physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for their care receivers. A Stephen Minister consistently shows up and can be counted on when needed – a reminder of God’s presence in the care receiver’s life.
Service: Care is focused solely on the benefits of the care receiver without expecting anything in return.
Best caregiving practices: Stephen Ministers are focused during visits, and they actively listen, validate, affirm and reflect the care receiver’s feelings, which allows God to work through them.
Clear boundaries: The focus is not on “fixing” the problem; the focus is on the person who needs to be respected and empowered at all times.
Trust: Through listening with patience, sympathy, empathy and compassion, Stephen Ministers pave the way for God’s healing.
A core principle of Stephen Ministry is: Stephen Ministers are the caregivers; God is the Cure Giver.
If you or someone you know is in need of emotional and/or spiritual support, VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services can help connect you with a Stephen Ministry. For assistance, call 856-583-6123 or visit vitality.camdendiocese.org/stephen-ministry for more information.
Christine Willard is director of Marketing and Senior Ministry for VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services. She is also a Stephen Leader at Holy Trinity Parish, Margate.
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