Stephen Ministry: Christ Caring for People through People
Stephen Ministers are lay men and women from St Francis, trained through a 50-hour national program. We are not therapists or counselors but caring and empathetic Christians who will listen to you, not judge you, and not tell you what you need to do. We keep everything you say confidential, we meet with you regularly, one-on-one for as long as you need. We will pray with you if you desire but will definitely pray for you always.
Christ never meant for us to face difficult times alone. Stephen Ministers are here to offer encouragement, emotional and spiritual support to anyone who is going through a challenging time. Contact Stephen Ministry if you are:
- Grieving the loss of a loved one;
- Facing a medical issue, hospitalization or surgery;
- Caring for a loved one who is dying;
- Experiencing divorce;
- Home bound or in a nursing home;
- Lonely or discouraged;
- Relocating;
- Planning to retire or recently retired;
- Experiencing job related stress or job loss;
- Dealing with financial concerns;
- Caring for a family member who is chronically ill or disabled;
- Being treated for cancer;
- Missing your children who have left home to join the military, attend college, get married, or start working on their career;
- Stressed from juggling a job, a busy household, and parenting healthy but challenging children;
- Dealing with another of life’s stresses and wondering if talking to a Stephen Minister might be helpful.
Stephen Ministers know their limits. If you are experiencing a serious emotional/psychological issue we will refer you to a mental health specialist. If you are experiencing a spiritual crisis, we will refer you to one of the friars. We have several experienced Stephen Ministers who are ready to meet with you. Contact our Stephen Ministry Leader to determine if a Stephen Minister is right for you. You can contact us via:
- Our webpage Contact Form,
- Call Terry Mastrucci at 607-745-9946, or
- Email Terry Mastrucci
Stephen Ministry at St Francis
- Celebrating 10 year anniversary in 2023.
- Trained over 50 Stephen Ministers.
- Served over 400 people.
Stephen Ministry is a response to Christ’s command to “Bear one another’s burdens.” We are your parish family offering to support you in a stressful time just as your personal family does. Many member of your family may be experiencing the same stress or loss that you are. We are here to support you, so that you can take care of the rest of your family.
We’d love to share our success stories with you but Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry.