The Stephen Ministers of Saint Kenneth Catholic Community are trained Christian lay people who value individuals and seek to serve them when they are hurting, troubled, or in need. The Ministers provide:

• Compassionate care and encouragement by walking beside the hurting person
• Trained and focused listening to the individual during sessions
• Prayers for and with the hurting person

We have often been taught to be strong, self-sufficient, independent people. We tend to think that if we ask for help, it is a sign of weakness. So we try to keep our struggles hidden, stuffed deep inside. However, that is not God's plan.

God wants us to care for others...and allow others to care for us in our time of need. If you or someone you know could benefit from one-on-one visits from a trained Stephen Minister, please ask for help. We have trained parish members who are skilled to listen, care, encourage, pray, and help a troubled person through a tough time. Stephen Ministers are sometimes the "After People," as in after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out. We provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.

Some of the reasons people are matched with a Stephen Minister are:

• Serious illness and/or hospitalization
• Grief from the death of a loved one
• Job crisis or job loss
• Terminal illness
• Issues related to family changes: such as divorce, new baby, empty nest
• Spiritual stresses
• Loneliness

The Stephen Ministry is committed to confidential Christian caring that doesn't arrange an outcome or solution. We do attempt to lovingly help others find the courage to change or accept the circumstances of their lives.

Please contact the Parish Office to be connected with a Stephen Ministry leader.

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:11-12

Care Receivers Tell Their Story

More about Stephen Ministers....

Stephen Ministers are the "After People" 

People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?”  One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.  Stephen Ministers are there:
    ....after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
    …after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life.
    …after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come           crashing in on you.
    …after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.
    …after  the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new           home.” 
    …after  the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away – and the house
       suddenly seems empty. 
    …after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on and your loved one is led away.
    …after  the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.
    ...after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck resulting in layoff or forced                        retirement.
    …after  the salary reduction forces you to cope with a new lifestyle.
    …after  your family and friends have heard your story one too many times,  but you still          need to talk it out.

Stephen Ministers are the After People.  They are ready to come alongside you – or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives – and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.   Saint Kenneth Stephen Ministers want to help you.  Contact the Saint Kenneth Parish office at 734 420-0288 to learn more.