Frequently Asked Questions about the Stephen Ministry

1. What is Stephen Ministry?

Offered at St. Vincent de Paul, this ministry equips lay people to provide one-to- one, regular, free of charge and confidential Christian care to people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. The identity of those receiving care and everything they discuss with a Stephen Minister remain private.

2. What is a Stephen Minister?

- A child of God who walks beside someone who is hurting.
- A parish member who is carefully selected to serve in this role because of his or her care giving gifts.
- A layperson who receives 50 hours of initial training in providing high-quality distinctively Christian care and who continues to receive ongoing training throughout the duration of their ministry.
- A caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages.
- Someone who meets faithfully each week with his or her care receiver for as long as there’s a need.

3. What does the Stephen Ministry logo mean?

It represents a care receiver’s journey from brokenness toward wholeness through the cross of Jesus. In this way, it illustrates “Christ caring for people through people,” which is the Stephen Ministry motto.

4. In what types of situations do Stephen Ministers provide care?

Stephen Ministers provide care to individuals facing difficult times in life – grief, cancer, divorce, financial difficulties, hospitalization, chronic illness, job loss, disability, loneliness, a spiritual crisis, or other life struggles.

5. Do Stephen Ministers care for people outside the parish?

Yes. Stephen Ministers often provide care for people in the broader community, enhancing and expanding the parish’s outreach in a powerful way.

6. Why the name Stephen?

In Acts 6, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Since the time of the Apostles, caring ministry has been considered a hallmark of the Christian faith community.

7. How do I get additional information on the Stephen Ministries?

To learn more about the Stephen Ministries, please visit their website: www.stephenministries.org