Dalhart—The number of Stephen Ministers at St, Anthony of Padua Church has grown to 25 with the commissioning of nine new lay caregivers on Aug. 29.
“We are pleased to expand our caring ministry,” said Father Scott Raef, pastor at St. Anthony of Padua. “These additional trained laypersons will be a big help to our congregation and community.”
Stephen Ministers offer care and support for people experiencing life difficulties such as the death of a loved one, job crisis, aging, separation or divorce, long-term illness or for those needing support of a Christian friend, according to Father Raef. Ministers receive 50 hours of intensive training covering topics such as effective listening, confidentiality, the stress of hospitalization, feelings and utilizing community resources.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private. In addition to the training, these Christian lay caregivers will continue to receive monthly continuing education and supervision support sessions as they strive to offer the highest quality Christian care giving.
“St. Anthony’s Church expects its Stephen Ministry to continue to be a source of warmth, care and blessing for many years to come,” said Father Raef. “This enables the entire congregation to grow as a nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for and their needs taken seriously, all in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Serving as Stephen Ministers at St. Anthony of Padua are:
Louis Artho, Yvonne Artho, Lindi Banda, Kay Bezner, Steve Brorman, Regina Brorman, Corky Coke, Toni Coke, Ruben Donegan, Clarissa Egerton, Cecilia Gomez, Jorge Gomez and Sue Gomez, Rosanne Gomez, Karen Graff, Linda Hubbs, Barbara Kaul, Terri Kemp, Fobie Montoya, Fidel Olivarez, Mary Olivarez, David Spinhirne, Babette Spinhirne, Mary Ellen Torres and Barbara Unruh.
Stephen Minister Leadership members are Father Scott Raef, Deacon Ron and Terri Hein and Fidel Olivarez.