Stephen Ministers are members of St. Monica Catholic Community who have been through extensive training to provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people experiencing a wide range of life’s challenges. This may include loss of a loved one, hospitalization, separation or divorce, loneliness, spiritual crises, unemployment, illness, incarceration, aging, relocation, recovery after an accident, birth, adoption, miscarriage, and/or infertility, etc. This is offered at no cost to the receiver. 

Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care receiver for an hour to listen, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support. Click below to hear from Care Receivers who have benefited from this listening ministry.

For more information on the history of Stephen Ministries, go to www.stephenministries.org.

Stephen Ministers are members of St. Monica Catholic Community who have been through extensive training to provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people experiencing a wide range of life’s challenges. This may include loss of a loved one, hospitalization, separation or divorce, loneliness, spiritual crises, unemployment, illness, incarceration, aging, relocation, recovery after an accident, birth, adoption, miscarriage, and/or infertility, etc. This is offered at no cost to the receiver. 

 

Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care receiver for an hour to listen, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support. Click below to hear from Care Receivers who have benefited from this listening ministry.

 

For more information on the history of Stephen Ministries, go to www.stephenministries.org.

 

 

Need a Stephen Minister?

 

Stressed? Discouraged? Lonely? Sad? Don't Suffer Alone. Help Is Available.

Sometimes we fall into a trap where we think it’s a sign of weakness to ask for help. So, when we’re stressed, discouraged, lonely, or sad, we try to keep our struggles hidden and are reluctant to ask for help. However, that’s not God’s plan. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” God wants us to care for others—and allow others to care for us in our time of need.

If you’re sad or struggling inside, don’t suffer alone. Ask for help. We have a team of Stephen Ministers ready to provide confidential one-to-one care, encouragement, and support to help you through a tough time.

 

Call (310) 566-1575

Leave a message and a Stephen Ministry leader will contact you.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19, we provide caregiving using Zoom and the telephone.

 

Serve as a Stephen Minister

Ever Thought about Becoming a Stephen Minister?

Are you compassionate?  Do you see yourself as a care giver?  Do you wonder how God is asking you to serve him?  Consider Stephen Ministry.

St. Monica Catholic Community will begin training another class of Stephen Ministers in January of 2021. If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and listening, please begin to prayerfully consider whether you might want to be part of this exciting ministry. If you think you might be interested, please call and leave a message for one of our Stephen Ministers at (310) 566-1575.

 

The following Stephen Ministers share their stories of personal and spiritual growth:

 

“I’ve learned how to listen to people and empathize with them.  I’ve learned that I don’t have to fix anybody – I can be present with them and trust God to do the rest.  It’s made me a better teacher, brother, friend and person.” 

- Charles, Teacher

 

“Becoming a Stephen Minister was the best training I’ve ever experienced.  It did a great job of building my confidence and equipping me to better care for others.  The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of listening.  All the distractions we have today can get in the way of really having meaningful conversations, but Stephen ministry training has helped me to stop, listen, ask follow-up questions, and be emotionally available.  Above all, I learned that God is the one who brings healing.  I’m there to walk with my care receiver, listen, and be on a journey with her.” 

- Abby, Stay-At-Home Mom

 

“I was at a point in life where I was wondering, ‘Lord, where can you use me?’  Then, one day at church I saw a Stephen Ministry table in the lobby.  It was perfect timing, like God was pointing me in that direction. My Stephen Ministry training taught me real caring skills I could use and apply in everyday life.  I’d never encountered training that was so practical, spiritual, and transformative.  I could feel the Holy Spirit changing me, helping me learn and grow.”

- Gigi, Executive Director

 

Deadline to Apply: Dec. 1, 2020

 

 

Schedule for training in 2021

January 9 through mid-April

Wednesday evenings for 3. 5 hours and Saturday mornings for 3.5 hours

 

Training conducted via Zoom Meetings

 

×

Submission Preview

…

Close

First Name*

Last Name*

Address*

City and State*

Zip Code*

Email*

Home/Cell Phone with Area Code*

Work Phone with Area Code

Describe why you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister.*

What spiritual gifts or strengths do you believe God has given you that would help you serve effectively as a Stephen Minister?*

Based on your current understanding of what it means to be a Stephen Minister, what do you think would be difficult or challenging aspects of this role for you?*

How would people who know you describe the way you relate to others?*

Time Commitment

We are asking for you to commit to serve for a period of no less than two years as a Stephen Minister (approx. January 2021-January 2023)

This includes:

• the initial 50 hours of training
• regular visits with your care receiver (weekly)
• twice-monthly small group peer supervision (held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month)

Are you willing to commit to serve faithfully for a period of no less than 2 years?*

Yes

No

What changes would you need to make in your life (if any) in order to fulfill this commitment?*

Are you available at least one evening a week or on weekends to meet with a care receiver?*

Yes

No

Describe your spiritual life (e.g. church attendance, prayer life, relationship with God, etc.)*

Please list ministries in which you are currently involved at St. Monica.*

Please list ministries in which have been involved in the past either at St. Monica or other church/service organization.*

Please provide three references below. One reference must be a member of St. Monica Catholic Community.

Reference 1*

  

Address*

Relationship*

Phone w/Area Code*

Reference 2*

  

Address*

Relationship*

Phone w/Area Code*

Reference 3*

  

Address*

Relationship*

Phone w/Area Code*

A great many caregivers have been made stronger in their care giving ministry through the care they received themselves, including care from mental health professionals. The Stephen Leader team affirms the work of mental health professionals, who have helped many individuals to experience growth and healing.  Members of the Stephen Leader Team request the following information because they want to be as informed as possible about their Stephen Ministers.

Have you ever received treatment from a mental health professional?*

Yes

No

If you answered yes, someone from our Stephen Leader team may speak with you about this so that the team may better understand its significance in your life and ministry.

Have you ever been charged with a crime?*

Yes

No

If you answered yes, someone from our Stephen Leader team may speak with you about this so that the team may better understand its significance in your life and ministry.

Please explain in detail.*

Acknowledgment

The information I have provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.  I agree to participate in Stephen Ministry training, in Small Group Peer Supervision, and to function within the boundaries of Stephen Ministry as adopted by St. Monica Catholic Church.  I give permission for the parish, if it deems necessary, to call my references, secure a police background check on me, and consult with the treating physician(s) or other mental health professionals regarding the nature of any treatment I have received for emotional or psychiatric problems.

Your answer below is your acknowledgment of the above statement.*

Yes

No

PREV NEXT Preview RESET SUBMIT