FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING If a receiver is in an apparent deep depression, the ministers are trained to direct the person to the mental help they need. On occasion, a receiver will seek the Stephen Ministry while they are already in the care of a therapist. In these cases, Marilyn has a form letter for the therapist that asks if the receiver can continue to work with the Stephen minister. “Nine out of 10 times they will agree to it,” Marilyn says. The impact of the care provided by the Stephen Ministry is deep and meaningful. “I’ve seen people come in who could hardly talk and one year later they are a different person,” Marilyn says. “Someone listened and walked them through it. I’ve been told ‘you saved my life.’ The Stephen minister grows and heals, as well. It’s wonderful for your faith life.” There have been instances when the Stephen minister has been able to turn the receiver’s life around.
“It’s wonderful to see,” Marilyn says. “It’s holy. It’s like you’re watching God perform a miracle in someone’s life.” The Stephen ministers receive training that runs 50 hours and is held two to three times a year. There also are continuing education sessions. The ministers meet twice a month for peer supervision, with sessions now held virtually. The ministers meet to discuss the relationships with their “pairings.” The discussions are all confidential in that there are no names or identification discussed. “I think of it as a doctor and nurse meeting about a patient, that type of conference,” Marilyn says. “We talk about what has been discussed with the person and this keeps us on track and helps us help the person who has come to us.” The ministry also offers help to parishioners who have lost a loved one. The ministry sends the bereaved a complimentary copy of Dr. Haugk’s book, Journeying Through Grief. The feedback from this care has been very positive.
If you are interested in becoming a ministry member, or if you are interested in receiving care, please contact Marilyn Dietrich at 817-457-1658.
Holy Week & Easter Schedule Holy Thursday, April 1 Mass at 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 2 Service at 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 3 Vigil at 8:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 4 Mass at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. We will be live-streaming all the Masses except the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Easter morning.
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