Journeying With Our Neighbors Facing Difficult Circumstances
Featured Ministry:
Stephen Ministry
Hard times are inevitable in all of our lives, at some point or another. Having the support of others can help ease some of the difficulties. “All of us have faced or know folks who have experienced a life-changing challenge such as loss of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, or even a move, and are not sure on how to address it or even to whom to seek support,” says Doug Murray. “Yes there are friends, family, colleagues who offer such support, but often they may not have the ability or objectivity required. And the imperative to seek professional input is not yet appropriate. Further, unfortunately the support is short-lived for the moment and those in time will move on with their own lives and challenges," he adds. "Here is where the OLP Stephen Ministry enters the challenge.” The Stephen Ministry here at OLP and in our surrounding community seeks to provide assistance and support to those in the community who are struggling — be it the loss of a loved one, undergoing divorce, suffering from a terminal illness, or other challenging circumstances. We have 14 ministry members dedicated to this important service, led by OLP Servant Leader Mike Fortner. Deacon Kevin Dunbaugh serves as the Pastor’s Delegate to the OLP Stephen Ministry program. Having first participated in a Called and Gifted program offered by our parish, Rosemary discovered a spot in an upcoming Stephen Ministry training.
Pictured above: Stephen Ministers Michele Gaudreault, Doug Murray, Mike Fortner, Rosemary Egan
“Talents — these are the gifts the Spirit blesses us with, to journey with our care receivers. Each of our caregivers have special talents that are constantly being molded to match the individual needs of a particular care receiver." — Mike Fortner
"“I recognized it was a good — no, great — fit for me shortly into the training,” she says. “I worked as a OLP Stephen Ministry team member for approximately three years and then was offered a leadership training opportunity which I accepted and very much enjoyed. I have been a OLP Stephen Ministry Small Group Leader for a year now.” The Stephen Ministry is part of a larger international organization with its headquarters in Missouri. Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministry “offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members — called OLP Stephen Ministry — to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties,” according to its website.
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