Father Wally Helms, right, commissions new Stephen Ministers at St. Thomas More Parish-Coralville in 2011. JoAnn Miller, left, said being a Stephen Minister has enhanced her faith and parish involvement.
(Editor’s note: This is the second of two stories about Stephen Ministry, which provides one-to-one care to people experiencing a difficult time in life.)
By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
Stephen Ministry helped fill a void for Cathy Nepola, a retired nurse. “What I missed most about my career was the caring aspect, the relationships I formed with my patients, being there to listen and help the patients during stressful times.”
Serving as a Stephen Minister at St. Thomas More Parish in Coralville has strengthened her faith immeasurably. “I have felt the Holy Spirit’s presence when meeting with my care receivers. There were times when I was at a loss for what to say, yet the help I needed was right there with me, guiding me as to how to best respond… through God’s love and mercy, my ministry is making a difference. I can’t help everyone, but I can help one person at a time.”
While Stephen Ministers’ primary objective is providing emotional and spiritual support to others, the opportunity for growth is mutual, said JoAnn Miller of the Coralville parish. “I didn’t expect that at all and it has been tremendous.” The longtime Stephen Minister has been inspired to get more involved in church activities, participate in reconciliation more often and read more spiritual resources, some of which her care receivers recommend. “It’s just deepened my faith.”
Stephen Minister Meliza Wise feels blessed to witness the transformation in care receivers and Stephen Ministers from their first visit to the last, and beyond. “Personally, the program has enriched my prayer life and increased my reliance on and gratitude for God’s graces for care receiver/Stephen Minister needs,” said Wise, a member of the Coralville parish.
Her husband, Bill, became a Stephen Minister a few years ago. “It took some time to have the courage to believe that I could do this too. I am glad I did. It is a ministry where Jesus helps me develop my own faith while recognizing and helping others in their time of need.”
University of Iowa students Conner Wedig and Wiley Goff began training to become Stephen Ministers for St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Iowa City after hearing about the ministry from the pastor, Father Andrew Rauenbuehler. Both students plan to enter the healthcare field, Wedig as a physician and Goff as a pharmacist.
Wedig believes Stephen Ministry “offers a valuable caregiving perspective, allowing me to further develop my compassion, empathy, and communication skills — qualities that are essential for my future aspirations of becoming a physician.” He has learned that being a good listener and a source of support for someone going through a difficult time “requires patience and the ability to be fully present without trying to ‘fix’ the situation. People want to be heard and understood, and sometimes, simply having someone to listen can make a difference.”
Goff said that many of the core teachings of Stephen Ministry overlap with his patient interaction and health services coursework. “I think the skills I have learned will help me grow not only in my faith and fellowship with God, but also in my communication skills that are crucial to a career in pharmacy.” Stephen Ministry and its ministers inspire a “new source of love and a profound sense of community,” he said.
