Holy Family Service Organizations

Stephen Ministry

Patty Harp | (770) 953-2966

Stephen Ministry is a Christ-centered listening and support ministry for our parishioners facing a difficult situation. It is Christ caring for people through people.

Trained lay ministers meet the need of individuals who are hospitalized, home-bound, terminally ill, grieving, depressed, in a job crisis, separated or divorced. Stephen ministers can also provide emotional and spiritual support.

Named after one of the first deacons in the early church, Stephen Ministers are trained, commissioned and supervised to provide a confidential listening and caring presence as needed. They reach out not only in a crisis, but when family and friends are no longer available and as long as they are wanted.

Stephen Ministry started in 1975 when Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, an "overextended" Lutheran pastor and clinical psychologist, trained nine laypersons in his congregations to assist him.

Stephen Ministers are not counselors but must complete 50 hours of training before they are assigned a care receiver and must serve for a minimum of two years. Ministers receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

If you can use the service of this confidential ministry please contact Fr. Hickey at (770) 973-0038 ext. 35 or Patty Harp.

If you would like to investigate whether this ministry is suited to your gifts and become a caregiver, please contact Patty Harp.