Father Jon Chalmers, pastor of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, commissioned 21 men and women of the parish as Stephen Ministers on May 17, blessing them in their compassionate service. The individuals are trained caregivers who will offer confidential, one-to-one Christian care to members of the parish and the wider community facing grief, illness, loss, loneliness, or life transition. The Stephen Minister and the parishioner typically meet once a week to discuss issues such as grief, divorce, and family-related stress, job loss, chronic or severe illness, or relocation. The caring relationship between the Stephen Minister and parishioner lasts as long as the need for care exists. The service is free and confidential.

The parish’s Stephen Ministers spent 50 hours training for the role. They learned to listen, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to parishioners. The Church has always been a community of care — a body in which no one must suffer alone and without companions. From its earliest days, the community of believers has set apart certain members for the ministry of walking alongside those who carry life burdens. The Stephen Ministers are continuing in this tradition and look forward to serving.   

For parishioners in need of a Stephen Minister, the clergy can be contacted or popcatholic.org can be visited.