Pastoral Care Ministries
Home-bound Eucharistic Ministers
Spiritual Direction
Contact
Deacon Mark Westrick
(919) 499 - 3772
Pastoral Care Ministries
St. Stephen parish believes that attending Mass is just the beginning of our weekly call to serve. Each week, volunteers attend to those in need in a multitude of ways, taking Christ to the “least among us”. Some of the ways we serve others includes:
Bereavement/Funeral Ministry
At a time of a loss, no one should wonder “where is my church family?” St. Stephen Bereavement Ministry strives to make sure this question is always answered with a clear “right where I needed them to be.” We do this in two different ways.
Funerals: Volunteers help the presiding clergy (priest and/or deacon) with setting up the church for the service, handing out programs, cleaning the church afterwards.
In addition, when a family requests a reception in the St. Stephen social hall, families can choose to either have a caterer provide food or our Bereavement Ministry will do so at a nominal charge. In addition, volunteers set up the room, serve food, provide desserts, and clean up afterwards.
Bereavement (After the service). Receiving a card from someone is never more appreciated than after the death of a loved one. For any parishioner who wants, notifications of deaths of parishioners or their loved ones, with contact information is sent via email so that cards can be sent to the bereaved. In addition, volunteers send cards (provided by the ministry) with personal messages to the families throughout the first year so that they always remember they are being prayed for by their parish family.
This ministry promises to be a light for others when everything else seems so dark.
Communion to the Homebound
Recognizing that not all Catholics are able to attend Mass but still desire to receive the Eucharist, trained ministers from St. Stephen are available to take communion to the sick and shut-ins.
Anyone needing to have the Eucharist brought to them should contact the parish office, Deacon Bob or Deacon Mark.
Spiritual Direction/Counseling
Whether you are wanting to explore your faith further, or are struggling with holding on to your faith, there is help available to you. Deacon Mark is a trained Spiritual Director and is available for those who desire to learn more about their faith.
If you are wanting support/guidance on other areas, both Deacon Bob and Deacon Mark may be able to help you.
If you desire confession, please contact the parish office to set up a time with a priest or go to confession at one of the scheduled times. See parish bulletin for details.