September 23, 2011
Father John Boeglin comments on Stephen Ministry
Father John Boeglin, pastor at Holy Family Church, Jasper, comments on the importance of the Stephen Ministry program at his parish.
I am tremendously grateful for the gift of the Stephen Ministry program. The program provides high-quality Christ-centered care for others.
We have had Stephen Ministry at Holy Family for at least 15 years. There are so many people who need one-on-one spiritual care in our large parish during a difficult situation. As pastor I do not have adequate time and energy to meet all the one-on-one spiritual needs in my parish. I truly appreciate what my Stephen Ministers have done providing quality Christ-centered care for another.
“As a priest alone in my parish there is no way I can minister to so many without the help of Stephen Ministry. Every time we have bi-yearly retreats I continue to tell my Stephen Ministers that they are my most valued lay partners in the one-on-one care of our parishioners.
“As we active priests continue to decrease in number, I would encourage other parishes in the diocese to invest in the Stephen Ministry program.
“I truly feel blessed with so many active Stephen Ministers in my parish. They are the best! Stephen Ministry truly expresses what it means to care for one another in the Body of Christ.”