What is a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers are servants, listeners, supportive resource persons and caring Christian friends. Stephen Ministers are not counselors, therapists or pastors. The training that Stephen Ministers receive help insure that these parishioners have a clear understanding of the definition. After 50 hours of training on various problems and a variety of situations. ministers are assigned a confidential situation with a care receiver and then attend a monthly supervision where they receive support fortheir ministry. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming training which begins in January, please call Beth Ann Hart at 763-496-1365.
"LET ME CARE FOR YOU"
Those words can bring relief to people going through difficult times in life. A Stephen Minister is willing and able to care for you by listening and being there while you work through this tough times. If this is the kind of care for you or a loved one, please call Beth Ann Hart 763-496-1365.
Stephen Ministers Care
We need more Stephen Ministers to care for those who are making that long journey through the valley of a life crisis. Will you consider serving in this way? For more information please call BethAnn Hart at 763-496-1365.
Healing Prayer Ministry Team
Back (from left): Jane Warren, BethAnn Hart, Flo Gropel, Jim Harrison, Greg Nelson, Lucienne Fri Tilong
Front (from left): Lucy LaGrange, Barb Kinney, Elise Harrison
Healing Prayer Ministry
Please consider praying with a parish Healing Minister about situations that cause you pain or concern.
Angel Quilters
The Angel Quilters welcome anyone who would like to tie a quilt for people in need. Meetings are 9:30 a.m.-12 noon on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays of the month. No knowledge of quilting is necessary, just a willingness to thread a needle and tie a knot. Questions please call Jean 763-559-0847.
Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound
Eucharistic Ministers are available to visit homes of parishioners who are unable to attend a weekend Liturgy. You may request a Eucharistic Minister by contacting the parish office at 763-425-6505.
Funeral Ministry Planners
St. Joseph the Worker has trained parishioners to help the family of a loved one plan the their funeral liturgy. The funeral planners will also meet with those who would like to plan their own funeral liturgy. The funeral planners will provide support throughout the funeral planning process, offer suggestions, and guide the family through the funeral planning process. The funeral planners will meet with family members at the parish or in their home, whichever is most convenient. Contact Tarri Nelson at 763-400-7205 or tnelson@sjtw.net.
*Funeral Liturgy Sacristans, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters
Parishioners who minister and serve during our Funeral Liturgies as needed
Funeral Luncheon Ministers
Funeral Luncheon Ministers are an integral part of the hospitality and welcome St. Joseph the Worker provides for families who are experiencing the death of a loved one. They are persons who shop for, cook, and serve funeral luncheons. We welcome younger persons being trained into this ministry by our faithful, efficient Seniors who show us how much fun it can be to serve together in this way. Also needed is a person or two who would be willing to do child care here in our nursery while these younger persons help in the kitchen and dining room. Contact Ann at 763-425-6279
Hospital Ministry/Visitation
Hospitals are essential, hopeful, and helpful. They may also be a scary, painful, lonely, or sad environment. Whenever you or someone you love is in the hospital, your church community can offer meaningful support. St. Joseph the Worker has trained ministers who bring the hope and prayer of the community and a confidential listening ear to our parishioners. Eucharistic Ministers may visit and bring communion; our priests visit and offer the sacraments of healing and reconciliation. When you or a member of your family is admitted to a hospital, please, let the hospital staff know that you are a member of St. Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove. All area hospitals have chaplains who are available. If you would like to be visited, please let the hospital staff know and someone from chaplaincy will bring you Eucharist. They will also call the parish office if, during the admitting process, you answer the question, "Do you have a religious preference?" with a "Yes, Catholic, SJTW." Then someone from our parish will also visit you. In an emergency, please ask the hospital staff to call the hospital chaplain or a Catholic Priest. Please contact Mike Lentz with questions at 763-400-7203 or mike@sjtw.net.
Learn, Grow and Serve by Becoming a Stephen Minister
Would you like to be part of a ministry that gives people care and support when they need it most while making a difference in your own life? Consider becoming a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who provide one-toone caring ministry to people experiencing grief, divorce, loneliness, job loss, hospitalization and many other life situations. As a Stephen Minister, you’ll be equipped to provide a very high level of care. New training will begin Jan 7, 2017 at St. Joseph’s New Hope. Contact Beth Ann Hart at 763-496-1365 or Mike Lentz with questions at 763-400-7203 or mike@sjtw.net.
These ministers are encouraged to continue to update their skills as supportive listeners by attending regular enrichment sessions and monthly group supervision. Stephen Ministers are available to anyone who wishes caring support and prayer at anytime. All visits and supervision are held strictly confidential. Any new parishioner who has been a Stephen or BeFriender Minister in another parish and joins St. Joseph the Worker Faith Community is invited to become active again. Contact Mike Lentz with questions at 763-400-7203 or mike@sjtw.net.
Social Hour Hosts
Social Hour is the opportunity for parish members to meet, greet, and socialize with one another. Social Hour is hosted in St. Joseph Hall after liturgies every weekend by a different parish group, family, or various individuals. Social Hour Hosts make coffee, set out the baked goods purchased by the parish, and meet and greet the parishioners when they come to Social Hour. If you enjoy meeting with people, please call Tarri Nelson at 763-400-7205 or tnelson@sjtw.net.
Set up, serve food and beverages, and clean up in St. Joseph Hall after our weekend liturgies. Contact Mike Lentz with questions at 763-400-7203 or mike@sjtw.net.
Welcome Team
The Welcome Team hosts the New Parishioner Orientation Potluck fives times per year on the third Monday evening in September, November, January, March, and May. Parishioners from a variety of ministries at SJTW are invited to come and share with the New Parishioners. If you are interested in joining the Welcome Team Ministries, please call Mike Lentz with questions at 763-400-7203 or mike@sjtw.net.