For information, contact Joan Parker: 609-646-6872
Saint Stephen was the first lay caregiver commissioned by the apostles.
Our Parish Stephen Ministry is a group of parishioners willing to listen, encourage and help a fellow parishioner through difficult times in their lives.
Please place a confidential call to Joan at (609) 646-6872 or email setonstephenministry@aol.com for more information.
Loss of a Loved One
When someone experiences a major loss, he or she begins a journey. It is impossible to refuse the journey, but it can lead to very different destinations. Like any crisis, grief can be a journey toward greater wholeness or greater brokenness.
Many of St Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioners have participated in the support group H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Evolve) and highly endorse this program. This support group is for widowed men and women of all ages. Sessions were held at the Methodist Church in Smithville and Linwood. However, sessions are only virtual now. For more information call 856-234-2200. You can visit their website at hopesnj.org.
Another resource for grief support is through the Atlantic Health System. They have groups more specific to the experience you are going through, such as loss of someone to the coronavirus. Contact their hotline at 862-260-3199 and press option #3.
With virtual sessions your privacy and comfort level are of the utmost importance. You can choose to share your first name or full name, and to have your video on or off.
Some of your fellow parishioners have been trained in grief support and have experienced loss themselves. If you would like someone to talk to, in confidence, a Stephen Minister would be happy to call you. Whether it’s a one-time call or regular calls please don’t hesitate to accept this invitation. We are here for you. Email setonstephenministry@aol.com or place a confidential call to Joan at 609-276-4667.