By Laura Brennan
The call to discipleship began with an invitation from the pulpit on an ordinary Sunday by a Stephen Ministry Leader. Then a stirring of the heart, a yes, and more than 50 hours of training. Finally, the Commissioning.
Six parishioners were commissioned Stephen Ministers at the 5 pm Mass on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan by Pastor Monsignor Rob Kinnally.
Stephen Ministers began at St. Aloysius in 2022 when the parish recognized the need for one-on-one accompaniment for parishioners during challenging times, a crisis or a life difficulty. Parishioners may already be working with therapists or counselors. Stephen Ministers provide something different.
“We’re addressing the God question,” explained Monsignor Kinnally. “I think that’s the essential part of the project, which is to say, ‘where’s God in the midst of this?’ When something tough happens, where is God? Or why did God do this? Or why did God allow this?”
A Christ-centered ecumenical program, Stephen Ministers was founded in St. Louis in 1975 by psychologist Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk. The cohort at St. Aloysius was specifically trained as Catholics to support those they accompany in the sacramental life of the church. “You encounter Christ in the Word, in the sacrament of the Eucharist, and in the gift of one another,” explained Monsignor Kinnally.
At St. Aloysius, they are thoughtful and prayerful in matching Stephen Ministers with care receivers said Monsignor Kinnally. The program typically lasts six months to a year.
“The greatest gift that the care receiver receives is the listening heart of the Stephen Minister. Someone is really listening to what I’m saying, not just hearing it but listening, which means I’m taking it in. I’m thinking about it. I’m empathetic,” Monsignor Kinnally explained. “I am praying while I’m listening to you.”
Then Monsignor Kinnally gave the most important truth of the ministry, “It’s Jesus Himself who rescues, it’s Christ Himself who does this work, but we are the instruments and what a gift it is, and what an honor it is to do work in His name.”
Healing is happening. “As a pastor, I see it. I see the healing,” he said. “I mean, honestly, it’s a palpable difference before and after Stephen. Really palpable.”
Rosa Chavarro, Shannon Goetz, Karen Lynn Murray, Adriana Hauser, Jose Aldeanueva and Suzanne Nardi joined the first two cohorts for a ministry that now totals 25.
“I believe that they are genuinely called by God to this ministry,” said Monsignor Kinnally. “The whole idea is to launch. You’re on this great strong path of healing. And you are ready to get back into being a full and active disciple.”
As a pastor of a busy and active parish, Monsignor Kinnally encourages other pastors and pastoral teams to consider Stephen Ministries. “Our parish is always happy to talk with anybody who wants to know more about it,” he said. “It really is a life-giving experience for a parish community.”
For more information about Stephen Ministries, visit their website at: www.stephenministries.org
