Stephen Ministry
Bringing Christ’s Love to Hurting People
Our Mission:
To provide Christ-centered, confidential, one-to-one care to individuals experiencing grief, stress, or other life difficulties. Stephen Ministers walk alongside those in need, offering a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and the steady presence of God’s love.
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a caring ministry grounded in prayer, empathy, and the belief that no one should face life’s challenges alone. Trained lay ministers are matched with individuals going through difficult seasons such as:
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Grieving the loss of a loved one
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Facing a serious illness or health crisis
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Experiencing job loss or financial stress
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Navigating divorce or family challenges
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Struggling with loneliness or life transitions
Stephen Ministers meet one-on-one—always confidentially and respectfully—to listen, support, and pray with those who are hurting.
Receive Care
If you or someone you know would benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, please reach out. Whether you're part of our parish or from the wider community, you are not alone. We are here to walk with you.
Contact:
Bill Wise – (319) 499-7482
Cathy Nepola – (319) 631-0915
Become a Stephen Minister
Do you feel called to bring comfort and hope to others? Stephen Ministers are parishioners trained to provide high-quality, faith-based care. If you’re a good listener and willing to commit to the training process, we invite you to consider joining this meaningful ministry.
Interested in Serving?
Please call Bill or Cathy to learn more about the next training opportunity and how you can become a channel of Christ’s love and mercy.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Learn MORE by clicking on links below:
Care Receivers Tell Their Stories
Needs for Care
Meet Our 2025 Stephen Ministers!
We are excited to welcome our newly trained Stephen Ministers as of March 2025!
Stephen Ministers are compassionate, faithful parishioners equipped to walk alongside you during life’s most difficult seasons—grief, illness, transitions, stress, or loneliness. If you're navigating a challenging time, please prayerfully consider connecting with a Stephen Minister. You're not alone, and someone is ready to listen, pray, and walk with you in Christ’s love.
Please click here for the latest brochure and more information.
Advance Directives: Faithful Planning for the Future
As people of faith, we are called to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us—including the gift of life. One important and often overlooked way to care for our loved ones and honor our dignity is through Advance Directive planning.
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows you to make your wishes known about the medical care you would want if you become unable to speak for yourself. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatment, resuscitation, and end-of-life care.
Why is it important?
Having an Advance Directive in place offers peace of mind—for you and for those who love you. It removes uncertainty during difficult times and ensures your wishes are respected. It also gives your family a powerful gift: clear direction and comfort in knowing they are honoring your voice and values.
Guidance Through a Catholic Lens
The Catholic Church upholds the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. In that spirit, Advance Directive planning is not about hastening death—it’s about ensuring that medical decisions reflect your values, your faith, and the Church’s teachings on compassion and care.
Things to Consider When Planning:
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Who do you trust to speak on your behalf? (This person is called your healthcare proxy or power of attorney for health care.)
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What kind of treatments would align with your faith and dignity?
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Have you talked with your family, doctor, or parish community about your wishes?
We’re Here to Support You
At St. Thomas More, we believe preparing for the future is an act of love. If you have questions or need help beginning this process, we can connect you with faith-informed resources and professionals who can guide you.
Advance care planning is not just for the elderly or the ill—it’s for everyone who wants to live and die with peace, clarity, and faith.
Please click below for useful links on this topic:
Durable Power of Attorney form
Advance Medical Directives: Planning Your Future
Iowa Physician Orders For Scope of Treatment Form
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Celebrating Ten Years of Stephen Ministry at St. Thomas More
Please click here to view 10th Anniversary video
Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020, marked ten years of Stephen Ministry. St. Thomas More is grateful for the 38 trained parishioners who have given of their time to visit with, pray for, and support 70 care receivers and a number of homebound parishioners.
Stephen Ministry offers confidential, one-to-one Christian care to adults (18 and over) in our community who are going through difficulties, such as: loss of a loved one; hospitalization; divorce or separation; loneliness or discouragement; spiritual crisis; unemployment; terminal or chronic illness; caregiver stress; birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility; relocation; recovery after an accident/disaster.
During this difficult time of social distancing and isolation, Stephen Ministers offer their support through phone or video calls. Would you or someone you know benefit from a listening ear? Please reach out to our care coordinators below or share their contact information:
Cathy (631-0915) – nepola_fam@hotmail.com
Bill (499-7482) – wbwise@mediacombb.net