When Nancy Falanga thinks about her time in service at St. Francis, she unsurprisingly thinks of Jesus. Two phrases stick in her mind as she works in ministry: I hear, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Also, I think of the commandment, ‘Love your neighbor.’” She volunteers in the Emmaus and Stephen Ministries.
Emmaus ministers support parishioners in dealing with the death of a loved one by helping them with funeral preparations and ‘walking’ with them in their time of sorrow. Stephen ministers are trained in active listening to walk with those dealing with stress, grief, life transitions, or other concerns. These volunteers offer confidential Christian care through empathetic listening, unconditional positive regard, and other resources and referrals as needed.
As Nancy says, “Both Stephen Ministry and Emmaus Ministry encourage walking with others as they work through life stress. I feel the Holy Spirit at work, and I love the Emmaus story in the New Testament. Jesus was walking with these folks, and they did not realize it. Our faith teaches us to be there for others; this is displayed daily at St Francis. You can see it sitting in the gathering space and watching people move along their day.”
She finds herself benefiting from her ministry work as she helps others. “When I see the person I am with become comforted, maybe a little less stressed, I am grateful to share their load.” She finds that, at times, she will share her feelings with others in the ministry, and hopefully, she says, “We all walk away a little better than before. So, it is not just the doing, listening, and comforting, but also the sharing of feelings with those we help and others in the ministry.” “The atmosphere at St. Francis is like nothing I have ever experienced before,” says Nancy. She has learned how to pray, share gifts and talents, and be less judgemental, more accepting, and open to God’s love. Nancy finds so many people in our church community use their abilities to help others in many different ways. “St Francis is bursting with ‘good’ activity, and I think anyone who walks through our doors can sense the vibe,” she says.
How does she suggest you find where you can help in ministry? She offers, “Consider what activities make you happy and fulfilled, and evaluate your gifts and talents.” Once you have finished your discernment, head to the bulletin or the St. Francis website, and there is sure to be a ministry or activity that matches your gifts and brings you joy. “For me,” says Nancy, “sometimes, a ministry or activity catches my eye, I’ll consider it but go no further. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit is nudging me to get my attention.” She is very happy when she accepts the nudge and goes forward. “Trust the Spirit and jump!” she counsels.