BeFriender Ministry is a listening ministry that was founded at St Thomas University in Minnesota. St. John pastoral council recognized the need and value of a lay ministry of this dimension in our parish.
In July of 1991, the first coordinators were trained and soon afterward BeFriender Ministry began in St. John parish. Many parishioners have taken the training and have served in this ministry since that time.
BeFrienders reach out to others in the name of St. John Parish to those in the community who are lonely, dying, experiencing loss or some life crisis. The relationship is a friend to friend relationship based on confidence and trust.
BeFriender candidates attend 26 hours of classes and work closely with their coordinators as they learn. After the classes, BeFrienders meet regularly to pray together and reflect on their ministry. This ministry is open to men and women over 18 and the classes are free. New classes will be offered in the Spring.
BeFriender Ministry respects the privacy of others. We serve others based upon request and need. We hold confidentiality as a sacred trust. We rely on staff and parishioners for referrals.