Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf is launching a Stephen Ministry training program to equip lay people with the support and materials they need to provide emotional and spiritual support to others going through a difficult time.

The Stephen Ministry training program will begin on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the hospital’s conference room. The class will meet weekly until January, when the attendees will officially become Stephen Ministers who are ready to serve their community, congregation and hospital. Stephen Ministers around the country help minister to people who are struggling with something, including a hospitalization, chronic illness, grief, divorce, or other significant life changes.

For more information or to join the Stephen Ministry training, please contact Jeff Ryan at (850) 229-5799 or jeffery.ryan@shhpens.org. For more information regarding Stephen Ministries, visit www.stephenministries.org.