Stand in the Gap Partnership with Catholic Charities
Stand in the Gap partners with Catholic Charities and the Catholic Diocese. Stand in the Gap is a non-denominational eccumential ministry that empowers churches of various denominations with their model of helping individuals who are going through life crises.
Sister Mary Clare Buthod works for Stand in the Gap as a liaison between Catholic Charities' Madonna House and St. Elizabeth's lodge. Sister Buthod works to connect those in need from Catholic Charities with individuals using the Stand in the Gap model. The model is to have around four individuals from a local church (or parish) meet with a person in need. This small group of supporters meets with the client for an hour and a half two times a month for a year. Sister Buthod explains these meetings saying, "They see what needs they have had in their life for God and express that. That opens up so much for a good family discussion. Some of them have never talked as a family where people really listen and care and give them good advice. No money is shared, but good advice is shared. Then at the end one reads all the prayer requests and gives them to God."
Sister Mary Clare Buthod says that many times people want to help, but they only way they know how to is to give money. She says that Stand in the Gap is a non-monetary way to touch people that are deeply in need. Stand in the Gap wants churches to use their methodology. Anyone interested in bringing the Stand in the Gap model to their church can call Stand in the Gap at 918-289-1702 or email Sister Mary Clare Buthod at [email protected]. Stand in the Gap will help train churches who want to use their methodology. Sister Buthod encourages anyone to contact Stand in the Gap if they are interested in volunteering to be a part of a small group that provides support, counsel, and prayer.
"Another way that people can help is to be aware of people in their church. You know many times we're sitting right by somebody who is deeply, emotionally hurt, or who has just lost a husband or a wife," Sister Buthod says. Stand in the Gap provides a model for churches to help people in their church who are in need. Stand in the Gap is piloting a program for windows. Individuals who would like to have a group for widows in their church can contact Stand in the Gap and they will assist in starting a widow group within their church or parish.
Stand in the Gap partnership with Catholic Charities'website...
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