Description: Christ calls us to visit the sick and our Catholic tradition instills respect for life from womb to tomb. Pastoral Care Ministry provides the opportunity to serve those who are sick, dying and/or suffering. Ministers often bring Holy Communion to those in the hospitals, nursing homes or to those who are homebound. The goal of this ministry is to connect those that cannot join us for Mass to feel connected in some way back to their parish family of St. Lawrence.
Training: *Many new ministers who would like to test out this ministry are encouraged to accompany experienced ministers on their visits and shadow them. This encourages a system of informal training for new ministers.
A Pastoral Care Minister who visit individuals alone must complete these training programs:
- Background Check and Fingerprinting
- Safe Environment Training for Access to Vulnerable Adults offered by the diocese.
- Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Time Commitment: The time commitment range for this ministry is vast. Some Pastoral Care Ministers visit hospitals twice a week while others visit a homebound person only once a month. No matter your time constraints, any amount of time you would be willing to give would be greatly appreciated. There are even opportunities to call or write cards to someone in need of encouraging words.