Training and Developing Ministers of Care and “Special” Volunteers Who Bring Joy and Compassionate Care to the Elderly, Homebound and Residents of Long-Term Care
90 Minute Workshop
Sunday, June 2, 2019 (1:15 pm session)
Workshop Level: Intermediate
NACC Certification Competencies: PPS2, PPS3, PPS6, OL5
PRESENTER
Richard Nash, MAPS, BCC
Chaplain, St. Benedict Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Niles, IL
At St. Benedict Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Niles, Illinois, Chaplain Rick Nash has developed two unique volunteer programs. First, working together with our resident retired priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chaplain Rick has trained more than 500 parish pastoral volunteers who now work in more than 40 local parishes. These Ministers of Care bring Catholic Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound, living in nursing homes, or in hospitals, as well as providing the gifts of listening and companionship. Secondly, Chaplain Rick has also developed the Presence Pals program which includes more than 20 persons with developmental disabilities from Misericordia who “give back” by providing special care and companionship to residents at St. Benedict, while also learning valuable job skills. Specifics of these volunteer programs which help to expand and extend the work of Chaplains will be presented.
As a result of this workshop, participants will:
- Learn what is involved in helping to train Catholic parish pastoral volunteers (Ministers of Care).
- Learn how persons with developmental disabilities can provide compassionate help and companionship to
residents of long-term care facilities and other residential facilities. - Learn how everyone has a calling to give back spiritually to others in unique and valuable ways.
Educational Materials (recommended books, articles, or websites for participants to review prior to the workshop)
– None recommended by the workshop presenter(s)
Presentation Materials (items to be brought to the workshop and/or presentation materials)
– None provided by the workshop presenter(s)
The NACC categorizes workshops on three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. The definitions of each level are provided below.
Beginner: Basic information on the topic for those with little background in the area.
Intermediate: Basic plus additional information on the topic for those with some background in the area.
Advanced: Specialized information on the topic for those with extensive experience and/or knowledge in the area.
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