Lay Pastoral Ministry — Coordinator
Overview
The Coordinator is responsible for assigning Lay Pastoral Ministry Visitors to shut-in parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and ensuring that they make regularly-scheduled visits with them in order to bring them the Eucharist; as well, is required to train new Visitors, introduce them to the shut-in and follow-up on a regular basis with both parties to ensure that the arrangement works satisfactorily. The Coordinator must be available to answer questions or give guidance to Visitors as required and keep the Pastor informed should any irregularities in these arrangements arise.
Mandatory Activities/Responsibilities
- Train all new Lay Pastoral Ministry Visitors and familiarize them with the requirements of the position
- Contact the shut-ins once the Pastor makes this information available and arrange to visit
- Assess the situation and determine the frequency of scheduled visits preferred by the shut-in. Tactfully obtain next-of-kin information for parish records as the Lay Pastoral Visitor may be one of the shut-ins few outside contacts
- Assign most suitable Visitor and provide any information deemed relevant and necessary for the success of the arrangement. May be required to accompany Visitor on first visit
- Follow-up as required with both the shut-in and the Visitor to ensure that the arrangement is working satisfactorily
- Meet occasionally with the Visitors for support and on-going training
- Keep the Pastor informed if any irregularities arise in this relationship
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Fully initiated Catholic in good standing with the Church
- A parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish
- A trained and active Visitor
- Ability to assess situations and people
- Skilled, compassionate listener with good interpersonal skills
- Clear understanding that the role is not to save, blame or convert
Personal Traits and Qualities
- Comfortable dealing with elderly, infirmed or disabled people
- Able to allay the fears of vulnerable people and live up to stated commitments
- Accepting and non-judgmental: able to set aside personal needs, preferences and opinions
- Trustworthy and respectful of the privacy and dignity of shut-ins and Lay Pastoral Ministry Visitors
Orientation and Training
- Participation in a training program for Lay Pastoral Ministry Visitors
Participant Group
- Lay Pastoral Ministry Visitors of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish as well as the parishioners of the parish who are shut-in
Support, Supervision and Evaluation
- Support will come from the Pastor of the parish as well as the Lay Pastoral Ministry Visitors
- Supervision will be provided by the pastor of the parish
- Evaluation for this position will take place at the end of each term
Length of Ministry Appointment
- One year with an option to renew
Benefits and Working Conditions
- Develop a close working relationship with the Lay Pastoral Ministry Visitors
- Be a link between the parish shut-ins and the parish community
- Learn more and develop greater skill in the ministry of pastoral visitation
- Develop organizational skills
- Able to do a lot of the organization from home
- Have access through the parish to both parish facilities and programs for training pastoral visitors
- Have the support of the pastor in training, supervising and evaluating the pastoral visitors
- The parish will supply any material resources necessary for the ministry
Screening Measures
- This ministry is assessed as a low risk ministry
- Completion of the Volunteer Information Form is required
- Orientation to the Position is also required
- The Leader must also complete the Ministry Covenant Form
Contact
Parish Office at (416) 489-1540, Ext 221 or office@olphtoronto.com.