VISION | MISSION

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The Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission Initiative is providing training for lay people in pastoral care—at no cost to ACCs in the St. Cloud Diocese. Companioning one another spiritually is one of the most important ministries of a faith community. The vision of this project is to equip teams of compassionate listeners who are steeped in Benedictine spirituality. Participants who complete the process will be well prepared to offer pastoral care in various settings, form prayerful caregiver communities within their ACCs, and lovingly practice being a non-judgmental listening presence to whomever they encounter in daily life. Bridge Builders is partnering with the Community of Hope International organization, which provides a robust curriculum in three languages: English, French and Spanish.

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WHO

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All are invited to learn about this training and formation for lay pastoral caregiving. An ACC can begin the process by choosing 2 to 3 people to form a leadership team to train parishioners. There will be a Train the Trainer program beginning in February 2024. Through ongoing spiritual formation and practical lessons on caregiving, members learn to integrate theological insights and spiritual practices into their experience of ministering to others.