Lay Pastoral Caregivers Training

Learn about a training program that prepares compassionate listeners for many unique ministry settings.

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.

What are participants saying?

Dates

Information Sessions Zoom

Mon., Sept. 9, 6:00-7:00 PM Info Session (Zoom)

Tues., Sept. 10, 12:00-1:00 PM Info Session (Zoom)

View Recording of an Info Session

Retreat 1 - The Abbey Guesthouse, Collegeville

Fri., Oct. 18, 9:00 AM - Sat., Oct 19, 4:00 PM

Zoom Sessions

Thurs., Oct., 24, 6:00-8:30 PM (Zoom)

Thurs., Nov. 7, 6:00-8:30 PM (Zoom)

Thurs., Nov. 21, 6:00-8:30 PM (Zoom)

Thurs., Dec. 5, 6:00-8:30 PM (Zoom)

Retreat 2 - The Abbey Guesthouse, Collegeville

Fri., Dec. 13, 9:00 AM - Sat., Dec. 14, 4:00 PM

Circles of Care

(6x monthly follow-ups, dates TBD)

Register for the Training

Bridge-Builders for a Thriving Mission will be hosting a cohort this fall. The first cohort begins the weekend of October 18-19. These cohorts will then gather by Zoom 4x and reconvene for a final retreat Dec. 13-14. This training is offered at no cost to participants. Overnight accommodations are available.

Register for the Training

The training sessions will be coordinated by Sam Rahberg and Barbara Sutton. Kristi Bivens and Bethany Tollefson are also members of the facilitation team.

Download Brochures

lay-pastoral-caregivers-brochure.4

.pdf

Download PDF • 412KB

lay-pastoral-care-brochure.4-spanish

.pdf

Download PDF • 436KB

Bridge Building with CliftonStrengths

Choose one or more of the upcoming events and coaching opportunities.

1.      Discover Your Talents

2.      Navigate Your Limitations

3.      Find Community in Prayer and Learning

4.      Deepen Your Strengths

5.      Practice Bringing Your Best Self to Your Callings

---

	CliftonStrengths 101 On demand webinar Certified coaches Brenda Kresky, David Fremo, and Sam Rahberg offer a 60-minute webinar introducing a Strengths-based framework for thinking about work and relationships. The experience will prepare you to take the inventory or help you refresh your memory if CliftonStrengths is already familiar to you. The only cost to participants is purchasing your own copy of Living Your Strengths Catholic Edition, which includes access to the CliftonStrengths assessment.
Request Coaching	1-to-1 CliftonStrengths Coaching  Schedule a 45-minute slot via Zoom or in-Person. Meet individually with a certified CliftonStrengths coach to discover more about your unique talents and their expression in effective ministry. 12 slots are available. First come, first serve.
Register for Workshop	Navigating Change in a Strengths-based Way Tues., Oct. 8, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Central, Zoom and in Person, Church of Saint Joseph, 12 West Minnesota Street, Saint Joseph, MN 56374 The CliftonStrengths framework provides practical insights for interpreting relational dynamics and focusing our best energies in times of changing circumstance. Join a team of trained CliftonStrengths facilitators who are attuned to the demands of ministry. Together, we'll explore some practices and strategies that help individuals and teams navigate change in collaborative ways. Come solo or with a team. All participants must complete the CliftonStrengths inventory in advance. As a result of this interactive workshop, participants will be able to: Describe more fully the unique talents they bring to fluid and complex situations; Articulate questions that can clarify strengths others bring; and Experiment with tools and processes that help teams continue turning toward alignment and collaboration.
Register for Call	Keep Bridging: Group Coaching Call Talent + Practice = Strength  Zoom, first Mondays - Oct. 7, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2, 12:00 - 1:00 PM Central Explore your talents, navigate limitations, and find community in prayer and learning with a monthly group coaching call. Each session includes brief teaching, live coaching with a volunteer, Q&A, and interactive peer-to-peer learning. Bring your lunch, deepen your strengths, and practice bringing your best self to your callings. Drop in or come regularly as works best for you. Led by Sam Rahberg and other certified coaches.

---

Interested in hosting a CliftonStrengths workshop tailored to your team/community?

The BBTM team of Gallup-Certified Global Strength Coaches can provide short introductions, staff/member/team development, project consultation, and more.

Request a Free Consultation

Sam Rahberg

Brenda Kresky

David Fremo

Sam Rahberg is Associate Director of Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission. Brenda Kresky is Director of Pastoral Planning for the Diocese of St. Cloud. David Fremo is Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Congrats, Lay Pastoral Caregivers!

In April 2024, fourteen people completed the lay pastoral caregiver training program. This training consisted of fourteen modules over two weekends and included sessions on accompaniment, listening, spirituality and prayer, pastoral care, pastoral identity, pastoral visits, grief, confidentiality, family systems, and care for the caregivers. This was a collaborative effort between Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission, Office of Lay Leadership, and Parish Nursing in the Diocese of Saint Cloud. This training prepares the laity for compassionate listening in ministry, pastoral visits to the homebound and nursing homes, bereavement ministry, engaged and marriage ministry, and ministry to those who are marginalized by homelessness, imprisoned, or sheltered for safety.

To those who completed the program in April: Well done and congratulations!

• Melanie Halter, Bethlehem Lutheran

• Kari Salzer, Benedictine Communities

• Alejandra Renteri, Church of the Risen Savior

• Carmen Marin, Church of the Risen Savior

• Bev Paul, Come to the Water ACC

• Patty Marriott, Come to the Water ACC

• Marianne Shrode, Come to the Water ACC

• Janelle VanErp, Disciples of the Mission ACC

• Greg and Vicki Spofford, Little Falls Ecumenical Faith Community

• Tina Standfuss, Holy Saints ACC

• Brenda Taylor, Isanti ACC

• Tamara Welle, One in Faith ACC

• Nancy Nordick, Red River Valley ACC

Are you interested in becoming a lay pastoral caregiver?

Our next training for a new group will be October 18–19 and December 13–14, 2024, at the Abbey Guesthouse in Collegeville, Minnesota. The cost for this training is provided by the Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission Initiative. There is no cost to the participants. To register, click here. For more information, contact Sam Rahberg at srahberg001@csbsju.edu.