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.
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