Title

• Parish Pastoral Visitor to the Sick and the Homebound
   

Objective

• To serve as a vital pastoral connection between the Parish Community and the sick and the Homebound.
   

Duties and Responsibilities

• To serve as a vital pastoral connection between the Parish Community and the sick and the Homebound.
   
• Complete initial training program and take part in on-going formation.
   
• Regularly visit with the sick and homebound of the Parish.
   
• Offer Eucharist and prayer where appropriate.
   
• Create a sense of presence through listening.
   
• Set limits and avoid problem-solving.
   
• Observe the personšs physical surroundings and the spiritual and emotional needs .
   
• Follow established procedure for reporting concerns.
   
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings.
   
• Honor and maintain confidentiality in all matters.
   

Qualifications

• Person of faith and spirituality.
   
• People oriented; Comfortable with sick, elderly and disabled.
   
• Empathic and compassionate; Accepting of people as they are.
   
• Dependable; Emotionally stable; Responsible and accountable.
   

Supported by

• Joan Kilday Puleo, Coordinator of Lay Ministry Formation.
   
• Mary Price, Coordinator of Pastoral Visitation.
   

Days and Times Needed

• Time commitment may vary, but at a minimum, 1 hour a month is expected. The exact time and days of service depend largely on the needs of the particular population you are serving; e.g., visiting at the Life Care Center may be necessary weekly while visiting someone at home may be acceptable on a bi-monthly schedule. Your schedule and the needs of the homebound will dictate how often you serve.
   

Length of Commitment

• A minimum commitment of 1 year is expected. If mutually agreeable, you may of course volunteer for a longer length of time.
   

Training

• You are expected to complete the 6 week training Course, Pastoral Visitation to the Sick and the Homebound, offered through the Archdiocese of Boston. Mini training, i.e. providing basic information, enough to get you started as a pastoral visitor, is provided in the absence of the longer training with the understanding that you will complete the 6 week course at your earliest convenience. In addition, on-going opportunities for spiritual formation and continuing education are provided and to which you are invited and encouraged to attend.