Trinity Pastoral Care Volunteer Program

What Is a Trinity Pastoral Care Volunteer?

Trinity Pastoral Care Volunteers help keep parishioners in need stay connected to the support and presence of our faith community. This is an in-reach program, provided by Trinity parishioners to assist Episcopal members who may be home-bound either temporarily (due to injury or illness) or long term. Pastoral Care volunteers will actively engage and visit with parishioners and their families to offer emotional and spiritual support, helping to connect parishioners in need with the ministries and people who can best provide assistance.

Pastoral Care Volunteers will be assigned responsibilities and visitations solely by the Rector and report directly to the Rector.

Our Pastoral Care Volunteers will learn the skills needed to provide services to those for whom we care. Pastoral Care volunteers meet regularly with the Rector to debrief and determine appropriate referrals as needed.

What Are the Mandatory Requirements for Volunteers?

• As part of the approval process, applicants must agree to a background check.
• Volunteers must receive face-to-face training in Safe Guarding God’s Children prior to receiving their first assignment
• Volunteers must attend the Trinity Pastoral Care Volunteer Training prior to receiving their first assignment.
• Volunteers must own their own vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Volunteers must be sufficiently able-bodied to manage home and hospital visitations without risk of injury or exacerbation of any existing medical conditions. 

What Kinds of Training & Education Will Pastoral Care Volunteers Receive?

• Meaning of Ministry/Spirituality
• Listening Skills
• Spiritual Care Needs at Each Stage of Life
• Grief and Loss (Bereavement)
• Interacting with Hospital and Care Facility Staff
• Spiritual Care of the Dying and at the Time of Death
• Palliative Care
• Religious/Cultural Diversity Training
• Navigating Family Systems
• Caring for the Caregiver
• Spiritual Assessment
• Developing a spiritual care plan

Who Should Become a Pastoral Care Volunteer?

• Those who are or are willing to bring Eucharist
• Those who have or would like to train a visitation service animal
• Those who would like to provide pastoral presence and a listening ear
• Those who are comfortable praying with others or would like to learn
• Those who are willing to provide meals to parents with a new baby or to those recovering from illness or injury
• Doing light housekeeping, gardening or small repairs

Getting Started as a Trinity Pastoral Care Volunteer
Please contact Pastor Rachel you to schedule you for an interview.  Prospective volunteers must be approved by the Rector before they can participate in the training. Only approved Trinity volunteers are eligible to participate in the training. Those persons invited to become Pastoral Care Volunteers must attend a two-day training provided by the Rector at the church.  All sections of the training must be completed prior to the volunteer receiving assignments.  The training is offered annually.

Required Skills and Disposition

• Ability to Listen
• Baptismal Commitment to the Dignity of Every Human Being
• Personal Time Management Skills
• Self-Starter
• Ability to Communicate Emotions and Thoughts Appropriately
• Willingness to Engage in Ongoing Self-Assessment and Personal Reflection
• Commitment to Working Collaboratively with the Rector
• Passion for Caring for Others
• Excellent Communication Skills, Both Oral & Writing

Pastoral Care Volunteer Activities and Interests May Include:

• Those who are or would like to become Eucharistic Visitors
• Those who have or would like to train a visitation service animal
• Those who would like to provide pastoral presence and a listening ear
• Those who are comfortable praying with others or would like to learn
• Those who are willing to provide meals to parents with a new baby or to those recovering from illness or injury
• Doing light housekeeping, gardening or small repairs