Training

Foundations: Pastoral Visitor Training

Registration for Fall 2023 is now open!  Classes begin in August.

The CCC is pleased to announce the Fall 2023 Foundation Course for training as a Pastoral Visitor. This introductory course equips laypersons for ministry by presenting basic pastoral care skills, knowledge, and essential grief theory. It is also an excellent opportunity to refresh pastoral skills. 

Prerequisites:

• If New Application: please select this link: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=1931921143
• Laypersons seeking this ministry must have a Letter of Recommendation from their pastor or designated parish person before entering the Foundation Course.
• Must provide a certificate demonstrating current Archdiocesan Safe Environment (CMG) training.
• A one to two-page spiritual autobiography emailed to dthomas@archgh.org, be sure to place on the subject line: SA
• There is a $50 registration fee. Payment is due prior to the start of class. Scholarships are available. Email dthomas@archgh.org for more information.
  
  
• If Returning or Refresher: please select this link: https://forms.office.com/r/7mhFbHUhhh

Link to CMG site: https://galvestonhouston.cmgconnect.org/  (See PDF on how to retrieve a CMG certificate)

• Questions? Call Debbie Thomas at 713-747-8445

Getting Started:

After completing the prerequisites, you will meet with a CCC team member and discuss interests and expectations. Interested persons will attend an orientation session and begin ministry in an approved setting as soon as possible. You will be given a Capernaum (Archdiocesan learning platform) registration link to complete to begin your training.

• Experience with an assigned mentor will accelerate your ministry orientation process.

Foundation Course – Fall 2023

The projected Foundation Couse for Fall 2023 includes the following important information.  All Foundation seminars will be in-person.  

*There will be six, three-hour seminars held on Thursdays, 9:30 am -12:30 pm at St. Anthony Padua in The Woodlands for individuals close to the Woodlands/ Conroe area. 

*There will also be six, three-hour seminars on Saturdays, 9:00 am – 12 noon at St. Dominic Village in the Texas Medical Center. 

Please select the class closest to your location, you are not required to attend both. 

The seminars will consist of didactic presentations and skill development.  Minimal reading and writing will be required.  Assigned text: “All Our Griefs All Our Losses”, by Kenneth Mitchell and Herbert Anderson (pp. 180).  Written assignment: one Verbatim report based upon a pastoral conversation. 

Course Covenant – All course registrants will be expected to sign a Course Covenant in which they commit to actively participate in all seminars.  Silent, detached observation during seminars will not be permitted.  

Foundation Course – educational topics

• Enhance skills for pastoral care ministry as a Pastoral Visitor, with an emphasis upon empathic listening.
• Gain introductory knowledge on grief, trauma, and the impact of illness upon families.
• Deepen capacity to reflect upon the personal ministry to further improve skills and increase knowledge.
• Interact with ministry colleagues to gain additional insights and deepen a sense of community among Pastoral Visitors.

Enrichment Seminars

The CCC offers enrichment opportunities in virtual sessions, as well as retreats and days of prayer.  Anyone is welcome to attend the virtual sessions, which will be recorded and offered through the Archdiocesan Capernaum website.  We strongly encourage all trained Pastoral Visitors to attend these sessions, which offer opportunities for new learning, sharing of experiences, and enhancing skills and knowledge building on your own experiences.  Links to the virtual sessions for these topics will be sent through our CCC email contact list the week prior to the event.

 The registration deadline for the course is July 15 and the fee is $50.00. If taking this course as a refresher, there is no fee. We welcome your participation and invite you to consider this opportunity. If interested, please contact ccc@archgh.org or go to our website: http://www.archgh.org/chaplaincorps

For more information regarding all courses, contact Catholic Chaplain Corps at ccc@archgh.org or call 713-747-8445