God speaks and responds to all who keep an open relationship with God. God’s voice is often a whisper, and God’s presence often hidden. The story of Samuel’s call in 1 Samuel 3:1-18 is a great example of how God may call to us, but we may not understand the call or the people around us may not be able to help us interpret the call. God spoke to young Samuel three times while he was sleeping. Samuel’s response is an inspiration to all as he replies: “Here I am.” By the third time Samuel heard God call him, he jumped out of bed and ran to Eli; Eli finally understood God was calling Samuel, and helped the boy to understand how to listen to what God was asking of him.
What are the qualifications to Serve?
Background / Training:
The candidate for Minister of Care is a baptized active member of a Roman Catholic Church. The candidate will meet with the Minister of Care Coordinator to discuss their background and discernment. All potential Ministers of Care(MOC) must complete a Parish or Religious community MOC program. A potential MOC must also take Virtus Training designed to protect the vulnerable like young children or the elderly, and complete the required Archdiocesan compliance documents. Further training is required for hospital visits and each hospital has their own training requirements. Current Training in Chicago Archdiocese Chicago Archdiocese Compliance Requirements/Documents Virtus Training |
Basic SkillsThe Handbook for Ministers of Care sums up the basic skills needed as “Reliable C.A.R.E"[29]
Reliable: Do what you say you will do. Be on time, courteous, and reverent. Credible: Facilitate communication. Share what you know, and realize you don’t have to know everything. Your fellow Ministers of Care and your parish are here to help you. Attractive: Give the best of yourself. Dress nicely, smile, and be in tune with the person you are visiting. Responsiveness: Listen to the person and be responsive in ways you can help. Empathetic: Be prayerfully present with the person you are visiting. |
Formal Commissioning
When all training is completed and the Minister of Care Coordinator is satisfied that the person is fully trained and ready, the Minister of Care is formally commissioned as an Extraordinary Minister of Care by their parish with approval from the Diocese. The MOC will receive a formal certificate, and some church communities choose to celebrate the commissioning at Sunday Mass.
NOTE: All scripture quotations are from the Catholic Study Bible Second Edition New American Bible Edited by Donald Senior and John J. Collins.
© Copyright Sharon Dobbs 2016