Activities/Responsibilities(List May Be Added to As Locally Appropriate)

Overview

This ministry providesactive,compassionatecareforapersonwhosediseaseis no longerresponsivetotraditionaltreatmentaimedatcure, for parishionersintheirhomes,hospitals,hospices,long-termcarefacilities, seniors’lodgesandnursinghomes. It providesthepalliativeordyingpersonwithasenseof belongingandconnectednesstotheirparishcommunityand is part of the call to members ofChrist’sbody toconsole and careforthedyingandtocomfortallwhomourn.

.

Activities/Responsibilities(list may be added to as locally appropriate)

• Visits persons or families assigned by the Pastor or Pastoral/Palliative Care Coordinator
• Provides ongoing spiritual and listening support to the dying and their families as scheduled
• Visits in a public place, or with an unrelated adult when the bereaved lives alone
• Refers the dying person to community agencies which may be of help
• Demonstrates, within capacities, a caring relationship and practical assistance
• Visits those living alone in teams of two unrelated screened adults or meets in public places
• Keeps a record of all contact with the palliative person and reports this to the Coordinator
• Honours strict privacy and confidentiality with those whom they are visiting

Skills, Experience, Personal Traits and Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and is a prayerful person in full communion with the Church
• Has a good reputation within the parish community and desires to serve that community
• Listens and communicates well and sensitively, understanding grief and the dying process
• Is comfortable in the presence of sadness, tears, and intense emotion
• Non judgemental, dependable, with a generous spirit and can maintain strict confidentiality
• Works well in collaboration with pastor and pastoral care team, attending required meetings
• Has completed parish and diocesan training and education programs related to pastoral care
• Knows emergency contacts and procedures

• Is comfortable with being accountable and is sensitive to the observance of proper boundaries and Diocesan standards of care

Working Conditions

• This ______year (renewable) term requires _____ hours per week/month
• First level support and supervision is from the Pastor and/or Pastoral Care Coordinator

Screening Checklist for this High Risk Position at ______Parish

 Completion of a Volunteer Information Form

 Agreement to the Diocesan Model Code of Conduct

Interview conducted

 Personal reference checks

A VS Police Information Check

 Training and orientation to acquire competence and confidence for this ministry

 Supervision, periodic evaluations and participant follow-ups to be conducted

______

Parish Volunteer Screening CoordinatorPastor

Date ______RC Bishop of Calgary- Rev. April, 2011