Through baptism and confirmation lay men and women have been given rights and responsibilities of the church. In those areas of life in which they have special competency because of their particular talents, education and experience, they are an extension of the church's redeeming in the world. . . . Unless we truly live as the people of God, we will not be much of a sign to ourselves or to the world. From: CALLED AND GIFTED: THE AMERICAN CATHOLIC LAITY, Reflections of the U.S. Bishops, November 1-13, 1980 National Meeting, Washington D.C.

What is Befriender Ministry?

· A lay caring ministry in which one person reaches out to another in time of need.

· An ongoing helping relationship.

· A meaningful way for our parish to more fully use our talents in sharing one another's burdens and joys.

· A one-to-one ministry by trained caring parishioners.

Who is a Befriender?

A Befriender is:

· Someone who believes that we all are called to share our gifts in caring, sharing and ministering to each other.

· "Being-a-friend' especially to those in difficult situations; listening to and supporting them.

· A caring Christian desiring to offer his/her support to others in the time of need. · A sharing Christian bringing who he/she is to each helping relationship, as a partner in another's life experience.

· A dedicated Christian commissioned by our parish to confidential, in-depth caring.

A Befriender is not:

· A professional counselor or psychologist.

· A social worker providing extensive physical services.

· An expert in law, finance, medicine, church doctrine, etc.

Who will these befrienders be ministering to?

· People who are hospitalized · People who are grieving the loss of a loved one · People who are lonely · People who are ill, as well as families of those who are ill.

Other needs of our parish community will be met as this ministry grows and the number of Befrienders increases. 

A Befriender's Commitment

        The initial training sessions are on Wednesday of each week beginning in September. After the initial training sessions, the group will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month for ongoing support and continuing education in ministry. Each session will be held in the Parish Center from 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. To provide adequate preparation, continuity of ministry and a growing comfortability with this ministry, a two year commitment is asked of Befrienders, training sessions inclusive. Time commitment is about ten hours per month. A recommitment may be made annually following the initial two year commitment.

A part of this commitment is attendance at ALL training sessions and ALL ongoing sessions that follow. While we each bring gifts to this ministry, we need to continue to strengthen them, receive new insights, as well as discover and nourish other gifts we may not be aware of at this time.

Prospective candidates will be interviewed by Mary Ann Kelly-Wright, Pastoral Minister or Judy Quayle, Training Coordinator.

What kind of training is given?

Some of the topics included in the presentations are:

What to do in the First Helping Contact

Feelings: Yours, Mine and Ours

The Art of Listening

Hospitalization

Spirituality/Eucharistic Ministry

Assertiveness training: Relating Gently and Firmly

The Grief Process

Confidentiality

Community Resources

Life Changes and Transitions

Mutuality/Self Care

For further information please contact: Mary Ann Kelly-Wright, Pastoral Minister Judy Quayle, Training Coordinator St. John's Parish Center - 651-633-8333

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

835 2nd Avenue NW

New Brighton MN 55112

651-633-8333