Training Session Topics
- Boundaries and Confidentiality
- Listening Skills
- Caregiving
- Grief and Loss
- Communion Visits and Communion Services

To register, or for more information call Kathy Hasty at 248.693-0440, ext. 211.

Read about the personal experiences of one of our Lay Ministers, Ed Mohr...

"I joined St. Joseph’s Lay Pastoral Ministry group about this time last year, and am currently involved in two ministries. The first is visiting all of the Catholic patients at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital once a week and taking them the Eucharist. Actually 3 of us from the parish perform this ministry, each taking a different day of the week. We also visit those patients who don’t specify a religious preference. Just spending a few minutes reminding them that God is with them during this difficult time in their life, helps to give them reassurance. Their problems may be different (emergency room, pre-surgery or in-patient) but their need for hope and a comforting word is the same."

"The other ministry, which a few other parishioners help with as well, is sitting with dying patients at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, who are either alone (with no family or family out of town) or where a family is here but needs a break from the constant care of a dying loved one. Many times it’s not saying a word, but merely your presence that is most comforting."

"The blessings are twofold. First for the patient who is in need of God’s comfort or just needs someone to listen to their concerns. The second is for yourself, when you can see that just a little time on your part makes a big difference for someone in need of a little spiritual help in a difficult time."

"You may feel you do not have the experience to do this type of work, well don’t let that stop you. I had no experience with anything like this before, but the training and support of fellow ministers can give you the skills and confidence necessary to make a rewarding difference in your own life, as well as in the lives of others."      ~Ed Mohr