IN THIS ISSUE
SEP/OCT 2020
BLESSED SACRAMENT
CATHOLIC CHURCH
3 “ Coincidental” Stewardship uestions & Answers 4Q About Our Annual Stewardship Renewal aintenance Ministry: 6M Sharing Stewardship Talents to Keep Our Parish Property in Top Shape to the Holy 7 Open Spirit: The Charismatic Prayer Group
NOT ALONE ON THE JOURNEY:
W
BeFriender Ministry
e all have moments that change everything. Maybe it’s the death of a loved one, a surprise job loss, or the doctor’s words that confirm your worst fears. Whether moments of tragedy, or even “normal” transition, the journey of life can sometimes feel lonely. Here at Blessed Sacrament, we don’t want you to struggle alone. For a number of years, our BeFriender Ministry has been an important part of supporting those in difficult circumstances. With 1,100 families in our parish family, our pastoral staff is not always able to connect with everyone on an individual basis. However, through BeFriender Ministers — lay pastoral ministers — we provide one-onone help and support for those in need. “BeFriender Ministry is a lay pastoral care ministry of listening presence that expands the capacity of the church to provide pastoral care,” says Sister Bernadette Engelhaupt. The BeFriender Ministers visit people wherever they are most comfortable — in their homes, or if someone would prefer, another neutral space. Most people meet with their
Those involved with BeFriender Ministry participate in ongoing training.
BeFriender Minister every two weeks or so, for about an hour. Some people only need support for a short time — perhaps a month — while, for others, the relationship might last for a longer period of time. Our BeFriender Ministry can benefit people in a variety of different situations, including loss of a loved one, moving, a serious illness, divorce, loss of a job, and more. In our parish, many of our elderly and homebound parishioners also benefit from having a BeFriender Minister come to visit and spend time with them.
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