2 minute read
Not Alone On The Journey: BeFriender Ministry
We 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.
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“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 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. continued on page 2
“It can be any kind of thing where you need a little emotional support and somebody to talk to so you can figure out what you’re thinking and feeling,” Sr. Bernadette says.
“The word ‘friend’ is the most important part of BeFriender Minister,” she adds. “As a friend, you give somebody a safe place to talk.”
Although BeFriender Ministers go through training that serves to empower them for their primary role of providing a listening presence, their role is to provide a space for those they visit to be able to process and reflect on their experience, finding peace and resolution for themselves.
“They provide support from the faith community by being a listening presence and using active listening skills that help the person being visited find their own inner wisdom and make their own choices,” Sr. Bernadette says.
The heart of the ministry is sharing God’s love with those who may be going through difficult circumstances. As the hands and feet — and ears — of Christ, our BeFriender Ministers help people realize that they are not alone.
“I want them to experience the care of the church and the faith community,” Sr. Bernadette says. “I want them to know they’re loved and valued and important.”
Sr. Bernadette encourages parishioners to reach out if they think they might benefit from a visit from a BeFriender Minister.
“A BeFriender Minister is a friend who walks with you through the situation as a listener and support,” she says. “When you’re really listened to and you know that you’ve been heard, healing happens and that healing is God’s work.”
