Parish Visitors

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Parish Visitor Description

What is a Parish Visitor?

Parish Visitors are people who connect with neighbors in our congregation. Their visits are a way of maintaining connection with the parish for those who are homebound. It is also an opportunity to have someone of faith who can walk beside us in difficult times.

What can I expect from a Parish Visitor?

A Parish Visitor is:

A caring Christian who really listens

A member of our parish who has received over 20 hours of preparation in how to be a Christian connection between the parish and a parishioner

A person who will pray with and for you

A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential

Someone who will faithfully meet with you 2-4 times a month

A Parish Visitor is not:

A substitute for clergy visits

A counselor or therapist

A problem-solver

Someone who runs errands or helps with chores

A casual visitor

Can I ask for a Parish Visitor?

Yes – contact the parish clergy who will describe the program and whether this is something that may be appropriate for you. Some individuals may want to request a Parish Visitor for another person they care for. You may make the suggestion to the clergy but assignments are only made after the clergy consult with the individual who will receive the Parish Visitor. Due to our desire for confidentiality you will not receive feedback on whether an assignment is made and we discourage you from asking the person involved if an assignment is made since we do not publicize any Parish Visitor assignments.

How are Parish Visitors assigned?

The clergy are responsible for assigning one of our trained Parish Visitors to individuals who are members of our parish (we call them neighbors) who could appreciate a connection with our parish for any of a variety of reasons.

Who keeps track of Parish Visitors’ assignments?

The clergy are the only ones who know who each parish visitor is assigned to. If congregation members were not convinced that their needs for care were kept confidential, few would ever agree to accept the care of a Parish Visitor. For this reason our Parish visitors observe these guides:

· A Parish Visitor does not tell anyone the name of the neighbor who the clergy have asked them to visit.

· A neighbor may choose to tell others that a specific person is their Parish Visitor but even in this case, the Parish Visitor will not discuss the connection with others.

· A Parish Visitor will not discuss the content of their visits with spouses, family, and friends of the neighbor without specific permission of the neighbor.

The Parish Visitor will “check-in” with the clergy who assigned them to visit but will not “report” details of their visits or conversation. The “check-in” is primarily to determine the continuing desire for a Parish Visitor by the neighbor. Every few months Parish Visitors will be re-assigned to a new neighbor.

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