CHAPLAINCY

Volunteer Opportunities

Eucharistic Ministry Volunteer

The Eucharistic Ministers complement the work of the MGH Chaplaincy staff by visiting and bringing Holy Communion to the patients who wish to receive the sacrament while in the hospital. Eucharistic Ministers are required to be active members in good standing with the Roman Catholic Church. They must be physically capable of performing their duties, emotionally mature with good listening skills, and sensitive to the needs of patients. Confidentiality is an essential requirement.

Eucharistic Ministers usually donate time on one half-day per week (Monday through Friday) or on Sunday morning. Some volunteers choose to donate several ½ days per week, usually mornings.

Training is provided. Periodic support meetings are held and individual supervision is available as needed.

Application Process

To apply to become a Eucharistic Minister, please first contact the MGH Volunteer Office at 617-726-8540 or the MGH Chaplaincy at 617-726-2220.

The final application process includes:

• An interview with the Director of Volunteers or her representative, submission of a standard volunteer application, completion of volunteer orientation, and a signed confidentiality agreement
• Interviews with the Coordinator for Eucharistic Ministers and Director of Chaplaincy
• A letter of endorsement from the applicant's local parish
• Certification/documentation/completion of Eucharistic Ministry Training (may be included in your letter of endorsement)

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are subject to final approval by both the Volunteer Office and Chaplaincy Department. The Eucharistic Minister may be terminated either by the Chaplaincy or Volunteer Department at any time.

Pastoral Visitor Volunteer Program

Will resume in September 2008

The Pastoral Visitor Volunteers complement the work of MGH Chaplaincy staff and students. The program trains the volunteers in the art and skill of pastoral visitation. The goals are to provide a growing body of knowledge, methods and materials for utilization in a lay ministry of visitation and to help the pastoral visitors experience the richness in diversity of faith traditions and cultures represented within the hospital. They represent the Chaplaincy and are expected to function as part of the team.

Application Process

To apply to become a pastoral visitor, please first contact the MGH Chaplaincy at 617-726-2220 or the MGH Volunteer Office at 617-726-8540.

The final application process includes:

• An interview with the Director of Volunteers or her representative, submission of a standard volunteer application and completion of volunteer orientation
• Interviews with the Co-Directors of the Pastoral Visitor Program
• Completion of the Pastoral Visitor Application form and a written spiritual journey paper
• A letter of endorsement from your spiritual leader
• Signed copy of the Confidentiality Form

Qualifications

Applicants will be selected for their ability to:

• Be present to patients and staff through listening as well as exhibiting verbal and non-verbal skills that communicate care
• Fulfill the visitation time requirement
• Show spiritual and emotional maturity when dealing with crises and human suffering
• Save some previous life experience in working with people
• Have a desire to minister to the sick
• Have a desire to learn and grow from working with peers in a vital hospital ministry

Time Requirement

Pastoral Visitors are expected to make a commitment of at least 4 hours a week which includes attendance at a one hour class and at least three hours of patient visitation. Additional patient visitation beyond the 3 hour minimum is encouraged, and may be negotiated with one's supervisor. The Pastoral Visitor program runs from September through the following May.

Responsibilities

Each participant will be a part of a chaplaincy team serving patients in a particular building or set of floors. Assignments will be made by the program's supervisors based on hospital needs, supervisor's assessment of the pastoral visitor's skills and learning needs, and the student's indication of his/her own areas of interest.

Reports regarding patient visitation are done verbally as well as in written verbatims on a scheduled basis. From time to time other written work may be required as well.

Supervision will be on an individual and group basis. A contract will be made with one of the supervisors as to the frequency of supervisory meetings.

Evaluation of the program by the participants is expected at the end of each semester, i.e., at the end of December and at the beginning of May, Students will be given an evaluation form to complete this process. Completion of any forms or reports required by the students' school, seminary, etc., will be completed by the Pastoral Visitor Program supervisor pending the student's submission of the PV program evaluation form.

Pastoral Visitors are expected to adhere to MGH hospital policies at all times, especially with regard to Patient Confidentiality and the Use of Precautions. Using stickers to chart visits in the patient’s medical record may become another responsibility in the near future.

Limitations

Volunteers are expected to consult and refer situations and problems to their PV supervisor. If their supervisor is not available, a full time chaplain, or other appropriate staff person should be informed of the situation. The PV supervisor or other full-time chaplain staff may also assist the PV to submit any legally mandated reporting forms.

Training

The mandatory weekly training will focus on spiritual growth and pastoral visitation skills development. It will include both experiential and didactic learning modes. From time to time outside speakers will come in to share their expertise on particular topics of interest.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are subject to final approval by both the Volunteer Office and the Chaplaincy Department. The Chaplaincy Pastoral Visitor may be terminated either by the Chaplaincy or the Volunteer Department at any time.