DIOCESAN NEWS
09/25/10
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Formal training open to parishes
interested in health ministry
JACKSON — Recently, Catholic Charities Office of Health Ministry contracted with the North Central Mississippi Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to provide formal training for representatives from parishes in Faith Community Nurse / Lay Health Ministry, according to Mary Patterson, office director.
The training, sponsored and approved by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, is open to registered nurses (RNs) and other health professionals interested in establishing health ministry programs in their parishes. Thirty-two hours of continuing education credit will be available through the Mississippi Nurses Foundation for RNs with current licenses.
Patterson said a small luncheon of interested parties was held in Jackson in July and included a presentation by faculty from the program.
“The preparation course emphasizes the spiritual aspect of health ministry and puts into place the belief that health in NOT the absence of illness, but a balance between the emotional, spiritual, physical, mental and social aspects of living,” Patterson said.
She said it is important to recognize these programs are not a direct service model.
“We are not trying to open clinics, perform procedures or provide home health services. These programs and volunteers will not replace professionals working in health care organizations,” she said.
These classes, presented in a retreat-like setting, will be conducted for eight hours per day over four days in November — Friday/Saturday, Nov. 5 - 6 and Friday/Saturday, Nov. 19 - 20 at St. Dominic Hospital.
Depending on interest, Patterson said, the program can be offered for parishes in other areas of the state. Last winter Catholic Charities assisted with sponsorship for the program to be taught in Senatobia. Several Catholic parishes were represented at that meeting.
“While our focus and recruiting are directed toward Catholic parishes,” Patterson said, “the program is open and available to members of any Christian faith tradition. Individuals from other traditions will be welcome and comfortable with the class content.”
For more information contact Patterson or call her at 601-326-3765.
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