Everyone is on a journey and can benefit from someone who will listen with compassion and nonjudgment.
BeFrienders provide care through a listening presence to anyone experiencing grief, loss, transition, joy, or other life situation.
BeFrienders at Assumption Parish are available to offer support for anyone in the following circumstances:
- Bereavement
- Empty nesters
- Families of persons with physical
or mental disabilities - Hospitalization
- Loneliness
- Recent retirement
- Senior care residents
- Separation/divorce
- Unemployment
BeFriender Ministry principles guide the ministry and characterize the pastoral care a BeFriender brings to others. Honoring these principles supports and strengthens the befriending relationship:
- Caring not Curing
- Nonjudgmental Presence
- Active Listening
Some questions you may have about BeFriender Ministry:
If my family member has a BeFriender, does that mean I am not meeting his or her needs?
Not at all. A BeFriender cannot take the place of family or friends in someone’s life. For many, though, a BeFriender is a supportive visitor beyond family and friends.
How often will a BeFriender visit?
The frequency is determined by the person visited and the BeFriender. A visit typically takes place every week or two and lasts about an hour.
What if I do not want to talk about my situation all the time?
That is ok! What you discuss or choose to share is always your choice. The BeFriender does not come to you to gain information or proselytize. Rather, he or she will listen and respond, trying to support you at this time in your life, with-out giving advice or making judgments.
Are BeFrienders trained?
BeFriender Program Leaders train and support BeFrienders in offering a caring, nonjudgmental, and active listening presence. BeFrienders participate in ongoing Ministry Support and Continuing Education with the supervision of the BeFriender Leadership Team. Ministry Support and Continuing Education provide opportunity for BeFrienders to grow in their ability to listen, to be nonjudgmental, and to put aside their own prejudices or desire to give advice.
BeFrienders honor confidentiality.
To Learn More or Request a BeFriender:
To learn more about becoming a BeFriender, or if you or someone you know would benefit from the care of a BeFriender, please contact John Graveline, Director of Parish Life. Additional information can be found at www.befrienderministry.org
When someone feeling alone and isolated experiences a caring connection;
When a woman with an aging parent suffering from dementia can share her story with a listening presence;
When a patient with a life-threatening illness can talk about his fears to a caring ear;
When an abused woman finds comfort in safely telling her story to a nonjudgmental listener;
That is the power of BeFriender Ministry.