With the hope of reaching out to members of Good Shepherd Community who need our care and concern in special ways, we offer the following programs. We invite all of you, young and elderly, to study the various opportunities and to offer your services in these ministries or others not listed here where your talents might be utilized. Please contact us if you know of others who may have need of these ministries. If you have questions or need other resources or contact persons, please contact Penny Volmer (563-5304) pvolmer@goodshepherdshawnee.org. The Caring Ministries Council develops and expands the ministries for various life situations, needs and events of the faith community, including hospital and homebound ministries and bereavement.
• Bereavement Ministry
What We Do: Coordinate or assist with Grief Support group and/or send cards to the grieving
Training: Will be provided on as needed basis
Time Commitment: 2 - 3 hours a week, for 6 weeks in the fall, or as needed
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Care-By-Mail
What We Do: Write cards and letters to residents of local Nursing Homes and the homebound
Training: None
Time Commitment: As desired
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Family Ties (Families Tied Together through Infertility & Adoption)
What We Do: Provide prayers and support for those touched by infertility, adoption or foster care by becoming a peer minister, joining a prayer chain, or helping to organize educational programs that support these issues
Training: None
Time Commitment: Varies as to need
Contact: Laura Kouri, 859-9092, Sarah Jacobsen, 422-5787
• Funeral Dinners
What We Do: Call parishioners for salads and desserts; buy/cook/serve food; clean-up
Training: None
Time Commitment: 3 hours on day of funeral. As needed.
Contact: Mary Lou Sharkey, 541-8436
• Haircuts/Shampoos
What We Do: Give haircuts and shampoos for the bedridden
Training: Professional hairdressing experience
Time Commitment: As needed and as convenient
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Homebound Eucharistic Minister/Visitors
What We Do: Bring Communion, pray with and visit the homebound
Training: 2 hours for Communion Minister
Time Commitment: 1 hour a week, or 1 hour a month as needed
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Hospital Visiting
What We Do: Show Good Shepherd's prayer and concern for the sick
Training: None
Time Commitment: 1 hour aprox. 1 time a month or as needed
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Hospital Eucharistic Ministers
What We Do: Distribute Communion to Catholic patients
Training: 1 Hour by Hospital Chaplain
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours once a month, either on Sun a.m., Thurs at 1:15 pm or Thurs at 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Joy Kellner, coordinator, 631-9212
• Meals to Care
What We Do: Provide meals to people during recovery from illness or who are temporarily disabled
Training: None
Time Commitment: As needed and at your convenience
Contact: Jan Bartelli, 897-6109, Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Mother Teresa Rosary
What We Do: Share the story of the Mother Teresa Relic Rosary and promote its use. Pray as a group on the first Friday of each month in the Romeo Chapel at 9:00 a.m. Share the message and importance of individual prayer and meditation through the Holy Rosary.
Training: None
Time Commitment: As needed and at your convenience
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
Read more about the Mother Teresa Rosary that was gifted to Good Shepherd Church.
• Pray-er
What We Do: Pray from home for those in parish Book of Prayer and/or join others for First Friday prayers
Training: None
Time Commitment: 1 hour on the First Friday of each month, 9:00 am
Contact: Theresa Best, 962-7488
• Respite Care
What We Do: Stay with the ill to give respite to the caregiver
Training: None unless sick person has special needs
Time Commitment: Usually 2-4 hours each time
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Rides to Church
What We Do: Drive people to church when transportation is needed for elderly and/or handicapped
Training: Valid driver's license, good driving record
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week or as needed
Contact: Carolyn Brocker, 631-6053, Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Special Needs
What We Do: Provide needed services for the elderly/infirm: shopping, lawn care, deliver groceries, change light bulbs or other simple repairs
Training: None
Time Commitment: As needed and as convenient
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Spiritual Support – Butterfly Project
What We Do: Pray with the seriously ill and dying at their bedside. Be a "presence" during their journey thru the final stages of life. Offer spiritual comfort to their family members and friends
Training: 1 Hour individual training and 2 Hours of shadowing with other volunteers
Time Commitment: 2 to 4 hours each month
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Support after Miscarriage or Loss of a Young Child
What We Do: Support parents and families after their loss. Coordinate or assist with Catholic Grief Support sessions and projects
Training: None
Time Commitment: As needed
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Support Groups
What We Do: Provide support for those struggling with cancer or other chronic illnesses
Training: Varies
Time Commitment: As needed
Contact: Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Visitor/Eucharistic Minister at Heartland Assisted Living
What We Do: Lead a short prayer service, give Holy Communion, pray the rosary and visit with residents
Training: 1 hour
Time Commitment: 1 hour, once a month on Tues at 10 a.m.
Contact: Vivian Foreman, 268-0923, Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Visitor/Eucharistic Minister at Garden Terrace Nursing Home
What We Do: Lead a short prayer service, give Holy Communion, pray the rosary and visit with residents
Training: 1 hour
Time Commitment: 1 hour, once a month on Friday at 10 a.m.
Contact: Dawn Malis, 599-5250, Penny Volmer, 563-5304
• Widows in Grief Support - WIGS
What We Do: Good Shepherd Widows offer peer support, friendship and social events for other widows. Sharing experiences, stories and faith while receiving and giving comfort and hope
Training: None
Time Commitment: 2 hours on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
Contact: Mary McComb 829-6106