Volunteers Needed For Geriatric Ministry Program

Aging, with its many and varied challenges, is often a time when spiritual resources and emotional support are vital to the elderly and their families. That’s why Masonicare at Newtown is looking for compassionate, caring volunteers to begin the new year by volunteering to be part of its “Lay Training in Geriatric Ministry” program.

Open to people of all faiths, the program, under the direction of Chaplain Anne Baltzell, has been teaching basic ministry skills to individuals from the community for more than 20 years. 

Participants in the eight-week training program will attend 2½-hour class sessions on Wednesdays at Masonicare at Newtown. The training program will begin as soon as the class is filled and the time will be decided by group availability.

Topics covered will include “Introduction and Orientation to Our Facility,” “The Pastoral Care Visit,” “Dealing with Issues of Loss,” and “Ethical Issues in a Nursing Home Setting.” Continuing education and support sessions will be offered monthly following training.

After completing the course, participants will be expected to make a one-year commitment to provide approximately four hours a week of pastoral ministry for Masonicare at Newtown. In addition to making a difference in the lives of residents, volunteers will learn skills that will enable them to minister effectively to older members of their own families, church, and the community as well.

Anyone with an interest in participating in the Lay Training in Geriatric Ministry Program at Masonicare at Newtown can call Chaplain Baltzell at 203-679-6257 or e-mail abaltzell@masonicare.org.