Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

• Member of the Orthodox Church in good standing
• At least 18 years of age
• Living in the greater Toronto area
• Recognised within the local parish community as a person of good reputation
• Skilled and compassionate listener and shows respect to others
• Has a clear understanding of the non-judgmental role of the Lay Pastoral Visitor
• Relates effectively and communicates clearly with others
• Flexible and open-minded in response to each situation
• Has an understanding of the issues relevant to the homebound, homeless and institutionalised
• Has participated in a training process
• In cases of emergency, knows contacts and procedures

Personal Traits and Qualities

A successful lay pastoral visitor

• Desires to serve the community and to commit time and talents to this ministry
• Has a non-judgemental attitude toward housebound parishioners
• Is honest, dependable and can maintain strict confidentiality
• Respects the privacy and dignity of the housebound
• Is comfortable in the presence of sadness and tears, bearing witness to suffering, pain, and the realities of advanced illness such as uncomfortable sights, sounds, odours
• Is comfortable dealing with elderly, infirm, or disabled people
• Is at ease with social encounters, and can look people in the eye
• Is friendly, patient and has good relational skills
• Is comfortable with being accountable and is sensitive to the observance of proper boundaries
• Has resiliency and capacity to develop of effective coping strategies, self reflection, self care approaches to maintain one’s own well-being and ability to persevere in this role
• Has a spirit of generosity and creativity

Orientation and Training

Participation in this programme as a volunteer requires the completion of  Lay Pastoral Visitor orientation (or its equivalent).

Benefits and Working Conditions

Lay pastoral visitors will

• Directly contribute to the social well-being of the parish community
• Further develop pastoral care and relational skills
• Improve the spiritual well-being of the homebound and/or institutionalised
• Have the opportunity to perform community service and gain experience for the purpose of school or career advancement
• Be required to visit private homes, local hospitals, hospices and nursing homes and must adhere to the requirements of those institutions

This is a volunteer position requiring a minimum time commitment to be determined with the St Hermione Lay Pastoral Visitor Coordinator.

Preparation and Supervision

This is a high risk position and therefore requires:

• Completion of a volunteer information form
• Interview and personal references
• Criminal record check
• Training and orientation
• Supervision and periodic evaluations
• Participant follow-ups

The St Hermione Lay Pastoral Visitor Coordinator is the first level of support, supervision and evaluation.