Trenton, N.J., May 1, 2011 / 11:04 am
Recognizing the Church’s fundamental responsibility to care for those who are sick, the Diocese of Trenton's Certificate Program in Pastoral Care provides participants with the education and formation tools they need to serve in that ministry more competently and compassionately.
The third group to complete the 36-hour program that the Office of Pastoral Care inaugurated in 2007 was awarded certificates during a prayer service held April 9 in St. Anselm Church, Wayside, N.J.
Among the men and women from throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties to receive certificates included a priest, a deacon, a religious sister, and a host of parish leaders and ministers, professional chaplains and nursing home and hospital staff members.
The new graduates bring to 191 the number of pastoral care ministers who have earned certificates of completion since the program’s inception. There are also another 33 persons who have participated in the program, but will receive their certificates upon completion of all course work requirements.