St. Vincent de Paul Church

The BeFriender Ministry Is a Ministry of Caring

BeFrienders who visit our parishioners go through a training period before they may visit with those in need of a “friend” who is willing to listen without giving advice. BeFrienders simply offer the person a chance to talk out their problems, difficulties, and/or troubles—and come to their own decision. This is done in the person’s own home or in other familiar surroundings where the person feels comfortable and at ease. Both the BeFriender and the person being “befriended” understand their conversations to be private and confidential. The BeFriender does not offer a solution or an answer to the situation but lets the person talk it out, discuss their feelings, and then come to their own conclusion. Some people need to talk; others need to listen. Listening is an art that must be learned through practice, patience, and understanding.

BeFriender training includes understanding, confidentiality, mutuality, as well as the art of listening. BeFrienders understand that they are representing the parish family when they visit, and all visits are done in a respectful and professional manner. BeFrienders also understand that their visits are not to be discussed outside of the BeFriender “Circle of Confidentiality.” BeFrienders meet once a month at the Parish Center, where any questions, difficulties, or concerns are addressed with the group in a ministry reflection process whose purpose is to show accountability—but always maintaining confidentiality. Coordinators from all over the Saginaw Diocese meet once a month with Betty Devota at the Center for Ministry. The same ministry reflection process is followed, in order to address any concerns and to remind all BeFrienders that they are accountable for what they are doing.

BeFrienders in our parish also take the eucharist to people who cannot attend Sunday Mass regularly. If this is combined with a BeFriender “visit,” it is understood that the form for taking eucharist to the homebound will be followed. This is done first; then follows the BeFriender “visit.” BeFrienders are concerned with the person’s spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Contact person for BeFrienders at St. Vincent de Paul Parish: Theresa Smith, 684-9324.

This Page Last Updated: 04/25/01 by nas.