Lay Chaplains Training Begins Feb. 17, 2005

Training classes for the Community of Hope Lay Chaplains will be offered at the William Temple Center, beginning on Thursday, February 17. There are currently 30 active Community of Hope Lay Chaplains who see an average of 300 patients monthly in the UTMB Oncology and Radiation Clinics and St. Vincents House Free Clinic. More are needed.

The waiting room of the University of Texas Medical Branch oncology and radiation department are not exactly cheerful places.

Often they are full of mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who are dealing with the terrifying reality of cancer. “Our chaplains are trained to deal with much of what these people are experiencing. Often they are just required to listen – sometimes they are asked to pray with a family or patient. But our chaplains are not there to change or force their beliefs on others,”  said the Rev. Jackson, executive director of William Temple Center.

Classes begin February 17 and will be held 6:30-9:30 each Thursday through May 26. A Commissioning Ceremony will be held June 2 for those who complete the training at the Chapel of St. Luke the Physician.  No previous experience is required to take the Lay Chaplain training. However, it does require a commitment and a willingness to serve others.

For more information about the Lay Chaplain’s training, duties of a Lay Chaplain, and an application for the class, call William Temple Center at 762-8641 and speak to Rev. Jackson or Cleta Sireno.