The purpose of this training programme is to equip a range of people to visit primarily in homes, whether those they visit be long-established residents or recent arrivals. There is an immediate urgency for such work not least because of a significant number of upcoming housing and residential developments but also because of loneliness and alienation in suburban and rural life in today’s Ireland. The training course will be delivered by Church Army (Ireland) through Archdeacon Isaac Hanna and his team. While having theological and intellectual credibility, the course is not designed to be academic but practical and engaging for all concerned. The course will be delivered in three full-day sessions on Saturday 9th February, Saturday 9th March and Saturday 13th April 2019. The course will lead to the commissioning before the summer as Diocesan Pastoral Assistants of those who complete it through the awarding of the Bishops’ Certificate. Candidates will need the endorsement of their rector or Rural Dean, as appropriate. They will also need to be Garda Vetted before beginning work.
If you would be interested in receiving this training, please contact Rev Jack or Rev Ken to discuss.