Caregivers Commissioned into Community of Hope
December 19, 2023
A group of nine dedicated Christians are now part of the Community of Hope in the Diocese of Missouri. These diocesan members were officially commissioned as lay pastoral caregivers at a special service on December 10, 2023, at the Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton:
- Jonathan Cureton - St. John's Tower Grove
- Rebecca and Andrew Dawson - St. Michael & St. George, Clayton
- Adrienne Dillon - All Saints & Ascension, Northwoods
- Barbara Fraser - St. Michael & St. George, Clayton
- Janice Nihill - Holy Communion, University City
- Kari Potts - Holy Communion, University City
- Linda Russell - Grace, Kirkwood
- Alisa Williams - Holy Communion, University City
Training for this program includes 42 hours (14 weeks) of coursework, including book study, worshiping, sharing meals, guest speakers, and visits to retirement homes. Their ministry is usually directed by the church they attend and includes bringing communion to the homebound, those in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, retirement communities, and hospice. Caregivers may also work with incarcerated youth and adults, in kitchen pantries or street ministries, tutoring youth and adults -- basically anywhere they see a need in their community.
Community of Hope began in Houston in the mid-1970s by a group led by Helen Appleberg. There are now groups throughout the United States and other countries. COH members follow the Rule of Benedict by living their lives to serve others. Groups meet monthly in a Circle of Care to eat, study, and worship together. During those meetings members will also share concerns related to their work and receive guidance from fellow lay pastoral caregivers. We have two COH groups in the Diocese of Missouri - at the Church of St. Michael & St. George in Clayton and Grace Church in Kirkwood.
Sandra Vuitel, a member of St. Michael & St. George and a COH training facilitator, says the training provides members with a clearer idea of their ministry, which will adapt as they grow. "I am proud and delighted to know and grow with them all. It has been a blessing to be their facilitator."
Tags: News / Community of Hope