If you are going through a challenging time, or know somebody in the congregation who needs support from our Pastoral Care Associates, please call us. You can leave a confidential message in the Pastoral Care voice mailbox: 1.203.227.7205 ext. 19, or send us an email at cpn@hhjrfgcbeg.bet. All correspondence is confidential.
Who Are Pastoral Care Associates?
Pastoral Care Associates are members of The Unitarian Church in Westport with a particular interest in providing a caring presence to people going through difficult times. They bring a special set of gifts to this volunteer work. They receive ongoing training, support each other, and consult regularly with the minister(s). The Pastoral Care program is in the UU tradition, as an extension of the professional ministry of the congregation.
A Relationship Built on Trust and Confidentiality
Just as people trust ministers to keep confidences, you can trust your Pastoral Care Chaplain as well. They are committed to protecting confidentiality. That said, in special situations, it is possible that a Pastoral Care Associates will share information with the ministry to be effective in helping you. They would do this with your permission. In more serious situations, your Pastoral Care Associate will make a covenant with you to further assure you of your privacy.
Only in the most critical situations (as required by law) would there be disclosure of confidential information. For example, if an Associate fears that someone is considering taking their own life or hurting someone else, the Pastoral Care Associate will inform you that such concerns override the promise of confidentiality and will notify the minister.
How Can a Pastoral Care Associate Help Me?
Your Pastoral Care Associate can provide companionship during an illness, time of loss or in other challenging circumstances. Pastoral care is not therapy, nursing or medicine. It is active caring for people who are facing challenges in their lives. It is a kind of caring that is broad in scope and may mean the gathering of resources, providing emotional support that include having conversations that touch on spiritual issues. Most of all, pastoral care is simply being present for you. By their presence, Pastoral Care Associates bring the love and care of our entire congregation to those in need.
Click HERE for the Pastoral Care Associates charter.
