A New Ministry for Sister Helen
By: Sister Helen Huss
After a few months of "knocking" and "asking" about volunteer work, I was invited by the Pastoral Care Minister of the Sanctuary at Holy Cross, a Trinity Senior Living Community, to work in that department. Since I've had no formal training in this area, I was a bit anxious about how I could do this.
Sister Helen with resident Maria
Drawing on my experience as a home health nurse, my focus is to be a caring presence. At first I was asked to do the communion ministry. Now that I have learned my way around I do additional visiting with others who are referred to me by staff and who need a listening ear. This is my favorite job although I find it quite draining to listen intently and to feel their pain and helplessness. I can only hope that my presence is some comfort to them.
Sister Helen with Emmanuel Sogah, Director of Pastoral Care
Being in pastoral care was the farthest thing from my mind. I had intended to do volunteer work using my culinary skills in some way, but circumstances prevented that from happening. God works in mysterious ways. My name tag at the Sanctuary reads: "Sister Helen, Pastoral Care Volunteer" and it fits!