Parish Lay Volunteer Chaplain Training Program

During the 20 years the Parish Lay Volunteer Chaplain Training Program has been in existence, over 200 parishioners from all over the Diocese of Chicago have been trained to help minister to the needs of God’s people in nursing homes, hospitals and parish visitation programs. The 12 week program combines didactic classes taught by experts in their fields along with opportunities for practical applications. Each class session is two hour in length. Participants must also do a field placement and commit at least two hours per week in the practice of supervised ministry. Topics covered include: Examining the Theological Purpose of Pastoral Care; Listening and Counseling; A Medical View of Illness; Older Adults and Home Bound; Loss and Death among others. The Program runs each year from Mid February to Mid May. Please call Cherryl Holt, 312, 563-4825 for more information and an application.

Shaping the Values of New Generation of Medical doctors

Bishop Anderson House has sponsored two incredible speakers during the past years who have a new outlook on faith and Medicine. Dr. Ahuka Longombe of the Congo gave a talk to M1 and M2 at Rush University Medical Center on “The Role of a Physician in a War Torn Country.” Dr. Longombe gave a dramatic presentation on desperate violent circumstances beyond comprehension, on medical miracles performed in primitive operation conditions, and you hear of tremendous human courage. He puts himself at risk to treat his patients, he tells you, because of his “..faith in love. God’s love.” Another speaker sponsored by Bishop Anderson House was Dr. Peter Okaalet of Kenya, who has taken on the AIDS epidemic and health care access for the rural poor. Dr. Okaalet, named a “Hero of the year in Medicine” by Time magazine for his pioneering work in HIV/AIDS relief in Africa.

Rush University Medical Center, Department of Religion, Health and Human Values

Bishop Anderson House collaborates with the Department in a variety of programs that teach psychologists, medical students, chaplains and others. Recent initiatives include:

  1. Teaching biomedical ethics to M1 and M2 students at Rush University Medical School.
  2. Teaching seminars on Hope in Pastoral Care and Counseling.
  3. Presenting Grand Rounds in the Departments of Geriatric Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation Medicine.
  4. Research and publication in the field of Spiritual Care in Spiritual Struggle and Health Factors.