Developing a training program for hospital lay ministers in selected parishes in Taipei

• Main Author: Chang, Feng-Lien, MSC
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2006
• Subjects: Lay ministry; Lay ministry—Training of—Taiwan; Lay ministry—Taiwan—Catholic Church; Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6717; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_masteral/article/12723/viewcontent/CDTG004181_P__1_.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

The main objective of this study is to develop a training program for hospital lay ministers (HLMs) in selected parishes in Taipei. Twenty five hospital volunteers in the 4th Vicariate in the Archdiocese of Taipei and 10 patients who were visited by hospital lay ministers were chosen by the researcher to answer questions related to hospital visitation from which a one year program for training hospital volunteers was formulated. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the hospital lay ministers in selected parishes in Taipei was investigated through the survey scale instrument validated by qualified professors of De La Salle University. Interviews were likewise conducted to follow up answers cited in the questionnaires. The descriptive- quantitative research was used for analysis and elucidation in this study. Based on the responses culled and analyzed from both patients and HLMs, a one year training program was designed to hone the skills of the HLMs so that they can better serve the needs of the patients they serve. Ten sessions were designed, each with objectives, time limit, materials needed, sources, references, venue and procedure. The procedure in each session consists of what the resource person and facilitator/s have to do and say to carry out the objectives of the session. Every session also includes an evaluation tool for the facilitator to see whether or not the session was successful. Each session is multidisciplinary and trainee centered. Recommendations in the study include further studies involving more hospital lay ministers in Taiwan or Asia, studies probing deeper into the reasons why some patients refuse visitations and what could be done about it and an evaluation of this program after its implementation for a year.