- Wear a nametag indicating your name, parish and ministry.
- Pray before you go. Trust in the power of Jesus!
- Come with a positive attitude that shows warmth, joy and a smile!
- If the person you are visiting is not there, leave your card and a brief note.
- If the person is there, then introduce yourself and say that you are from the parish.
- Ask them if they would like to visit.
- Bring a parish bulletin, holy card or some remembrance of your visit.
- Be mindful that human companionship has a strong therapeutic benefit!
- Observe the person. Are they well enough to talk? Are they in pain? Is now the right time for a visit? Are health professionals busy with this person?
- Be sensitive to the person’s energy level or pain throughout the visit.
- Observe the room. Are there religious objects? Does it look like anyone else has visited? Is there a problem that might need medical attention?
- Be sure to sit down. Don’t stand over the person
- Be a calming presence. Be relaxed. Be trustworthy.
- Don’t inquire about their medical condition unless they want to talk about it.
- Use open-ended questions, not “yes/no” questions.
- Encourage conversation and storytelling. Allow them to freely express emotion.
- Don’t talk about yourself much unless asked.
- If the person starts to talk about sad times, don’t change the subject but encourage them to continue. Healing comes from sharing painful times.
- Maintain confidentiality. Respect privacy
- Maintain appropriate boundaries.
- Be non-judgmental, not “preachy”
- Don’t overstay your welcome. 15-20 minutes is plenty, unless they would like you to stay longer.
- Don’t try to comfort with clichés like “It was God’s Will.” Instead, let them tell you how they feel/what they have learned through an event.
- Don’t join in if the person criticizes others.
- Don’t try to solve all their problems, but be an active listener.
- Don’t push the sacraments if they are not interested, but mention that they are available.
- Make sure that they feel part of your parish community.
- Ask them if they would like to pray with you at the end of the visit.
- If so, say a short prayer (Glory Be, Hail Mary) or a short extemporaneous prayer asking God to be with this person by name
- If you plan to visit again, tell the person when and be sure to be there.
- Be aware of the gifts that YOU have received from this visit!
- Shake hands when leaving or give a comforting touch/hug.
- Inform the parish of any emergencies, difficulties or necessary follow-up.
- Let the parish office know who and how often you visit. This is important for planning purposes and to help the ministry grow
- Thank God for this opportunity!
- Remember the person you visited in your prayers.
