November 13, 2015: TODAY'S CATHOLIC * Rural Parishes * Ministry Training Workshop held by Legion of Mary

Ministry Training Workshop

The Legion of Mary of the Del Rio Catholic Community sponsored the Ministry Training Workshop: Nursing Home Visitation on October 10, 2015 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish Hall.

The Ministry Training Workshop was open to all who visit nursing homes and were invited to be trained by experts in the medical profession specifically on the do’s and don’ts of nursing home visitation.

Father Antonio O. Moreno, Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary, gave the welcoming address and led all those gathered in an opening prayer.

Father Moreno informed the attendees on how to prepare to respond to Pope Francis’ call to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy by living the works of mercy which include visiting and comforting the sick.

The Jubilee Year of Mercy commences on December 8, 2015 and culminates on November 20, 2016.

Irma Montemayor, M.D. led those in attendance in a prayer in Spanish.

Carmen Gutierrez moderated the panel discussion and introduced the panel members: Elizabeth Sanchez, Activity Director at Del Rio Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Sarah Reyes, R.N., B.S.N., Director of Nursing and Cristina Guerra Valdez, Administrator at Val Verde Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

The panelists shared their expertise and knowledge and fielded questions from the participants as they discussed the following topics: 1) Requirements of Volunteers, 2) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, 3) Etiquette, and 4) Various Volunteer Activities at the Nursing Homes.

In attendance were parishioners from the three Catholic parishes in Del Rio; Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Sacred Heart Church and St. Joseph Church.

The Ministry Training Workshop concluded with Marian Casillas, Ed.D. expressing appreciation to the panelists and participants for attending and distributed Certificates of Attendance.

Eva Nieto led the closing prayer.

During the break and after the conclusion of the Ministry Training Workshop participants had an opportunity to gather resources from Del Rio Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Val Verde Nursing & Rehabilitation Center that were provided at the display tables.