The Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program, an ecumenical initiative offering laity formation in pastoral care since 1979, has opened up registration for its Fall 2025 Basic Course. The course is geared to those who volunteer with church-based pastoral care teams. Participants can register for either the in-person course, hosted at St. Paul Presbyterian Church (971 Woodroffe Avenue), or for a remote Zoom-based programme. The first class begins September 15 running weekly until November 24. The 10 week programme includes topics such as ageing, grief, ministry with the dying, the use of the prayer during pastoral visits, spiritual needs, and care for the caregiver. Those who complete the programme receive a certificate of completion. Attendance is capped and both the in-person and Zoom-based classes tend to fill to capacity each fall.
For more information, see the programme brochure here, as a PDF file: F2025-Basic-Course-Brochure.
Born in Montreal, Christopher Adam has called Ottawa home for the past twenty years. He received his MA from Carleton University, with a thesis focusing on twentieth century European church history, and a PhD in History from the University of Ottawa. Over the years, he has published widely and works in the faith-based charitable sector in Ottawa.