Areas of Focus

Pastoral Reflection

Reflecting on oneself as a person and pastor in relation to people in crisis—through feedback offered by the supervisor, peer group members, the curriculum and written learning tools.

Pastoral Formation

Increasing awareness of one’s pastoral identity through ministry provided in the clinical setting, integrating one’s family history and incorporating one’s theological heritage.

Pastoral Competence

Developing ways to broaden one’s ministry based on existing and newly learned skills and resources.

Pastoral Specialization at VITAS

Ministering to persons facing end-of-life issues, working as a member of an interdisciplinary team, providing bereavement services, offering staff support and other areas of focus.

The typical learning structure includes a small interpersonal group, verbatim clinical presentations, didactic seminars, spiritual reflection and individual supervision. Preparation involves journaling, reading, meditation, articulation of one's spiritual journey, and practicing pastoral care.