August 30, 2005
For Immediate Release

Roswell Park Cancer Institute Offers Pastoral Care Programs

BUFFALO, NY – The Division of Pastoral Care at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) will present two, 22-week programs for individuals of all religious denominations who would like to update their knowledge on health care issues and pastoral care. “The Pastoral Care Lectures Series,” will be held Mondays from 6 to 9 pm, and “The Pastoral Care Visitors’ Training Program,” will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 pm. Both programs will begin the week of September 12 at RPCI, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York. Participants may attend one or both of these programs.

The Pastoral Care Lecture Series will address the following topics: Call to Ministry; Medical Ethics; Communication; Oncology; Counseling Theory; Pediatric Patient/Child as Caregiver; Theological Reflection; Interfaith Ministry; Pastoral Counseling; Family Systems; Forms of Prayer; Survivors of Abuse; The Chronically Ill/Critically Ill Patient; Ministry to the Elderly; Loss, Mourning and Grief; AIDS; Hospice and Palliative Care; Funeral Homes Aftercare Services.

The Pastoral Care Visitors’ Training Program will provide individuals of various faiths, ordained and non-ordained with professional training in key theoretical, and practical approaches to pastoral care. The program offers information and tools needed to minister in a hospital setting, nursing home, or in the faith community. Participants will provide pastoral care in a clinical setting under the supervision of a qualified chaplain.

Both programs will be presented by staff from RPCI, Western New York health care facilities, the Buffalo Diocese, University of Buffalo, and local clergy and ministers. Upon completion of these programs, students will receive a certificate from Roswell Park Cancer Institute. For registration information, please contact the Division of Pastoral Care at Roswell Park, (716) 845-8051.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, or call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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