Together in Ministry
WNY Pastoral Care Task Force

In January 2004, a Western New York Pastoral Care Task Force began meeting to study the pastoral care needs in the area churches of all faith traditions in WNY and surrounding areas including Rochester, Syracuse and Utica New York.

Dr. Beth Lenegan called together clergy from different faith traditions including one chaplain in an area hospital, one a minister in Hospice and one non-ordained employee of our local ambulance company who is also active in his church. Three pastors from the area are also on the task force.

The over all intention of the group is to establish a five-year plan for pastoral care education and enrichment for the area. The vision includes establishing educational programs/pastoral care training programs/conferences/and written resources that would be beneficial for churches of all faith traditions.

Last spring, 3200 surveys to area clergy/ministers/churches/health care professionals. This year the work of the group is to implement some of the suggestions from the survey. A conference ministering to the elderly is scheduled for June 2005, as well as a conference on the diagnosis, treatment, and support for cancer patients is planned for November 2005. Also, two focus groups will meet to discuss further implementation of the survey results as well as brainstorm the resources needed to provide quality pastoral care in our places of ministry.

For more information call Dr. Lenegan at 716-845-8051 or e-mail beth.lenegan@roswellpark.org.