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Mentoring lay ministers Mentoring lay ministers in the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s Church Ministry Institute is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. Sisters Judy Garbaccio and Nina Fritsch are in their fourth year of mentoring laypersons enrolled in the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s Church Ministry Institute. This is a 3-year certificate program that helps people to grow in their faith and be of service to the Church. The course is divided into class blocks of 6 weeks each. For each topic, participants have 5 weeks of academic learning, followed by one week of mentoring.
Sisters Nina and Judy each facilitate a group of 7-8 adults in the program. Their mentoring sessions are held at our North American Headquarters in Philadelphia. “Our small group sessions are a time for students to integrate their learning, then have a faith sharing on the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday,” they explain. “The participants share what the previous 5-week course meant to them and how it affects their faith life, and they fill out a reflection form about the material they studied.”
Many participants express gratitude for the small group sharing, finding that they can talk within their groups about things they are not comfortable talking about elsewhere. Many also reflect on how their experiences within the program are influencing their family relationships and workplaces. Deep bonds of friendship form as a result. In 2006, Sisters Judy and Nina attended the graduation ceremony for their groups. “Just to see the way the people grow is wonderful,” Sister Judy said. “It was impressive to see the total number that finished the course last year – over 100 – what a contribution to the Church.” “Many people are searching,” Sister Nina adds. “This program gives them a certain confidence to offer themselves for services…or a greater confidence for their current ministries.” Both Sisters have found that the Scriptures become very important for the group participants. “In the faith sharing, they pray with the Scriptures. It has inspired them to know more…the Scriptures have become a focal point in their faith life.”
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