How Can We Support the Work of Our Spiritual Care Intern, Carla Spaccarotelli?

Carla Spaccarotelli is our Spiritual Care Intern through May of 2022. How might we make the most of this time together? Below are some goals and project ideas Carla has outlined for the time she is with us in this intern capacity. See if you find opportunities among these goals to partner with her in learning and working together.

Gain experience providing spiritual care in a parish setting including visiting and bringing communion to the homebound, those living in healthcare facilities (when appropriate due to COVID-19) and all those needing care along their faith journeys.

Develop group-facilitation skills through planning, organizing, and co-leading faith formation experiences for the Good Shepherd Care Team and parishioners on topics related to providing care to one another and the neighbor (e.g. God’s presence during times of struggle, widening understanding around prayer practices, and training and encouragement for those wanting to provide care and visitation). Carla’s Internship Project will focus on creating a training for parishioners to feel better equipped to visit those needing care and take more active roles in providing spiritual care and outreach ultimately building a stronger culture of ‘all caring for all’ at Good Shepherd.

Assist and support worship services by preaching and assisting as needed.

Plan, organize and facilitate a group art-expression activity to engage scripture or theological themes. Themes might revolve around healing, lament, forgiveness, transition, etc. For example, an Art & the Psalms exercise during Lent or using Soul Collage techniques for a lament and hope exercise.

Participate in ongoing communications, idea generating, and meetings with supervisor and church leaders to better understand the parish culture and workplace and help discern my call for ministry in the parish setting.

Participate in engagement outside the congregation to develop deeper understanding and ability to communicate and find support for the role of the deacon.