Congregational Care Network (CCN)
Do you have TWO hours a week? For SIX to TEN weeks?
The IU Health Pastoral Care Team has initiated an outreach program in partnership with local congregations, called the Congregational Care Network (CCN).
Every congregation in this partnership maintains a team of "Connectors". A Connector accompanies a person who is experiencing social isolation or loneliness.
How the Program Works:
1. The IU Health Pastoral Care Team identifies the persons at risk for social isolation or loneliness while they are in the ER, in the hospital, or in an outpatient office and asks if they would like to enroll in the program.
2. Once enrolled, the IU Health Pastoral Care Team sends a referral to the congregation in the Network that is physically closest to the person.
3. The Lead Connector at the congregation assigns the patient enrolled in the program, called a “Companion”, to a Connector on the team.
4. The Connector and Companion meet weekly (currently on the phone) until the program goals are met for the Companion (usually 6-10 weeks).
5. When the program goals are met, the Lead Connector contact IU Health, who reaches out to the Companion to confirm and discharges the Companion from the program.
We would also like to provide "Connectors" to our own Parishioners in need.
COMMITMENT of the Connectors
All training & personal interaction is currently by phone or video chat.
- Participate in 4 training sessions, usually 5:30 – 7:00pm on consecutive Thursdays.
- Once trained, a Connector is available to be matched to a Companion.
- Talks by phone with a Companion - promising an hour per week of phone time.
- Meets once a week with the other Connectors from St. Monica - to help one another minister well.
For more information contact Tim Bush in the parish office at 317-253-2193