Up and Coming…
Updated: August 22, 2023
Please note: Our courses, events and workshops are being offered in either in-person and/or online formats. Please check descriptions carefully to confirm the format of each program. As they fill up quickly, it is recommended to register early to avoid disappointment.
Basic Training Course
Each spring and fall we offer a 10-week Basic Course in Pastoral Care.
Our fall Basic Course will begin on Monday, September 18 2023 and run weekly until November 27, 2023 (excluding Thanksgiving Monday) in-person from 1pm to 3:30pm or on Zoom from 7pm to 9:15pm. For more information about the course and how to register, please see the Fall 2023.Basic Course Brochure. At this time the online evening program is full. We do have space in the afternoon for our in person class.
Continuing Education Event
Twice a year, spring and fall, we bring in special speakers for Continuing Education Events.
Our next Continuing Education event will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Join us on Zoom from 7pm to 9pm as The Rev. Canon Hilary Murray leads a session on Spiritual Care and Its Benefits for Seniors. This workshop will look at the benefits of spiritual care in seniors residences, (retirement residences, LTC facilities and assisted living homes) and provide the opportunity to look at how spiritual care programs can benefit both resident staff and pastoral care volunteers who work with seniors.
For more information about the event and how to register, please see the Fall 2023.Con Ed Brochure.
Advanced Course
Every second year, we bring in community professionals to present on topics of interest and relevance to pastoral care volunteers.
This year we are pleased to present a four session event to be held in-person Tuesday evenings in October from 7pm to 9pm. A range of topics designed to build on the skills of the Basic program will take you to the next level. For more information about the event and how to register, check out the brochure at Fall 2023.Advanced Course Brochure
Coordinators’ Event
Every second year, we hold an event for Coordinators of Spiritual/Pastoral Care Teams/Departments (or their delegates). There is a facilitated discussion on a topic of relevance to team coordinators along with opportunities for networking and sharing ideas. These events are designed to assist in the effective operation of a Pastoral/Spiritual Care Team of Churches, Long Term Care Facilities or Retirement Homes/Residences.
Our next Coordinators’ Event is planned for spring 2025. Watch this space for information closer to the date.
For more information about our courses or other events, please visit the Courses page or contact us.
Overview of the OPCTP
The Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program is an inter-denominational program affiliated with The Christian Council of the Capital Area. This ministry has been in existence since 1975.
For more information about the OPCTP, please visit the About Us page.
A Little About What We Do
We offer in-town and out-of-town courses in Pastoral Care and special training events tailored to meet your faith community’s specific needs or concerns. We also provide guidance and assistance to faith communities with setting up or maintaining their Spiritual/Pastoral Care Teams.
For more information about what we have to offer, please visit the Assistance page.
Listening is:
“the highest form of hospitality”, of the sort that does not set out
“to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.”
Henri Nouwen