Up and Coming…
Updated: March 15, 2024
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 spring Basic Course will begin on Monday, March 11 2024 and run weekly until May 13, 2024 (including Easter 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 Spring 2024 .Basic Course Brochure
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, April 9th, 2024. Join us on Zoom from 7pm to 9pm as Lisa Boulay, retired psychotherapist and Lay Chaplain at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, leads a session called Emotions 101—The Power of Being Heard, Seen and Valued. This workshop will look at how emotions affect our work as pastoral care volunteers and will build on new material which was recently added to the Pastoral Care Basic Course in September 2023.
For more information about the event and how to register, please see the Spring 2024.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.
Our next Advanced course is planned for fall 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.
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.
Of Interest in the Wider Community
Join Compassionate Ottawa March 21st at 10am EST for Conversations with Leaders: Are you ready for unforeseen life transitions? The guest speaker, Marc Séguin, is the author of Advocacy in Aging, which focuses on estate management and health care planning for the end of life years. This programme is offered in French. More information here.
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