Catholic Charities’ Care Team Ministry held its annual retreat on Sept. 17 at Christ the King Catholic Church in McFarland, offering a day of reflection, learning, and rejuvenation for volunteers dedicated to serving older adults in need. The retreat’s theme, “For Where Your Treasure is…” drew inspiration from Matthew 6:21, emphasizing the connection between one’s heart and treasures.
Throughout the retreat, various topics were covered to help volunteers avoid burnout and maintain their well-being. These included setting boundaries, taking breaks, delegating tasks, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, practicing mindfulness, and ensuring adequate sleep. Volunteers and caregivers may suffer from compassion fatigue if they don’t regularly process their experiences and follow a self-care routine.
Care Team Ministry is a visitation initiative by Catholic Charities that aims to offer companionship and connection to older adults who are isolated. This program gives each participating parish the chance to address social needs of parishioners, improve the wellbeing of older adults, and enhance the life quality for both recipients and volunteers. Participants are matched with dedicated, trained Care Team volunteers who provide regular social visits, referred to as “visits of sustaining presence.” Catholic Charities coordinates the ministry by handling team formation, training, ongoing supervision, and providing continuing education opportunities. Volunteers live out their faith by serving others in a joyful ministry that represents the core of Christian fellowship and compassion.
The retreat was facilitated by Peggy Weber, RN, MSN, who refers to herself as a “retired psych nurse” and is well-regarded across the Diocese of Madison for her roles as a parish nurse and support group leader. For many decades, Weber has been organizing retreats, support groups, grief sessions, and numerous other initiatives within the Diocese of Madison. Beyond her faith-based work, Weber engages with the community through the United Way Senior Needs Board and participates in health committees under Safe Communities of Madison-Dane County.
Laura Sokup, the newly appointed mental wellness program coordinator for the Diocese of Madison’s Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities, also discussed ongoing efforts to provide Catholic mental wellness resources across the Diocese. Additionally, she highlighted forthcoming events organized by the Apostolate, such as a St. Dymphna Healing Mass led by Bishop Donald Hying at 10 a.m. on Oct. 6 at Holy Name Heights.
Prior to lunch, Fr. Chad Droessler, the parochial administrator of Stella Maris Pastorate, offered a blessing that gave everyone a chance for spiritual reflection and nourishment.
The retreat served as a reminder of the invaluable work done by Care Team Ministry volunteers and the importance of caring for oneself while caring for others. It was a day filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose for all who attended.
For more information about Care Team Ministry, visit catholiccharitiesofmadison.org/careteamministry.
