What is a Pastoral Minister?  Meet Julie de Gouw!
It has come to my attention that some of you are unfamiliar with what a Pastoral Minister does. Hopefully, as time goes on, you will have the chance to interact with Julie de Gouw directly and be part of her Ministry!
A Pastoral Minister connects believers/people/parishioners to Christ, to the church and to the community. This is done through sacramental preparation, through the formation of relationships with others, and/or by being present to those in need, just to mention a few. For instance, one of the Ministries Julie will be directly involved in is helping those who are grieving the death of a loved one and walking them through the funeral arrangements and arranging follow-up visits.
Julie supports people emotionally, spiritually and gives counsel and advice to those in our Family of Parishes and anyone coming to our doors for guidance. Julie never passes up the opportunity to talk about faith, even to those in the lineup at the check-out in the grocery store.
Julie’s Ministry also involves looking for ways to help others encounter Jesus and promotes evangelization events when possible. Having the opportunity to interact with others, forming relationships, can allow the Holy Spirit to work through her bringing others to Christ.
Julie often gets asked if she is a Deacon. Even though Julie is mandated by the Bishop of the Diocese as a Pastoral Minister in a particular parish she is not ordained and remains a Lay Ecclesial Minister, whereas, a Deacon is ordained by the Bishop and assigned to Ministry within the Diocese which may or may not be connected to a particular parish. Therefore, when possible, she assists the Parish Priests or Deacons at Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals and the Sacraments of Initiation.
Formation to become a Pastoral Minister consists of a three year program at St. Peter’s Seminary along with various placements in parish life, learning on the go. Those in the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry do share some formation with the candidates for the diaconate but not all.
In serving others, Julie is at her happiest! Julie is looking forward to getting to know all of you! If you need anything, call her, go and see her, email her, or stop and have a conversation with her before or after Mass. Phone 519-245-0644 ext.26 or email jdegouw@dol.ca
Rev. Thom Blondin, Pastor, West Middlesex Catholic Family of Parishes