Five seminarians enrolled in the new Catholic Ministry to the Sick and Suffering course at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, University of St. Thomas will complete 100 hours of practicum at Cerenity Senior Care locations between June 20 and July 29, 2011. The following seminarians are assigned to these Cerenity care centers: Mitch Bechtold, Marian of Saint Paul; Chris Deaver, Dellwood Place; Grant Gerlach, Bethesda of South St. Paul; Tim Lange, White Bear Lake; and Thomas McKenzie, Humboldt.

The seminary course integrates pastoral visitation experiences with the sick and suffering; theological reflection on ministry, healing and suffering; and personal growth through prayer, spiritual direction and group reflection. The goal is to help seminarians become instruments of God’s healing in ministry to people in need.

“We’re excited to mentor these students and help foster their spiritual and ministerial growth,” said Rev. Scott Cartwright, director of spiritual care, Cerenity. “The mentorship program benefits Cerenity as well. It allows us to extend our spiritual care to elders and supports our mission of being a resource to the community.”