Six individuals graduated from the rigorous Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programme at the St. Dominic Parish, Adweso in the Koforidua Diocese on July 12.
Among the graduates were one lay person, three Religious Sisters, and two Priests.
Speaking in an interview with Catholic Trends after the ceremony, Coordinator of the programme, Monsignor Alex Bobby Benson said the programme which is the first and only of its kind in Ghana equips individuals to be chaplains in various institutions.
“Clinical pastoral education is the programme for the training of chaplains. There is none in the country. This is the only programme running. I bring in lay persons, priests and religious through a training to become chaplains in schools, hospital etc.,” he said.
Explaining why it is necessary for individuals to enroll in the programme, Monsignor Bobby Benson said “There are a lot of venerable people in society who need help. So if you don’t have people to help them, they would be helpless.”
A beneficiary of the programme who identified himself as Francis described the programme as eye opening.
“I learnt so many things, including counselling, stress management, and also the mission of vision the sick and home bound people,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Sister Grace Bakhita said she has gained knowledge on “How to minister to the vulnerable in society, the aged and the sick and to let them feel Christ.”
“I have learnt to better sympathise with people in vulnerable situations and also help them in the situation they find themselves,” she added.

CPE, an intensive course blending classroom lectures with practical experiences such as hospital and home visitations, role plays, and educational trips, is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills to provide holistic care encompassing the body, soul, and spirit.
Under the guidance of Msgr Alex Bobby Benson, the coordinator, the students immerse themselves in learning for twelve weeks to become compassionate bridges to those in need, embodying the teachings of Christ through their service.
The assessment process, based on reflective evaluation reports rather than traditional exams, allow students to internalize and apply their learnings, ensuring they can effectively support parishioners and patients alike.
The programme’s versatility attracts priests, religious, and laypersons alike, preparing them for roles as marriage counselors, catechists, and Eucharistic ministers within their communities.
A team from the house of St. Francis Clinic and Rehab Centre-Ashaiman, comprosing the manager, Mr. Walter Damian Asooh and a one time inmate and volunteer, Mr. John Teye Amartey took participants of the graduation ceremony through how persons brought to the centre are given the necessary care they need.

They took the opportunity to also tell the audience about existence of a facility like theirs and how they contribute to society.
