Pastoral Care

We believe that the backbone of a flourishing and healthy parish is a strong system of pastoral care. We are committed to providing lifelong care to our members and to bringing Christ’s love and compassion into times of great happiness and great sorrow so that we share each other’s joys and burdens. We believe this to be a ministry shared by clergy and lay care givers.

Our pastoral care ministries grow and develop in response to changing needs, and we are currently planning an exciting new Employment Guidance Ministry.

We are proud of our flourishing Stephen Ministry, a group of trained and supervised lay people who provide one-on-one pastoral care to anybody in need of extended pastoral care provided by a listening ear with an open mind. This relationship is completely confidential and usually involves one hour a week. If you would like to be matched with a Stephen Minister please contact the church office. More information about this national ministry can be found at http://www.stephenministries.org

For the many members of our family who are unable to leave their homes, we have a team of Lay Eucharistic Visitors – women and men who have been trained and approved by our bishop to take the sacrament to people in their homes on a regular basis. Housebound members should also expect a visit from a priest from time to time. If you would like to have communion brought to you at home you should contact the church office.

The church office should be notified immediately if any member is sick or hospitalized, so a visit by a priest can be arranged. The Sacrament of Holy Unction (also known as “The Anointing of the Sick”) is also available on request.

Father Richard is available to provide pastoral counsel and spiritual advice to all. If you are experiencing personal problems of any kind, or if you are having doubts and questions concerning your faith, please do not hesitate to call him for an appointment. He is always available as a spiritual friend to offer whatever assistance he can.

The clergy are also available to hear confessions – also known as “The Sacrament of Reconciliation.” The traditional Anglican rule concerning confession is “All may; some should; none must.” Many Christians find making their confession regularly to be integral to a healthy and vibrant spiritual life and an excellent way to prepare for Christmas and Easter. Father Richard is happy to give advice on how best to prepare for this sacrament and what is involved.

Blessings

Father Richard is available to bless rosaries, pictures, statues and other holy devotional objects and aides upon request after daily and Sunday services.

Please let the church office know if you move into a new home so Father Richard can visit to do a home blessing. He’s also happy to bless new cars and other vehicles.