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Pastoral Care Ministries

This area of ministry involves the caring that we all give each other as members of this community, not just the pastors caring for the community. Pastoral Care also involves helping each other learn more about health and self care. Caring for one another is part of our vocation as Christians. This compassionate care is especially evidenced during times of crisis: a death in the family, an illness or hospitalization, a job loss. Celebrations and joys are also to be shared: a new marriage or a new baby, recovery from illness or surgery, a graduation - all of which are major turning points in our lives. This ministry can be invisible, as so much of our pastoral caring is done in our everyday conversations and attitudes towards each other, but there are more known and visible arenas as well, such as hosting funeral receptions, praying for others as a member of the parish prayer chain, offering healing ministry through St. Brigid's Guild, providing meals to the homebound, providing information and education on recovery and addiction, as well as other aspects of physical and mental health.

Here are some of the groups and ministries providing pastoral care for our community.

Prayer Chain

Members of the prayer chain commit to praying regularly for the persons for whom prayers have been requested. Because of the confidential nature of this ministry, an orientation is required.

St. Brigid's Guild for Healing

Members of the St. Brigid's Guild commit to faithfully studying and continuing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The Guild meets monthly for reflection, study, and prayer, and offers healing prayer in the chapel on the second Sunday of each month. Because of the confidential and sacramental nature of this ministry, inquirers must have been active members of the parish for at least a year and undergo an interview with either the deacon or the rector.

Pastoral Visitors

These are parishioners who like to visit and enjoy hearing stories about what life was like 30, 40, 50 years ago. We have parishioners who would love to have a once- or twice-a-month visitor from the church. Requires an interview with the rector or deacon, attendance at a diocesan SAFE training, and a commitment to visit for at least six months.

Ten Days of Christmas

The Christmas holidays can be a difficult time for persons who are grieving, homebound, or ill. Ten small Christmas gifts are prepared for up to 20 parishioners who may need some extra TLC. Help is needed in shopping for the gifts, helping with the gift wrapping, and the actually delivery of the Christmas presents.

Volunteer Drivers

Can you help bring a parishioner to church from time to time? Can you be available every now and then to take someone to a medical appointment? We have some homebound parishioners who no longer drive but would love to come to church every now and then. We can match you up with someone who lives nearby!

Eucharistic Visitors

Eucharistic Visitors take Holy Communion to homebound or hospitalized parishioners on Sundays immediately following the celebration of the Eucharist. This ministry requires vestry approval, SAFE Training, and a license from the Bishop. Because of the confidential and sacramental nature of this ministry, inquirers must have been active members of the parish for at least a year and undergo an interview with either the deacon or the rector.

Funeral Receptions

Members of the Funeral Reception team lovingly prepare the Parish Hall for families when there is a funeral at the church. Team members help prepare and arrange the food, coffee and tea, and help with clean up afterwards.

Greeting Cards

Do you enjoy sending greeting cards to people who are ill, recovering from surgery, or homebound? How about to military personnel serving in far away lands? If so, this could be a ministry for you! Cards and postage are provided but you supply the compassion and words of hope.

Home Meal Preparation and Delivery

Can you provide a meal every once in awhile to a family in the parish at a difficult time? Meals are delivered to families who have experienced a death or a hospitalization or the arrival of a new baby.