Pastoral Care Team

Pastoral Care is the general category of putting our Christian love in action through a variety of ministries. Trained leaders provide care to one another, care for self and care for those in need of a pastoral visit.

Pastoral Caregiver Ministry: Parishioners who are unable to attend weekly church services due to illness or physical challenge are offered a Pastoral Caregiver to contact them and pray with them regularly. Caregivers may be Eucharistic Ministers who can bring the sacraments to the homebound. Anyone interested in becoming a Pastoral Caregiver is invited to contact the Rector.

Prayer Request Cards: Blank notes for prayer requests are offered at all worship services. Each week a Prayer Leader gathers these cards and invites others to join in prayer for each request. Special care is taken to keep the prayers private. Requests for friends and family that are signed by parishioners are given to clergy or Power of Prayer (“PoP” ) representative to be placed on a 30-day prayer list. Prayer volunteers are invited to contact the church office.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Volunteers may stitch specific shawl patterns at home and join the group monthly at St. Mary’s to stitch, share and pray. Each stitch is a prayer for the person who will soon receive it. The shawls provide warmth and comfort for body and soul to those in need, sickness or adversity. Prayer shawls are also available in a basket in the church narthex for those who need a little “warm hug” while worshipping in the cooler air.

Walking the Mourner’s Path: An eight-week, small group workshop that is grounded in prayer and led by trained facilitators. This Christ-centered program helps to manage the grieving process. The facilitators are well trained parishioners who have a heart for those dealing with grief. A selected, OSL trained, prayer team prays off-site for each individual throughout the course. Offered periodically. Contact the Rector if you feel called to join a group.