Pastoral Care Liaison Report

April 16, 2019 Uncategorized

“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ… So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” — Galatians 6:2, 10.

I am grateful to be the liaison from the Vestry for the Pastoral Care Team. Let me tell you a little about this group of amazing women. The Pastoral Care team is multi-faceted. We are dedicated to visiting the home bound, taking communion to those who are unable to attend church, either temporarily or permanently. We are here to serve those who need to be consoled. We try and share the burdens of those going through difficult life transitions. We are a group who care deeply for those we serve.

Each team member has several parishioners they are responsible for contacting regularly, checking in to see how they are, and asking if anything has changed in their situation. We update these names at our quarterly meeting. Some members of the team attend the first Friday monthly Eucharist held at the Chesapeake.

When called upon by the clergy, team members may visit a parishioner who is in the hospital. We also schedule healers for the healing service, which is held the first Sunday of each month. One member sends cards as needed, which we know are welcomed by those who are unable to get to church. The Prayer Chain at St. Andrews is also under the umbrella of Pastoral Care. It is a very busy ministry. Requests are made almost daily, by email or phone, for people needing prayers. Updates are given at least monthly. Prayer is an important part of Pastoral Care.

We have a Prayer Shawl Ministry. Prayer Shawls are knitted or crocheted by members of the congregation. Once completed, they are blessed by the clergy and are set-aside in a special box. When a need arises, we can take one to a person who might benefit from one. They are marked with special tags saying that prayers were said as the shawls were being made.

We all have different gifts. I believe that we must look closely at ourselves to see where our gifts might be.

Ministering to those who are sick, bereaved or confined to facilities is very gratifying for me. I feel called to this ministry, as it is way for me to return the gift to those who have walked with me through tough times. I believe I can make a small difference in the lives of our parishioners who may be in need. Would you like to be involved in this ministry? Could this be a place to use your gifts? Feel free to call me at 846-6993 or email me at freyc@verizon.net. And thank you for electing me to serve on your Vestry. It is a good time to be at St. Andrews!

Peace to you this day,

Catherine Frey