Prior to leaving on sabbatical in 2004, Fr. Steve appointed Cindy and I to the Pastoral Care Ministry with the assistance of Lee Stein, Linda McCormack, Larry and Dolly Renton. We have not taken a count on those visited, but hope we were able to meet the needs of the parish during Fr. Steve’s absence. Cindy and I initiated the pastoral care bags with items such as socks for the cold feet, candles, potpourri, combs, and other such needed items. It was through the pastoral Care Ministry that we hoped to minister not only to The sick or bereaved but also to the caregiver. We found there were those who thought that they did not like banana pudding and chicken and dumplings have a newly acquired taste.

This year with prayer, support from the parish and God willing we hope to continue to expand the pastoral care ministry. One thing I wish to make clear is the Pastoral Care team works under the direction of the Rector to serve those in our parish that are experiencing a crisis, such as illness or death of a loved one.

During the summer we put in the newsletter an abbreviated list of situations of which the pastoral care ministry could be of assistance. A comment was made that all the situations mention were situations of life. True enough but life at times can be harsh and seem cruel. We hope to make known that those of us in Pastoral Care do not in any way consider helping a fellow parishioner in times of crisis as a burden.We all consider the opportunity to help as a blessing.

I hope to be able to make available to the office, parish at large and on the web site a Pastoral Care Team Request. Another aspect for the future at Holy Comforter is to help form Divorce Care Ministries, Help Ministries for those not able to physically accomplish day-to-day routines due to physical limitations and to help establish Grief support groups. One final and important aspect of pastoral care I feel is the formation of a Shepherding program. The Shepherding program would be responsible for monitoring a prime indicator of spiritual health, which is attendance. I would propose the parish be divided into manageable small units with a responsible member of the congregation given spiritual oversight of a small group. Often times as was mentioned in a previous Dove article by Fr. Steve many leave by the back door having never been assimilated into the life of the parish. Many also leave because they feel they are not needed and no one seems to notice their absence.

The Pastoral Care ministry is a ministry where loving care and nurturing support are key requirements. If you have a spiritual gift that calls you to this ministry, consider contributing your time helping those who need it most. All that is required is a willingness to listen without judgment, to offer support without conditions, and to provide loving companionship. God will be present with you as you do this important work.

Sincerely,

Mike McCurley