Early Christian gatherings were unique in society, largely because of the attention and care they showed for one another — especially for the most vulnerable around them. The people of St. Peter’s are committed to growing in love for God, one another and ourselves. One way that we express this commitment is by providing spiritual and practical care for one another through life’s ups and downs. The time also may come when we might be the one in need of receiving such care. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 31:35).
Consider how you might serve or receive at St. Peter’s through one of our Pastoral Care Ministry Opportunities (below).
All Souls Bereavement Guild
Bereavement ministry committed to holding in prayer and being in contact with members and newcomers who have lost loved ones and/or offering hospitality at visitations before or receptions after a burial liturgy at St. Peter’s.
Guild of the Christ Child
Supports families welcoming new children into their lives through birth or adoption by collaborating with the clergy to offer the family a blessing in preparation to receive the child and a prayer of thanksgiving after the child arrives either to the hospital or home, organize meal delivery after the child arrives, and support the family in other ways as needed.
St. Luke’s Guild
Meets once a month and is facilitated by clergy and trained lay leaders as at time of prayerful listening and sharing to encourage those living with chronic illness or serving as caregivers to live fully with gratitude and courage amid communal support from the parish family.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This ministry is open to anyone in the parish who knits or would like to learn to knit. Shawls knitted by the group are blessed by a priest and delivered to those in need of a physical reminder of God’s embrace and continual prayers from the parish family.
Healing Ministry of Intercessory Prayer
During the Sunday 11:00 a.m. Eucharist, those in need of prayer for healing in mind, body or spirit for themselves or another may pray confidentially with commissioned Healing Ministers in the Healing Ministries Room near the Chapel. If you seek such prayers, you are invited to meet with Healing Ministers after receiving Communion before returning to your seat for the Prayer after Communion and Dismissal.
Lay Eucharistic Visitor
Commissioned Lay Eucharistic Visitors are sent out after each Sunday morning liturgy to share Holy Communion with those who are hospitalized, homebound, or for other reasons unable to attend the liturgy.
Lay Pastoral Visitors
Collaborating with the clergy, Lay Pastoral Visitors are commissioned to bring Christ’s peace and offer a time of listening, companionship, and prayer with those who are unable to come to St. Peter’s. Contact the Reverend Jacob E. Pierce about becoming a Lay Pastoral Visitor or to arrange a visit for yourself or a loved one.
Community of Hope
This servant ministry initiative offers spiritual development and training, drawn from Benedictine principles, for those who want to be part of an intentional community that meets monthly to support each person’s respective pastoral care ministries offered within and beyond the parish. To learn more about the Community of Hope, visit www.cohinternational.org.
Pastoral Counseling
Parish Clergy are available to provide spiritual counsel and support for various aspects of one’s journey and may provide a referral to local professionals, trained in a certain discipline to better support one’s needs.
Pastoral Care ministry at St. Peter’s also includes the very important acts of card-writing and phone calls to members and newcomers on a regular or seasonal basis as well as providing meals under certain circumstances.