Pastoral Care in the Parish of Four Saints
Jesus calls all of us to care for each other. ‘Pastoral Care’ is simply sharing the love of God with one another, in encouragement and support, and by showing practical concern. Pastoral Care is expressed when we pray for one another, when we offer a listening ear or when we visit someone at home, in nursing homes or in hospital.
PASTORAL VISITING: In the Parish of Four Saints we have a Pastoral Care Group consisting of a number of volunteers that is headed up by Andy Roberts, a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM). He is assisted in leading the group by Kate Bicknell and Alice Kerley who both have a Bishop’s Commission for Mission in Pastoral Care. The Pastoral Care Group meet on a regular basis and share responsibility for ensuring that those who are unable to get to church and need visiting at home, in hospital or elsewhere have regular contact with the church family. They can also ensure that those who wish to receive Holy Communion at home, hospital or elsewhere are able to.
WHEN YOU CAN’T PHYSICALLY GET TO CHURCH: If frailty or illness means you are no longer able to come to church physically, and you would like a visit from a member of the pastoral care team, you can make a request through the parish office by phone or by email directly. The member of the Pastoral Care Team will pray for you and visit you from time to time. They can also, with your agreement, organise Home Communion .
EXTRA CARE IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTY: There are times in our lives when we need extra help or support – bereavement, anxiety, loneliness, relationship or family crisis are just some of the reasons we might need the comfort of a listening ear. If you feel it would be helpful to speak to someone in the first instance, please speak with a member of clergy.
HOSPITAL VISITS: If you have to spend time in hospital a member of the Pastoral Care Team will aim to visit you. When there is an emergency situation a member of the clergy will try to visit. Where this is not possible they get in touch the Hospital Chaplain. We can only do this if we know you are in hospital. If you would like us to arrange a visit please tell us which hospital and ward you, a relative or friend are going into.
CONFIDENTIALITY: Conversations with the Clergy and members of the Pastoral Care Team are confidential – unless it is considered that someone is at a serious risk or where there is a child protection or vulnerable adult (safeguarding) issue. Our pastoral care team liaises with the Parish's Safeguarding Officer to ensure that both those we visit and those who do the visiting are safe at all times.
Get in touch with Andy: pastoral@foursaints.org
or via the Parish Office: 01202 006351
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