Pastoral care at St. Christopher’s seeks to care for souls in the love of Christ. That often means noticing any and all persons who suffer in mind, body, spirit, or soul and offering acts of compassion to bind up the broken-hearted, pray for healing, and listen to one another with the ear of our heart.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
In the earliest years of the church, Christians gathered in homes to share a meal and celebrate Holy Eucharist. If members of the community could not gather due to illness or injury, other members brought the Body of Christ to them at their homes. The Lay Eucharistic Ministers seek to follow that tradition. If you or someone you know in the community can no longer attend church, whether for a time or long-term, please call the office and request a Communion visit. One of our Lay Ministers or the Rector will be happy to visit with you in your home to share prayers, readings, and Holy Communion that has been blessed at the altar on Sunday.
Lay Pastoral Ministers
The Lay Pastoral Ministers offer caring confidential ministry to those in our parish who may need some extra support. As an extension of our pastoral care, Lay Pastoral Ministers have completed extensive training, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a compassionate and healing presence to parishioners in transition. Our Lay Pastoral Ministers work closely with the clergy, bringing God’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life.
Nursing Home Ministry
As many of us know, there are individuals living in long-term care facilities who have very few visitors. The Rector visits nursing homes on a monthly basis and provides a service of Holy Communion to the residents of Liberty Commons on the 3rd Wednesday of every month.
When should I request a pastoral visit from a clergyperson?
Many life circumstances and events have an impact on the state of our hearts and souls. If you are experiencing any life transition, grief, upcoming surgery, difficult decision, new medical diagnosis or treatment, caregiving challenges, addiction struggles, relationship conflicts, or any spiritual trouble at all, our clergy are here to meet with you. While priests are not licensed therapists or counselors, they are able to listen compassionately, support you in discerning where God is moving in your life, help you identify resources, and provide spiritual guidance for navigating the changes and chances of this life. Reach out to the Rector directly by phone or email to arrange a meeting.
If you or someone you care for is in the hospital, has entered hospice care or has another acute need, please let the priest know directly by email at jzogg@stchristopherschatham.org or calling the church office so she may visit and provide pastoral support during a difficult time.