Saint Benedict Episcopal Church

I can hear the rain pounding on the skylight in my office as a melancholy Irish tune, "Ride On", plays through my speakers. The songs lyrics, “ Ride on. See ya’. I could never go with you. No matter how I wanted to,” tell a story of loss and death, love and hope.

After a loss, or even during a period of uncertainty, it can be hard to find that spark of hope; to get out from under the fog of sadness, frustration and despair. But, this congregation is so lucky to have people who are willing to help you do just that. People who will hold your hand and comfort you. Maybe you just need someone to say a few prayers to settle your spirit. Or maybe you just need to see a kind, reassuring friendly face. Thankfully, there is a ministry here at St. Benedict’s just for that purpose.

The Pastoral Care Ministry is comprised of lay people and ministers who want to be the ones you reach out to in your time of need. Whether it be before/after a surgery, after an accident, during an illness or loss; there are people who will take your outstretched hand in theirs.

As I’ve mentioned before, it is so easy to focus on ourselves or the situation we find ourselves in and take on the mentality that we are alone unto ourselves. But this is not so! Thankfully, there are people to turn to….friends and ministers who are here for you.

As you might have noticed this issue is primarily about Pastoral Care. How you can get involved with this wonderful ministry and how you can receive it should the situation arise. Gerogi, Tony and the others who volunteer to do pastoral visits, call to see if there is anything that is needed and administer communion; they do these things with a full and true heart. They feel the call to help you in your times of  sadness and worry. And the fantastic thing is….they are only a phone call away.

If you know of someone who would like a pastoral visit or if this ministry calls to you, please contact either Georgi or Tony today. Please remember, you are not alone...you are among your brothers and sisters in Christ.