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Parish Pastoral Team |
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The Parable of the Good
Samaritan |
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A lawyer stood
up to test Jesus. 'Teacher,' he said, 'what must I do to
inherit eternal life?' He said to him, 'What is written
in the law? What do you read there?' He answered, 'You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with
all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.' And he
said to him, 'You have given the right answer; do this,
and you will live.'
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, 'And who
is my neighbour?' Jesus replied, 'A man was going down
from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of
robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away,
leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going
down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the
other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the
place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a
Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he
saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and
bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them.
Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an
inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two
denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, "Take
care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you
whatever more you spend." Which of these three, do you
think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the
hands of the robbers?' He said, 'The one who showed him
mercy.' Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise.'
(Luke 10.25-37) |
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Who is my
neighbour, and what is my response? Our Pastoral Team
was formed to answer this question and to set up those
strategies that would enable us to meet people in their
need.
Pastoral care is an integral part of living the
implications of the Christian faith. Our readiness to
see in others the likeness of Christ, and to respond to
the infinite worth associated with such recognition, is
a primary motivation for all pastoral ministry. It is
the responsibility and privilege of all the baptized,
not only a chosen few, and should be freely offered to
those with whom we come into contact. Pastoral care in
this sense is about listening, supporting, encouraging
and befriending.
St Matthew’s has a dedicated team of people who in
specific and often discrete ways participate in the
on-going pastoral ministry of the parish and thereby
advance our mission to the local community. The Team is
‘porous’ in that others with specific gifts and
experience are called upon and encouraged to
participate. The nature and extent of the care offered
varies and is under the guidance of the Parish Priest
who has the cure of souls.
Some Pastoral Team members have backgrounds in nursing
and the caring professions, and all have from time to
time received appropriate training on courses and from
guest speakers. We endeavour to develop our
understanding of the precious ministry entrusted to us.
The Team meets regularly in order to support and
encourage one another and to share pastoral
‘intelligence’. All aspects of our work are treated in
confidence.
Areas of
responsibility encompassed by the Team
Baptismal anniversaries
At baptism the newly baptized receive a lighted candle
which is decorated with the imagery associated with the
sacrament. In the case of infant baptism, for example,
parents are asked to relight the candle on the
anniversary of the baptism to help remind them of the
vows they made for themselves and for their child and,
when the child is old enough, to use the candle as a
teaching focus with a challenge to Christian commitment.
On anniversaries the Pastoral Team sends a card to the
family assuring them of our prayers and renewing the
invitation for them to join us as a family, especially
for All-Age services.
Visiting the sick or housebound
Pastoral Team members together with others within our
congregation regularly visit a range of people at home
or in hospital. Our aim is to bring to them the
assurances of faith mindful that in our visiting we
bring Christ in human form to these encounters. This
gift of time and attentive listening, of care and
compassion, can transform even the most difficult
situations, and is often of lasting benefit to general
well-being.
Holy Communion - administered at home or in hospital
Most members of the Team have been licensed as
Eucharistic Assistants by the Bishop to administer Holy
Communion both in church and out in the community. As
catholic Anglicans for whom the sacramental life of the
church is central, this is something we take very
seriously.
Those who are unwell or otherwise incapacitated often
experience isolation and aloneness in particular ways.
They may experience separation from the worshipping
community. At the end of Mass, Pastoral Team members are
commissioned and sent out to take the Blessed Sacrament
to those who are genuinely unable to get to church. They
conduct a short act of worship culminating in the giving
of Holy Communion. The service makes clear our
understanding that, whether in church, home or hospital,
we are united as ‘members together of the Body of
Christ’ and that spiritually we are made one with God
and each other.
There follows a specimen of the service conducted by our
Eucharistic Ministers:
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The Communion of the Sick and
Housebound [shorter form]
The licensed Lay Minister of
Holy Communion greets all
present
His/her greeting proclaims the
presence of the Lord Jesus
Christ with the community
gathered here
Order of Service
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†
All
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In the name of God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Our Christian brothers and
sisters
at St Matthew’s send you their
greetings,
and offer you the assurance
of their prayers as members
together
of the Body of Christ. |
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The Greeting
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All
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(either)
Peace to this home
and to all who live here.
and also with you.
(or)
Grace and peace be with you.
and also with you. |
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Prayers of Penitence
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Come to me,
all who labour and are heavy
laden,
and I will give you rest.
God shows his love for us in
that
when we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
Let us then show our love for
him
by confessing our sins
in penitence and faith. |
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There may be a time for silent
reflection
Confession
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All
All
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Lord Jesus, you heal the sick:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgive sinners:
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you give yourself to
heal us
and bring us strength:
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. |
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Absolution
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May the God of love and power
forgive us † and free us from
our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his
Spirit,
and raise us to new life in
Christ our Lord.
Amen. |
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The Collect
One of these, or another
appropriate prayer is used
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All
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Father, you raised your Son’s
cross
as the sign of victory and life.
May all who share in his
suffering
find in this sacrament a source
of fresh courage and wholeness,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(or)
God of compassion,
you take every family under your
care
and know our physical and
spiritual needs.
Transform our weakness
by the strength of your grace
and confirm us in your truth
so that we may grow in faith and
love.
We ask in the name of Jesus
Christ.
Amen. |
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Scripture Reading
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All |
At the end
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God. |
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The Prayers
Appropriate prayers may be
said. Then…
The Lord’s Prayer
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Lord, remember us in your
kingdom
as we pray in the words you gave
us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily
bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen. |
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Giving of Communion
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(either)
Behold the Lamb of God who takes
away the sins of the world.
Happy are those who are called
to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to
receive you,
but only say the word
and I shall be healed.
(or)
This is the bread of life.
Taste and see the goodness of
the Lord. |
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The licensed Lay Minister gives
Holy Communion to the people
Prayer after Communion
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God of all compassion,
by the dying and rising of your
Christ
you restore us to yourself
and enfold us in your love.
May we who have been fed
with the bread of life
be renewed by your healing
Spirit
and made ready
for the coming of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. |
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The Grace
The Lay Minister uses these or
other words appropriate to the
season or feast-day
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All |
The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit
be with us all evermore.
Amen. |
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Preparation of the room for Holy
Communion
It is helpful if a clean white
cloth is spread on a small table
or surface, preferably in front
of the sick person(s). Also, for
there to be a small bowl
containing water and a towel,
for the Lay Minister to wash
his/her fingers. |
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Community Party
From time to time the Pastoral Team organizes an
afternoon tea for those of riper years. Often there is
music and entertainment - for example, provided by
students from a local school. Through a network of
contacts the Team invites those living alone and asks
nearby residential or nursing homes to put forward the
names of residents who they think would benefit from
such an occasion. Our aim is to provide a stimulating
and happy environment where an enjoyable afternoon might
be spent recalling past memories and common experiences
in company with others. Where possible we help provide
transport, though many are accompanied by their own
carers.
Christmas Gifts and Dinner
No-one likes to feel forgotten and no more so than at
Christmas. At a time of year when people often gather
together, others may experience heightened feelings of
separation and loss. Each year the Team gives a token
gift to those it feels might appreciate the gesture.
Typically the gift is practical in nature and intended
for those with whom we have had pastoral contact. The
gift also serves as a modest reminder that they continue
to be remembered and valued.
As a congregation we have also tried to ensure that
no-one need spend Christmas Day alone. In past years,
parishioners have given over their time on Christmas Day
to provide lunch for those who wished to share a festive
meal in company with others and who might otherwise be
on their own. The practicality and need of this
initiative is kept under review each year.
Areas for future development
The Pastoral Team is currently considering ways through
which it may broaden its brief and better serve the
community. These ideas include the observance of
birthdays, the aftercare associated with baptisms,
weddings, first communion and confirmation, and a scheme
for assisting enquirers during worship.
In all of this there is abundant evidence that the Holy
Spirit is renewing a church in its desire to serve and,
in the words of St Paul,
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"there is a
confidence that God who began this good work will see it
brought to completion."
(Philippians 1.6) |
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About Our Parish
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Learn about the parish of
St Matthew's and
how the church serves as a spiritual and
cultural hub.
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Parish Pastoral Team |
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Discover the areas of responsibility
encompassed by the Parish Pastoral Team.
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Caring For Our Heritage |
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Read about the remedial work that was
carried out at
St Matthew's church in aid of
securing the future of this Grade II listed
building and spiritual home.
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Caring For Our Heritage
Gallery |
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View photos of the remedial work recently carried out.
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Views of St Matthew's |
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Browse through our photo gallery of
interesting views of
St Matthew's
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Floodlighting of the church |
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Celebrate an anniversary or remember a loved
one with flowers or by floodlighting the
Church for the evening. |
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