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Contact InformationMinistry & Mission - Pastoral Team
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.'
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:
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 | ||
| † In the name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. | ||
| All | 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. The Greeting(either)Peace to this home and to all who live here. |
|
| All | and also with you.
(or) Grace and peace be with you. |
|
| All | and also with you.
Prayers of PenitenceCome 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. There may be a time for silent reflection. ConfessionLord Jesus, you heal the sick:Lord, have mercy. |
|
| All | Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgive sinners: Christ, have mercy. |
|
| All | Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you give yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy. |
|
| All | Lord, have mercy.
AbsolutionMay 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. |
|
| All | Amen.
The CollectOne of these, or another appropriate prayer is used.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. |
|
| All | 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. |
|
| All | Amen.
Scripture ReadingAt the endThis is the word of the Lord. |
|
| All | Thanks be to God.
The PrayersAppropriate prayers may be said. Then... |
|
| All | 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.
Giving of Communion(either)Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. |
|
| All | 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. The licensed Lay Minister gives Holy Communion to the people. Prayer after CommunionGod 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. |
|
| All | Amen.
The GraceThe Lay Minister uses these or other words appropriate to the season or feast-dayThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. |
|
| All | Amen.
Preparation of the room for Holy CommunionIt 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. |
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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