"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Philippians 4:6
We all face times when life can be difficult to navigate. Broken relationships, illness, loss of a loved one, financial struggles, and destructive habits all present unique challenges. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Our pastoral care team is here to help you with any of these needs and more.
If you are in need of support through one of these ministries, please contact Pastoral Associate, Mary Lestina.
Bereavement Ministry
Have you lost a loved one to death? Our bereavement ministry is a friendly, caring group of people who are trained to give comfort and support to the grieving families.
Funeral Ministry
We are here to assist in planning and celebrating a memorable Mass for your loved one. The Mass is the prayer of the Church in celebrating his or her resurrection which is rooted in the hope that comes from faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Funeral ministers prepare the altar, the liturgical items, and serve during the Mass. They also help family members familiarize themselves with the readings, prayers of the faithful and being ministers of the offertory gifts. We also offer funeral luncheons following the Mass for the deceased in the Marcy Center when available.
Helping Hands Ministry
Are you experiencing significant changes in your personal life that make it difficult to handle normal daily tasks, due to the addition of a baby, surgery, a change in health status, or a death that impacts your life? The Helping Hands team provide meals, based on family preferences and any dietary restrictions and delivers them to your home.
Hospital and Medical Care Facility Visits
Our pastoral care team extends support to those who are hospitalized or in a medical care facility by offering the sacrament of anointing of the sick, a special blessing or prayers, or Communion. The HIPAA law prohibits us from having knowledge that parishioners may be in a care facility. It is important that the individual, or a family member or friends, contact us regarding his or her need for spiritual support.
Pastoral Care Home Visits
If you are unable to come to Mass on a regular basis or are homebound, please contact us so we can schedule one of our pastoral ministry team members to visit, bring Communion, and pray with you.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The making of a prayer shawl is a spiritual practice which embodies our thoughts and prayers for the receiver. The shawls are knitted with love and made in prayer. They are blessed at Mass. They are a metaphor of how our faith provide warmth and refuge during life's greatest challenges and they are a representation of the love of the parish community for those who receive a shawl. Prayer shawls are available in the Parish Center.
Please note: The members of our pastoral team, both staff and parishioners are not acting as professional or licensed counselors. We are here to encourage, comfort and help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ who offers peace, love, and mercy.