Pastoral Care
Contents |
Overview
Pastoral Care is often thought of as something that only members of the clergy do: visit the sick, tend the weary, give comfort to the ill. Certainly, pastoral care is an important part of our clergys' ministry, but it is also a ministry to which we are each called.
Many people at St. Matthew's are called to reach out and care for sisters and brothers in a number of different ways. Among them are:
Hospital Visitors
People who visit members of the congregation who may be hospitalized when asked by the parishioner or clergy.
Prayer Chain
A caring community of people who pray for any and all who are in need. People's names and the prayer concerns are sent to an email address, where a prayer list is updated and distributed to those who pray. We welcome all who want us to pray! Anyone may be a member of the praying community.
Calling on the Housebound
Bringing Holy Communion to those who can't get to church is done by Father Dave Halt, Deacon Bruce DeGooyer and Eucharistic Visitors under Deacon Bruce's supervision.
Partners in Healing
Every month, churches throughout our area pray for the patients and staff of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center. This ministry, called Partners in Healing, is administered by the Mission & Spiritual Care Department at the hospital, where The Rev. Mollie Ward is manager of Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education. As of last count, forty-one congregations are participating. You may see one or more of their names if you visit the hospital. Signs are posted near the elevators on various floors and at the entrance to certain units. Many patients, doctors, and nurses have reported how important and supportive they feel this ministry to be.
