Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care can help “restore our soul” (Psalm 23) in times of need so that we may continue on life’s journey, following Jesus our Good Shepherd. This care is provided in many ways by all Christians for each other, led by the Dean and other clergy and assisted by lay people who are particularly gifted or trained in pastoral ministries.
Pastoral Care Team Update
The Cathedral and St. Mark’s have been working together for pastoral care in both congregations. Our pastoral care team together with Pastor Sarah is equipped to field prayer requests, provide pastoral support, deliver meals, and ensure communion for those unable to be present on Sundays due to sickness to long-term health concerns. If you would like to submit a prayer request, or are hospitalized or otherwise need pastoral support, please email wecare@cathedralofstpaul.org. In case of a pastoral emergency outside of office hours you may call 814-402-4248.
When to Call a Member of the Clergy
- When someone is near death or has died.
- When someone is ill or hospitalized.
- When someone is distressed and needs pastoral care.
- When someone is in need of prayer.
- When someone wants to discuss spiritual or theological matters.
- When someone has reason to celebrate or to share a thanksgiving (birth, engagement, etc.).
- When you would like to talk or pray about a difficult decision.
- When someone just wants to talk to a clergy person.
During regular office hours, the clergy can be contacted through the Cathedral Office at (814) 452-3779. In times of pastoral crisis or emergency call (814) 402-4248 at any hour of the day or night, seven days a week. Such calls are top priority for the Clergy, who will respond as quickly as possible.
Hospital Visits
The Cathedral clergy regularly visit those who are hospitalized. In the case of an extended hospital stay, a clergy or Lay Eucharistic Visitor is available to bring Holy Communion. Since hospitals do not notify the Cathedral when members are admitted it is important to inform the clergy directly so that they may plan their visits in a timely manner.
Prayer List
Our prayer team is active and meets weekly as a group, but team members pray each day. You can call or email the office to relay a request or you can email the team directly at wecare@saintmarkserie.org. Our clergy are also available for personal conversations and visits.
Home Visits and Communion
When illness or other circumstances leave people homebound and unable to attend worship, the Cathedral clergy and trained Lay Eucharistic Visitors are glad to bring Holy Communion. Please contact the Cathedral Office or clergy to arrange for this ministry.
Healing
God’s will is for wholeness in our living and dying. Healing comes in many forms and in many ways, from the medical professions to prayer. Clergy are authorized to provide the sacramental rite of Laying on of Hands and Anointing. Such healing can have an impact on the body, mind, and emotions, bringing comfort to those in need of it and to those who care for them. This sacramental form of healing can be received at many points throughout life and at the time of death. The clergy are happy to offer this ministry.
House Blessings
A House Blessing may be as simple as a general blessing for a new residence, or it may include moving from room to room to offer appropriate blessings for each space. Guests may be invited, refreshments provided and Holy Eucharist celebrated in the home. Contact the clergy to plan this joyful service.
Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child
A brief but beautiful service of Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child may be celebrated in the hospital or home, or at the Cathedral in the context of one of the regular worship services.
Reconciliation of a Penitent (Private Confession)
While a congregational confession of sin is a regular part of public liturgies in the Episcopal Church, there are times when someone wishes to make a private confession in the presence of a priest, seeking counsel and absolution. In the Episcopal tradition, such a confession is a pastoral matter focused on those things which are troubling the conscience, rather than an attempt to enumerate all sins. Some will seek this ministry for urgent need, others as a matter of spiritual practice, although no one is ever required to make use of this rite. In all cases, the confidentially of confession is a moral absolute for the priest.
Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction
The pastoral ministry of all clergy includes pastoral conversations which seek to “restore the soul.” However, most clergy are not trained for ongoing and deep counseling or spiritual direction. Recommendations and referrals to trained counselors and spiritual directors may be made from time to time. According to church policy, clergy may not meet with someone more than three consecutive times on the same pastoral “topic” before making a referral to a trained professional.
Safeguarding and Confidentiality
All our clergy are trained in “safeguarding” practices regarding abuse and misconduct in ministerial relationships. Confidentiality is practiced in pastoral conversations, though Clergy may seek the counsel of colleagues or supervisors in order to provide better care. Clergy and other recognized pastoral ministers are mandated reporters in matters of suspected abuse. However, the confidentiality of sacramental confession is absolute.