Pastoral Care Ministry
What is Pastoral Care?
Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "take care of my sheep."
John 21:16
The care we receive in Christian community is often one of the most powerful experiences of belonging to a church parish. One important way we share God's love is through pastoral care. The Episcopal Church defines pastoral care as "The ministry of caring at the heart of the life of the church."
Pastoral care is God's love and grace made visible in a community. We do our best, with God's help, to see life through "Jesus' pastoral eyes." Taking care of Jesus' sheep is sitting with someone through the joys and sorrows of life. It is celebrating new life being born, it is praying and talking with families who make difficult decisions about end-of-life care for a loved one. It is making hospital and home visits to those who are ill and sending pastoral emails to the community to share the joyful news of a new baby or ask for prayers for a colleague who is grieving the loss of a loved one. It also makes space to share what is going on in your lives. Pastoral Care is engaging in the circle of life with you.
Pastoral care takes a village. God created us to be in community and gave different gifts to each person in our community. St. David's Episcopal Church and School prioritizes pastoral care - communities who care about, and take care of, their members.
Ministry of presence is a critical component of pastoral care. This means when faced with a pastoral need, not only asking, "What would Jesus do?", but more importantly asking, "How would Jesus BE?" There are times in my ministry when the most pastoral thing we can do is to sit with a person and be present. Be, not do. Listen, not talk. Hold the space, not fill it. Pray silently or aloud when there are no words. Doing is sometimes needed and is valuable, but it's important not to get so busy doing, that we forget to stop and be.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
The Pastoral Care team at St. David’s reaches out to provide care and support to parishioners in need through personal connection, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, Pastoral visits, the prayer quilt ministry, the healing ministry, and our prayer list.
We are a covenant community where no one stands alone.
Prayer List
We publish our Parish Prayer List every week in our bulletin and Happenings newsletter using only first names to protect privacy. Our parishioners are encouraged to send their prayers to everyone on the list, we also include the list in our Prayers of the People during service.
If there is a name you would like added to the Prayer List, please email Rev. Stephen at shagerty@sdlife.org.
Prayer Quilt Ministry
Prayer quilts are a simple yet powerful way to offer comfort and healing. Each knot tied into the quilt represents a silent prayer for someone in need. Quilts are then gifted to the recipient as a tangible reminder of those prayers.
To request a prayer quilt, click the link below and fill out the form or contact the church office, ensuring the recipient is willing. Please allow at least one week for preparation and arrangements for the tying ceremony during Sunday service.
Communion at Home and Pastoral Visits
If you are unable to be with the community due to illness, surgery etc. and would like communion brought to your home or a pastoral visit please contact:
pastoralcare@sdlife.org or call the office at 703-729-0570.
Healing Ministry
Our healing ministers are available during our Sunday services for prayer requests near the right entrance of the sanctuary during distribution of the Holy Eucharist.
If you're interested in joining our Healing Ministry, contact Carol Bonifant at
chaplain@sdlife.org.
If you are interested in donating some of your time, talents, fabric or other supplies to the Prayer Quilt Ministry, please contact the church office by clicking the link below.