Just what is Pastoral Care and who does it?
The array of answers to that question keeps changing, as our understanding of cultural needs, social justice, trauma and safety continue to develop. We all agree, giving loving, Christian care to others is good, and that the pastor or priest is ultimately responsible and specially equipped for it. But what does that mean, and what about other, perhaps non clergy ministers?
To give pastoral care can look like giving someone a ride or delivering them a casserole when they are ill; it can also mean choosing inclusive language and creating welcoming liturgies. It can mean simply phoning someone who missed worship to check in on them, or to follow up with a community member who is carrying a continuing grief. There is the vital and traditional practice of bringing Eucharist to those unable to attend Sunday worship; at St. Bart’s we deliver the bulletin and newsletter to homebound and elderly parishioners. My doctorate in Pastoral Counseling equips me to meet one on one with parishioners when they seek it, to talk about spiritual and emotional unease. This month, we added Healing Prayers offered during Eucharist and continue that on the first Sunday of every month.
Pastoral Care is a climate of, well, care: in all that we do, in how we behave, and in how we speak to and treat one another. It is a team effort, that both defines and builds our community.
So, how can we build up this climate together?
The parish priest — My responsibility, by both orders and contract, is to provide and supervise spiritual care. Given my part-time schedule, I do my best to visit homebound folks, and to check in with those in need. And I need your support! I am not clairvoyant (gasp!) and appreciate it so much being told when someone may have a need of which I’m unaware. And there may be those for whom I’m caring that you may not know due to confidentiality.
The Pastoral Care Team – Mother Leslie helps me keep in touch with the special needs of the congregation and makes visits from time to time. We also have two other retired clergy here: Mother Juliete and Bishop Dixie.
Community Members — that’s you! With a bit of training, you can do a lot: visit those at home (in pairs), provide food or other needs, give rides (with some safety training). You can welcome folks at worship and reach out to members anytime!
Here are some specific actions you can take today or this week to begin building our Pastoral Culture at Sant Barts:
*Speak to me about becoming part of a new Pastoral Care Team; you will receive training and regular team check ins.
*Talk to the Office — Karen– about being available to prepare meals or give rides when needed.
*Consider everything you do and say as an opportunity to give care and kindness.
