“He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God.”
Ephesians iv.11-13a
More than being there when times are difficult or uncertain, pastoral care is about nurturing our response to God’s constant invitation to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ through any and every circumstance; it’s about seeing how God is already showing up in our lives, meeting us where we are, creating connection and community, empowering us to grow together in faith, hope, and love. In this way, pastoral care is a living-out of sacramental grace.
Pastoral care means having a companion on the way: who will share with you in times of joy and sorrow; who can help you discern God’s will for you; who will pray with you and seek Christ with you; who will support your practice of the faith, your prayer, your life in Jesus. Pastoral care means being an active part of a community shaped by the love and grace of God.
Elements of pastoral care include spiritual counsel, direction, and conversation with a priest; praying with a priest or prayer minister; visitations from a priest or trained lay minister at home or in hospital during an illness or extended period away from physically attending Church (that visit may include Eucharist from the reserved sacrament or laying on of hands and anointing with healing oil); and the Sacrament of Confession. The Sacraments of Baptism and Marriage, as well as Funerals, are also part of our pastoral ministry at Saint Thomas.
