Pastoral Care Ministry includes the Coordinator/Pastoral Minister Judy Miske and many wonderful volunteer ministers. The main concern of Pastoral Care is to make sure the sacramental needs of homebound and nursing home parishioners are met.
Contact Judy Miske for more information about any of the Pastoral Ministry programs.
Homebound Visits
Includes visits to bring the Eucharist at least once a week and to talk with parishioners letting them know that they are still a part of our parish family even though they can no longer physically get to church. The ministers bring the Church to them. Training is provided for anyone who feels called to this ministry.
Communion Services
Saint Mark's Pastoral Care also includes leading Communion Services at nearby Lynnhurst and Episcopal Church Home nursing facilities. Volunteers go faithfully once a week to bring the Eucharist and to report if any residents wish to be anointed or speak with a priest. Fr. Palomino celebrates Mass at the Episcopal Home once a month and responds to emergency requests for the anointing of the sick or to hear confessions. Volunteers also lead the Rosary at these two nursing homes once a week. Volunteers who are working full time help out by visiting people and bringing the Eucharist on weekends.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
A couple of years ago a Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry was started at Saint Mark's. The group meets twice a month from October to June. They knit and pray for whoever will receive the shawl saying this prayer in particular:
"May God's grace be upon this shawl...warming, comforting, enfolding and embracing...may the one who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love."
A tag is sewn on each shawl that reads: Made with tender loving care by Saint Mark's Knitters. Parishioners are encouraged to contact Judy Miske if a prayer shawl is needed for a friend or loved one.
Ministry to the Grieving
The Pastoral Care Coordinator assists families in planning funerals for a loved one and is present at the funeral to coordinate the liturgy. Grief support is available.
