Pastoral Care
In a community we take seriously the needs of one another and we know that sometimes members of our community are in need because of sickness, hospitalization, frailty or for all kinds of other reasons.
The Pastoral Care Team tries to keep in touch with parishioners who are not able to be in church on a regular basis, and to be on hand when they are in need of help and support.
Contact the Parish Office if you'd like to help do the work of this Team.
Other Pastoral Care Ministries
Caritas
The Caritas approach is based on the social teaching of the Church, which focuses on the dignity of the human person. Caritas' work on behalf of the poor manifests God's love for all of creation.
At Saint Mark's Church, Caritas is a ministry to the elderly residents of a nearby nursing home. On the second Saturday of each month a group of parishioners, together with Fr. Joe Wildsmith, conduct a Mass at the nursing home and visit with those who attend. Contact the Parish to learn how you can participate in Caritas.
Grief Group
The death of a loved one is never easy. But God encourages us to go on … to take another step. Sometimes it helps to be with others who are also grieving, even if it’s just to realize we’re not alone. Consider taking part in a Grief Support Group. You are welcome to participate regardless of your religious affiliation. This prayerful, confidential, and supportive group will meet four times. For details, click here.
Prayerful Hands
Prayerful Hands, sometimes referred to as the "knitting ministry," is a worldwide ecumenical movement that was taken up at Saint Mark's over a year ago. At Saint Mark's we have three areas of specific focus; shawls for those in need, scarves for our Food Cupboard receipients and gifts for newborns.
We use the shawl patterns and suggestions of Susan S. Jorgense and Susan S. Izard, authors of Knitting into the Mystery, a Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry. We also welcome shawls, scarves and baby items made from your own patterns.
Many of our members are learning to knit, or were out of practice and are beginning again. If you are new to the practice of knitting, or are an old-hand, you are welcome to join us. Contact the Parish Office if you'd like to help do the work of this ministry.