We are all called to “bear one another’s burdens” and the Cathedral’s Pastoral Care Commission exists for that purpose. Eph. 4:12
Parishioners at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke can request pastoral guidance, support, care, and sacramental ministry during times of sickness, need or transition, not only from clergy but from other parishioners. These parishioners comprise the Pastoral Care Commission at the Cathedral. If you would like to find out more on how to serve in this ministry, please contact Mtr. Patricia or Fay Chandler in the church office: 407-849-0680
Mtr. Patricia is Canon Priest for Pastoral Care
Rev. Gordon Sims is Canon Deacon for Pastoral Care
Mr. Bob Kirby is the lay chair of the Commission.
The Pastoral Care Commission provides:
Meal Ministry
Members of the Cathedral Meal Ministry team provide meals to parishioners in time of need. Team members cook or purchase meals for delivery as they have capacity and funds. Feel free to request meals if you are experiencing a need or join us and contribute meals when it works well for you!
Prayer Team
The Cathedral Prayer Chain is a group connected by email who provide intercessory prayer. Each request is sent to all members of the group who pray for that request for a month, or longer if we receive updates. We pray for Cathedral members and non-members alike—for their physical, emotional and spiritual concerns. Please reach out to us if you think God is calling you to join this ministry.
Disaster Communication Check
A place to look when disaster strikes our area. Coming soon…
Scribe Ministry
Scribes minister to fellow parishioners by sending notes or cards of encouragement, love, or support when they need an extra reminder of God's love and faithfulness. If you or someone you know needs their spirits lifted, please contact us. Also, let us know if you would like to participate in our ministry.
Hospitality
From greeting folks as they come in to the Cathedral to setting up for an event, checking them in to an event, or providing a baked good for a reception, the hospitality does many behind-the-scenes tasks to make the Cathedral welcoming and connected.
Eucharistic Visitor
Eucharistic Visitors (EV) take Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament to members of the Cathedral who cannot attend regular Sunday Eucharist Services. EV team members are licensed by the Bishop and commissioned by the Celebrant in the name of the congregation for this Sacramental and Pastoral ministry. We welcome you to request a Eucharistic visit whenever the need arises. Episcopal members of the Cathedral who are interested in joining the team can apply to the Canon for Pastoral Care for EV training.
Companion Ministry
God sends us companions along the way to accompany us in our life journey. There are many people who feel disconnected, lonely and in need of a companion. If you feel like God is nudging you towards serving others by providing a listening ear and an encouraging presence to help support those who are in need, please let us know. We are looking to provide training in the fall to equip a team of Companion Ministers.
Bereavement Support
Psalm 84:6 calls our sojourn on earth walking through the valley of weeping. Human suffering encompasses the grief we feel when a loved one dies, the pain we feel when relationships are broken, sickness invades, economic and natural disasters overwhelm us, and injuries and accidents occur. Unspoken pain lies buried within the hearts of many people. The Cathedral has an active GriefShare support group and are available to provide one on one bereavement support. Please contact the Reverend Canon Gordon Sims, Canon for Pastoral Care, below.
Pastoral Guidance
The word “pastor” derives from the work of tending sheep: a pastor is called to care and tend for the people of the parish. Pastoral Guidance is a consistent and important part of the ministry of your clergy.
Clergy are never too busy to help individuals and families in need. They expect and want to be asked, in fact, they see it as a normal part of our life together as God’s family in Christ. Pastoral Guidance includes: Spiritual direction, support during a crisis, pastoral guidance for personal or family matters, reconciliation (the sacrament of reconciliation is a celebration of God’s forgiveness. It provides an opportunity for a searchingly honest appraisal of our lives, a chance to say to God in the presence of a priest, “This is who I really am,” and then to experience God’s healing forgiveness. Please contact Fay Chandler (below) to schedule a time for pastoral guidance with one of the priests at the Cathedral.
If you have an urgent pastoral care need, please call the office at 407-849-0680