Lay Pastoral Care Ministries

Stated simply, the mission of lay pastoral care is to "provide a high level of spiritual and physical nurturing to the entire congregation of St Mary's." We share responsibility for the pastoral care of individuals and families in times of joy, sorrow, suffering, or transition--identifying needs, responding to needs in appropriate ways, and facilitating a sense of community and connection.

The lay pastoral care ministries at St. Mary's are

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Lay Eucharistic visitors go forth with the sacrament immediately after a service to bring the Eucharist to private homes, nursing homes, and hospitals. In this way, parishioners who are unable to be at worship services are included in our congregational life. Lay Eucharistic visitors are trained in the administration of the Holy Communion and are licensed by the Bishop of the Diocese.

Prayer Tree

The prayer tree is a group of dedicated parishioners who take time out every day to pray for the special needs of those who have requested prayer. The prayer list one sees in the weekly service and events bulletin on Sunday also falls under the Prayer Tree ministry.

Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers are trained to talk with and help people who find themselves in times of crisis or unexpected change. Help is only a call away -- (907) 563-3341 (more information...)

Hospital Visitation

Hospitalized parishioners may be visited by a Lay Pastoral Minister. Lay Pastoral Ministers are trained by Margaret Sharrow in appropriate protocol, boundaries and listening skills, and also participate in a one-day training at Providence Hospital.

Healing Prayer

St Mary's Healing Team is made up of women and men who offer the parish their gift of healing. The members of the team make themselves available for special prayers and laying on of hands, during or following communion every Sunday.