St. Mary’s Pastoral Care Network is there when you need us most.  Clergy, Shepherds, Pastoral Ministries, and Support Groups can support you during moments of vulnerability and joy, ensuring that “no one walks alone.”

Learn about the many ways St. Mary’s cares for our parishioners, and how you can get involved. The time commitment for volunteers follows each description.

WHO TO CONTACT
Eucharistic Visitors Ministry
Laity licensed by the bishop who take communion to homebound or hospitalized parishioners. (Volunteers go once a month to give communion to parishioners in need).
Intercessory Prayer Ministry
A network of parishioners who pray daily for the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those who have requested their support. (Daily prayers for parishioners in need.)
Meals that Heal Ministry
Willing servants who prepare and deliver meals to those recovering from illness or surgery. (Make a meal one to two times a month.)
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Parishioners who create shawls for those who are grieving, facing life-threatening illness, etc. Prayer shawls serve as a reminder of the prayers of the community for them.  (Knit shawls at your own pace.)
Transportation Ministry
Volunteers who periodically transport those who because of age or infirmity are not able to drive to a doctor, an appointment, or church. (Drive one to two times a month.)
Transition (Job Hunters) Ministry
Professionals who offer practical, emotional and spiritual support for the unemployed, underemployed, or less than happily employed. (Time commitment is flexible.)
Parent Support Group
An open door and a safe place for parents of children or adults with special needs to share their pain, loss, anger, or frustration with others who understand and care.
Visiting Ministry
Keeping in touch with parishioners who may be temporarily homebound or unable to participate in our church fellowship opportunities is the primary goal of this ministry. Laity make short home visits to those needing encouragement, comfort and a bit of conversation.
Funeral Reception Ministry
Compassionate individuals provide hospitality for bereaved families and friends following funerals or memorial services.
Walking the Mourner’s Path
A safe environment to find strength in the Lord during the difficult season of grief. Walking the Mourner’s Path is an 8-week workshop, which is held twice a year. The next workshop is Sunday, Apr 26 – Sunday, Jun 14 (2:00- 3:30 pm). Click here to register. For more information, please contact St. Mary’s clergy or Pastoral Care Administrator Elizabeth Bruington.

Stephen Ministry
This is a one-on-one ministry that equips and empowers lay caregivers, called Stephen Ministers (named after the first Christian martyr), to provide empathetic, confidential, Christ-centered care to parishioners and people in the community who are experiencing challenges in life.  The ministry is composed of three main groups: Stephen Leaders who recruit, train and guide Stephen Ministers; Stephen Ministers who, under the supervision of Stephen Leaders, minister to those in crisis; and Care Receivers who receive emotional and spiritual support and care from trained Stephen Ministers. For more information on Stephen Ministries at St Mary’s, please contact Rev. Andrew Merrow.
For more information on St. Mary’s pastoral care network contact:
Elizabeth Bruington, Co-Administrator, 703-527-6800 | elizabeth.bruington@stmarysarlington.org